SAFA Skysailor Magazine

41 November | December 2022 SKY SAILOR and paid for damages. No power loss occurred due to the glider wrapping on powerlines. Always assess wind strength before launching. If the wind strength is close to the limit of the size and performance of the glider, a gust can be enough to push you over the back of launch, and you’d be better not to launch. Before launching, especially in stronger winds, make sure your speedbar is released from the harness, and easily accessible, especially if there is an emergency straight after launching when speed is critical. In a situation like this, where you find yourself not penetrating after launching, and struggling to find your speedbar, keep inputs to a minimum, go hands up and maintain a safe heading. Over-input of brake will just push you further back over launch, and the oscillation could cause serious injury if you hit the ground. #1273 – PG at Beechmont bomb-out, Qld/S PIC was soaring their paraglider at Beechmont (Qld/S) in light conditions and was no longer able to stay up or get enough height to top-land so decided to head for the bomb-out. As they had moved to the south, this meant the PIC had a headwind component to their glide. They decided to try and stay upwind of the bomb-out, but strayed close to a spur that was producing rotor. PIC was advised by a safety officer to keep clear of the spur and head straight for the bomb-out. PIC’s wing was now starting to be affected by the rotor and they flew further out into the valley and towards the bomb-out. By now in sinking turbulent air, PIC applied speedbar. As the sink, turbulence and wind increased, they sank Photo: Courtesy Brett Paull