HGFA Skysailor Magazine

14 SKY SAILOR January | February 2019 “W ith the sport having taken huge steps in the last seven years – with the development of different aspects like speed flying, acro and mini wings – it is more important than ever that we keep our sport safe.” says Matthew Hall, the Senior Safety Officer for the Victorian Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (VHPA) and the Sky High Club. Encouraging our pilots to take off, fly and land in the safest possible way is the key role of a Senior Safety Officer. After being appointed to the role in 2014 by his fellow peers, Matthew said he takes great pride in nurturing first time flyers in spreading their wings, while also supporting our more experienced pilots. Matthew has had a long career; including time working on off shore oil rigs in the late 70s, where safety always played a pivotal role. Currently, he has almost 20 years of involvement in the sport. “It brings me great joy to help pilots attain their first few hours of flying, providing them with the same support I was given when I first started flying,” says Matthew. “I reflect back on my early years and want to give these pilots the same opportunities I had. It can be very nerve-wracking to fly for the first time. I try to help them navigate the skies, assessing the weather conditions, the flying site, where they should fly, or whether they should choose another time to fly.” As a volunteer, Matthew said he believes that the sport can continue to soar, as long as all pilots adhere to the guidelines and practise safe flying. Many of our flying sites are only able to be enjoyed with the cooperation of our pilots as well as working with the local communities and authorities in and around those sites. “It is important that our experienced pilots lead by example by following the guidelines that are set for their own safety and the safety of the general public,” shares Matthew. “These include, for example, 25m separation from the public when landing. Some days, the beach where pilots may land is crowded. On those days, we say, ‘keep clear and leave the flying for another day.’ “This is a fantastic sport, one where you can see parts of the world, others can’t. It’s truly amazing. But it’s vital that we continue to fly safely and respect all those around us. It’s what will make the sport even more enjoyable. I believe, we as volunteers are just trying to keep our sport and the pilots safe. We are doing the best job we can. As such, it is nice to sometimes hear someone say ‘thanks’ and that having us around makes them feel safer.” Navigating our skies safely, while minimising any potential risks to our pilots, both novice and experienced, has never been more important, as our sport continues to evolve and expand each year. Safely navigating the skies