SAFA Skysailor Magazine

40 SKY SAILOR November | December 2024 conditions up to 1300m AMSL. The pilot had legs down in preparation and was ready to flare, when they flew over a small gully and encountered a bubble of lift followed by sink. PIC flared but this had no effect, and they fell from 3m AGL, resulting in a fractured leg. Pilots should be prepared to adopt a Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) if a sudden drop is experienced on landing. #1978 – HG contact with static car tow line at Birchip, Vic During a hang gliding ground tow competition with multiple tow strips in use at Birchip (Vic), PIC1 was circling in lift and drifted over an adjacent active tow strip colliding with the rope of PIC2. PIC1’s glider nose was pitched up vertically by the rope. PIC2 released from the tow. As the rope tension released, PIC1 glider pitched down vertically and PIC1 was able to regain control. Both pilots immediately landed after safely. When multiple tow strips are in use, never fly over an active tow strip below maximum tow height, unless absolutely certain no pilots are on the tow line preparing to launch or already on tow. When anywhere near active tow strips, always know where the tow ropes are. A pilot on tow has right of way. Be aware of where tow vehicles are as a guide to where the tow ropes and other pilots may be. #1983 – PP pilot struggling to launch Mullet mini-wing at Portsea, Vic A pilot was observed in some difficulty while attempting to ground handle a parakite in extremely strong wind conditions (18-25kt) at Portsea (Vic). They did not take flight and did not hold the required endorsement to do so. All pilots are urged to ground handle in suitable conditions; serious injury may occur if unintended flight eventuates and a collision with a nearby obstacle results. All members are reminded that an endorsement is required to fly a mini-wing or parakite. Unauthorised flight may have severe personal, financial consequences if a property damage claim arises. #1988 – Missed PG take off, Mystic, Vic A pilot launched their paraglider at Mystic (Vic), without proper commitment and then failed to steer and control the canopy, leading to a tree landing to one side of launch. The launch is generally the riskiest part of any flight. A launch should be committed to properly but with the option to abort if the launch is not proceeding, as it should. #1989 – Unintentional PG take off and misjudged landing, NSW PIC arrived with their paraglider at Stanwell Park (NSW). Conditions on arrival were winds at 16-20kt with intermittent squalls. PIC con- sulted with a club SSO on-site and elected to ground handle their wing, rather than fly, due to the challenging conditions. While ground handling, an unexpected gust resulted in an unintentional take off. PIC managed to fly for several minutes above the launch area whilst monitoring the approaching dark lines on the water that indicated strengthening winds. They maintained control and moved away from AIRS Safety Wrap-up