| Civil Air Patrol at TBSS |
| Tuesday, 15 June 2010 13:57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Civil Air Patrol Contact Information
SPECIAL NOTE: “Limited Availability” of CAP Glider Pilots may limit some flight operations. NOTE: All Cadets are expected to complete the CAP/SSA Wingrunner Course Prior to participating tin Glider Ground or Flight Operations NOTE: 0800 – 0815 - Arrival Time & Sign In - Administrative Responsibility is the participating Squadrons 0815 – 0830 - Safety & Operations Briefing 0830 – 0900 Set up Flight Line, Glider Preflight, Glider Staging 900 First Glider Flight, additional flights continue about every 15 minutes 0900 – End – Glider flights using up to three gliders TBSS Blanik L-13, Grob 103. & Schweizer 2-32 Cadets participate in launch operations. Every cadet will learn to and practice glider hook-up, glider hand signals and wing running. Cadets receive off-line sit-in-the cockpit familiarization, preflight instruction, ballast requirements, airport familiarization including traffic pattern, signs runway marking and area airspace restrictions. Side trips can be arranged to Skydive City. Last Item Prior to departure the cadet’s wash gliders and secure at tie downs.
CAP Cadet Glider Orientation Flight Program Safety, Ground & Flight Operations Briefing By: Walter Pleasants Introduction This briefing presents an overview of the safety, ground and flight operations at Tampa Bay Soaring Society (TBSS). It specifically covers Safety and Operations when participating in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Glider Orientation Flight Program. It is important for your safety that you follow these simple procedures while participating in ground and flight activities at the TBSS facilities. We at TBSS and your CAP squadron want everyone to have fun, but we also want you to be safe. General Policy Members of TBSS or CAP Senior Members will ensure that all activities during this program are safe. Cadets will be used for all launching duties except for driving the golf carts or other vehicles on the flightline. When cadets are launching gliders, a CAP seniors or a TBSS member will be located in position near the cadets performing the launch. The cadet will do the job and the supervisor/safety observer will ensure that it is done safely and correctly. Golf Cart Policy The TBSS golf carts and other vehicles will be operated only by TBSS members and CAP senior members. Cadets are prohibited from operating the golf carts. There will be no exceptions to this policy. General TBSS Site Requirements Generally, CAP members will be allowed to use all of the TBSS facilities. The site consists of Approved Areas and Off Limits Areas. Specifically these are: Approved Areas
Off Limits Areas
Inspection of Gliders All gliders used for CAP Cadet Glider Orientation Flights will comply with all the Federal Aviation Regulations; CAP Regulations, Florida Wing CAP Regulations and the Rules and Policies of the Tampa Bay Soaring Society, Inc. This means that the Annual Inspection or 100 hour inspection is current. All gliders used for this program will be inspected using a CAP Form 71. A CAP Member holding FAA and CAP CFI-G rating must perform these inspections. The original Form 71s will be maintained by TBSS in the CAP files with copies sent to the FLWG Glider Program Manager and subsequently to FLWG Director of Operations. The Form 71 copies may be sent electronically. The pilot in command will perform an appropriate preflight inspection prior to flight for each glider flown. Tow release checks will be performed prior to the first daily flight of all gliders and the tow plane.
