Introduction

The purpose of this web page is to give you some basic information about the SportAviation operation, and also to acquaint you with some of the procedures which are necessary to ensure the safe operation of our aircraft. You may find that out procedures differ slightly from those you are used to at your own club. So please read the notes carefully.

Moving around the airport:

Always use the perimeter road. No vehicles are allowed on or to cross runways, unless you are towing a glider to a launch point. Always STOP and have a good LOOKOUT when you enter or cross a runway.

 

 

 

LAYOUT TOCUMWAL AERODROME

 

 

 

BEFORE TAKE OFF CHECKS

AFTER TAKE OFF CHECKLIST

PRE-LANDING CHECKLIST

 

Avoid damage with ground handling

Gliders can easily be damaged on the ground by bad handling or pushing in the wrong places.

Never push against control surfaces or trailing edge of the wings. Do not lift the tail by the tailplane. Lift the fuselage.

Do not slide off the wingwalker. They can all be opened to take it off the wing or put it on. Ask someone else to help.

You are here to enjoy yourself. Let the ground staff do the job.

Thermaling rules near Aerodrome

No Thermaling BELOW 2400 ft QNH 3NM radius to EAST Runway 18R - 36L Gliders stay WEST of airport

No Thermaling Below 2400 ft QNH 3NM radius to South Runway 27R - 09L Gliders stay NORTH of airport

Aerotow

Advise tug plot

• Sailplane call sign
• Ballast status

Normal Operations

• Standard position low tow
• Optional position high tow
• On release, observe rope clearance
• Scan Turn to the right to clear tug

Emergency signals from tug

• Wing waggle – release immediately
  
• Rudder waggle
  Check Airbrakes
  Check Tail Chute
  
  If unable to release, fly left of tug to attract pilot’s attention, then establish high tow position, tug will ‘release’. If this fails, slowly open airbrakes, and follow tug, and land in tandem.

 

Landing

Do not land in plough fields. We cannot give you an Aerotow if you land in a plough field.

 

 

Tocumwal C.T.A.F Radio Procedures

1. A mandatory 10 NM inbound radio transmission by all gliders.
2. A 3 NM inbound radio transmission by all gliders.
3. A radio call on executing circuit entry
4. 80 knots (150kph) indicated airspeed maximum for all gliders
5. The Tocumwal circuit is defined as at or below 2400ft QNH and 3 NM radius (750 meters QNH, 5.5km).

Tocumwal C.T.A.F. Radio Procedures example

1. “Tocumwal Traffic, Glider, Uniform India Zulu, 10 miles North East at 4500ft Inbound”
2. “Tocumwal Traffic, Glider, Uniform India Zulu, 3 miles North East, at 3000ft Inbound”
3. Tocumwal Traffic, Glider, Uniform India Zulu, joining left downwind for 36 left”
   
   

Using cars at Tocumwal Aerodrome

Cars are only permitted to use perimeter roads at Tocumwal aerodrome. Driving a car off the perimeter road at Tucomwal aerodrome is strictly prohibited.