SAFA Skysailor Magazine

4 SKY SAILOR March-April-May | AUTUMN 2026 A trying season in the skies There is no sugarcoating it – this spring and summer has been one of the most challenging flying seasons in recent memory for pilots across south-eastern Australia. From persistent low pressure systems sweeping in off the Southern Ocean, to unseasonably strong and gusty winds, elevated humidity, and widespread instability, our region has served up con- ditions that kept many of us grounded far more than we would have liked. Thermal activity has been erratic and difficult to read, cross-country windows have been frustratingly narrow, and more than a few carefully planned flying days have been scrubbed at the last minute due to rapidly deteriorating forecasts. I know how disheartening it can be to watch a day that looked promising on the evening model turn sour by morning. I have been there alongside you. This brings me to something I want to remind every one of our members of, a simple belief that I have always held, and will continue to repeat for as long as I serve in this role: “There is always a better day to fly.” No flight, nor personal record, competi- tion placing, or adventure is worth a com- promised safety margin. The mountains, ridges, and thermals that make our sport so spectacular will still be there tomorrow, next week, and next season. Our aircraft will be waiting. Patience is not a weakness. It is the mark of an experienced pilot who respects both the sky and themselves. I encourage every member to lean on SAFA’s safety resources, your club’s expe- rienced pilots, and the many forecasting tools available to us. When in doubt, make a cup of tea, study the forecasts, and wait. The sky will reward you. President’s Update by Alistair Dickie It is my pleasure to bring you this month’s President’s Report. As always, there is much to celebrate in our community – new faces stepping up to serve, a dedicated team working hard behind the scenes, and the enduring spirit that keeps us all looking skyward even when the skies themselves aren’t quite cooperating.