SAFA Skysailor Magazine

39 SUMMER 2025 | December-January-February SKY SAILOR headway. If a tree landing occurs, secure yourself and stay in place until assistance arrives. #1620 – Helicopter flying low near HG at Sunrise Beach, Qld/S PIC was flying their hang glider south of the surf life-saving club at Sunrise Beach (Qld/S) at approximately 50m AMSL, when a military helicopter heading north at the same altitude as PIC, flew above the beach, above the surf breakers. PIC immediately landed on the beach to avoid the turbulent air created by the helicopter down-wash. When confronted with a nearby helicopter, land immediately if safe to do so, to avoid possible downwash induced turbulence. Pilots are urged to report any air proximity events to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) via the Occurrence Notification form, found here . Quick diversion in the timeline; another helicopter close proximity event… #1802 – Helicopter in close proximity to PG, NSW PIC was flying their paraglider with one other PG pilot at Long Reef (NSW). Both were approx. 15m above ridge height, with PIC1 in the middle of the ridge, and PIC2 towards the eastern end of the ridge. A Westpac Rescue helicopter approached from the south at near ridge height. PIC1 was able to top-land, but PIC2 had to maintain altitude and wait for any tur- bulence to pass. The helicopter passed around the headland and continued to follow the contour of the ridge line in a north-westerly direction. Pilot 2 experienced wake turbulence from the helicopter. The aircraft registration has been deter- mined and this matter has been referred to CASA and the ATSB. Powered aircraft of all types generate significant wake turbulence that presents a hazard to all aircraft. Pilots in this situation should land if possible, prepare for rough air and in the case of PGs a possible collapse of the wing. Pilots witnessing other aircraft operating in close proximity at sites designated on aeronautical charts are encouraged to notify SAFA Operations (ops@safa.asn.au) , report the incident to CASA (www.casa.gov.au/about-us/ contact-us/low-flying-aircraft-complaints) and to make a confidential report to the ATSB (https://www.atsb.gov.au/mandatory ). Now, back to the timeline…