BOOKER GLIDING CLUB

From the CFI

Well, I think summer is trying to make an arrival, all be it, rather sheepishly! Some good weather has been utilised by the soaring groups, with some respectable flights being made. But who will make the first 500+ of the year?!

Well done to Mike Philpot, Tom Moutrie, Symeon Economou and Alun Jenkins on completing the full cat prep course. After completing their Full category test, the total instructors who have been brought on since the winter will have risen to 18!! Constant improvement and progression is something we should all strive for. My congratulations to all who have done so over the past six months.

I have recently had a series of meetings with the airfield management. These proved to be fruitful and very enlightening. The following points were raised. Please read on and make sure you understand the points made. If you do not, please come and see me and I will be happy to explain.

NEW FINISHING PROCEDURE WHEN LAUNCHING ON R/W 24

It is important that all gliding club members are aware that the airfield management has expressed legitimate concern over final glides toward aircraft taking off when operating on runway 24.

For this reason we have together agreed that:

1. In principle, tasks should always be planned to arrive from the SW - SSW direction. ( i.e BO1 etc)

2. We have agreed that all finishes from the SW when runway "24" is active shall pass to the SOUTH of the windsock.

The second point is very important if we are to be able to do finishes at all. It is for this reason that this procedure will be strictly enforced.

None of the above precludes the case of a marginal final glide, where the safe option may be to land straight ahead. If this is the case, notify the launch point of your intentions when making the usual 5 and 2 minute calls.

(Please see diagram in clubhouse. If you do not understand, come and see me)

When operating on runway "35" please can every member make sure that they do not cut through under the threshold of R/W 35 when in operation. This practise is dangerous!! It is responsibility of us all to make sure people do not do this and are stopped if seen to be doing so. Access to the 35 Launch point can be gained by either driving or walking around the gravel perimeter track. Please observe the airfield 15 MPH speed limit at all times.

Cars on the apron

Cars should not be on the apron unless towing gliders to and from the launch point. At no time should cars be driving between the parked aircraft for any reason. Please observe the 15 mph speed limit at all times.

Airfield Damage or Damage to other airfield users property

If at anytime damage is caused to a part of the airfield (i.e knocking over a sign etc) or other airfield users aircraft, please report this to the office immediately, and fill in the airfield damage log. This is a new book that will be used to log any damage. This helps us to then claim on the club's insurance if required, and gives us an insight into how it happened and what to do in the future to stop it happening again.

Not Good

It has been brought to my attention that whilst the water pipes were being repaired last year, some members of the AAA staff were treated rather poorly by some members of Booker GC.

This is not usual, and needless to say, this disappointing behaviour is totally unacceptable. Booker GC has a very good relationship with AAA and it's staff and I do not want this to be damaged. Improper behaviour by a member in the future will be dealt with directly by the committee.

Instructors

Can every instructor assistant category up please make sure they have a good understanding of the accident procedures, as per the instructor newsletter dated Jan '04. If you are a Full category instructor, please ask the office for your own copy.

Here's to a good season. See you on the field!

Matt

ABOYNE 2004

The list is now open in the office for this years expedition to Aboyne dont forget to put your name down. Places are limited.

We have managed to find some accommodation for week three: anyone interested should book in with the office in the usual way.

From the Office

Please note that membership was due as at 1st April and if you have not already done so, then you should contact the office without delay to make payment.