SAFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 33 May | June 2020 In AIRS #1209 a PG2 pilot was attending the XC Camp in the ‘fun’ non-competition category. Following a successful flight from the same launch the previous day, the pilot turned left after launch, flying the ridge and seeking to gain height from ridge lift. Unfortunately, the pilot made a left turn back towards the terrain with insufficient altitude and separation distance. The wing crashed into a tree on the slope, draping over the crown. The pilot was uninjured and self-extracted, but the wing could not be retrieved without cutting the risers. New pilots need to remember to always turn away from terrain where there is insufficient hori- zontal and vertical separation. Also, consider loss of altitude that can occur in the turn, and the effect of the prevailing wind or breeze pushing you back onto the hill in the turn. It may appear that you have enough clearance, but these two factors need to be accounted for. In another event at XC Camp, a pilot was on glide at 2100mwhen encountering a very strong thermal. The canopy pitched back, and the right-wing tip wrapped around the outer risers. The pilot then exited the other side of the thermal into sinking air only to have the canopy shoot forward and enter a spiral dive. Weight-shift and application of brake input were used in an attempt to clear the cravat, but unsuccessfully. After three rapid rotations, the pilot elected to throw the reserve which deployed successfully. The pilot landed safely in a field below and was able to walk away without injury. Never having done an SIV course, the pilot quickly realised the lack of knowledge to clear the cravat. The early decision to deploy the reserve was good. If in doubt, deploy and deploy early; don’t leave it until too late as you could end up being late – as in ‘the late <insert your name here>’. On that note, I’ll leave it there for this edition. Folks, let’s all stay safe, practice common sense and follow directions from the authorities. Always turn away from terrain where there is insufficient horizontal and vertical separation. Willabinga, a launch north of Perth, WA  Photo: Darren O’Sullivan Glenn Hutchison flying at sandpatch Albany, WA Photo: Meggie McKeague If in doubt, deploy your reserve and deploy early; don’t leave it until too late.