On Sunday June 3, the Bowland Forest Gliding Club had to suspend operations while a paraglider circled across their runway. Fortunately he was seen from the ground so the launch could be halted and there were no gliders in the circuit for landing. A senior instructor from BFGC, who is also a PSC member, came to our landing field and spoke to the PG pilot. This was done in a very professional and non-aggressive manner, and it was clear that the PG pilot was fully aware of his mistake and left their airspace as soon as possible. I have also spoken to both our pilot and the BFGC and while we are satisfied that this was a mistake caused by wrong decisions rather than ignorance of air law or any deliberate action, we will be taking steps to improve the education and awareness ofpilots flying Parlick.
We are fortunate to have a good relationship with BFGC and that we can approach these incidents on a no-blame basis and learn lessons for our future joint safety. I will be writing more on this and plan to amend the site guide with specific details on the rules regarding the airspace around the gliding field.
Keep safe out there everybody. . .
