Essex CO6 3AQ Tel: (01206) 242596
glide[at]esgc.co.uk
"essexandsuffolkglidingclub" |
Wormingford Airfield, Fordham Road, Wormingford, Colchester, Essex CO6 3AQ Tel: (01206) 242596 glide[at]esgc.co.uk "essexandsuffolkglidingclub" |
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Thankfully, this safety briefing is considerably shorter than the previous one. Since the first, on 18th July last year, I am very pleased to report no significant safety-related incidents or accidents at Wormingford. I have no doubt that this is due to the continued common sense of our pilots, and, despite a few mutterings at the start, everyone's willingness to tighten up on safety thinking both on the ground and in the air. Many thanks indeed. Please continue to fly well-planned circuits, safe approaches, and controlled ground runs after landing, until the glider is at rest.
In the UK and worldwide, last year was a truly, albeit unusually, horrific year in terms of gliding fatalities, and many of these involved mid-air collisions. It is not possible to attribute a single cause to all these accidents, but we are all at risk at all times in the air, and they clearly underline the importance of continuous good lookout, above and below as well as on the horizon, especially whilst thermalling near other gliders. Some of the accidents involved very experienced pilots.
It is annual check time again. Please remember that an annual check is not simply a hurdle to be jumped and then forgotten about for another year. It is also an excellent opportunity to go up with an instructor and stretch your flying abilities in ways you may not do when flying your own glider solo. Naturally, you will be expected to be able (at least) to do the standard stall and spin recoveries, but there are many further exercises you can do to sharpen up your flying. Even if you do not aim one day to become an AEI or instructor, why not ask to have a go at some of the further stalling and spinning exercises? Please remember that anyone who has not completed their annual checks by 30th April will not be allowed to fly solo again until they have done their checks. Keep current now and avoid the usual mad rush by doing them early in the year.
Parachutes should be prepared for the year by sending them away to be inspected and re-packed. Please see either Mervyn Gooch or myself to arrange this. Don't leave it until the last minute.
Lastly, do remember that if anyone has any concerns about any safety-related matter, please see me at any time.
Safety Briefing 1
Safety Briefing 3
Safety Briefing 4
Safety Briefing 5
Safety Briefing 6
Safety Briefing 7
Safety Briefing 8
Safety Briefing 9
Safety Briefing 10