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Long Mynd Soaring Club
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| Status: | Long Mynd is currently open to all pilots |
|---|---|
| Grid ref: | SO404918 |
| Latitude: | 52.5211 ° |
| Longitude: | -2.8786 ° |
| HG rating: | CP |
| PG rating: | CP |
| Takes wind: | 260 ° - 310 ° (WSW - WNW) |
| Location: | [maps.google.co.uk] [www.multimap.com] [www.streetmap.co.uk] |
This is probably the best westerly site in the country, please treat it with the respect it deserves. Similarly, those who live near it and those who use it. Because of the importance of this site and its popularity with HG, PG, Sailplanes and Aero Modellers, additional notes are provided on various aspects of flying the Mynd. Please read them carefully before flying.
Although the Long Mynd take-off is open to all BHPA members, this is a very popular site and we need to cover our maintenance costs. Accordingly we levy a charge of three pounds per day to non-LMSC members at weekends. You can pay this at the Beyond Extreme shop in Church Stretton or to any committee member on the hill.
From Church Stretton take the Burway hill and follow signs for the Midland Gliding Club. Park by the roadside in ‘echelon’ to save space. Do not obstruct the gateway. Climb over the gate to the rigging area. DO NOT CLIMB OVER FENCES. HG rigging is immediately inside the gate. T/O is straight ahead and landing is on the northern half of the site. PG take off is at the northern end of the ridge. There is potential conflict with HG overshoots here - all pilots must be aware.
Take-off is straightforward but keep a very careful watch for soaring traffic which can be heavy. PG pilots should keep to the right of T/O when below the ridge to avoid conflict with HG overshoots. There are various gullies and bowls along the face of the hill, in certain conditions rotor or turbulance may be expeareinced when flying low over/in these areas especially when wind is not directly on the hill. care should be taken when crossing such areas at low level- the gulley to the south of take off next to the road is one such area. Top landing is good except for rotor which can occur in the north east corner. In strong wind, do not go back beyond the boundary fence. Clear the landing area immediately. NO PARAGLIDER SLOPE LANDINGS below take-off (sheep grazier’s orders).
Bottom landing fields are restricted to the two small sloping fields immediately under T/O and a larger, flat field over the road and slightly right of T/O. Pilots new to the site MUST TAKE LOCAL ADVICE each time on bottom landing before flying since this is a VERY SENSITIVE ISSUE and field availability changes with the seasons and usage etc. See notes on horses below.
DOGS are not allowed on the hill. Remember that farmers are entitled to shoot dogs near sheep. Warning This area is used by low flying military aircraft on weekdays - see notes. Controlled airspace Birmingham CTA at 30m, Halfpenny Green at 24m, RAF Cosford at 23m. Landowner (take off) LMSC Telephones Linley 211 Box at bottom of hill (Asterton) or Midland Gliding Club in emergency.
All Paraglider pilots must try and top land to the North end of the field behind the PG takeoff area. If you are forced to land in the Hang Glider run-off area, please collapse your canopy as soon as possible and move away to the PG takeoff/landing area.
These notes and the accompanying diagrams (right) are intended to give pilots an appreciation of the two circuits used by the MGC which affects us.
Please do not launch from the MGC area, they are responsible for safety and a launch accident would not be good for them or us.
Release heights vary but 1000ft plus is often reached. It is most important that pilots keep a watchful eye on activity in the launch area. The AMBER FLASHING LAMP will operate during each launch. A glider ready to launch will have it’s wings held level by a tip while no-one will be standing near the cockpit. However, the canopy may be left open until the last moment.
If a glider is ready to go and you are approaching the launch caution area it is good practice to turn away from the release zone as a positive indication that you are aware. It is important to realise that a cable break could result in a glider crossing the edge of the hill at almost any height.
The CAUTION AREA to the north has received too little attention in the past. Please don’t congregate in this area since it is the access point to the landing circuit for sailplanes who can be faced by an intimidating ‘wall’ of HG/PG traffic. Some sailplanes may be scratching and some may be flown by low-airtime pilots. Training at all levels is conducted by the MGC.
Most of the above comments apply to this circuit but winch launch height is generally lower and release is close to the edge of the hill.
Aerotow launches are particularly vulnerable to inconsiderate actions on our part, especially in a westerly launch. They cross the edge of the hill typically below 100ft and are obviously unable to take evasive action at this critical moment. In addition, the tug pilot has poor visibility down and forward. Keep a special note of towing activity and in particular DO NOT CROSS THE BUNGEE POINT BELOW RIDGE HEIGHT when towing is active. If you hit strong lift you could rise up in front of a tug pilot. It has happened!
RADIO & HORN – The MGC now have a radio, and will warn us of any impending tug launch on 143.95. They will also use the horn from the bungee point if they see HG/PG traffic prior to take off – PLEASE VACATE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!
Aero modelers have an agreement to use the northern bowl. Whilst they have a particular duty to avoid conflict in flight, it is unwise to fly in this area when models are flying. It is easier to spot operators on the ground than models in the air.
A riding school operates at the farm below take off. The stables are tucked-in under take-off and a new, light coloured, schooling area is located about 100m west of the house.
When bottom landing, please carry back to the gate at the top of the field nearest the farmhouse.
We should take great care not to fly low over any horses, especially while being ridden, or land in a field with horses. The few permanently resident horses generally get used to us but several will typically be temporary visitors receiving special training so will be unused to flying activities.
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