SAFA Skysailor Magazine

64 SKY SAILOR September-October-November | SPRING 2026 at the time, were ignorant of the site pro- tocols and had not sought a site briefing. It also transpired that they held PPG qualifi- cations only; no PG qualifications. Fly only the aircraft discipline for which you are authorised. Failure to do so may cause you significant injuries, is unlawful, and you could also face enforcement actions. The cost of correct training is far cheaper than the cost of medical or legal bills. When arriving at a new site, always seek a site briefing and fly according to the site protocols. #1460 – Hard HG landing, WA PIC arrived with their hang glider at Shelley Beach near Albany (WA). They had only held a student pilot rating though and were told by club officials not to launch; conditions were unsuited to flying and no other pilots were in the air. PIC ignored this and launched with the help of by- standers. PIC made two passes over the carpark before hitting rotor and impacting terrain from a height of 10ft, losing con- sciousness in the impact and sustaining damage to the glider. Pilots flying without authorisation do so unlawfully and may be prosecuted for a breach of CAA 20AB. Additionally, they are not covered by the public liability insurances available with SAFA membership. #1545 – WM microlight crash, Orchid Beach, Qld/S PIC was flying their weight-shift microlight on final approach to runway 31 at Orchid Beach on K’gari (Qld/S). PIC was landing using a left circuit approach, on a very standard and normal approach at 65kt with some power applied. When over the threshold at 10ft AGL, PIC reported the aircraft encountered a gusty rotor AIRS Safety Wrap-up – Spring 2026