DHPC

DHPC Safety Officer: Garry Cooper

The Safety Matters area of the site is used to report to you incidents that occur on our sites as well as safety notices.

Latest club notices are posted in the Incidents and Safety topic on the forum

The top of the Downs has now been fenced for the new path construction to start. It is still possible to take off/land in the usual place(and the gate is still accessible for parking) But the lack of available space has forced pilots and public closer together WE MUST BE EXTRA VIGILENT DURING LAUNCHES / LANDING Please treat the Downs area with extreme caution !! If in doubt...land at the bottom...the exercise will do you good...and it's better than hurting someone, wrecking your kit or losing the site !

1. Treat ALL top landings with caution. If the usual PG launch area is congested... DO NOT LAND THERE !!!! The area to the north of the launch area is the designated landing area Any top-landing, in strong conditions, is potentially dangerous.... this situation is now made worse by the metal fence, machinery and proximity to members of the public. If that area is busy with members of the public.... wait a minute and let the area clear before you make your landing. If in doubt...land at the bottom...the exercise will do you good... and it's better than getting hurt, wrecking your kit or losing the site !
2. If you are making an approach and there is someone in your way... a) IT'S YOUR FAULT!.... pay more attention on your final beats before committing to the landing. b) let them know you are near.... you may think they have seen you... this is not always the case...
3. ALWAYS check you are clear of air/ground obstructions before you launch. (in front and behind)
4. People with children/dogs, on a bike, riding a horse are all potential problems. their mind is elsewhere, they're not looking at you, steer well clear of them.
5. Always try to be considerate/polite to members of the public....They have as much right to be on the Downs as we do...It will only take one injury/complaint for the NT to think seriously about refusing us access to their land.
6. In high winds.... always think twice about launching.....Landing in the Golf course is not a valid flight plan ! basically.. if you've landed there.. you've got it wrong !!!!

Know the limits of your wing and your piloting...

If you are not penetrating.... push out from the ridge line...Do not try to top land in the compression...land at the bottom.... It's safer and easier.