Reserve Deployment North Side Acro PG Non Injury

An experienced and avid acro pilot threw his reserve and landed safely on the side of the hill on the lower hill. It's quite nice that he didn't land among cars or people. Acro pilots are reminded to maneuver in such a way that they will land SW of the cars or in front of the bench in the event of a reserve deployment. The last two acro related reserve deployments landed the pilots in ok position. Ideally, pilots would maneuvers slightly further to the SW.

North Side Blow Back Non Injury PG

A visiting pilot who hadn't received a proper North Side briefing flew on a strong night, benched up and subsequently went too far behind the top of the hill. He DIDN'T throw his reserve despite being in what was clearly strong rotor. This is generally thought of as being an error. Other pilots have landed in the same rotor without reserve and been severely injured. In rotor, reserves are a great bet.

Inspo Open Distance Reserve Deployment Non Injury PG

A competitor in the open distance competition at Inspo had a malfunction on his competition glider and threw his reserve. His landing was on a steep hill and he was able to fly again the next day.

The B - Suburbia Landing Lightpost - non injury

A local pilot tried to land on a street where he had previously landed several times. This time, he caught his wing tip on a lamp post. He commented that he would not be landing there again. 

We are reminded not to land in suburbia. 

South Side Ankle/ Foot Injury

A student suffered an ankle/ foot injury on the training hill of the south side. Given the very high level of student activity, the likelihood of this type of injury is very high.

Instructors are reminded to encourage good footwear, use radios, choose good conditions and qualify students at each stage of the progression. Finally, when this sort of thing does happen, a breakable ice pack, some ibuprofen, a splint and an ace bandage become the minimum necessary equipment. Every instructor and most pilots should have this sort of first aid kit.

Speed Flying South Side

A group of five speed flyers decided to launch at the same time. One pilot turned hard to avoid another and met the hill. He had 3 compressed vertebrae.

There are lots of ways  to fly a speed flying canopy. Choose your approach to speed flying wisely.

Inspo Open Distance Comp, dust devil on takeoff

A seasoned local pilot got inadvertently launched into the air while standing on launch waiting for a good cycle. He flew his open glider while facing it but ultimately landed back on the takeoff and was then subsequently lifted toward and deposited on the rock wall - head first. He suffered a concussion.

There are big risks with all aspects of flying mid- day, mid- summer. Many times the thing you are really worried about is not the one that will get you.

Inspo Open Distance Comp Bad Landing

A pilot landed on a small mesa south of the normal landing area. His approach was from the downwind side and unexpected sink caused him to land in the lee and straight into the hill. He suffered a compressed vertebrae.

Landing out is tricky. This pilot probably wishes he had headed out toward a bigger LZ with more altitude. Low saves happen but make sure that the day you are flying has the potential to actually produce one. Many times the day has no chance of producing a low save. When an approach gets weird remember not to aim for flat or downhill sloping areas that are soft and try for a PLF.