The South Wales Soaring Association (SWSA) have been active throughout South Wales since the early 1990s.
The club was originally founded to promote slope competition flying in South Wales and to attract visitors to our amazing slopes. In 1998 we hosted the F3F World Championships and had to limit the entry to 80 pilots from 17 countries - it's fair to say we achieved our goal!
These days, although not everyone in the club flys competitions, visitors often comment that SWSA members have the largest proportion of moulded models per person they've ever seen, and they are probably right! Of course no club is complete without its share of EPP, and we're no different.
The SWSAs roots lie in F3F, where we have national and international champions in our ranks, but we also host combat events, indoor sessions and just about anything else our members can think of.
Our primary slopes are at the Bwlch but we also use the Meio and Garth, which are nearer to Cardiff. Our excellent safety record, impeccable treatment of our surroundings and mutual understanding with the local farmers mean the SWSA enjoys the benefit of being the recognised body of model flyers and are responsible for regulating model slope flying the area. We welcome insured visitors who behave responsibly and observe the club's Good Practice Guide.
Best Practice/Safety Code
All members of the SWSA are to abide by the regulations laid down in the current edition of the BMFA Members Handbook and in particular those detailed below.
Models and Radio Equipment
1. Models should be built to a standard such that they will not fail under normal circumstances, giving particular attention to control surfaces and connections.
2. Models and radio equipment should be thoroughly checked prior to each flying session and after any abnormally hard landing. A ground radio range check is essential before flying with any new or repaired model or radio equipment. If there is any doubt about the serviceability then the model should not be flown.
3. All models, whether glider or electric powered should have rounded noses of minimum radius of curvature 7.5mm measured tangential to the surface at any point.
4. Ballast if required, must be carried internally and firmly secured. Ballast must never be jettisoned in flight.
Flight Safety
1. To allow differing flying styles access to the site - a half hour on, half hour off rule is to be applied: i.e.
First half hour – moulded models/F3F practice etc.
Second half hour – EPP/fun fly/combat etc
Unless all pilots present agree a different split.2. Over flying the ‘pits area’ is prohibited. (see diagrams at end) – cars should not be parked directly behind launch area
3. Where possible avoid flying within 50 feet of people, footpaths in use by walkers, animals, buildings and cars.
4. Where possible over fly roads and footpaths at height.
5. Always fly in such a manner that you are between the model and any spectators, and ensure that you maintain the model in line of vision at all times.
6. Always fly out from or parallel to the slope, the only time you should be over the slope is during a landing run, or participating in a competition (on these occasions you will be advised of any applicable safety rule).
5. Never fly in conditions of decreasing visibility, ie bad light, low cloud or when cloud or mist is forming close to the slope.
6. On arrival at the flying site, flyers must check to see that no other flyers are on the same frequency, and make it known to all others that he/she has arrived, and state his own frequency. When the numbers of flyers exceeds the point when it becomes difficult to control frequencies then a pegboard system must be used. No member shall switch on transmitters or receivers without having the appropriate peg attached and displayed on their transmitter.
7. Before launching, check that no models are flying into, or close to your initial flight path. Never launch unless it is clear to do so, and notify the other flyers that you are launching.
8. Do not distract any one who is flying.
9. At any sign of malfunction, or the unexpected loss of any part of the model, land as soon as it is safe to do so.
10. When landing, ensure the selected spot is completely clear of spectators, walkers etc and if in doubt do not land.
11. Occasionally a hang glider or para-glider appears on the hills where we fly, and on these occasions the joint BMFA/BHGA Operating code is to be followed at all times. Whenever this occurs approach the member of the other sport and agree safe flying and landing areas for that session. In particular: -
a. When flying, keep a good angular and vertical separation between your model and the hang-glider/paracender.
b. Allow additional separation if you are performing aerobatics, and avoid your model being shielded from your vision by the hang-glider/paracender.
c. A hang-glider/paracender is less manoeuvrable than a model, and the pilot has restricted field of vision. If collision avoidance does become necessary then 'up' or 'down' manoeuvres are likely to be the most sensible actions.
d. If safety is in doubt at any time then land.Hangliders and paragliders have similar responsibilities too, see what their governing body tells them.
Wherever you fly, the above rules always must be adhered to. With the number of flying sites that we have available to us, it is very difficult to promulgate a set of regulations that apply to a particular site.
New members will not be aware of the peculiarities to each site, and it is the responsibility of all club members to advise new members of landing areas, hazards etc that relate to that particular site.
All members at any of the flying sites must be vigilant at all times even if not flying and must advise any flyer of any approaching hazard such as walkers/spectators, low flying aircraft etc to enable the flyer to take the appropriate safe action.
All incidents are to be reported to the SWSA Safety Officer who will maintain a log to enable the cause of the incident to be established and measures identified to reduce the risk of the incident being repeated.
The Board will review the Incident Log as an agenda item at board meetings
Some suggested flight line layouts to reduce risk of injury
