Windrushers Gliding Club

Airfield Safety

Windrushers Gliding Club has an obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practical, contractors and visitors do not come to harm. All visitors to the club have a legal duty to take care and avoid harming others by their actions or admissions.

We want you to enjoy your time with us but so we can help you, please help us by observing the following guidelines.

• Gate Code. We intend to change the code on a regular basis. The new gate code will be emailed to all members. If you do not have acess to email, then the code may be obtained by visiting the DLO guardroom in Skimmingdish Lane with your current membership card.
• Services may gain access by telephoning the numbers on the gate.
• Do not reveal the gate code to anyone other than bona fide members of the club (who should already know the code).
• Always lock the gate even if it is found unlocked (a condition of our lease with Defence Estates)
• Always spin the lock tumblers so that the lock is not left 'on code'.
• Please report any suspicious activity immediately to a member, security patrol and/or police.
• Please carry your membership card with you when you visit the airfield and produce it courteously when requested to do so by a security officer or committee member.
• Bicester Airfield is an active airfield. Gliders, aeroplanes or helicopters may approach from any direction and land or take-off.
• Your personnal and motor insurances will not provide cover on the airfield. You may therefore be personally liable and be sued in connection with any accident which you cause.
• Give way at all times to any airfield operations vehicle. They are usually painted all over with a bright yellow.
• Observe the 20mph speed limit. Please do not drive on the airfield grass. We know the perimeter track is bumpy - so drive slowly!
• Stay in notified areas. One is the club house, the other will be at the glider launch point. Do not walk in front of gliders and aeroplanes. Comply with any instructions given to you when on any part of the airfield.
• Ask a club representative to accompany you when crossing any part of the airfield.
• Keep a good lookout above and all around. Give way to gliders, aeroplanes and helicopters at all times when driving or walking on the airfield.
• Control your children and animals. You are responsible for their actions.
• Do not touch gliders, aeroplanes, launch equipment, machinery or cables.

In addition all members who are not actively flying are asked to pay particular attention to the following:

• Social members, kiters and aero-modellers must have a safety briefing from a committee member, instructor or club Safety Officer before using the airfield. Kiters and aero-modellers should always ask permission from the duty instructor on the day before commencing activity.
• Please park off the slip road on the right of the entrance gate. Please do not drive around or park on the perimeter track or on the airfield at any time.
• Dog walkers/social members: please do not walk your dogs on the perimeter track or on the ‘inside’ airfield at any time. Walk only along the access road parallel to Skimmingdish Lane and around the tracks by the perimeter fences well away from the airfield. Keep a look out for aircraft at all times and never walk in front of an aircraft or glider that is taking off or landing.
• When there is winching operations, always walk behind the winch and NEVER walk across the cables in front of the winch. Winch cables kill !
• Please ensure that your dog is under proper control at all times. This may mean keeping the dog on a leash as much airfield equipment such as winches, vehicles and cables could cause serious injury or death to your pet.
• If your dog runs out onto the airfield and you can not call it back, contact the launch point immediately on 07986 048826. DO NOT attempt to run after your dog across the airfield. If no launch point is visible then contact 01869 252493 (Main office).
• Other users of the airfield must not be placed at any risk by your dog. You are liable for any injuries or damage caused by or, as a result of your dog’s actions.
• Please clear up any mess that your dog makes – a bin will soon be provided by the entrance gate. This is a condition of use of the airfield site.
• Observe the site speed limit which is 20 mph maximum, and please do not drive on the airfield grass. We know that the peri-track is bumpy – so drive slowly!
• Do not drive or park private cars on the aircraft apron in front of the Hangar – this is for aeroplane/glider movements only. The only exception is to tow your glider to or from (not into) the hangar. No vehicles in the hangar (except the Fire Truck and in the MT bay ).
• Please remember that Bicester is an active airfield and is potentially active 24 hours. Expect aircraft and gliders to take off or land in any direction at any time.
• If you are in any doubt about any aspect of the use of the site or about flying/gliding operations, please ask a duty instructor or committee member.
• Activity is being continually monitored 24 hours/day. If any member is observed to be abusing their membership privileges, they will be denied further access to the site.
• For further and general information please consult our website www.windrushers.org.uk

For your comfort and safety...

...the following information may help you while out on the airfield. If in doubt or you require more information please contact Windrushers Gliding Club by email at or by telephone - 01869 252493.

• Airfields are, by definition, large open areas. On cold and windy days it does not take long to feel the effects of the lower temperatures. Take plenty of warm clothing including gloves and a hat. Several thin layers are better than one or two thick ones.
• If it has been raining then the ground will be wet. When acting as a ground crew there will be occassions when it is necessary to handle wet and slippery cables or get on your hands and knees to attach cables to gliders. Wet hands or clothes on a cold day are nobody's idea of fun! A pair of waterproof overtrousers and waterproof gloves will certainly help.
• In the summer prolonged exposure to the sun is dangerous. Never underestimate the power of the sun even on a cloudy day so take a good quality, high-factor sunblock and use it regularly.
• Also take a hat. If you think you will be flying then a small-brimmed round sunhat is ideal.
• While working on the airfield in the summer it is not advisable to wear thin open-toed sandals in the style of flip-flops. A light but tough shoe such as a canvas style shoe is adequate but the more protection your feet have the less chance they will be injured by cables and machinery.
plenty of liquid. Do not assume that refreshment will be provided so take a flask or bottles of water.
• Keep your bags, rucksacks and discarded clothes off the airfield. There will usually be a launch-point vehicle and/or bus that can be used to store personal items. This is not just for safety reasons but for the protection of your own belongings. Try not to clutter up the inside of the bus with bags and coats but use the shelves above the seats or the side luggage compartment accessed from outside.

| Tel 01869 252493 | Fax 01869 243030 | Site Map
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