SAFA Skysailor Magazine

37 AUTUMN 2026 | March-April-May SKY SAILOR by Brianna Piazza Hang gliding competitions and cross- country flying have never really been on my radar. I’ve usually been content to fly at my own pace, enjoy the views and land safely. That’s always felt like enough to get my flying fix while making conservative decisions. However, I’ve recently realised that staying too comfortable doesn’t grow your skills – and without improving, you don’t actually become a safer pilot. For years, other pilots urged me to ‘come to Forbes’, and this year, I finally made it. As someone new to these beginner-friend- ly events, I can honestly say I learned more in a few days than in many years of on- and-off flying. It was an opportunity to learn from experienced pilots and receive guidance from some of the best in the country. Before Forbes, I had never landed outside the airfield, so my expectations were low. A pilot told me that leaving the airfield is a mental decision – one you have to make before you launch, or you’ll never leave the paddock. So I tried to get into that mindset. For my first XC attempt, my only goal was to be brave enough to land somewhere new, with no windsock and no familiar markers… and, of course, have fun. I’d heard some pilots say their best The Bill Moyes Flight Award: My first ever XC flight at Forbes The 2025 Forbes Team Challenge delivered some incredible moments, for pilots taking their first steps into cross-country flying. With guidance from dedicated team mentors, many ‘new-to-XC’ pilots achieved personal bests and memorable flights. Among them was Brianna, experiencing a new PB gain of height, first time flying in a team, making goal, and her very first cross-country flight. Her story captures the nerves, learning, joy, and magic of stepping beyond your comfort zone.