SAFA Skysailor Magazine

36 SKY SAILOR March-April-May | AUTUMN 2025 Unauthorised Aviation Operations by Iain Clarke – SAFA Safety Management Officer Greetings fellow pilots. In the past few months, we have seen a couple of accidents involving pilots flying Speed Wings (parakites). For yours and the public’s safety, I would Iike to reiterate and remind you all that to fly any of our aircraft – including speed wings, parakites, whatever – you need to be properly authorised by holding the appropriate qualification or endorsement. It is crucial that we all understand the authorisations and endorsements necessary to operate the specific aircraft we intend to fly. Further information can be obtained in the ‘Qualification Manual’ which outlines the authorisations and endorsements needed for specific aircraft, including Speed Wings. In the case of Speed Wings, the Qualifi- cations Manual provides detailed informa- tion on the definition of a Speed Wings. For example: 3.14.2.5 Speed Wing Endorsement (Freestyle, Mini, Speed, Parakite or Acrobatic Wing) This endorsement applies to all wings including freestyle, mini wings, speed wings, parakite, acrobatic or similar (however named) wings, that involve operating at a wing loading over 5kg per square metre (flat area) or is defined or described by the manufacturer as a freestyle, mini, speed, parakite, acrobatic wing, or similar.