| Dear fellow Pilots.
It came to our attention that a lot of confusion regarding glider ops at Castroville are crowding pilots mind. In an effort to remedy this state, here is how things need to be
observed and followed in order to have flying status and privileges at Hill County Motorgliding.
1) No one flies gliders on tow or motorgliders when not briefed and cleared on operational procedures. In case of confusion, please do ask questions either to myself or Shelly until things are perfectly clear. Flying status will be granted only when the 3 following conditions are meet:
* Airfield check or 90 days currency by chief instructor
* Renters insurance with AOPA for at least $500,000 liability and $20,000 Hull coverage
* Good standing with Hill Country Motorgliding & Soaring LLC (no late charges, no warning)
2) Gliders use a righ hand pattern on runway 15 and a left one on runway 33, staying on the West side of the airfield, while powered aircraft are the the East side on a left hand for 15 and right hand for 33, No exception. 3) Gliders on tow will be staged on the taxiway (15/33) between the two ramp access going towards fuel area or active runway.
4)Glider and towplane will take-off from the active taxiway (15/33 depending on wind situation), and will fly straight out to 1600 MSL before exiting pattern to the West. 4) Tow plane upon return will be subject to power pattern 15 left or 33 right (on the East side of the airport), and will drop the towrope in the grassy area between the runway and taxiway, if no traffic exist on the taxiway.
Then the towplane will slide to the left or the right to land on the taxiway or active runway, pending safety situation and existing traffic.
While cable is being dropped, all individuals must step back to the grass area near the winsock.
5) All gliders will enter downwind to the West of the airfield and will announce their intention through a radio message on Castroville Unicom frequency 122.800. Entry in the pattern shall be made at no less than 1600 MSL except emmergency situation.
6) All Gliders will land on the asphalt active runway 15/33 and then will be allowed to roll to the Grass area between the Runway and the taxiway to vacate as soon as possible the active runway. The grassy area between runway and taxiway will serve as alternate grass runway when needed.
7) No thermaling is allowed over or on the East side of the airport at less than 3000 MSL. All thermaling should stay on the West side of the airfield at any time, except when wind conditions are not favorable.
8) No thermaling is allowed when commited to the pattern after radio call, nor below 1600 MSL except under specific authorizarion from the chief instructor or his replacement.
These operation procedures were reviewed and approved by both the FAA and the City of Castroville. Any deviation from these procedures will be subject to warning and or revocation of flying privileges if deemed necessary by HCM.
If you have any questions, and or any of the above is not clear, do not fly and ask questions and clarification before getting airborne. It is the PIC responsibility to have knowledge at all times of the above rules and procedures, in the interest of safety. Glider activities and usage of taxiway will be published in the airport directory, on the San Antonio sectional chart. A local NOTAM has been posted since December 14th 2006 with the San Angelo Flight station .
In the meantime, Shelly Underwood and I, would like to thank you for your support and business, and would like to wish you a fantastic 2007 soaring season.
sincerely,
Shelly M. Underwood, Owner/V.P./Ops ground manager.
Jean-Pierre C. Ducos, Owner/ President/ chief cfig-mg/chief Tow Pilot |
