Visiting Aircraft Brief

Bicester Airfield is strictly PPR only

Contact Windrushers Gliding Club in the first instance on 07986 048826 but, if there is no reply, on 01869 252493.

DO NOT FLY IN WITHOUT PPR

Bicester Airfield is a grass airfield with 7 day-a-week intensive gliding operations including winch launching to 3,000 ft and Aerotow.

Arrivals

Main landing directions are 06/24, 13/31, 18/36. These are not marked runways but general landing directions. Aerial view showing the runways.

Each run is approximately 1100 metres in length.

Due to the nature of the flying operations the Airfield is strictly PPR, with absolutely no overhead joins - we launch with about 1200 - 2000' of steel cable hanging below the glider, and cables lying on the ground the length of the airfield.

There is no ATC, but during gliding operations there is usually a duty instructor, and radio calls on 129.975 are usually answered.

Gliding normally operates on the general gliding frequency of 129.975, and the majority of gilders flying locally will usually be listening on this frequency.

The launch point for gliding operations will normally be set up on the take off/landing run which is the nearest to the into wind direction. The launch point will usually be recognised by a line of gliders and vehicles (one of which is usually a converted coach). Gliders and powered aircraft will operate on both left hand and right hand circuits. Once established in the circuit, aircraft must remain on the same side and land on that side of the launch point i.e. do not cross over to another landing run on final approach. If a powered aircraft intends to taxi to the hangar, it should fly the circuit on the side nearest the hangar, and must not cross the centre of the airfield between the winch and launch point. Rolling over the 3000ft+ of steel cable that may be lying there or launching a glider is definatley not recommended.

Visiting pilots must be vigilant and keep a good lookout for gliders, which are inherently difficult to spot. Powered aircraft must give way to gliders at all times. All pilots are advised to read the Flying Order Book for Bicester.

After landing, pilots must ensure that the approach is clear, before back tracking to the launch point area.

Departures

Prior to departure all non-Bicester based aircraft must book out using the powered aircraft book.
Immediately prior to start up a verbal departure briefing must be obtained from the duty instructor, and a call on 129.975.
Noise Abatement Procedures
All pilots must be aware of the possibility of noise complaints at ALL times, and avoid Bicester town and all villages and farms wherever possible by following the routes designated in the Restricted Areas and Noise Abatement Procedures page.

RUNWAY 24
Aim to pass left of the main hangar then turn right on to a heading of 300, keeping Bicester town to your left.

RUNWAY 31
Turn 45 degrees right or left after take-off to avoid Caversfield House and the stables. Low powered aircraft are advised to climb straight ahead and then turn right on to heading 360.
Note: Engine failure options are severely limited in these directions.

RUNWAY 18
Turn to heading 130 after takeoff to avoid Launton village or turn to heading 200 to pass between Launton and Bicester (following the ring road).