Flying Order Book
These Orders define the procedures to be used at RAF Little Rissington by pilots associated with and/or visiting Devonair. Pilots must sign the appropriate cover page as having read and understood these Orders.
Nothing contained in this Flying Order Book shall supersede instructions given in the Air Navigation Order and the Rules of the Air.
1. General.
1.1 RAF Little Rissington is a MOD Airfield with 637 Volunteer Gliding Squadron in residence. The Airfield is also used periodically by other military ground and airborne units.
2. Airfield Availability.
2.1 Whenever the VGS are operating ( all weekends and notified summer camp dates ), prior permission is required from the Duty Instructor (DI) for both departures and arrivals.
2.2 If the Airfield is being used by a military, or airborne unit, Devonair will liase with that unit to determine what flying may be undertaken if any.
2.3 If the Airfield is being used by a military ground unit, Devonair will liase with that unit to determine what flying may be undertaken if any.
2.4 First take-off should not commence before 0800hrs daily (1030hrs on a Sunday if runway 04 is used). Circuit flying should cease at 1830hrs, and any flying later than1900hrs should take particular care to avoid noise-sensitive areas.
2.5 The following aircraft will NOT operate from the airfield unless a prior agreement is reached by Devonair with OC 637VGS and/or HQAC:
All civilian registered Jet aircraft.
All aircraft larger than twin engine.
All flex wing microlights (weight shift).
All motorised powervanes or similar.
All civilian parachutists.
All civilian registered gliders (motor gliders agreed).
Any aircraft with a MTOW greater than 13250 kgs.
All non-radio equipped aircraft.
3. Airfield Access.
3.1 Access to the airfield is via the sign posted entry for 637 VGS. At Map reference 420604E 217794N, Lat/long N51:51:30 W1:42:08
3.2 It is incumbent upon all users to ‘police’ the airfield when they are there, as there is no regular security presence. The main gate should be kept closed and locked whenever possible.
4. Radio.
4.1 RAF Little Rissington does not have a published Air/Ground frequency, but 637 VGS uses one of RAF Brize Norton SAR frequencies, allocated to them on a daily basis. Whenever the VGS is operating, the frequency is manned by the DI. With the callsign “Rissington Radio”. The frequency is usually 126.50
4.2 Rissington Radio should be considered similar to an Aerodrome Flight Information Service and pilots must comply with instructions to aircraft on the ground.
4.3 When the VGS is not operating, SAFETYCOM procedures will be used iaw CAP 413 (see ANNEX A). The frequency 135.475 will be used
5. Procedures.
5.1 Pre-flight:
Confirm airfield availability with Devonair.
If 2.1 applies - Inform DI of intentions by telephone (01451 810078 or mobile 07786 504892). Note frequency in use, and any special instructions.
Otherwise and if 2.1 applies - Book Out with Devonair in the appropriate form provided. Be advised this is a legal document and may be requisitioned by Customs/Immigration.
5.2 Engine Starting:A reminder of good airmanship
Before starting the engine the following checks must be made, ensuring that:
a. No other person is likely to be directly affected by the start-up and mindful of the position of other people, especially children. Dogs are not allowed on the airfield.
b. The aircraft is pointing into open ground and in a position where the slipstream and any dust or stones raised will not cause damage to property, other aircraft, etc.
c. Chocks are placed in front of the wheels whenever any engine test running is to be carried out.
d. Under no circumstances may engines be started or run up in, or too near, any hangar or when the aircraft’s slipstream can cause danger or annoyance or the engine noise can cause offence.
e. There is a clear path by which the aircraft may taxi from the parking area.
f. Engines may not be started by hand without the use of chocks or other adequate safeguards against forward movement of the aircraft without a competent person in the pilot’s seat in charge of the controls. Any person hand swinging a prop must have had appropriate instruction.
g. In no circumstances shall a pilot step out of an aircraft while the engine is running or leave an aircraft unmanned while the engine is running.
5.3 Taxiing.
If 2.1 applies - Before taxiing, the departing aircraft is to call the DI on the pre-briefed frequency for Rissington Radio requesting taxi instructions.
