SAFA Skysailor Magazine

45 May | June 2022 SKY SAILOR Aircraft airworthiness is maintained and controlled through compliance of all relevant Service Bulletins and relevant maintenance manuals. It only takes one Service Bulletin to be missed which can lead to a disaster. Take the time to go through and check all service bulletins (both Airborne and Rotax) to ensure your aircraft is compliant. We’ll finish up with a few airprox reports from the Northern Beaches of Sydney. AIRS #1546 – Airprox incident with a helicopter at Long Reef NE site PIC was flying their paraglider at Long Reef (NSW), when they observed a helicopter approaching from the north at approximately the same altitude. They commenced avoidance manoeuvres, aiming to land on Fisherman’s Beach below. A vehicle manoeuvring in the intended landing area meant an earlier than planned flare resulting in a hard landing, but avoiding the vehicle and members of the public. No damage or injury. The helicopter’s operating agency was identified from the Flightradar24 website, and SAFA has contacted them, opening communications, and ensuring that their pilots are briefed on our areas of operation. AIRS #1550 – Helicopter flying at close proximity caused asymmetric collapse PIC was flying their paraglider at Long Reef (NSW) in very smooth conditions when they heard over their radio that a military helicopter had flown low past Warriewood to the north. Soon afterwards, they observed the helicopter proceeding south along Narrabeen Beach, then turning towards Long Reef headland. PIC pulled big ears and pushed the speedbar to try and land on the beach below. However, by the time the helicopter arrived at a point approximately 100-150m upwind, they were at the same altitude. PIC decided to maintain their height to avoid the downwash that would probably be blowing across closer to the ground. About 20 seconds later they had an asymmetric collapse on the right side of their wing, which they were prepared for and able to control. AIRS #1551 – Close proximity of helicopter at Manly Three PG pilots were flying at Long Reef (NSW) when an ADF helicopter flew below them at a range of approximately 300m. On receipt of these two latter reports, the SMO contacted the DFSB (the ADF’s equivalent of the ATSB). The DFSB shared our concerns and have commenced briefing their pilots on our operations at sites listed in the ANSG. Downwash from rotorcraft is a significant hazard, especially if the aircraft is upwind and at a higher altitude. Pilots need to take evasive action as early as possible to avoid the downwash, and prepare for a possible collapse if flying a paraglider. All pilots are advised to lodge an AIRS report when an airprox incident occurs. The Ops Team do follow-up with the relevant agencies when these occur. Pilots are also advised to lodge a report with the ATSB: www.atsb.gov.au That’s all for this time folks. Fly safe, and remember – trust your gut!