Bank Holiday Site Closures for 2013

Please remember that Rybury and Uffington are both CLOSED (according to the terms of the site agreements) on bank holiday weekends. This means NO FLYING at either site in 2013 on 29 March-1 April; 4-6 May; 25-27 May; 24-26 August. Also, a reminder: when flying Milk White Horse, please take off and land only on the western shoulder of the ridge as shown in the sites guide. DO NOT take off and land near the top fence, or along the S-facing slope towards the horse. Natural England are watching!

Caution when flying other clubs sites

When flying other clubs site under our reciprocal agreements, please ensure you are familiar with and comply with the relevant site rules. The following is an extract from an email addressed to our club:

There is a problem with pilots arriving at Butser who claim to be Thames members or brought to the site by a Thames member. Like most sites it is a delicate arrangement we have with the landowners. Some of these pilots are flying without knowledge of the site rules.
... Last weekend there was tension between the club and the Meon Valley Soaring Club as their airspace was being infringed. We have been warned that any incidents will result with a flying ban.
... It is the duty of the first pilot on the hill to call the farmer who owns the landing fields for permission. This wasn't done until 2-30pm when a SSC member made the call only to receive an sarcastic comment in reply , but he didn't say no.. This time!!

Please don't be the one to upset any of these finely-balanced site agreements.

Uffington Agreement

At last we have a formal agreement with the National Trust to fly Uffington White Horse. It is a sensitive site and we do not want to upset them - especially at the outset - and it can get very busy on summer weekends. Read the sites guide, and be aware:-

* it is closed to us on Bank Holidays and weekends during the school summer holidays (dates to be advised later). Go to Combe Gibbet instead!

* pilot rating required. Emphatically no red ribbons

* obey the car parking rules - and pay!

* paragliders only :-( Maybe hang gliders later, but only PGs while they get used to us. It is a long carry-up anyway

Maybe I have forgotten something, but read the sites guide!

Alexander KW