When the DI is satisfied that 637 VGS personnel and vehicles are clear of the taxiway he will inform the captain of the departing aircraft that he may taxi at his discretion. Usable taxiways are shown in ANNEX B.
Before entering the active runway the captain is to request permission to enter the runway to line up and wait.
The captain will inform the DI when lined up ready for departure, and when the DI is satisfied that 637 VGS personnel, vehicles and gliders are aware and safe, he will allow the departure at the captain’s discretion.
When the VGS are not operating, it is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure that taxiway and runway are fit for purpose. Backtracking to the runway threshold will facilitate this and help with noise reduction.In general the perimeter track is not suitable for taxying and the main runways should be used with care for backtracks
5.4 Transponders.
At the request of RAF Brize Norton, transponders are to be switched to ON prior to take off and switched to SBY after landing.
5.5 Circuit Patterns.
There are several noise-sensitive areas close to the airfield, and the circuit patterns have been designed to minimise noise nuisance.
Patterns for each runway direction are in ANNEX D1,D2,D3.D4,D5, and D6. These diagrams also show the initial departure routes for each runway.
Circuits are flown at 800’AAL.
No circuits will be flown whilst VGS are operational without prior arrangement with the DI.
Pilots should be aware of the slower pattern speeds of the VGS’s Vigilants, and their “Downwind/Finals” calls are only made on the final circuit to land.
Grass surfaces are available for emergency landings only. They may also be used for parking of aircraft. The crosshatched areas shown in ANNEX B indicate poor surfaces or obstructions.
5.6 Arrivals.
Visiting aircraft are strictly PPR by telephone to HQAC/OC 637VGS with 24 hours notice or Devonair at any time.
If 2.1 applies - Returning aircraft should contact DI before take-off iaw para 5.1a
Rejoining aircraft should call Rissington Radio when five minutes out and request joining information from the DI.
Standard rejoins should be used iaw ANNEX C,
In the event of an arriving aircraft being unable to contact Rissington Radio by RT the captain is to inform Brize Radar. Brize Radar will attempt to contact the VGS, if traffic levels permit. The aircraft is to remain holding in the overhead until cleared to land or instructed otherwise by Brize Radar.
If required, holding points are established at Northleach and Chipping Norton
In the event of total radio failure the arriving aircraft is to conduct 3 x 360 turns over the airfield not below 1300’AAL in VMC conditions. He will then be cleared to land. If VMC conditions do not prevail then the aircraft is to divert to another airfield.
Overhead joins should normally be flown when using SAFETYCOM procedures.
After landing the aircraft is to exit the active runway by the most expeditious route.
5.7 Post – Flight.
Taxiing into a hangar is strictly forbidden and a pilot must park his aircraft at least 5 metres short of the entrance, even if a member of ground staff marshals otherwise.
It is the captain’s responsibility to ensure that Ignition/Mag switches are made safe before leaving the aircraft – there have been several instances recently where ground staff have been put at risk by negligent pilots.
Sign In the Devonair movements log.
5.8 Helicopters.
Helicopters should arrive and depart at 500’AGL on the routes in ANNEX E.
6. Fire/Rescue.
6.1 There is no Fire/Rescue service at Little Rissington.
6.2 Whenever 637 VGS operates, there might be assistance, in emergency, from their “First Response” vehicle.
6.3 The nearest Emergency airfield is RAF Brize Norton (8nm), with licensed airfields at Oxford (14nm), Gloucestershire (17nm) and Kemble (18nm).
6.4 Pilots should be aware of the location of Fire Extinguishers and First Aid station at Devonair facilities.
7. Insurance.
5.1 All resident pilots must complete an ‘MOD Aircraft Registration’ form and supply copies of their Insurance Policy, current Certificate of Insurance and evidence of premium payment. The insurance must cover the legal minimum required for their aircraft weight and seating together with at least £7.5m Crown Indemnity.
7.2 Visiting pilots must be able to demonstrate they have at least £7.5m Crown Indemnity Insurance as well as their legal minimum Third Party insurance for the flight being undertaken.
February 2008 - additions marked in BLUE
