SAFA Skysailor Magazine

38 SKY SAILOR January | February 2022 for flying but also for ground handling, no matter how easy the conditions are. To finish up, three water-related reports. AIRS #1335: Difficulty exiting coastal rock platform, PG/NSW A highly experienced PG5 pilot launched in wind too light to maintain height at a NSW coastal site with limited landing options on tidal rock shelves. PIC landed safely and packed, but was unable to negotiate ocean channels to exit the area. PIC was rescued by Surf Life Saving from the rocks after a Police and helicopter turn-out. Conditions were not consistent to maintain a safe margin of variation for a safe flight. All pilots are advised not to launch if conditions will not allow a safe landing. AIRS #1357: Water landing Warriewood,PG/NSW PIC launched their paraglider from War- riewood on Sydney’s Northern Beaches (NSW). Conditions were 10kt of wind from the NNE. Against the site recommendations, PIC turned right, instead of immediately turning left and heading to the safe LZ at the beach. The pilot then made a left turn, having lost 10m of altitude, and kept too far out from the hill to gain any lift. They landed on the edge of a rock shelf, but the wing continued into the sea, dragging the pilot with it and entangling them in the lines. Both wing and pilot were extracted from the water with the assistance of witnesses. PIC had cuts to wrist and calf. One line was cut with a knife and there was other damage to the glider. This is all too common at this coastal site when pilots ignore the site guide and the clearly communicated initial flight path, i.e., launch and turn towards the beach in case there isn’t enough lift to maintain flight. Pilots should assess conditions and have a clear plan in case lift is inadequate. AIRS #1387: Tandem flight Strezlecki Lookout 4/12/20, PG/NSW A highly experienced PIC was conducting a tandem flight from Strezlecki Lookout (New- castle, NSW) when the wind strength dropped rapidly. Noting this, they made preparations to land on the beach. They landed safely with both pilot and passenger landing on their feet as intended. PIC then proceeded to unclip the passenger and themselves and moved from the glider up the beach. PIC then returned to the glider to pack it up when a large wave came in, took a few metres of the glider, then sucked it into the ocean. At this point, another pilot landed and attempted to assist. PIC realised the increasing danger and abandoned the recovery, eventually to recover later if/ when the sea state had reduced. Pilots are advised to land up the beach as close to high water as possible and well away from the sea, particularly if the sea state is anything beyond calm. Wings landing in waves can be sucked out off the beach and present a great risk of entanglement in the lines to both persons and wildlife. That’s it for now folks. Have a safe and happy holiday season and we’ll catch you all in the New Year. AIRS Safety Wrap-up