HGFA Skysailor Magazine

40 SKY SAILOR March | April 2019 I believe there is growth potential for paragliding with older recruits. It could be substantial, but are we ready for it? I identify two major handicaps: 1. Our training schedule (PG2 to PG5) is based on the premise that before being cleared for independent flying, a novice must demonstrate proficiency in thermal flying. This could be very relevant globally, but it is not such a good fit in Australia, especially with older pilots. Our mainly coastal, urban environments, see us living close to dunes and ridges. ‘Fun flyers’ enjoy this environment. Furthermore, our climate creates dramatic, and often violent, thermal activity. Among young pilots there are plenty who consciously avoid inland, or thermal, flying. This attitude is less evident with sailplanes, but it is common among older pilots in several classes of recreational flying (including hang gliding and weight-shift microlights). 2. In addition, the training schedule sees reverse launching as an advanced skill (formally rated in PG4). Which is why most training courses do not cover this skill in depth. An older pilot, whose only interest lies in ridge soaring, potentially leaves their training course with minimal understanding of the details required for safe launches in these settings. These twin disadvantages catch up with pilots of all ages when they put their skills to the test. They may practise alone at the local park. Measured wind strength means very little to them. They have not yet learned that PG accidents happening at 15kt wind strength can be much more serious than those happening at 5kt. Then there is site awareness – they may not even recognise the threats. When they return home from their ground-handling tumbles, they are met by friends and family who always thought that paragliding was a ‘bad idea’… Not ready to give up right away, they may turn to the internet for help. They might find some useful ideas on youtube, but are more likely to see a lot of bad advice, with next to no explanation, incomprehensible language and someone else’s choice of music. For those who enjoy reading, there’s always Wikipedia. The advice here is more comprehensive and leans towards safety-first, but without diagrams and demonstrations, it’s not as useful as I would want it to be. My point is this: If we can’t rewrite the PG syllabus and make it fit the needs of the market better, we should at least produce a worthwhile demonstration of safe reverse launch approaches for all those who need it. For older trainees, every stumble can be significant – bruises to the body and ego undermine confidence. Slow reflexes, stiff joints, lack of fitness and fragile bones don’t rule Just before Christmas, I watched a 1994 Acpul tandem glider making repeat launches, in strong conditions, on a difficult site, with passengers. In paragliding, old things can still be great – the same can be said for people! by Birdman Pete Is Old the New Young? Birdman Pete on ‘Rocinante’ tilting at windmills Photo: Bruce Pope Solo inflation Solo MW inflation Solo deflation Assisted inflation Repetitive, step by step, training: Right wind, right wing, right location