SAFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 25 November | December 2019 ➲ ➲ Do you have any injuries or medical conditions that might interfere with your ability to safely complete a SIV course? If you are not sure, then you should discuss your concerns with the instructor before paying your hard-earned money for the course. As an example of con- ditions that might prove a concern: ➲ ➲ Low blood pressure – you might black out during a spiral. ➲ ➲ Significant weakness in one or both arms or shoulders – exiting a full stall might be problematic for you. If one arm or shoulder is markedly weaker than the other, then it might be very difficult for you to release the risers under equal tension which could lead to a cascade of collapses you can’t control. So be fair, and discuss with the instructor any medical issues you might have and see if the course can’t be tailored to minimise the risk to you. Last of all… If you are working, do you have an alternate means of income if you are injured? No one plans on getting injured, but I have seen my fair share of accidents over the years and the resulting financial stress for those involved. If you are getting serious about this sport then ensure you have a plan to cover injury which might include income insurance, private health cover, ambulance cover, travel insurance and so on. This is your responsibility. There it is. If you really want to get into this sport, then spending time and effort on developing your knowledge and skills is a must. SIV is but one element in a continuum of pilot development and is one that you should seriously consider doing early in your flying career. See you on the lake. All photos: Phil Kirkman Photo: Steve Beilby