Flying Procedures at Shobdon
Shobdon is a CAA licensed airfield where, besides normal powered aircraft activities, there are also microlights, helicopters and gliders.
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Flying Procedures at ShobdonShobdon is a CAA licensed airfield where, besides normal powered aircraft activities, there are also microlights, helicopters and gliders. Contents |
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On Runway 27R: Normally, landings are made on the grass area marked on the above map and cleared to the left. During the winter, avoid landing within the first 50m since it is likely to be waterlogged and not capable of supporting traffic. If the grass is congested, landings may be made on runway 27, but only after contacting the tower on 123.5Mhz (see Radio below). DO NOT STOP in the middle of either runway, there is always following traffic.
The Eastern edge of the airfield is bounded by a perimeter road and a one metre high heavy wooden post fence. NEVER approach LOW over this fence, as there may be turbulence and/or heavy sink, especially in Northwesterly winds. 27R is about three field lengths and so there is little chance of over-shooting it. |
On Runway 09L and 09: Landings may be on either runway after contacting the tower. On the grass area 09L, gliders should clear to the right after 75m, which will avoid the earth ridge between the grass and the paved area. Large span gliders of 18m or more should use 09 when standing crops are in the adjacent field. Landings on 09 should be made short on the centreline and cleared to the left. It is important that gliders DO NOT STOP in the middle of either runway, there is always following traffic. The Western end of the landing strips are bounded with a wire fence which has RED conspicuity markers attached. The area between the boundary and this fence contains debris from farm sales and should not be used, except in an emergency. Tugs or gliders are to be parked to the North of the resurfaced section. Hanger flights, the landings can be made on the same grass area normally used when operating on 27R provided that the instructor in charge agrees on the day and the tower has been informed. |
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Cars are permitted on the North side peri-track but care must be taken because power aircraft, who have priority, may be crossing between the hangers/pumps and the grass. When helicopter refuelling with Avgas is taking place, the fuel line will be laid across the peri-track and you must not drive across it under any circumstances. Normally, a warning board will be placed on the track. The glider trailer park is at the East end of airfield and gliders may be rigged on the trailer i.e. Cobra style or on the grass area opposite, but note that this part of the perimeter track may have a high volume of farm vehicular traffic. Visiting owners of very large span gliders 22m plus which have to be rigged on their trailers should use the stub of the peri-track on the South side of 27. The C.A.A. have imposed strict rules on the proximity of items to the runway. Therefore ensure that your trailer is parked as far away as possible from the edge of the surfaced area and runway threshold. If in doubt, ask the duty instructor. Cars may tow gliders to the launch point situated on the rough ground North of runway 27, remember that when you cross 27R (grass) it is active and you must maintain a good lookout. One car only may be left at the launch point; all other cars must be removed to the North and clear of the landing and rigging area. During the winter the grass threshold of 27R is very soft and some areas are not capable of supporting the weight of gliders or cars. Get advice from the duty instructor. |
When operating on 09, gliders may be towed from the trailer park to the launch point in the rough ground area. North of runway O9 via the rough area immediately to the South of the main runway, remember that when you cross runways 27R and 27 to the South side they are active and you must maintain a very good lookout. One car only may be left at the launch point; all other cars must be removed to the South side of the surfaced runway 09, in the parking area as shown on map. Access to and from the launch point 09 by car or on foot is via the North side peri-track. Be aware that the power aircraft taxiway joins from the active side approximately level with the airfield main access road Give way to power. To reach the parking area you will have to cross 09L and 09 thresholds, which will be active. Occasionally when operating on 09, trailers have been towed down the North side peri-track to the parking area situated on the South side of 09 and the glider rigged on the rough ground. You are requested to remove the trailer back to the trailer park before commencing flying. The C.A.A. have imposed strict rules on the proximity of items to the runway, therefore ensure that your trailer is parked as far away as possible from the edge of the surfaced area and runway threshold. Do not obstruct other people parking. |
This sections is under review - Please carry the relevant maps for your flight.
We hope that the information in this leaflet is informative, constructive and assists with your enjoyment of the facilities. If, from your own experiences, you feel that further information needs to be included for visitors, please do not hesitate to contact the C.F.I. of Herefordshire Gliding Club or myself, Ken Martin.
