SAFA Skysailor Magazine

18 SKY SAILOR September | October 2023 to the LZ, but most pilots come to Mystic to sample the reliable thermal flying which can be experienced once the valley has warmed up. Lift is generated in the bowl and can be rising from any of the triggers around its rim, offering a climb out. Once above launch height, thermals can combine and take you to the day’s best height from where you can enjoy the glorious scenery of the Victorian Alps. This can be the start of a cross-country flight to any number of destinations from Mt Feathertop and Harrietville to the south, or past Mt Buffalo and on to the flatlands to the north, or even across and into the beautiful Kiewa Valley to the east. Landing zone The principal landing zone is located to the right as you head out of Bright towards Wandiligong. The paddock is of good di- mensions to offer safe landings for PG and HG with a comfortable approach (usually) from the south to meet the valley breeze. At the height of a warm day, be wary as thermals can break off from the LZ to give last minute bumps as you are landing. Under these con- ditions, and if there is a lot of other traffic, you may use the paddock across the road which is also an approved LZ. Both are well marked with windsocks. If you are intending to attempt any kind of cross-country flight, it is important to be aware of where you can and cannot land. The land- owners’ preferences are shown in the Nation- al Site Guide . These should be downloaded and displayed on your flying instrument – a guide on how to do this can be found on the club website. Please endeavour always to land in a Blue Zone, not only are these ‘landowner friendly’, they are assessed to be safe and any hazards (eg, power lines) will show on your flight instruments. Other hazards Safety is our number one priority at SAFA and we want to make sure pilots are putting their own safety and the safety of others first at all times. Like all inland sites, Mystic can offer strong and turbulent lift at the height of a warm day which can lead to wing collapses and entanglements requiring reserve chutes to be thrown. Ensure that your kit is up to scratch and always put safety first. If in any doubt, seek advice from other pilots, and if others are not flying, this is probably for a good reason. There are many wedge-tailed eagles in the area. Most are friendly and will happily share a thermal and show you where the lift is. However, a few of the eagles will defend their territory during the nesting season (October to March), and may attack a glider entering its area. The areas where this is most likely to occur are noted in the National Site Guide . Where to stay There are many accommodation options in nearby Bright, ranging from free camping and caravan parks to luxury cottages. Visit www. visitbright.com.au for more details. Spotlight on flying sites – Mystic, Bright, Victoria Photo: Courtesy Roger Turner