SAFA Skysailor Magazine

53 WINTER 2026 | June-July-August SKY SAILOR The speedbar line jammed between the sheave and the cheek of the block. Back when the harness was manufactured (only 11 years ago), lines were of a larger diam- eter and the block was appropriate. These days, with thinner lines, not so much. If you’re upgrading your ancillary equip- ment, such as the speedbar, make sure the new lines are compatible with the old blocks. If not, either change the lines and/ or the blocks, or retire the harness. Let’s head to this issue’s reports. Again, we’ll go back in time and work forwards. #1732 – PG Crash resulting in injury to pilot, Long Reef East Slope, NSW PIC was soaring their paraglider at Long Reef (NSW) and flying close to terrain to stay within the narrow lift band, when they lost lift and made a hard landing into terrain, sustaining a fractured left tibia, with a spine compression injury. Pilots are reminded to maintain a safe distance from terrain and obstructions taking into account possible loss of lift or collapse, and drift with wind or thermal direction. #1737 – PG attempt to fly un- authorised, with no training, Vic A CFI was on launch at Flowerdale (Vic), when a person they knew to only hold a student certificate, approached expressing the intention to fly. CFI told them they could not fly and need to gain certification to do so. The person left the site. Pilots and safety officers must remain vigilant for persons attempting to fly without an authorisation. Any flights conducted are unlawful and there is the real risk that the site may be lost due to such unlawful operations. #1819 – PG accident at Warnbro, WA Flying in winds of 20-25kt, crossed and gusty, a parakite pilot was blown behind the lift zone and over a carpark at Warnbro (WA). Unable to penetrate, they impacted a stationary car in the carpark. If conditions are too strong for your wing or your abilities, do not launch. In flight, constantly monitor for any increase in wind strength or change in direction. If the changes are such that you cannot stay in the lift band, land. Whilst in flight, always monitor where your safe landing zone is and where any hazards are.