SAFA Skysailor Magazine

38 SKY SAILOR July | August 2022 airborne. Always be height aware and remem- ber that there is not much time for the wing to recover from a stall, spin, etc., and be cautious with your control inputs. In this case, a crash landing in a tree may have saved the pilot serious injury; if the pilot had hit the ground with wing parachutal, the pilot could have been seriously injured. Every incident has to be evaluated as it happens. We are told to stay in the harness and wait for rescue, as many pilots have died freeing themselves from their harness and falling to their death. In this incident, the dead tree may have not been strong enough to hold the pilot. Therefore, exiting the harness if you can do so safely, to find a safer place to secure yourself is correct. Pilots should be mindful of local flying condi- tions when setting up landing approaches. The final parts of any landing approach should be over clear ground to allow for unexpected sink and/or turbulence. When setting up to launch, always allow a safety margin to afford a clear landing, in case of a motor out or engine trouble. If your safety margin changes on launch due to shifting winds, or having to change direction on launch or take-off, it is easier to abort and set back up for a safer launch. Persons responsible for clearing obstructions, be they individuals, or organisations – private or public – must attend promptly to these tasks. The risk of secondary factors causing a simple matter to become more serious are considerable. Supervised pilots should not attempt their first flight for the day at the height of the day, especially in atypical conditions. All pilots need to appreciate when and where leeside conditions may occur and keep well clear of terrain if flying there. Pilots should always look for the safest landing option – it may not be the normal landing paddock. Supervising pilots need to focus on their supervised charges without any distraction. Pilots should not underestimate the effects of flying while mentally and or physically fatigued. It is easy for judgement, assessment and decision-making abilities, and skills to deteriorate rapidly. Low-hour pilots are reminded of the dangers of flying too close to the ridge. Always give yourself a safety margin when ridge soaring and be mindful of where your safe landing options are during the flight. Expect the unex- pected and anticipate what will happen when your expected lift does not eventuate. Low airtime pilots must prioritise a safe landing (with the opportunity to re-launch) as their preferred manoeuvre when conditions change and become less favourable. Always allow a safe distance from obstacles and do not head directly towards them. Pilots are reminded to be mindful of where sink is likely to be encountered whilst ridge soaring and always have an active Plan B to make a safe landing. Do not place yourself needlessly at risk. That’s all for this time. Stay safe out there. AIRS Safety Wrap-up