SAFA Skysailor Magazine

32 SKY SAILOR March | April 2021 impacted the cliff with their back, then fell to the base of the cliff. The pilot suffered a fracture of a scapula and a stable fracture of T3 vertebra. Pilots are reminded that it is a requirement to hold the Mini-wing Endorsement in order to fly these aircraft. Further, PG2 pilots are reminded that they are required to have a supervising pilot on hand to assess on-site conditions. \Atmospheric conditions affecting the performance of gliders need to be assessed along with wind strength. Performing any acrobatic manoeuvres low to terrain increases the risk of impact and reduces the time to recover from wing deflations or collapses. Back north to Corryong in the Victorian Alps for AIRS #1048. PIC is an experienced paraglider tandem pilot and was on a short tandem flight in light conditions. With both pilot and passenger, the weight was well within the weight range for the wing. The landing was hard and fast in nil wind although the flare slowed the landing somewhat. On landing, the passenger, also a paraglider pilot, fell and suffered an ankle injury. Paragliding, like any sport, has some risk exposure. The PIC took appropriate measures to limit the risk as much as possible and acted responsibly, within the normal risk parameters. In spite of this, an accident occurred which resulted in a minor injury. Thankfully, the reaction to this incident was excellent, first aid was administered appropri- ately, medical assistance was sought, and communications with the club, the injured party and all others concerned was good. Inevitably accidents will occur – this is an example of how best to deal with accidents and injuries when they do. No further recommendations. Now for a couple of reports involving pilots under instruction (PUI). PIC in AIRS #1148 was under instruction at Mt Broughton. The CFI was on launch with the AFI in the LZ. It was the student’s second high flight landing in the same LZ, and their eighth landing on the day (six successful radio assisted and solo training hill landings earlier the same day, same LZ). The student had a high flight, performing 360º turns in light thermal lift. After 15 minutes in the air, the PUI is radio instructed on his baseline – ‘S’-turn landing approach into the nominated LZ. On the base leg, the student failed to respond to the instructor’s repeated radio instruction to turn right for the headwind final on their landing approach. Instead, PUI made a rapid turn downwind at the last moment. A pendulum motion resulted and PUI landed hard on the left leg resulting in multiple tibia and fibula fractures. While under instruction pilots are particularly vulnerable and every effort must be made to ensure that any language barrier has been accounted for and the student completely understands what will occur in all stages of the flight and what they need to do. This did occur in this case. In turn, stu- dents must trust their instructors and follow their directions. AIRS Safety Wrap-up Photo: Bruce Agnew