SAFA Skysailor Magazine

28 SKY SAILOR September | October 2024 AIRS Safety Wrap-up – August 2024 by Iain Clarke – SAFA Safety Management Officer Greetings fellow pilots. I’m looking out of the window at the clouds scudding across the southern Tasmania sky as I’m writing this. Winter hibernation must be coming to an end soon, surely? My thoughts are turning to windows of opportunity for ground-handling and seeing how the shoulder pulls up. The gear is ready, reserves are repacked, and membership renewal is scheduled. It all depends on the weather now. As we pull out of winter, we all need to ease back into it if we’re lacking currency. Take the time to make sure your gear is ready; reserves are repacked, and motors are serviced and in tune. Beware of the weather – spring conditions are frequently blustery and waiting to catch out the unprepared. Lat’s all stay safe out there as we take to the skies again. Now for this issue’s reports. We’re going to start off down here in Tasmania and illustrate the importance of membership. #1659 – Hostile, rude, unidentified HG pilot presumed to be flying unlawfully at a site with a formal landowner licence, Tas A non-member of SAFA undertook a hang glider flight at Eaglehawk Neck (Tas). This matter was referred to CASA. Due to the privacy of the person concerned, CASA Legal staff are unable to confirm whether a sanction was applied. Undertaking a flight of a SAFA-administered aircraft whilst not being a member of SAFA or the holder of a pilot certificate authorisation, is a breach of Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), Section 20AB(1), CASR & CAOs, and is subject to prosecution by the Commonwealth which will lead to a criminal conviction, fines, and potentially a period of incarceration. Persons who do so also operate without any coverage by public liability insurances provided through membership of SAFA, which leaves them open to civil litigation. These activities also place sites at threat and greatly disrespect the members who maintain and fund these sites. Just don’t do it folks. Make sure you have renewed your membership before flying! Let’s stick with Eaglehawk Neck, but go up the hill to the upper launch: #1924 – HG at Eaglehawk Neck upper launch, Tas PIC attempted to launch their hang glider from the upper launch at Eaglehawk Neck (Tas). The wind was approximately 7kt and turbulent, due to large shrubs on the RHS of launch obstructing airflow to the right wing. The launch did not proceed successfully, resulting in minor glider damage to the leading edge. Vegetation and trees on either side of launch can create turbulence and ‘dead air’, any crosswind may amplify the effects. If possible, always have multiple wind streamers either side of, and at different distances along the length of the launch to obtain a clearer idea of wind effects.