SITE ACCESS
There is only one, single access, road to the hotel and launch fields, on Grove Road at SU 46307 68383. If not staying at the hotel take this road into the site, cross the river bridge and follow the signage and marshals who will direct you to the appropriate area. Although there is no golf event being run, we must not impede the golfers who could be arriving on the same roadway.
If bringing a trailer you will be marshalled to park up beyond the briefing area and flying field, which will be closed until after briefing.
Pre-registered pilots please go to registration in the marquee where you will be given your balloon’s personal flying field entrance card for display in the windscreen – no pass, no entrance!
Anyone turning up on the day will be relieved of £25 to get their pass. Again, no pass, no entrance!
BRIEFINGS and SAFETY
Met, safety and landowner relations briefings will be at 08h00 on site each day. There will be a Meet Safety Officer but the responsibility for taking off into clear air rests with individual pilots. It is essential that you appoint a crew member who will check that you are clear to take off.
Whilst large enough to accommodate everyone, the site is not extensive and cooperation with other crews will be essential.
There will be NO external pressure to fly, either competitive or commercial. Our criteria for flying will be as in previous years, for fun and safety.
INSURANCE
All balloon owners and operators must provide the name and address of their insurers and declare in writing that their policies comply with the 2005 EU directive. Please note even balloons only being inflated must be covered by this insurance.
It follows that all balloons, excepting those in Annex II, must have a current inspection and ARC. Declarations may either be done at the briefing or in advance on the pre-booking form which is available on this website.
TETHERING AND DISPLAY
As always we like to see old envelopes brought out for tethering and static display. This should only take place after the main flying slots each morning. We also welcome model balloons to join in the fun after the main flying slot is complete.
FARMERS DRAW
As usual we will be running a farmers’ draw and will be looking for a donation of £25 in cash or kind, per non-preregistered balloon at the first briefing, or £20 in advance. This covers the cost of the draw and other expenses.
LANDOWNER RELATIONS
Please ensure you have all the current sensitive areas for our area (a minimum of sheet 174 and 173) on either paper or electronic mapping. A master map will be on display all weekend at the site and should be checked for recent updates.
On completion of a flight, all pilots are required to submit a landing card to Peter Gray on the BMSS stand in the Chinese Room. Should you encounter any problems during your flight or retrieve, they should be reported immediately to the Nick Bland (07793 495223).
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Pilots are reminded of their obligation in respect of the validity of licences (including current medicals), carriage of maps and compliance with the ANO etc.
PRIZES
Any returnable prizes i.e. Chequers Trophy, Veuve Cliquot Cup, Gemini Trophy, Aim High Trophy, Norman Betts and the Newbury Building Society Trophy are to be returned to Nick Bland (3-4-40 stand) or at Saturday’s briefing. The Marsh Benham Trophy remains in Dante’s gift and should be returned to Pete Bish.
TASKS
The tasks for the above trophies will be announced at the first briefing. Expect some surprises!
PROPANE
We are working to make fuel be available nearby on Saturday afternoon only. It is essential that you arrive with full tanks.
AIRSPACE
A NOTAM will be published and a briefing given. Please ensure that you have Aldermaston, Burghfield, Harwell and the Salisbury Plain danger areas and prohibited zones marked on your maps. The Harwell PZ has now been de-activated.
MET
A met briefing will be given at each briefing. A recommendation for flying will be given in co-ordination with the Safety Officer. At all times, the final decsion to fly is the responsibility of each pilot.
