Our Commitment to Safety
The SkyHigh Paragliding Club is committed to promoting safe flying practices for all our members and visitors. These safety guidelines must be followed at all club sites and events.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and our collective adherence to these guidelines helps ensure we all get to enjoy the sport we love.
SIV Training Recommendation
The club strongly recommends all pilots beyond Restricted level undertake SIV (Simulation d’Incident en Vol) training to practice emergency procedures in a controlled environment. The club organizes group SIV courses annually.
Pre-Flight Safety
Right of Way Rules
All pilots must adhere to standard right of way rules:
- Aircraft with less maneuverability have right of way (balloons, hang gliders, then paragliders)
- When approaching head-on, both aircraft should turn right
- When ridge soaring, the pilot with the ridge on their right has right of way
- In thermals, follow established rotation direction (first pilot sets direction)
- The lower aircraft has right of way when landing
- Give way to emergency aircraft
Flying Proximity
Maintain safe distances from other aircraft:
- Minimum 20 meters horizontal separation from other paragliders in smooth conditions
- Minimum 50 meters horizontal separation in turbulent conditions
- Never fly directly above or below another aircraft
- When thermalling with multiple pilots, maintain visual contact and consistent spacing
Emergency Procedures
All pilots should be familiar with emergency procedures:
- Reserve deployment technique (practice the motion regularly)
- Partial or full wing collapse recovery
- Spiral dive recovery
- Deep stall recognition and recovery
- Emergency landing techniques
CERTIFICATIONS
Pilot Qualifications and Ratings
SkyHigh Paragliding Club follows the HGFA (Hang Gliding Federation of Australia) pilot rating system:
Student Pilot (SP1-2)
Under direct supervision of an instructor
Training flights only, with instructor present
Restricted Pilot (PG2)
Minimum 5 hours logged flight time
Flights in moderate conditions at designated sites
Intermediate Pilot (PG3)
Minimum 25 hours logged flight time
Independent flying at most sites in appropriate conditions
Advanced Pilot (PG4)
Minimum 100 hours logged flight time
All sites and conditions within pilot’s personal capabilities
PG5
Minimum 250 hours logged flight time, competition experience
All sites and advanced maneuvers/competition