Safety, Data and Practical Challenges
The morning sessions highlighted the importance of combining culture, data, and practical action.
The CASA Sector Safety Risk Profile (SSRP) team, led by Wayne Morgan, introduced a structured approach to identifying and managing safety risks in gliding and towing operations. This set the foundation for a highly interactive afternoon risk workshop, where participants worked through real scenarios and contributed their perspectives.
Technical and operational topics were also front and centre, including:
- Airworthiness pathways for GAus Pawnees, presented by Anthony Smith
- Tug safety and viability, including Pawnee versus LSA options, presented by James Nugent
These sessions sparked strong discussion around fleet sustainability, maintenance, and long-term viability for clubs.
Collaboration in Action
One of the defining features of the workshop was the level of participation.
From hands-on sessions to open forums, attendees actively contributed their experiences, challenges, and ideas. The post-flight debrief and Q&A session brought together the Board and Executive with members for an open discussion on priorities and next steps.
The day concluded with informal networking, reinforcing the importance of connection and shared learning across the gliding community.
Looking Ahead: People, Culture and Growth
Sunday shifted the focus toward human factors, behaviour, and future growth.
Professor Sidney Dekker delivered a thought-provoking session on safety performance and human behaviour, challenging traditional views and encouraging a more systems-based approach to safety.
Building on this, Mariela Pocklington outlined GAus and club rejuvenation priorities, followed by Sophie Curio sharing insights from both European and Australian gliding cultures, highlighting opportunities to strengthen participation and engagement.
From Discussion to Action
The final sessions brought everything together, focusing on strategic risks, opportunities, and practical next steps.
Through open discussion and collaborative planning, participants helped shape priorities for the future—ensuring that the outcomes of the workshop extend well beyond the weekend.
A Strong Foundation to Build On
The Safer Skies & Stronger Clubs Workshop demonstrated the value of bringing the community together to focus on what matters most.
With contributions from industry leaders, regulators, and members across the country—including participation from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)—the event reinforced a shared commitment to improving safety and strengthening clubs.
Most importantly, it highlighted that progress comes from engagement, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge and improve.
👉 A full recording of the workshop will be made available to Gliding Australia members soon, ensuring those who couldn’t attend can still benefit from the discussions and insights shared.
Gliding Australia looks forward to continuing this momentum and working with clubs to turn these discussions into meaningful action.
