SAFA Skysailor Magazine

11 January | February 2022 SKY SAILOR the lake, due to the recent high water level. We have programmed relatively lower-reso- lution models of Corryong and Bright which are sufficiently detailed to fly realistically. The orographic lift conditions at these sites and at Lake George are accurate, and respond closely to the way the real wind changes in speed and direction. How can it be used? The first proficiency I tried honing was im- proving landing accuracy. This meant trying a variety of approaches, including more unorthodox ones I would never try in a real paraglider, for example spiral dives low over the field to enter base or final at a low altitude, and a range of alternative circuit approaches. At Greifenburg we simulated strong wind con- ditions and alternated between using S-bends versus making more conventional square approaches with crosswind and downwind to make the LZ, and with a Plan B in mind. Lots of lessons were learned from that. While thermalling, I had my friend Dan stand behind me and comment on progress as I flew from Mt Elliot to Khancoban. Afterwards the track-log map display showed my thermalling proficiency, or otherwise. I discussed the flight with Dan, who has a ton more experience than I do, and he had some excellent suggestions. I wasn’t turning tightly enough, so I strapped back into the simulator and tried again, this time with better results. Halfway to Khancoban the wind picked up and changed direction, forcing me to fly a closer circuit than I had planned to land. From the many flights tried to date, the key take-away, at least for me, is that my weight- shift was insufficient. I thought I was commit- ted, but the system showed I was producing only around 27%. Using different techniques I have got it up to 50%, producing safer and tighter turns. I am starting to think that many of us in the beginner to intermediate range could apply more weight-shift. Suggested applications and benefits We are still exploring ways to maximise benefit from the simulator. Here are suggestions on key applications to date: • • I am not an instructor, however, I can imagine multiple uses and techniques which instructors could deploy here. Having an ability to repeat flights, review the pilot’s actions and communicate directly with a pilot is a prospect which should offer nu- merous and varied benefits. A pilot in flight. The simulator centralises the pilot’s view before flight