SAFA Skysailor Magazine

19 SUMMER 2025 | December-January-February SKY SAILOR We've just had four days of intensive training from some of the best pilots in the Aussie team, including the current world number one, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere at Forbes. What other sport can give you that? From recent students with just a few tens of hours, to others who’ve been flying for decades, everyone was able to pick up valuable theory tips and apply them in the air. The weather was looking a bit too blowy as we headed up into NSW with a bus-load of ‘Mexicans’, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We used the first day for some well-received landing theory with Q&A, and then put it to the test in the paddock on day two. With the Moyes team co-ordinating a huge number of tows behind the Dragonflys, it was great to watch the quality of the approaches and landings improving for everyone. We towed solidly each morning, with video and coaching on launch technique, safety improvements, and equipment all contributing to our skills at an ideal time before the summer season kicks in. The wind picked up each afternoon, so we made the most of early starts – I'm not used to seeing hang glider pilots before 10am! In spite of that, a few of the more advanced participants were able to make short XC goals on the last three days, again sharing reflections with the rest of the team. A highlight of the event was a moving fly-by ceremony for Bill Moyes. People have dreamed of doing what we do for millennia, including greats like Da Vinci and Lilienthal. Bill helped make this into a practical sport within our grasp, so it was an honour to witness his last flight, with three Dragonflys and a Litespeed in formation. We’ll be back! Neil Hooke: Hang gliding is awesome!