Operations and Safety
Here's some further resources to maintain efficient and safe operations within our club. There are further resources available in both our Downloads and Links pages.
Proceedures for Glider Operations
Ops-Normal calls
We tend to range far and wide when gliding out of Alex. Make sure you do an "ops-normal" call back to base at least every hour so that we can take a note of your rough location. If you can't raise Alex then call any other reliable location, e.g another glider or perhaps Omarama base. In the later case make it clear you're flying out of Alex and give then a thank you call before you depart their area (or after you have landed).
Flight at high altitude
Our club gliders are equiped with oxygen systems. Ensure you have been briefed on how to use it.Airspace is another issue that needs attention. Buy your own current map. See the documents below for further details on oxygen and flying high.
Briefing notes for club gliders
Areotow emergencies at low level
Heavy sink and turbulence can be expected near either end of runway 32/14 when NW/SW winds in excess of 10knots are blowing, especially when wave conditions are present. In the event of a premature glider release caused by these conditions or a tow plane problem in the early stages of the aerotow, the areas marked in green on the attached map have been identified as options suitable for a glider land-out, depending on the height available. The following notes should be read in conjunction with This MAP
Taking -off from 14. In the Twin Astir, a shallow turn to the right whilst on-tow is recommended. This provides a shorter distance to the preferred land-out area adjacent to State Highway 8 in the event of an eventuality. Other possible areas are the Race Course, the paddock adjacent to Dunstan Rd. or the Rail Trail. For single seaters, this same procedure can be adopted or if the ridge is working, extra height can be gained by towing along the ridge. There is also the option of a 180degree turn if sufficient height is available.
Taking-off from 32 . A shallow turn to the left is recommended to reduce the distance to the two land-out areas identified on the left hand side of the Waikerikeri Valley Road. Please note that these recommendations have been produced in order to assist glider pilots in their decision making for the final cockpit check prior to take-off, namely "EVENTUALITIES". They are not hard and fast rules and will need to be modified in liason with the tow pilot and taking into account the prevailing weather conditions