SAFA Skysailor Magazine

39 September | October 2022 SKY SAILOR the ridge. PIC had lost weight in the past 12 months and as a result, the wing was not as dynamic. PIC went too deep on the brakes, causing a partial stall of the right wing, and spin was imminent. PIC was able to recover quickly, stop the spin and gain enough forward airspeed to land safely and softly and in full control on the beach in front without incident. PIC is now at the bottom of the weight range. Pilots finding themselves in this situation are advised to go ground handling before flying and take care in the air, bearing in mind the changed performance characteristics of their wing. #1370 – Long Reef lucky escape for PG PIC was flying their PG at Long Reef (Northern Beaches, NSW). After two hours in the air, after multiple touch and go top landings on the main launch, they landed on the bottom grass hill for some ground handling. PIC then chose to launch again from the bottom, but did not perform their customary check of the weather observations from the weather station on- site. As a result, and due to being used to the conditions, they didn’t realise the situation had changed. PIC took a second flight and after some attempts at a precise top-landing on the main launch, they landed safely, but about 10ft short and to the right. While preparing to kill the wing, a gust hit. They were thrown back behind the hill, sliding 15m down the SE cliff face. The wing then caught on a rock by the brake lines and luckily stopped the descent. With the great help and support from other pilots on-site, PIC were able to walk down the cliff in a safe manner. Pilots should always be aware of increasing wind throughout the day, especially in sea-breeze conditions. Pilots should assess the dangers of top landing in a lot of wind and remember the option of landing on the beach. Long Reef launch is also a busy place for the public, and care must be taken not to endanger the lives of others. We’ll finish up over the border in Queensland. Forms and Documents SAFA Documents are now available in the Member Zone of the SAFA website . To access them select then select ‘Documents’ in the left-hand menu. These documents are constantly updated, so download them only when required. DO NOT save them for later use. The office will not accept outdated forms. Documents available to the general public are accessible on the website under: ‘Pilot Tools’  Forms & Docs Visiting Pilot Membership Pilots requiring Visiting Pilot Memberships please go to www.safa. asn.au/visiting-international-pilots SAFA Office Manager