SAFA Skysailor Magazine

40 SKY SAILOR July | August 2024 beach. Water police attempted to recover the wing, but abandoned the attempt. The wing washed up later, having sustained damage to lines and canopy. Coastal flying looks easy, but is unforgiving due to no landing options on certain routes. These should only be flown with safety gear and in conditions appropriate to the location. Pilots should reassess their flight plan whenever moving to a unlandable area and be sure that there is a margin of safety before consciously committing to continue. #1992 – PG tree landing, 14 May 2024 Stanwell Tops, NSW PIC launched their paraglider from Bald Hill, Stanwell Park (NSW). Initially, wind conditions were SE at 7kt. Flight was maintained above launch altitude, but dropped after a change in conditions 45 minutes after launch. PIC turned to the north to try and find lift, but continued to descend, eventually past the point of making a safe landing at the LZ. They headed back to the beach whilst continuing to fly in sink. Realising they could not make the beach; they chose to land in an area vegetated with lantana without injury. Two lines were broken whilst recovering the wing. Pilots must always be able to reach a safe landing zone and maintain a constant reference to the nearest landing. If conditions change and altitude cannot be maintained, head directly to the LZ. If flying in sink or into a headwind, apply speedbar and be prepared for a possible collapse if turbulence is encountered. We’ll finish off for this issue back in Victoria. #1887 – PG accident during launch at Flinders Golf Course, Vic PIC has set up to launch their paraglider at Flinders Golf Course (Vic). They inflated the wing towards the front of launch and, upon turning, found themselves at the front of the surface. The wing overshot, and PIC was unable to control it due to their position. The wing dragged the pilot off the front of launch, and they landed some 20m below. PIC suffered minor scratches and bruising. Overfamiliarity with a launch site can result in complacency. Always inflate your wing in a position suitable for the conditions that allows a margin for error. #1945 – PG crash on take-off at Flowerdale North, Vic A very low-hours PG2 pilot was attempting to launch at Flowerdale (Vic). They were becoming anxious with the perceived scrutiny of several other pilots on launch. After some unsuccessful attempts, they applied too much brake input, resulting in a slide down the launch surface. They suffered a laceration to a forearm requiring sutures. As a low hour pilot, if you find your head- space not fully attentive to the task of launching, STOP, and collect your thoughts. That’s it for this issue. Fly safe. AIRS Safety Wrap-up