SAFETY and MEDICAL NOTES

Although gliding is one of the safest of the “adventurous aviation” sports - accidents although rare, can happen. It is important that you are aware that gliding is a potentially dangerous activity. We are not qualified to express an opinion confirming your fitness to fly and you must ensure that you are fit to fly on each occasion.  You must not fly if you are suffering from any serious medical condition or have recently undergone surgery unless you have a certificate of your fitness to fly from your doctor.  You must not fly if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

Age Limits

Children under the age of 18 will require a parent's or guardians written consent and if under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other nominated adult while at the airfield. There is no upper age limit. Children under the age of 14 will be able to fly at the discretion of the instructor conducting the lesson.

Sizes and Weights

If you are heavier than 16 stones (224lb or 102kg) you will not be able to fly in our gliders as most gliders have a seat design limit of 110kg (242 lbs), which includes the weight of the parachute (15lb or 7kg). Very tall people (over 6’4’’/193cm may not be able to comfortably fit in our gliders. Please seek advice from a club official.

Parking

Please note that your car insurance may not be valid while driven or parked on the airfield. 

Alcohol

Even the most moderate drinker should be aware that the Railways & Transport Safety Act makes it an offence for pilots, including glider pilots, to fly while over the prescribed limit for alcohol.

The Law is very clear on this and applies to you even for a trial lesson flight.

IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO FLY IN A GLIDER WITH AN ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION IN YOUR BLOOD EXCEEDING 20mg per 100ml.

This is ¼ of the Drink/Drive limit and is effectively a zero-tolerance limit!

This means:

  • No alcohol within 8 hours of flying. No more than 5 units for men and 3 units for women in the 12 hours before your flight.
  • 1 unit is ½ a pint of ordinary strength (3.6%) beer or ½ a standard glass of 12% wine
  • It takes an hour to absorb one unit of alcohol so if you have consumed a substantial amount during the 24 hours before your flight you could still be over the limit

Medical Information

When flying under instruction, you will be doing so with a suitably qualified pilot. There are medical requirements and declarations that individuals need to satisfy before they fly solo. This does not apply to pilots under instruction.

The following conditions may cause difficulty while flying. If you suffer from any of these, particularly the more serious conditions, it may be wise to obtain medical opinion.

  • Blackouts from any cause
  • Bronchitis
  • Kidney stones
  • Epilepsy
  • Asthma
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Severe head injury
  • Sinus disease
  • Migraine
  • Recurrent fainting or giddiness
  • Ear disease
  • Diabetes of any form
  • High blood pressure
  • Defective vision
  • Severe motion or travel sickness
  • Angina
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Other conditions requiring treatment with drugs
  • Furthermore, conditions such as pregnancy, minor illnesses, medication usage, and blood donation may temporarily impair your fitness to fly. It is advisable to seek medical advice before undertaking any flight.

For your comfort in flight and on the airfield

Airfields are exposed places; often colder than you might expect, so be prepared to add an extra layer. Please don’t wear a skirt if you are intending to fly.

Sun UV radiation. Consider using  sun cream and wearing a hat.

Try to avoid drinking diuretics such as tea, coffee, and Coca-Cola for a couple of hours before flying as it would be a shame to have to cut your flying short to answer a call of nature.

If you are prone to travel sickness, it won't stop you flying but please tell your instructor.

 

If you have any questions during your visit, please just ask and we will be pleased to assist you.