SAFA Skysailor Magazine

12 SKY SAILOR January | February 2022 • • Conditions can be changed mid-flight, with or without the knowledge of the pilot– we all know this can happen during real flights. • • The ability to see actual flight paths when thermalling is a bonus. Many lessons can be learned from this retrospective ability. In summary, the simulator does not teach or enhance ground-handling skills needed for launches and landings, so critical to safe flight as many of us have found out the hard way. It does, however, broaden a wider in-flight skill set which has the potential to enhance decision-making. It also gives pilots a range of options which they might not have previously considered. Importantly, this is done efficiently and safely in a benign environment. A final observation is the most obvious and was underlined to us in the past few months when atrocious non-flying weather grounded those of us in the Canberra region. The sim- ulator can be flown even if it’s a howling gale outside. The foremost feedback from everyone who has tried the simulator is that it is far more realistic than they expected and that the experience exceeded expectations. If you have the opportunity, try it when you can, then make up your own mind about its potential. CanGlide is a trial initiative and you can see costs and book at www.canglide.com.au • • It’s great to ‘fly’ and take turns with a buddy of equal or greater ability. Ideas can be exchanged and chances are your flying companion will come up with ideas you have not, or point out mistakes you made of which you were not aware. • • Introductory flights expose non-aviators to the sport in a safe manner. It would assist a decision on whether they want to try it for real, in a no-risk environment. • • The ability to perform an immediate re-set is a real bonus. Past mistakes are easily and safely corrected. Flying Greifenburg and other places… Screenshot of a landing approach to Khancoban. This is a low resolution site, however, the Corryong area topography will be upgraded if the trial extends