Ground Handling of Gliders Ground handling of gliders is part of the cadet training. After a short orientation, the visiting cadets will provide all of the manpower to move the gliders from the tiedowns to the staging area and then to the runway for launching. Gliders may be moved by manually pushing them and guiding them or they may be pulled by the TBSS golf carts. Occasionally automobiles or trucks may be used to pull the gliders. The wingrunner guides the glider from the left wing tip. A safety person at the right wing tip ensures that the glider wing clears all objects. The speed that the glider is moved should be the speed of a normal walk. Glider Staging Gliders will be staged on the grass area adjacent to the runway. The staging area is behind a line that runs from the “hold short” markings on the south and midfield runway entrances (taxiways). The staging area is where pilots and passengers board the gliders, strap-in and prepare for flight. It is important for the next flight to be ready before the tow plane lands. This means that the passenger and pilot are in the glider with seat harnesses fastened and that the initial pre-takeoff checklist has been accomplished. The golf cart should be hooked up, slack removed from the towline and ready to tow to the runway. The wingrunner should be at the left wingtip and ready to walk the wing to the runway. Glider Signals All hand signals will be given using Soaring Society of America (SSA) Standard Ground Launch signals. These are shown in the Wingrunner Course. NOTE: Have extra copies on site available for distribution. Demonstrate the signals during the briefing. Have the cadets perform the signals. Moving Glider to Runway When the tow plane has landed, and the glider crew is ready, the wing walker signals the golf cart driver to move to the runway. The golf cart driver heads for the designated spot on the runway. This is at the center of the runway approximately 200 feet behind the tow plane. The golf cart driver proceeds across the center of the runway. When the glider approaches the center of the runway, the glider pilot releases the towline and stops the glider at the center of the runway using the glider’s brakes. The golf cart is driven behind the glider and stopped on the grass at the side of the runway. The golf cart remains at location until after the glider is launched. This is so that the golf cart will be available if the glider has to be rapidly removed from the runway. Glider Positioning The glider is rotated 90 degrees and aligned so that the nose of the glider is pointed directly at the tail of the tow plane. Three different techniques are required for this, because TBSS uses three types of gliders. These techniques are: 1. Blanik L-13 gliders are simply rotated on the pivoting tail wheel. 2. Grob 103 glider must have the tail pushed down to life the nose wheel off of the ground while the wingrunner pivots the glider on the main wheel with rear wheel off the ground. 3. Schweizer 2-32 glider must have the tail pushed down to lift the nose skid off of the ground while the wingrunner pivots the glider on the main wheel with rear wheel off the ground.
Immediately after positioning the tail of the glider, the cadet moving the tail of the glider leaves the runway and waits near the golf cart. When the glider is positioned, the wingrunner places the left wing on the ground. In a slight wind, it is permissible to hold the wing tip in position on the ground with a foot. Towline Hookup The towline hookup person retrieves the towline, and drags the glider end of the towline to the nose of the glider. TBSS uses a white whiffle ball to reduce wear at the tow ring connection. The tow ring is usually inside the whiffle ball. The hookup person ensures that there are no loops or knots in the towline as he moves to the front of the glider. Never rush the glider pilot to hook up he is running through a pre takeoff checklist The hookup person will use the standard open and close hand signals. Make the tow line hook up only after the glider pilot authorizes hookup. After hookup, the hookup person quickly leaves the runway and goes to the area on the grass near the golf cart. TBSS gliders have two different types of glider tow release mechanism. These require different towline rings. These are: 1. TOST System – Blanik L-13 & Grob 103 – uses small ring 2. Schweizer System – Schweizer 2-32 – uses large ring. Wingrunner The wingrunner should be at the left wing tip of the glider with the wing tip positioned on the ground. The wing runner gives the hand signals to the tow pilot to taxi forward to take up slack in the towline. As the towline tightens, the wingrunner gives the slowdown and stop signals. When the towline is tight with no loops or knots, the wingrunner looks at the glider pilot for thumbs up hand signal. This means that the pilot is ready to launch immediately. Pattern Check & CTAF Monitoring Before and after the Thumbs Up signal, the wingrunner checks the pattern down wind, base and final legs to ensure that the pattern is clear of landing aircraft. The wing runner supervisor should be monitoring the airport CATF radio frequency on a handheld radio other aircraft landing or taking off on other runways. The tow pilot is also monitoring this radio. Launching When all is clear, the wingrunner lifts the wing holding the back of the wingtip so that both wings are the same distance off