SAFA SkySailor Magazine

31 March | April 2024 SKY SAILOR these have been performed and the wing declared fit for purpose. All pilots are reminded of the importance of looking after their aircraft. For paragliders that fly predominantly in coastal conditions, regular porosity checks are crucial given the harsh environment. The same applies for hang glider airframe components – regular inspections with the sail removed are necessary. Pilots are reminded that the easiest manner to lose altitude at a coastal site is to leave the lift band (i.e., fly away from the ridge/dune), provided a safe landing site is available. #1618 – Shelley Beach PG incident, WA PIC was flying their paraglider on their second flight of the day at Shelley Beach near Albany (WA). After an hour in the air, and at an altitude of 600ft AMSL, PIC decided to practice some wingovers. After checking that there was sufficient separation from other pilots, they turned right into the first low energy wingover, then turned left for #2. In the subsequent turn to the right, they felt and saw the left wingtip tuck as if ‘big eared’. As they started to swing (somewhat sideways) underneath, the right wingtip also tucked as if big eared. The wing then snapped to the left and started a helicop- ter-type rotation. PIC was suspended vertically below the centre of the wing and rotating left.