SAFA Skysailor Magazine

34 SKY SAILOR September | October 2023 AIRS Safety Wrap-up #1311 – Expired VP member flying PG recklessly, NSW PIC was a Visiting Pilot whose VP membership had expired. VP was observed flying in a reckless manner by several SAFA members at a site on the Northern Beaches of Sydney (NSW). VP was contacted by SAFA Ops, but has ignored all communications advising them to resolve their membership status. This matter was referred to CASA for investigation. Flying on an expired Visiting Pilot membership places the pilot in breach of the Civil Aviation Regulations making their flight illegal and them liable to prosecution. They would also not be afforded the coverage of SAFA’s public liability insurance policies, leaving them exposed to civil litigation. #1329 – Long Reef PGwater landing, NSW A low-hours PG2 pilot was flying for the first time at Long Reef NE (NSW). They misjudged their landing approach, landing short and in waist-deep water. The wing filled with water and dragged the pilot whilst they were un- clipping the harness. The lines tangled around the pilot’s legs, resulting in some minor lacer- ations. PIC was able to untangle and escape, rescuing their gear. Water landings are a potentially fatal situation and are to be avoided at all costs. When faced with a landing zone in proximity to water (lake, beach, etc.), take the time to judge and set up the landing, and allow plenty of margin for error. A hook knife should be carried to cut lines if you become entangled in them. Landing in the breaking surf is the worst possible situation; if a water-landing is unavoidable, aim for smooth water behind the surf line. #1339 – Stanwell PG incident, NSW Two PG2 pilots arrived to fly at Bald Hill, Stanwell Park (NSW), a site they had flown previously. They borrowed a radio each and received a site induction and pre-flight briefing. The induction and briefing also included a flight plan that consisted of flying the south face while maintaining a safe cut-off height and distance to the LZ. It was also men- tioned to fly focused and plan ahead when flying near other traffic and to follow the rules of the air, never assume the absolute right of way, and always avoid any conflict in-flight with other pilots. Traffic flying the south face at the time was approximately five gliders. PIC1 was flying the south face with their right wingtip to the hill. PIC2 was flying the south face with their left wingtip to the hill. PIC1 was expecting the right of way as PIC2 started to approach closer. PIC2 did not give right of way until the very last moment and then turned right where their wind tips touched. PIC1 panicked and turned the glider towards the hill, then regained the direction of the glider and turned left away from the hill. Both pilots later landed without incident. The right of way should never be assumed. Above all else, pilots must take all safe actions to avoid a collision. Pilots must look ahead and respond as soon as possible to any potential conflict with other pilots. Always observe the rules of the air and the actions to take in any particular situation.