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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It's time for another issue of this briefing, as there are a few things you ought to be aware of. For those of you who have been absent lately, please notice that we are now generally operating with a Launch Marshal. Also please take on board my strong determination that this initiative will succeed. Your committee is in favour of this arrangement, as is the BGA, and you will find further details of the Launch Marshal's responsibilities and so on in the ESGC Site Operations Manual and on other notices in the clubhouse and in the launch control vehicle. I have been encouraged by the willingness of many members to volunteer for launch marshalling duties, which now carry a "go to the top of the flying list" privilege exactly like winch drivers get. Please ask me if you are in any doubt about acting as Launch Marshal. The majority of solo club members have the required level of experience, and like anything else in the club, those who help out with this are likely to get more sympathetic treatment at the launch point than those who do not. Also, I observe that the more experienced members (such as instructors!) seem to be more reluctant to act as Launch Marshal (why is this?) and some members even have an irrational fear of the yellow jacket. The booking list for Launch Marshals is kept at the launch point. It is partly to allow you to plan ahead if you want some extra time in bed and still be top of the list, and partly so I/we all know who is making an effort. If this method does not produce sufficient cover then we will have no alternative but to rota it (people not already on another rota take note), which is far less flexible. Finally, just because you sometimes see flying operations continuing without a Launch Marshal, do not assume that I do not care - instructors may explicitly permit flying to continue under their supervision without a Launch Marshal, but in general, if there is someone who is qualified and available do the job, the job must be done.
Please remember that you need either a current full UK driving licence, or express permission from the committee, if you wish to drive any vehicle on the airfield, including club machinery. Tractor drivers, please drive slowly, and get positive confirmation from the winch driver before moving, and get positive confirmation that both cables are off and the arms are up before driving away from the end of the tow-out. If you do not get confirmation, do not move off.
Where have all the green club cushions gone? If you have accidentally squirrelled away any club cushions during the year, please let's have them back now. You now have six months to get your own made up for next season, but make sure you use the correct materials, reconstituted foam for backrests, and energy absorbing foam for seats. Ordinary sponge foam is totally unacceptable for either, and may cause a back injury, or a loss of control leading to a crash. It's coming to that time of year when condensation builds up on canopies. Don't assume it will clear. Keep canopies clean, and if in doubt, do not launch. There are materials in the launch control vehicle. If we run out let me know.
We have bought two new Strong parachutes at £850 each. Please look after them. Please make sure that all parachutes are transported carefully, preferably in their correct carrying bags, and do not allow them to come into contact with rain or other moisture such as from being put on the ground (even if dry). If you put them in the rear of the launch control vehicle, put them up on the shelf, not on the dirty floor. Finally, parachutes are still sometimes being left in gliders overnight. Please check while you are packing the hangar. It's quite difficult to miss them.
Circuit discipline has been reasonably good as far as I am aware, but last time I said that, the standards suddenly dropped… Thermalling within the circuit is not acceptable from anyone, and a correctly executed BGA circuit is expected, the assumption being that if it is not done the pilot has forgotten how to do it, or why it is such a good idea.
Bearing in mind the recent report of a fatal winch accident involving a cable overrun, please be ready to stop a launch immediately if anything should go wrong. The wing holder need not also be the signaller, as long as the signaller remains in clear view of the launching glider and pilot. Launch Marshals may wish to assume this function. Winch drivers please watch the signal lights as well as listen to the radio for signals, as we have had instances where the cable parachute has merrily gone 100m or more before stopping after an overrun and the pilot releasing.
We have a new trailer park on the south side of the runway. If you intend to take your car over, please park it well out of the way. There is even less reason to park in the visitors' car park now. Please keep this clear for visitors. Brief visitors carefully. One group of visitors was observed crossing the approach directly under a landing glider. The leader of the group had in fact received a proper briefing but had ignored it. Please stress to visitors the importance of a constant lookout when crossing the approach. You will all know that a member of the public was killed by a landing glider at the Mynd not so long ago. We do not get quite so many visitors in the winter, but please ensure they are properly looked after and that dogs and children are kept well under control.
Safety Briefing 1
Safety Briefing 2
Safety Briefing 3
Safety Briefing 4
Safety Briefing 6
Safety Briefing 7
Safety Briefing 8
Safety Briefing 9
Safety Briefing 10