Table of Contents
1. Key Messages
1.1 Purpose of this Manual
The primary focus of the SGC Board, instructors and members is one of safety on the ground and in the air.
The purpose of this Airfield Operations Manual is to give you sufficient knowledge and understanding of our site facilities and operational practices & procedures to ensure that you can fly safely at our club and help you to do your part in running a safe, efficient airfield operation.
This information is consistent with the BGA Laws and Rules in particular Managing Flying Risk and is, in effect, the application of the BGA L&R and Safety Management System to our activities here at Portmoak.
The information in this manual will be updated as necessary; the current version here will be the definitive version. The manual should be read along with supporting reference material available from the BGA website, in particular the BGA L&R and guidance mentioned above.
Please note that the BGA website information is updated on a continual basis.
1.2 Requirements of Members and Visitors
The following sets out the regulations, guidance and advice that pilots, members and visitors should be reasonably familiar with and comply with to the best extent possible.
0.0.1 Qualified Pilots (Bronze C plus CCE, LAPL(S) or SPL) including visiting pilots
0.0.1.1 Regulations and Guidance
- EASA Sailplane Air Operations (Sailplane Rule Book)
- CAA Skyway Code
- BGA Laws and Rules in particular the Operational Regulations and Managing Flying Risk
- The Flight Manual for the glider(s) they fly
- Portmoak Airfield Operations Manual (this document)
The UK ANO & RotA are combined into the CAA document CAP 393. This is a complex document; the CAA Skyway code and the BGA’s L&R plus other guidance on the BGA website are more accessible.
0.0.1.2 Licencing/Qualifications/Logbook
- From 30th September 2025 all glider pilots will be required to hold a UK CAA Sailplane Pilots Licence (SPL) 1). Pilots under training or direct supervision do not need a SPL.
- Up-to-date flying logbook
1.2.1 New Members & Student Pilots (not yet Qualified Pilots)
- Up-to-date flying logbook
- Up-to-date flying and ground training records
- Portmoak Airfield Operations Manual (this document)
- The regulations and information listed in 1.2.1.1 on an “as-needed” basis
1.2.2 Medicals
- All solo pilots and PIC’s must have a valid medical or medical declaration appropriate for their flying privileges and their licence/certificate – with a copy provided to the office
- At present, self-certification or possession of a driving licence is all that is required for solo flying or flying with another qualified pilot
1.2.3 Currency
- All solo pilots and PIC’s must follow the currency and privileges requirements detailed in Currency and Privileges.
1.2.4 Private Owners
- A current Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC)
- A current Annual inspection
- A Self-Declared Maintenance Programme (SDMP) for the glider
- Appropriate and valid insurance
1.2.5 Non-Flying Club Members
- Relevant parts of this Portmoak Airfield Operations Manual for ground operations
