SAFA Skysailor Magazine

40 SKY SAILOR May | June 2024 A better decision would have been to leave the ridge lift to lose height, rather than pull big ears at such a low altitude and close to the ridge, there is no margin for error at this altitude, especially from a low airtime pilot. Pulling all A-lines on a glider is a very serious mistake and can have severe consequences. After talking to the pilot, it has been recom- mended they have some more training, which they have agreed to. #1717 – Point Cartwright PG tree landing, QLD/S PIC was flying their paraglider at Pt Cartwright (Qld/S) above the trees with good height, when they carried out a sharp turn deep on the ridge. They lost height and turned back to face the beach, but after levelling out the wing had lost too much height to clear the trees. Subsequently, PIC landed in the tree. The wing was caught in the top of the tree, with the pilot suspended one metre off the ground. Other pilots helped the pilot out of the harness, then retrieved the wing from the tree. The pilot sustained no injuries. Some inner cells of the wing were torn, otherwise no damage. Pilots must always be aware of their height versus depth on a ridge to always ensure a safe glide to a landing area. When carrying out steep turns a lot of height can be lost. These steep turns are better carried out in front of the ridge rather than over the ridge. #1709 – PG tree landing Point Cartwright, Qld/S The PIC has launched and landed their paraglider twice successfully at Point Cart- wright (Qld/S). On their third flight, they flew close to trees, scratching for lift, and contacted the trees, forcing the pilot into a tree landing. The pilot was successfully extracted with no damage to them, their equipment, or the tree. When flying any ridge, the pilot must allow a safe margin of distance from the ridge they are soaring, to be able to land safely in the event of decreased lift. Environmental factors can change at any time – wind strength, direction, etc. Pilots need to fly with awareness of their surroundings and evolving conditions. We’ll continue heading south. #1553 – PG tree landing, NSW PIC was flying their paraglider at Collaroy (NSW). They had lined up for a top landing, but had to wait for another pilot to clear the launch surface. As a result, they ended up low at the rear of launch, falling out of the lift band, and landing in a tree. Allow sufficient vertical and horizontal separation from obstacles to ensure a safe escape when sink is encountered. When a tree landing has occurred, make yourself secure and await assistance; a fall from height can be fatal. #1574 – Failed PG launch into tree, NSW PIC set up to launch in strong conditions at Crackneck Lookout (NSW). During reverse launch inflation, PIC was lifted off the ground twisted. PIC was dragged to the southern side of the launch area with the wing arrested by vegetation close to the ground. No damage or injury. AIRS Safety Wrap-up