Expression of dissatisfaction to SAFA about specific rules and lack of member engagement

The SAFA Operations Manual contains the following rules, that many SAFA members say are ineffective, and/or overbearing, and /or reduce safety rather than increase it.

The purpose of this petition is to let SAFA know that a number of members are not in agreement with these specific regulations, and want better communication and consultation processes with the members as standard process moving forward. SAFA should share reasoning behind rules and evidence used, to help make rules with members.

1) Mounts and modifications to helmets - A ban on all mounts and attachments being applied to helmets

Sign this petition if you believe there is insufficient reason for this rule; that less footage will result in reduced ability for incident analysis; that pilots have the ability to make safe equipment decisions; that education is a more effective strategy than prohibition; and you wish SAFA to engage members to discuss and consult on this

2) PG4 XC flight distance limitations - No pilot certificate holder shall act as pilot in command of a paraglider, at a distance greater than 25 nautical miles (46.3km) from the point at which the aircraft was initially launched unless they are the holder of a valid PG5 Pilot Certificate or the proposed flight is approved in advance by a SAFA SSO, FI or CFI. At the same time, to obtain PG5 licences, a PG4 pilot must have completed 5 XC flights, each of a minimum 40 Kilometers length, measured from the point of takeoff

Sign this petition if you think this is impractical to manage; that stopping a flight at 46.3km to avoid transgressing a rule could create a safety issue; that there is no value in restricting distance or putting a "safe distance" figure on an XC flight; and you wish SAFA to engage members to discuss and consult on this

3) Two year tandem recertification - A SAFA pilot seeking to renew his/her Tandem endorsement must undergo a Biennial Tandem Review (BTR) with an SAFA Flight Instructor or as approved by the SAFA Operations Manager or a SAFA pilot who holds an appropriate Specific Delegated Authority (SDA) issued by the SAFA Operations Manager or the SAFA Operations Manager or delegate authorised in writing by the Operation
Manager.
(x) A SAFA Tandem rated pilot seeking to renew his/her Tandem rating will;
(i) provide logbook evidence to the assessor, verifying that the applicant has conducted at least 30 tandem flights over the
past 2 years;
(ii) have maintained currency for single pilot operations.
(iii) undergo a Tandem operations check flight, where the assessor can assess skills, currency and attitude.
(iv) undergo a theory examination regarding Tandem operations

Sign this petition if you see this as impractical to manage and / or unnecessary; and you wish SAFA to engage members to discuss and consult on this

Susy Goldner    Contact the author of the petition