As we come out of lockdown, we have the opportunity to learn some lessons from our last path through this process. Below is some guidance from me and some info from the BHPA, to help us all return to the skies safely.
IF FLYING RESTARTS PRIOR TO THE 29TH MARCH 2021, ACTIVE COACHING MAY ONLY BE 1:1 DUE TO CV19 RESTRICTIONS ON MEETING UP.
Step 1.
Please check you have valid BHPA membership, whatever your rating and license, some have understandably been paused or cancelled in the lockdown. Remember it's a requirement, along with active DSC membership, to fly DSC sites.
Please check and update web collect, including NOK details
Step 2:
Make sure all your kit is airworthy, servicedt, reserve is repacked, and get used to all its functions again. Get varios and radios setup and refresh how to use them.
Step 3:
Ground handling, do at least a few hours before going to a hill, find out what you are rusty at and practice it, before getting to launch. As written above, there is no active coaching until after the 29th March 2021.
Step 4:
With all the above complete, check the weather, talk or message a coach for advice, CANP a site you choose the day before.
I am always contactable should anyone need help. Pick benign conditions for your first flights, have a plan to refresh all the skills previously taught, do two or three max per flight.
A simple plan would be:
-
A suitable safe launch
-
Fly away from the hill (top to bottom already set in your mind)
-
Do simple turns, clearing airspace before any turns
-
With good height set up for a standard landing approach, picking a safe spot in the field, pack up and repeat, varying the exercise at point 3.
Remember to choose only exercises you're comfortable in doing, without the need for coaching.
A good checklist from Safety Officer Wayne is below, Print it out.
Preparation
|
Weather |
Site |
Pilot & Equipment |
|
Check general & local forecast - average & gust strength Thermal forecast Cloud base & cover |
Appropriate for weather conditions Read site guide Landing site Hazards at that site e.g. Camphill airfield and winch Temporary restrictions e.g. lambing, NOTAMs Had a site briefing from a club coach? Weekday? CANP |
Air law - collision avoidance familiarity Glider - inspected \ serviced Reserve - inspected \ repacked Harness - adjusted correctly Accessories - charged & packed Food & drink Sunscreen? Face mask? |
On the day
|
Weather |
Site |
Pilot & Equipment |
|
Do conditions match those expected? Observe pilots already flying - indications of turbulence \ stronger wind aloft Decide appropriate launch technique |
Check for new hazards at LZ and take off How busy is it? Are you skilled \ confident to manage the level of traffic? Turn direction after take off |
Pilot - rested & focussed Confident with chosen launch technique Daily check W.G.H.H.C.A.T. |
In the air
|
Weather |
Site |
Pilot & Equipment |
|
Monitor changing conditions |
New hazards e.g. helicopter approaching, drone being flown What are other pilots doing e.g. all landing (for a reason?) Numbers flying - still happy \ confident? |
Glider lines \ inflation after take-off Stress \ alertness levels Keeping good observation |
Below are extracts from the latest instructor and coaching new letters from the BHPA
Sites
Because of the time of year, some sites may be subject to closure for lambing - which could be "forgotten" by some pilots in the rush to get out flying. please read all the info in the site guides
Low airtime pilots / new CPs, and rusty pilots.
When flying resumed in England on 14th May 2020 after the first lockdown, we had a large number of rusty pilots all desperate to get out and fly. At the time, we were experiencing strong thermic conditions over land that had had no rain since March. The BHPA put out advice to its members about a "proceed with caution" return to flying. Although we saw a spike in incidents and accidents, this was no doubt moderated by some great work by Coaches and Instructors around the UK running refresher flights and ground handling sessions to ease pilots back into the air.
With some relaxation of lockdown restrictions anticipated this Spring we can expect to once again be confronted by a greater than normal number of rusty pilots, all wanting to get airborne as soon as possible after the lockdown. The potential for mishaps and serious incidents increases as conditions get more lively.
Experienced pilots will no doubt be aware of the factors driving the urge to fly and will exercise caution during their first flights this year. However, there will be low airtime pilots motivated by the same desire to enjoy freedom who are maybe less accustomed to paying heed to their internal warning lights - overlooking less-than-ideal flying conditions in a desperation to get airborne.
Above all please take your time, be safe in all you do, if in doubt stop and have a thinking moment. Only do things you have thought about and are happy doing.
DO NOT DO SOMETHING JUST BECAUSE YOU SEE OTHERS DOING IT.
Please take your time and I look forward to seeing you all flying very soon.
Andy