Flying rules
On arrival
If you arrive with a trailer, please park it in the trailer park at the east end of the field alongside the access road. As space is limited, please park closely and within the notice boards. If there is no space left, then use the overspill area the other side of the hanger.
With permission, gliders can be picketed out near the eastern boundary of the airfield, but please keep well clear of the gate area.
Important
Before flying, take the opportunity to walk around the airfield. Because of sloping ground, the choice of runway for both take-off and landing will not always be into wind.
Daily briefing
A short daily briefing will be given at 10am in the briefing room. All pilots should attend. In the event of poor weather the duty instructor may announce re-briefing at a later time.
Any visitor who has missed the daily briefing must have an individual briefing from the duty instructor before flying.
For additional self-briefing, a PC with internet access is available in the clubhouse.
Rig your glider near your trailer. When ready, we move gliders to take off using 4×4 Quads or some small cars depending on the condition of the airfield. So you probably won’t need your tow-out gear and your own vehicle once you are onsite.
Airspace restrictions
Make sure that you are familiar with the few airspace restrictions that apply to us. Airway N684 passes directly overhead the site with its base at FL125.
We also have a couple of danger areas to avoid but these don’t interfere with local or XC flying.
Radio
All gliders flying from Talgarth must have a serviceable radio on board. 118.685 MHz is used for all communications. Please call on the downwind leg stating circuit direction and runway for landing.
Launching
All launches are by aerotow using our 235hp Pawnee – G-AZPA.
The rope maybe dropped but we often land with the rope attached to speed up turnaround
The runways in use will be indicated in briefings.
In wave conditions, the local wind can be very variable, so always check the windsock before take-off and from the downwind leg before landing. We usually launch away from the mountains to take advantage of the slope.
In the unlikely event of a failed launch or rope break we are well above the valley floor where there are plenty of large fields. There is plenty of time to sort things out and select a nice field. Only land back on the airfield if you have enough height to fly a proper circuit.
Noise abatement
We are based in the Brecon Beacons National Park which is a noise sensitive area. For this reason, and also because of the short field, self-launchers are not permitted to take off under their own power.
Gliders equipped with engines are asked not to use them within 3km of the airfield.
Circuits and landing
Whilst not mandatory, circuits are generally to the north or west of the airfield so that landing gliders can be seen more easily from the launch point. It also gives you some options in the event of strong sink. We suggest you fly circuits a little higher and closer than is usually taught. In wave conditions, complete all your pre landing checks in smooth air at altitude.
Make a call on 118.685 when joining downwind. With a glider ahead in the circuit, call number 2 so that it is aware of the need to land long. If there are aircraft behind you in the circuit, land long and allow plenty of room behind.
When landing on the east, south west or south east runways, care should be taken to touch down after the white markers. When the wind is strong, there is sink over the down slope below the approach. With a moderate wind from the north west, we favour landing through the gap in the trees on the west runway. A cross wind is preferable to a short runway with a downward slope and also take offs by other gliders are not obstructed. Landing on the north west runway over the entrance gate should only be attempted in a wind which exceeds 20 Kts. If there are aircraft behind you in the circuit, land long and allow plenty of room behind.
The north east runway is never used for landing, use the east runway and accept the cross wind. Try and touch down at about the road and run on past the clubhouse where there is more space for following aircraft. There is sometimes an electric fence raised on the threshold of the east runway. The field short of the threshold can be used in an emergency. Watch for cars or people on the road that crosses the airfield.
On all runways in wave conditions, be prepared for strong turbulence on the approach which generally does not continue all the way down to the ground.
Clearing the landing area
It is a priority to clear the landing area as soon as possible. All pilots are expected to help each other using the car in the summer or manpower if the field is wet.
Making life easier for everyone
- As take & landing directions maybe different please check the appropriate areas before signalling a launch.
- Discipline at the launch area is important for smooth and safe operations. Make sure your glider is not parked too close to the takeoff run. Do not take your glider to the launch queue until you are ready to launch.
- Local pilots do not check the aerotow release hook prior to take-off. If you want to check the release, please do so before getting on line.
- Log sheets must be kept, please help with this. Don’t just put it down, hand it on to someone else.
- The tug pilot needs assistance to refuel, don’t wait to be asked. Jump in one of the airfield cars and go and help.
Use of club gliders
Permission for visiting pilots to fly BMGC’s single or two seaters solo will be at the instructor’s discretion taking into account the hours flown from site and P1 on type. This will vary from pilot to pilot but typically might be 10 hours on site, or 15 hours P1 on type and 5 hours on site.
Medical certificates
Visiting pilots who wish to fly P1 in a BMGC club glider must provide a copy of their medical certificate to the club before flying.
Visiting instructors
Any instructor with the relevant experience who wishes to instruct at Talgarth must obtain prior permission from the CFI.
Powered arrivals
- All powered arrivals are strictly ‘Prior Permission Required’ and limited to approved aircraft and pilots, with the exception of aircraft in emergency situations and emergency service/ police helicopters. Approval is given by the CFI or his nominated deputy.
- One motor glider is permanently based at the airfield. If another motor glider visits the site, only one may operate on that day.
- Motor glider pilots are requested to not practice “touch and go’s” at the airfield.
- There is a total ban on self-launching or landing under power of Self Launching Motor Gliders and no start ups within 3 nautical miles of the airfield.
- Noise abatement procedures should be followed. Please request a copy of the procedures when applying for permission.