SAFA Skysailor Magazine

25 May | June 2024 SKY SAILOR high altitude of its adjacent cliff tops, pilots can often gain greater height along the escarpment, relative to other coastal sites, and regularly achieve heights in excess of 500m. This is particularly common in the summer months when thermals are present. Winter can be a challenge due to the lack of consistent sea-breeze, but conditions often allow flight following the periodic southerlies that come through at that time of year. It’s important to monitor conditions care- fully – like you would on any coastal site – the wind can change and accidents have occurred when pilots fly in less than ideal conditions. At times the wind increases quickly, and you can end up getting blown back behind the hill, or the wind direction can change quickly beyond the safe direction envelope between SW and E. Forms and Documents SAFA Documents are now available in the Member Zone of the SAFA website . To access them select then select ‘Documents’ in the left-hand menu. These documents are constantly updated, so download them only when required. DO NOT save them for later use. The office will not accept outdated forms. Documents available to the general public are accessible on the website under: ‘Pilot Tools’  Forms & Docs Visiting Pilot Membership Pilots requiring Visiting Pilot Memberships please go to www.safa. asn.au/visiting-international-pilots SAFA Office Manager Access and launch Bald Hill can be easily accessed by vehicle. It is located in the northern suburbs of Wol- longong, on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, near Stanwell Park. If travelling from outside the area along the M1, take the Helensburgh exit off the motorway, and head about 5km south. There are two launch sites to suit wind conditions from SW to E, with the main launch at around 180m ASL and the east launch at 190m. These relatively high launches for a coastal site mean even a glide to the beach can be an exciting flight! The main launch is best suited for S to SE winds, while the secondary launch is higher and faces east, making it more suitable for SE All photos: Chris Wolf