SAFA Skysailor Magazine

43 May | June 2024 SKY SAILOR a tear-drop turn to head back south, but this lost them altitude. They then turned again to head north along the ridge, which lost them even more altitude. PIC continued north along the ridge and landed in the trees behind the dunes, with feet touching the ground. Minor abrasions to lower right leg resulted, no damage to glider. Sunrise Beach is a very low ridge site and requires a reasonable amount of wind strength to be able to maintain height on the ridge, approximately, 12kt minimum. Pilots must be aware of this. Turning without much lift will just lose you altitude; you are better to maintain a direction, if you are trying to gain height. Two 180º turns will lose a lot of height. Always remain observant of your height in relation to being able to glide to a landing option. If in doubt, head out to land safely. [Note: Sunrise Beach has since been closed. The launch at the north end of Sunrise Beach remains open. Refer to the Australian National Site Guide for details.] #1538 – PG incident at take-off, Qld/N Pilot was inflating their paraglider at Mt Inkerman (Qld/N) prior to take-off. During the process of getting the glider above their head, a thermal gust picked them off their feet, causing the glider to drop sideways downwind, and dragging the pilot to the side of the launch surface. The pilot landed shoulder and head first, impacting rocks on the side of take-off. Assistance was given monitoring the pilot’s condition; pilot was feeling breathless and sore. Local pilots recommended they go to hospital for a check-up. Pilot went to hospital and X-rays showed a compressed stable fracture L5. Pilots should be prepared to adopt the Parachute Landing Fall ( PLF ) posture if plucked off launch and unable to completely control or collapse the wing. Always wear a helmet. That’s it for this issue. Fly safe. Sunrise Beach North End, Qld/S Photo: Tex Bec