SAFA Skysailor Magazine

70 SKY SAILOR September-October-November | SPRING 2026 as well as the conduct of the activity. If a back injury is suspected or indicated, DO NOT MOVE. Await medical assistance. #1911 – PG flight into trees, NSW A visiting international pilot arrived at Long Reef with other pilots. They did not seek a site briefing or discussed supervision. They launched their paraglider and flew out of view of other pilots on launch. Another pilot in the air saw PIC initiate their turn, but when later looked for, PIC was seen to pendulum in the latter stages of the turn and drift into the canopy of a tree. The pilot was taken to hospital for assessment; injuries or damage are unknown. AIRS Safety Wrap-up – Spring 2026 All pilots are reminded to seek a site briefing when attending an unfamiliar or new site. Seek supervision if flying as a Supervised pilot. All pilots are reminded to maintain separation from obstacles and terrain, allowing for collapse, sudden loss of lift, wind drift or thermal activity. #1927 – PG mini wing tree landing just after launch, Vic A pilot flying a speed wing at Mystic (Vic) turned shortly after launch to stay clear of another (standard) wing. This turn caused a loss of height sufficient to prevent the speed wing from having a glide path that cleared the trees below launch. A tree landing resulted. Pilots flying speed wings are reminded that these wings can lose height rapidly when being turned. Their high wing loading also means there is less margin between the trim speed and the stall point. After launch, the wing must be allowed to settle down into its trim glide and speed before any significant manoeuvres are attempted. That’s it for this issue folks. Fly safe.