SAFA Skysailor Magazine

35 January | February 2022 SKY SAILOR top of a thermal at 1200m asl. There was a loss of control of the wing occasioned by a frontal collapse in turbulent conditions in which the recovery dive was not collected properly. This resulted in both wing tips cravatting, only one of which the pilot was able to clear. The pilot experienced another collapse with the wing subsequently locking into a spiral. At that point, the pilot deployed the reserve parachute which was engulfed by the glider lines. The pilot managed to free the reserve to allow it to inflate and allow a safe landing. Pilots are urged to remain conscious of potentially violent collapses in turbulent conditions when a paraglider is flown accel- erated. Even a low-end certified wing may exhibit these behaviours. Pilots should be mentally prepared to deal with such collapses in a prompt manner to regain normal flight and offset the likelihood of worsening or subsequent loss of control. PG pilots should under- take an SIV clinic to learn the correct techniques to deal with such incidents in a safe, controlled environment. Now for a couple of gear-related issues… AIRS #1510: Speed bar tangle with harness straps, PG/TAS Shortly after take off from Single Hill’s NE launch (TAS), PIC noticed the wind had picked up and went to apply speed bar, discovering that parts of the harness were through the speed bar foot loop. PIC then unclipped a leg strap in an attempt to free the speed bar, however, the speed bar was through the waist straps as well. PIC landed shortly after. Pilots are reminded that conducting a thorough and sequential pre-flight check Brod Osborne flying at the Rex (QLD), October 2021 Photo: Knut von Hentig