SAFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 3 September | October 2019 A s a current SAFA member, Rohan Taylor from Manly, Sydney, can fly freely, chasing ridge lift and thermals around the globe while representing Australia in one of the most extreme aerial sports. Recently competing at the Italian World Cham- pionships in July, Rohan, currently second on the Australian Hang Gliding ladder, said being a member of SAFA provided the perfect platform to compete on an international stage, gaining vital competition experience in a safe, supportive community. “You don’t have to be flying long to be able to compete in these amazing championships. And even if you aren’t wanting to compete, flying against some of the world’s best pilots provides the best platform to learn and build your experience and skills,” Rohan said. “The good news is that our sport has become easier to learn in the last few years, thanks to better weather forecasting and improvements in glider design. This has resulted in more people finding it faster and safer than ever to join the sport.” It is imperative that all our pilots renew their current financial membership with SAFA. SAFA wants you to understand how your money is being spent, and we are working hard to keep the cost of membership down. This year, we offered a few modest discounts and are committed to reviewing membership costs annually by offering the lowest cost we can. As an organisation, we do much more than simply providing insurance. SAFA is passionate about advocating on our member’s behalf, with strong emphasis on training and safety that helps build our pilots’ skills and provides the confidence needed to tackle the challenges of our sport. Benefits of Renewing with SAFA 1. SAFA members fly secure in the knowledge that they are protected by all necessary insurances throughout Australia and overseas. 2. Be part of a supportive flying community of 3,500 fellow members, where we encourage you to spread your wings and take flight with your mates. 3. With an emphasis on training and safety, SAFA helps build the skills and confidence needed to tackle the challenge of flying further and longer. 4. SAFA is responsible for administrating flight operations to protect and promote members’ safety. 5. SAFA is your industry body and will advocate, support and inform members on all things sports aviation. 6. SAFA liaises with related sporting bodies and international organisations on members’ behalf. 7. SAFA supports women pilots and sees this area as a wonderful growth opportunity for our sport. 8. Be part of a sporting and recreational flying legacy that stretches back over 50 years. 9. Be part of an adrenaline-pumping, thrilling sport that takes you sky high. 10. SAFA sanctions competitions as a delegate of ASAC and the FAI. 11. Fly sky high with access to national and interna- tional competitions. Safety and legally compliant participation is of utmost importance to SAFA. Without a current SAFA membership, flying is prohibited and your qualifica- tions are no longer valid in Australia or overseas. Your licence and ratings are invalid without a current SAFA membership. As the airspace becomes more congested, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is prosecuting illegal flying activities. SAFA is focussed on safety, the future of our sport and ensuring your freedom to fly continues. We want to see you soar in this sport and fly high across Australian and overseas skies. Renew your membership and take advantage of the discounts. SAFA is offering members to opt out of getting a print copy of SkySailor to receive a $15 discount. An additional $15 discount was offered for early renewals before 15 August. Because all members can now opt out of getting a print version of SkySailor, we no longer offer the family discount, which was based on sending only one copy of SkySailor to the household. SAFA is offering all members the option of opting out of getting a print copy of SkySailor and receiving a $15 discount. An additional $15 discount was offered to members who renewed by 15 August 2019. Because members can now opt out of getting a print version of SkySailor, we no longer offer the family discount, which was based on sending only one copy of SkySailor to the household. Photos Courtesy: Darren O’Sullivan (top), Airborne (bottom) Photo: John Harris SAFA Member Renewal Campaign