SAFA Skysailor Magazine

49 November | December 2021 SKY SAILOR We’ll finish up with a timely reminder about the perils of a lack of currency for all of you coming out of lockdown… AIRS #1359: Clipped in back to front PIC was a visiting pilot at Strzelecki Lookout (Newcastle, NSW). They were preparing for a tandem flight, their first for a considerable period of time. After setting up, they inflated the wing and launched, only to find that they had clipped themselves and their passenger in backwards. PIC flew down to the beach and landed safely on the beach. This pilot had their tandem endorsement suspended, pending completion of refresher training and a satisfactory Tandem Flight Review (TFR). All pilots are reminded that to fly safely they need to be competent and current. If undertaking flight operations after a period interruption, you must take the opportunity to re-familiarise yourself with all aspects of equipment set-up and conduct ground-handling operations before flying once more. That’s it for now folks. Please take care getting back in the air. Take the time to refresh ground-handling skills and re-familiarise yourself with your equipment. Human Factors Air (the environment) -Man (I’m safe) -Ship (the aircraft) I’M SAFE Illness? Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness or disorder? Medication and other drugs? Have I been taking or mixing prescription, over-the-counter or recreational drugs? Stress? Am I under psychological pressure from my job or personal circumstances? Am I worried about financial matters, health problems or family matter? Alcohol? Have I been consuming alcohol within the previous eight hours? Is my blood alcohol level less than 0.02? Would my average alcohol consumption be greater than ‘very low risk’? Fatigue? Am I tired or inadequately rested? Eating and Drinking? Am I adequately nourished and hydrated? Sandpatch, Albany, WA Photo: Peter Kovesi