SAFA Skysailor Magazine

4 SKY SAILOR July | August 2024 A few weeks ago, I was enjoying a tandem flight at Spring Hill near Canberra. Like many other experienced SAFA members, I fly tandem with family and friends. The late autumn late afternoon conditions were great for dynamic soaring. There were many other pilots in the air. The wind dropped a bit, and it got crowded in the lift zone. Other tandem pilots will relate that when you have a passenger in front of you there is reduced visibility. When coupled with crowded conditions and the less agile response of the bigger tandem wing, the pilot’s mental load is much higher to maintain safe separation. I appreciate when other pilots in the air are aware of this and give me more space, although not all do. When I landed, I recall thinking that we might need a rule to give way to tandem pilots. Then I immediately checked myself. The last thing we need is more rules. Instead, we will all benefit from more education and sharing of experiences. This is one of the principles that underpins the re-invigoration of the SAFA Safety and Training Committee (STC). Over the last few months, the SAFA board has approved new terms of reference and membership of the STC that includes Senior Safety Officers and Chief Flight Instructors, to cover all SAFA disciplines. The STC exists to review and promote all aspects of SAFA administered safety of operations and training. This includes making recommendations to the Board for amend- ments to SAFA Manuals and other policy. In addition to their general responsibilities, the Board has asked the STC to consider two particular items: • the requirements for Speed Wings, and • the requirements for progress from PG4 to PG5. Both of these issues are of concern to members with widely held views. We intend to consider options in the coming months. The STC will also help manage engagement and consultative forums for instructors and senior safety officers. SAFA absolutely needs a set of rules to control flying operations. It is a stay-in-busi- ness issue for us. We can only operate under the set of rules CASA approves under our CASR Part 149 Exposition. However, the rules should be as simple as possible, so they can be clearly understood, and as minimal as pos- sible to ensure the safety of flying operations and long-term sustainability of our sports. Our other main stay in business issue is insurance and sites. I hope to be able to say more about that next issue. We are very lucky to enjoy a great club and great relationships with landholders in the Canberra region. A shout-out to Phil and Marion here is appropriate – thank you once again for being such generous hosts and allowing us to use your hill! President’s Update by Alistair Dickie