SAFA Skysailor Magazine

57 WINTER 2026 | June-July-August SKY SAILOR #2001 – PG at Portsea, 22 June 2024, Vic PIC had finished a 180º turn with loss of height while flying their paraglider at Portsea (Vic). This placed the PIC in the possible pathway of another wing. PIC took evasive action which resulted in an asymmetric collapse. Further input caused the wing to begin a spiral, resulting in the PIC landing hard on their back and damage to the L1 vertebra. Constant visual checks on other wings in the air are paramount when ridge soaring. Ensure that appropriate maintenance checks on your equipment are carried out, especially line length. If an asymmetric collapse occurs, weight-shift towards the flying wing, release the collapsed side brake and apply slight flying wing brake. If a spin occurs, immediately go hands-up on both brakes and prepare to catch the surge. When flying close to terrain, give the wing gentle inputs. #2011 – PG accidental reserve deployment, Qld/S PIC was competing in the Spandicup Open 2024 at Canungra (Qld/S). Five minutes into the flight and 50m above launch, their reserve parachute fell out of the harness container then deployed fully. PIC was unable to fully deflate their wing, and the final 20m of descent saw oscillations develop. PIC landed heavily, sustaining unspecified injuries. Always include a check of the reserve deployment handle and pins in every pre-flight check. #2034 – PG, helicopter threat, NSW A pilot was flying their paraglider at Long Reef (NSW) when a Westpac Rescue helicopter flew by at the same level and in close proximity to the pilot. No effects of downwash were experienced by the pilot. Our flying sites in this area are clearly marked on the VTC. Pilots witnessing such air proximity occurrences, regardless of who operates the other aircraft, are requested to lodge an AIRS report, report the event to the ATSB , and report the event to CASA . #2061 – PG reserve deployment, Corryong, Vic PIC was flying a high-performance EN-C wing in a task at the Corryong Open 2025 (Vic). Whilst on glide to turnpoint 3 at 14:35pm, they encountered severe turbulence. Without warning, the wing collapsed, dived forward and the lines