SAFA Skysailor Magazine

36 SKY SAILOR March | April 2023 AIRS Safety Wrap-up By the time the PIC has corrected the course direction of the wing to face away from the ridge, PIC was behind the ridge, out of the lift band. This resulted in PIC sinking behind the ridge and into the ridge-induced rotor. Some turbulence was encountered, and PIC landed heavily on their backside; the wing dropped behind into some trees. No injury was sus- tained, and PIC removed their wing with some help from other pilots. PIC returned to launch and inspected their harness, then spoke to a pilot who had been flying with the harness previously, and who stated that the right-side speed bar line had broken a few days earlier. PIC noted that prior to launching earlier that day, they noticed the left-side speed bar line outer sheath was worn through and only held by the core. It is the PIC’s responsibility to inspect their equipment regularly and before flying. If there are any defects, pilots should not fly with that equipment until these defects are first repaired. Also, checking your wing for damage or sand ingression, which is very common with coastal flying, is highly recommended. Flying with sand in the trailing edge can affect wing performance, including direction-holding and stall point and may make a cravatte of the wing more likely. Sand in the wing is also a sure way of greatly reducing the life of the wing material. #1743 – PG at Rainbow Beach Carlo Sand Blow A number of pilots were flying their paragliders at Rainbow Beach (Qld/S). The initial wind con- ditions were perfect for the site, from the NE at 10kt. A few hours later, a SE wind moved in, which formed an area of convergence above the water. This situation lasted for around 30 minutes before the SE overpowered the NE wind. At this point, lift on the ridge ceased and conditions in the sand blow became unsafe for pilots to land there. An SSO on site advised pilots of the conditions and advised them to land on the beach. Many pilots were unable to make the beach and landed in a non-des- ignated LZ, some in difficulty, and close to some members of the public. For many, this would have constituted an emergency landing. Pilots must monitor conditions and anticipate a change for the worse. Always have a plan B and be prepared to implement that plan at short notice if conditions change unexpectedly. #1735 – PG2 paraglider bush landing at Portsea A low-hours PG2 pilot launched their paraglider at Portsea (Vic). They headed left from launch in a slight tailwind, searching for lift on the ridge, but left it too late to leave the ridge and head for a safe landing. They ended up in the bushes. After launching, ensure you have a clear path to a safe landing. If searching for lift, watch for a safe glide to the preferred landing option. #1730 – Flowerdale PG incident PIC arrived at Flowerdale (Vic) and proceeded to set up for a check flight. They had their helmet on and put the harness on, but then noticed they had a line and riser tangle before buckling in. They set about clearing the tangle, and, once completed, then interrupted the CFI on site, who was in turn in the middle of their set-up. The CFI gave the approval to fly, but had not spotted the unsecured harness.