Portmoak Pilot's Information and Airfield Manual

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airfieldmanual:5._airfield_operations [2026/03/10 15:59] – [1. Radio] katebairfieldmanual:5._airfield_operations [2026/03/10 16:00] (current) – [1. Competition finishes] kateb
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-===== - Flarm =====+===== 5.13 Flarm =====
  
 Fitting of [[https://flarm.com/|Flarm]] to SGC-based aircraft is recommended. Please be familiar with the operation of the unit and the various levels of alarm presented by the device. Fitting of [[https://flarm.com/|Flarm]] to SGC-based aircraft is recommended. Please be familiar with the operation of the unit and the various levels of alarm presented by the device.
  
-Flarm can be a very effective supplement to a good look-out; it helps improve situational awareness of gliders particularly in blind spots.  The key point is that Flarm is a supplement to your visual scan and not a substitute for it. Furthermore do not assume that all gliders have Flarm.+Flarm can be a very effective supplement to a good look-out; it helps improve situational awareness of gliders particularly in blind spots.  The key point is that Flarm is a supplement to your visual scan and not a substitute for it. Furthermore do not assume that all gliders have Flarm.
  
 Note that Flarm works on track, not heading, and may give confusing indications of direction for hill-soaring gliders crabbing along the ridge or a wave bar. If you get a Flarm alert the key thing to do is **look out**, especially ahead and either side of the nose, and not to look at the instrument. Note that Flarm works on track, not heading, and may give confusing indications of direction for hill-soaring gliders crabbing along the ridge or a wave bar. If you get a Flarm alert the key thing to do is **look out**, especially ahead and either side of the nose, and not to look at the instrument.
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 Be aware that with multiple gliders in close proximity e.g. when ridge soaring, the number of Flarm indications and alerts can become a distraction. Be aware that with multiple gliders in close proximity e.g. when ridge soaring, the number of Flarm indications and alerts can become a distraction.
  
-===== - Aerobatics ===== 
  
-{{ :airfieldmanual:figure_5-3.png?200&direct}} +===== 5.14 Aerobatics ===== 
 + 
 +{{  :airfieldmanual:figure_5-3.png?direct&200}}
  
 The BGA Laws and Rules current recommendations regarding aerobatics and aerobatic instruction apply in this club. The BGA Laws and Rules current recommendations regarding aerobatics and aerobatic instruction apply in this club.
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 The minimum height for starting aerobatics is 2,000 feet. All aerobatics must be completed by a minimum of 1,500 feet AGL, unless the pilot has “unlimited” aerobatic clearance and has discussed his or her intentions with the Duty Instructor. All aerobatic flights should be advised to the Duty Instructor so that they may advise other traffic. The minimum height for starting aerobatics is 2,000 feet. All aerobatics must be completed by a minimum of 1,500 feet AGL, unless the pilot has “unlimited” aerobatic clearance and has discussed his or her intentions with the Duty Instructor. All aerobatic flights should be advised to the Duty Instructor so that they may advise other traffic.
  
-==== - Aerobatic boxes ====+ 
 +==== 5.14.1 Aerobatic boxes ====
  
 Two aerobatic boxes are designated and are as shown above. Two aerobatic boxes are designated and are as shown above.
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 </blockquote> </blockquote>
  
