SAFA Skysailor Magazine

44 SKY SAILOR September-October-November | SPRING 2026 they notice anything wrong. Discuss and make sure you are clear on the methods of communication you will use with them, and vice versa. It is highly recommended communication will be by radio, but some sites may have an alternative. Make sure you are clear on what communications you will receive from your supervisor, and the methods you will use. If communications are by radio, they will call you on the agreed channel on UHF radio, or one of the SAFA VHF frequencies if VHF air band radios are used. Come prepared with all your equipment, with radio batteries fully charged, and with the manual for your radio in case you do not have the required channel set up. If your radio cannot be tuned to the channel or frequency in use at the site, do not be upset when told you cannot fly. If the supervisor cannot contact you, there is no possibility of being effectively supervised. In this sport, there is always another day to fly. Every site and flight is different Each site has its own peculiarities, and you need to be aware of the dangers. If the su- pervising pilot says it’s not suitable for you, don’t take it personally; they’re looking out for you. Ask why, listen, sit back, watch what is going on, and learn from the expe- rience. It may come on later, or it may just be a day on the hill observing, hanging out, talking and learning. A site’s rating is set by the club or the affiliated entity that manages the site. The rating may be set by the managing club at different levels depending on the condi- tions on the day. Just because you have a supervisor does not mean you can fly at a site rated higher than Supervised. If the conditions on the day indicate the rating is suitable for Supervised pilots according to the club’s site rules, then yes, you can fly under supervision there. Otherwise, no; having a supervisor does not permit those On Supervised and Supervising Pilots