SAFA Skysailor Magazine

56 SKY SAILOR June-July-August | WINTER 2025 to better prepare themselves. If in doubt, about your abilities given strong conditions, don’t launch. #1720 – HG collision with hill side after take off, NSW PIC launched their hang glider from Bald Hill, Stanwell Park (NSW), in crossed wind conditions. As they left launch, they turned left, began gaining height, but then entered an area of dead air while distracted with climbing into their harness. PIC drifted back towards the ridge, failed to counter this, and descended onto a shallow portion of the ridge, landing in long grass and bushes. The base bar was damaged, and PIC suffered minor bruising and soreness to their ribcage. Pilots are reminded to aviate first, before all else; worry about getting fully into the harness when clear of terrain. #1725 – PG crashed into surf, Vic PIC was flying their paraglider in light conditions at Bells Beach (Vic). The wind was south-east in direction, and PIC was approaching a headland from the west with minimal height in the hope of making the corner to enter lift. The pilot was low in sinking air and close to the ocean. In turning late, PIC was flying low, downwind, on lee side. A water landing in three feet of depth with significant swell resulted. If flying coastal sites with headland structures, be aware of the effect of terrain direction change on the wind direction in relation to land. It is a common practice to ‘chase the corner’ in the endeavour to catch lift. If you don’t have the height to clear the land, turn early and build height. Water landings are extremely dangerous. Always fly with a good safety margin, particularly on ocean coastal sites. AIRS Safety Wrap-up