INSTRUCTIONS FOR VISITORS TO OUR AIRFIELD
Please Read Carefully
Launch Point Caravan
Glider Winch
To help you enjoy your visit, please follow these simple instructions and read the safety notes.
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When you enter the airfield via the Main Gate, stop and look to the right. You may see either a cream coloured caravan, or a winch (see pictures). If you see neither then go to step four.
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If you see the caravan and it is on the side of the field where you entered, turn right and drive down the right-hand side of the airfield keeping close to the hedge. Park your car just beyond the caravan, get out and ask for the Duty Instructor or Duty Pilot.
If the caravan is on the opposite side of the field to where you entered, DO NOT CROSS - wait for someone to come and escort you. Please be patient, someone will come. -
If you see the winch, turn right and drive down the right-hand side of the airfield. Park your car where you are in sight of the winch driver and flash your headlamps, or wave to attract attention but STAY CLOSE TO YOUR CAR, a club member will come over and give you further instructions. This may take a few minutes if a glider is being launched.
NEVER drive or walk in front of the winch (the end away from the driver's cab): there are fast-moving steel cables running up the field which are difficult to spot but which can cause serious injury. -
If you see neither the winch nor the caravan, turn left at the gate and proceed up the hill keeping to the left of the field. The hangar and clubhouse will be found at the top of the hill. When you get there, ask for the Duty Instructor or Duty Pilot.
Further Safety Notes
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Depending on wind, the direction of takeoff and landing may be from the top (North), or bottom (South) end of the airfield.
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Gliders are launched using a steel cable nearly a mile long. When the glider reaches the top of the launch, it drops the cable. As the cable falls to earth under a parachute, it can drift to either side. The moving cable is dangerous, so we ask you to keep well clear of it and remember to look UP before moving on the airfield.
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Please do not cross the field at any time unescorted. Even when nothing appears to be going on, a launch can start at any time without warning or a glider may land from an unexpected direction
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If you see a glider landing please stop until it has come to rest, don't try to second-guess where the pilot will land.
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Please be aware that even when the airfield is deserted it is always technically active and aircraft can land from any direction, silently and without warning. SO KEEP A GOOD LOOKOUT.
Launch Point Organisation
When you arrive at the launch point, ask for the Duty Pilot. He or she will ensure that you are properly looked after and will make the necessary arrangements for you to fly.
Whilst you are waiting your turn you may be interested to know how the launch point is organised. Three people are required to launch a glider. One to run the wing tip, one to attach the cable and one to signal to the winch driver
The tip runner holds the wing tip level until the glider is going fast enough for the pilot to control the wing themselves
The cable 'attacher' (Launch Marshal) is responsible for controlling the launch, from the time the pilot accepts the cable until the glider is in the air. They use hand signals to control the launch which are relayed to the winch driver using a system of lights.
Once both cables have been used a retrieve vehicle drives to the winch to pull out the cables ready for the next launch.
Gliders can land at any time and without warning, so it is important that everyone remains vigilant, particularly when launching is taking place.