SAFA Skysailor Magazine

25 May | June 2022 SKY SAILOR • • My hook knife was tethered by a red 2-3mm bungee cord (shock strap) so it wouldn’t get lost in an emergency situation or simply fall out. I had not given any consideration to how it was attached. I learned that a simple lark’s foot knot to the harness webbing is a bad idea. When in the water, don’t expect to see what you are cutting, the knife and cord can simply drift free if either the webbing or the bungee cord it’s attached to gets cut. • • I can’t remember the last time I put on this harness and took 20 seconds to physically simulate extracting the knife and go through the motions of cutting the necessary webbing. I wasted precious seconds, some of which were under water, cutting irrelevant straps. Upon later examination, it was clear that I had cut six webbing straps. Two or three could have got me out. • • Being suspended under a reserve, the leg and chest straps are pulled tight supporting your body weight. Any thoughts about releasing the ‘Pass Thru’ type buckles before hitting the water is wishful thinking; not a plan. A better option might be to get your knife out and start cutting. • • Consider carrying a second knife on your person. • • Harness selection: Consider carefully – various buckle systems are commonly in use. If unexpectedly in the water, possibly rough, some buckles might offer a chance to squeeze the side bits and release with a little push/pull on the ‘tongue'. Other buckle types may offer no real prospect of release. After the event, I read my harness user manual very carefully, which states it is not recommended for flights over water, not because of the buckles, but because the ‘airbag will hold the pilot under water’. • • Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) could significantly improve survival chances. Post script Whilst I was struggling on the reef, I could see other pilots watching intently from the beach. I did wonder at the time why the cavalry wasn’t coming to my aid. It turns out, they didn’t think it necessary because another airborne pilot was providing information (via radio) to the effect that I was safe. Undoubtedly, he couldn’t see the lines around my ankle. I suspect there’s probably another lesson there too. One flight, many lessons Great to be back in the air at Shelley Beach on my red and blue D4 after sand removal, a good wash and new lines! Thank you Jiri and Sylvie