SAFA Skysailor Magazine

35 May | June 2021 SKY SAILOR have sufficient horizontal and vertical separation from terrain and other obstructions. Remember that conditions can be very variable when coastal flying. AIRS #1201 – PG blown over the back Still in Victoria, PIC was a PG2 pilot, flying a mini-wing at Kilcunda (Vic). They had been blown back over the ridge during a gust and landed safely in a tree at the back of the sand dune. All pilots are reminded that mini-wings may only be piloted when the Mini and Speed Wing endorsement has been attained. These wings require levels of skill and judgement that only come with experience over time. The requirements for application are outlined in the current Operations Manual (V20200323-a) as found in the Member’s Area of the SAFA website; see Section 5.3.4.6. AIRS #1371 – PG forced tree landing Off to Mystic (NE Vic) where a pilot was undertaking a check flight during overcast warm conditions in moderate winds (~7kt). There were occasional crosswinds experienced on launch, but straightening for significant periods. PIC built a good wall for a reverse launch and waited for conditions to be square and consistent. They proceeded with a strong reverse launch and good run which achieved positive flight departing midway down the launch carpet. After a few seconds of solid and positive flight, there was a slight rise in altitude without significant pitch, followed by extreme loss of altitude while remaining on course and maintaining airspeed and no obvious drop in ground speed. There was some slight nervousness in the glider, but pilot controls were calm and considered. While flying out, the pilot had resting pressure on brakes and then trim as the sink started. Approaching the trees, min sink was gently applied, but landing in trees was inevitable. The pilot headed towards some of the thicker pines and flared hard on entry, hanging up on the upper branches and tips. The pilot held on to a side branch of circa 5cm diameter, then started securing themselves to the branch with stuff sack straps attached to chest strap (main safety strap). The pilot followed suggestions from attending pilots to connect to the main trunk (15-20cm) with the reserve risers and lines and waited for the attending rescue personnel. Safe extraction was attained, and the wing was recovered with some damage. Full head to toe pilot exam was conducted on the ground, no signs of trauma, advised to monitor self and spend the first few hours with the company of friends. AIRS #1389 – PG error in judgement Again at Mystic, a paraglider pilot was making close passes over terrain in thermic conditions using a ridge soaring pattern. The pilot encountered sink and made a judgement error resulting in a tree landing. Pilots should take care when thermalling in weak thermals as these may have a significant wind tilt, especially close to ridged terrain. In these circumstances there is an increased risk of encountering significant sink if the pilot falls out of the downwind side of the thermal. This may result in a tree landing, as happened in this case.