-===== - Turbo/FES/Jet Units =====+ 
 +===== 5.15 Turbo/FES/Jet Units =====
  
 If you need to start your turbo or jet to climb away from the airfield or to test it, please be aware of the noise impact on the nearby communities of Scotlandwell and Kinnesswood, and on the Vane Farm Bird Reserve on the Southern side of Loch Leven. Gliders fitted with turbo sustainers should make every effort to avoid engine starts in the vicinity of local villages however the pilot must bear in mind the necessity of being in a position to land safely in the event the engine fails to start. Furthermore climbing away from low down and into wind with a low ground speed may cause a sustained noise nuisance for local residents so routeing following local engine starts should be away from the airfield and villages. If you need to start your turbo or jet to climb away from the airfield or to test it, please be aware of the noise impact on the nearby communities of Scotlandwell and Kinnesswood, and on the Vane Farm Bird Reserve on the Southern side of Loch Leven. Gliders fitted with turbo sustainers should make every effort to avoid engine starts in the vicinity of local villages however the pilot must bear in mind the necessity of being in a position to land safely in the event the engine fails to start. Furthermore climbing away from low down and into wind with a low ground speed may cause a sustained noise nuisance for local residents so routeing following local engine starts should be away from the airfield and villages.
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 Pilots with FES equipped gliders should follow the BGA and manufacturer’s guidelines on operating FES units on an airfield in order to safeguard people on the ground near their glider. Pilots with FES equipped gliders should follow the BGA and manufacturer’s guidelines on operating FES units on an airfield in order to safeguard people on the ground near their glider.
  
-===== - Competition finishes =====+ 
 +===== 5.16 Competition finishes =====
  
 Competition finishes at the end of racing tasks are permitted however pilots must exercise due care. Call ahead on the radio (122.915) if doing a finish at PCS or POR; good airmanship with regard to circuit traffic must be paramount. Competition finishes at the end of racing tasks are permitted however pilots must exercise due care. Call ahead on the radio (122.915) if doing a finish at PCS or POR; good airmanship with regard to circuit traffic must be paramount.
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 <blockquote> <blockquote>
  
-Where possible high speed task finishes should use BGA turnpoints PO1 or PO2 rather than PCS or POR. Refer [[#aerobatic boxes|Aerobatic Boxes]].+Where possible high speed task finishes should use BGA turnpoints PO1 or PO2 rather than PCS or POR. Refer [[#aerobatic_boxes|Aerobatic Boxes]].
  
 </blockquote> </blockquote>
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 All approaches towards the airfield should follow a descending profile (other than to go-around where necessary), the landing area should be in the pilot’s sight, and the airfield boundary must be crossed at a height which cannot endanger persons (seen or unseen), vessels or property. All approaches towards the airfield should follow a descending profile (other than to go-around where necessary), the landing area should be in the pilot’s sight, and the airfield boundary must be crossed at a height which cannot endanger persons (seen or unseen), vessels or property.
  
-‘Beat ups’ (and practice competition finishes at low level) are prohibited over Portmoak airfield. Fast, low passes are prohibited over neighbouring houses (and on the ridges – refer [[B. Ridge Soaring]]). Members of the public may perceive low, fast flying as dangerous or obtrusive. Pilots must of course comply with the law, particularly in this case SERA.3101 (Negligent or Reckless Operation of Aircraft), which includes "aircraft must not be flown closer than 150 metres (500 feet) to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure except...[limited exceptions, see the legislation]".+‘Beat ups’ (and practice competition finishes at low level) are prohibited over Portmoak airfield. Fast, low passes are prohibited over neighbouring houses (and on the ridges – refer [[:airfieldmanual:b._ridge_soaring|B. Ridge Soaring]]). Members of the public may perceive low, fast flying as dangerous or obtrusive. Pilots must of course comply with the law, particularly in this case SERA.3101 (Negligent or Reckless Operation of Aircraft), which includes "aircraft must not be flown closer than 150 metres (500 feet) to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure except…[limited exceptions, see the legislation]".
  
-[[4. Flying Authorisation]] | [[:start#contents|Contents]] | [[6. Local Airspace for Glider Pilots]]+[[:airfieldmanual:4._flying_authorisation|4. Flying Authorisation]] | [[:start#contents|Contents]] | [[:airfieldmanual:6._local_airspace_for_glider_pilots|6. Local Airspace for Glider Pilots]]
  
  
airfieldmanual/5._airfield_operations.1773158370.txt.gz · Last modified: by kateb