SAFA Skysailor Magazine

43 SUMMER 2025 | December-January-February SKY SAILOR to changing wind conditions whilst flying. Lift may not be where you anticipate or in the strength expected. Never turn back towards the hill, always turn away, unless you have adequate horizontal and vertical separation, taking into consideration the prevailing wind conditions, and thermic activity. #1975 – PG pilot, broken finger, NSW PIC was landing at the east bomb-out at Manilla (NSW). After touchdown, they stumbled and landed on their hand, re- sulting in a fractured finger. Be prepared to absorb shocks on landing through the legs and roll if a fall occurs. The instinct is to send out an arm and take the fall on the hand, but this can lead to arm, wrist and hand fractures. #1996 – PG, laceration on beach stabilisation star picket while scratching beach dunes during light winds, WA PIC was soaring the dunes at Wubinga (WA) in 14kt wind with other PG traffic in onshore frontal conditions when the wind dropped. While giving way to another PG wing, they descended and came into contact with a dune stabilisation star picket on trying to ridge soar on the side of the beach dune. The star picket lacerated their right calf muscle requiring medical treatment. Be wary when flying in traffic when conditions are variable. Typically flying on the coast in winter in Perth will involve variable conditions. Be aware of traffic and have a plan for where you will go if conditions change. Make sure you are familiar with the site and keep in mind the presence of hazards, including structures, restricted landing areas, and rock formations, etc. #1997 – PG accident, 19 May 2024 at Stanwell Tops, NSW PIC was bringing their paraglider in to land after a flight at Stanwell Park (NSW). They over-applied brake input, causing the wing to spin. They then applied more brake, causing the wing to stall at 3m AGL, resulting in a heavy landing and a fracture left ankle. Finesse is required with brake inputs. Excessive inputs can lead to spins and stalls as happened in this case.