SAFA Skysailor Magazine

27 July | August 2021 SKY SAILOR discuss the incident. The identity of PIC2 remains unknown as they have not lodged an AIRS report for this incident. Pilots are reminded of the Rules of the Air described in Section 4.2 of the SAFA Operations Manual. The following maxim applies: An aircraft shall not be flown so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard. Before turning ensure the air is clear – do a head check. Following distances need to be maintained at all times. Mid-air collisions are serious incidents and all pilots involved are required to lodge an AIRS report. AIRS #1292 – Wind strength increase PIC (PG2) was flying in winter. Pilot was high and slightly back when the wind began to increase. They were immediately instructed to land by a witness and, being unable to make the LZ, the only option was to move further right, across the creek and land in grass between cliff and fence line. This was a good decision under the circumstances as they would not have been able to penetrate forward in the increasing wind. Pilots, particularly those with low hours airtime, need to be aware of the potential for variable weather conditions on the coast during winter. Always keep an eye open for signs of am approaching change (wind lines or white caps on the sea, reduced ability to penetrate into wind) and have a suitable plan to make a safe landing. AIRS #1382 – An unplanned landing PIC was flying their paraglider; winds were light S-SW and they had been flying comfortably for 30 minutes, keeping to the bowl. On a beat, where previously there had been lift, sink was encountered. Unable to make it back to the LZ, they landed on a ridge with the wing landing in a small tree. No damage or injury. Witnesses advised the pilot that the wind had changed suddenly at that moment from S-SW to S-SE. Site briefings for low hour pilots should reinforce the consequences of low-level flying and flight paths and to always have a Plan B to make a safe landing should conditions change unexpectedly. Still staying on the south coast… AIRS #1355 – Low collapses PIC is an experienced coastal paraglider pilot and had launched at the Potters Road (San Remo, VIC) site. The wind was from the south at 10kt. PIC had attempted to fly over the headland to the west of launch to the next bowl. As they approached the intervening ridge, they experienced a loss of altitude and decided to land on the beach instead. The pilot commenced a turn to the left and encountered rotor which induced an initial large asymmetric collapse of the left wing and a resulting loss of altitude. PIC responded with an attempted recovery which only slightly reduced the rate of descent. At approximately four metres above ground, a complete catastrophic collapse