of the ground (level). The wing should be held lightly so that it will fly out of the wingrunner’s hand as the glider moves down the runway. When running the wing, it is important to only assist in balancing the wing, not to hold the wing down, push forward, or hold back. The tow pilot and the glider pilot exchange rudder waggle ready signals. At this point the wingrunner gives the circular signal to takeoff. The tow pilot applies power and the glider starts to move down the runway. The wing runner runs several steps holding the wing without pushing up or down on the wing. As the tow plane and glider in tow pick up speed, the glider wing will fly out of the wingrunner’s hand and the glider will be on its way. The wingrunner and supervisor leave the runway immediately. Aborted Takeoff If the tow is aborted after the take off roll has begun and if the sailplane releases, it will clear the runway to the right and the tow plane to the left. If the tow is aborted when both planes are aloft, then the glider will land straight ahead on the runway, or in an adjacent clear area, or on the runway after a 180-degree turn, depending upon altitude and wind conditions. Forward Signaler If a Forward Signaler is used. An individual will be positioned on the side of the runway forward of the tow plane in full view of the tow pilot to relay signals to the tow pilot. The forward signaler only relays or mirrors signals given from the wingrunner unless there is an emergency action that needs to be initiated. At TBSS a forward signaler is not usually used. The TBSS Pawnee tow plane has two rear view mirrors for the tow pilot to observe the glider and signaler. These mirrors are also effective for observing the glider when on tow in the air. Launching Once aircraft are positioned for flight and in complete readiness for flight, the wingrunner will usually put the left wing on the ground awaiting the final thumbs-up signal from the sailplane pilot that the pilot is ready for immediate launch. The wingrunner will once again visually clear the launch area, runway, and final approach, pick-up the wing and signal the launch. During this phase of the launch, it also important for everyone to be monitoring the radios to note potential traffic conflicts at the crossing runway on the departure end of 36 and be ready to abort the launch. A CAP or TBSS member will monitor the ZPH CTAF radio and the pattern to maintain awareness of sailplanes entering the traffic pattern, either to initiate the retrieval process and/or to assure that the next cadet is cued and readied for flight. A designee will retrieve the sailplane if necessary with the tow vehicle, and tow it to the launch staging area. After the proper training, cadets may be assigned this task. The cadet radio operator will operate under the supervision of the Glider Orientation Pilot. Radio Operation Aircraft Radio: When flying, monitor the radio on the ZPH CTAF frequency of 123.075. MHz Use proper radio procedures when in the airport traffic pattern. The pilot in command is responsible for the proper operation of the radio in the aircraft. After the proper training, a cadet may be assigned this task. The cadet will operate under the supervision of the Pilot-in-Command. Ground Radio: Radios used on the ground will be tuned to the ZPH CTAF frequency 123.075 MHz. The primary ground control radio call sign is Soaring Ground. Other radios are necessary for the Safety Officer, Golf Carts that go on the runway and the wingrunner. Other Radios: CAP, FRS and other radios may be used to coordinate ground operations. This is at the discretion of the Glider OIC and the Commander of the visiting unit. Watch for Traffic On the Ground - While on the ground the cadets should observe the aircraft in the traffic pattern and their movement around the runway and taxiways. If you are on the ground, call it to the attention of the TBSS Line Chief or launch crew. In Flight - If you are in an aircraft and you see other traffic call it to the attention of the Pilot-in-Command using the clock method. For example, when spotting an aircraft in flight above your position and off the right wing would elicit the following response: “Aircraft at 3 O’clock High”. Get the Gliders Off of the Runway ASAP It is important to rollout or otherwise move the sailplanes from an active runway as rapidly as possible. Pilots and passengers should do this - do not wait for the tow vehicle if you are on the runway or runway apron. Flight and Operational Issues Flight and other operational issues: Tows to 3000’ will result in a 20 to 30-mim flight. If appropriate, students will be allowed to handle the controls after 1000’ AGL and a safe pattern position has been established. If appropriate, cadets may fly the landing pattern but efficient operations will require spot landings and precise rollouts. The Pilot in Command should normally fly base and final to assure accurate landings roll out to the staging area. The staging area must be kept clear of personnel, and aircraft positioning must be maintained to allow safe rollouts and efficient departures. Depending on the pace of operation, TBSS pilots conducting introductory flights should plan to remain in the aircraft and allow cadets to be escorted to and from the sailplanes. Avoid Class B Airspace The local Class B airspace occupies the southwest quadrant of the area near the airport. This area has a 3000 foot floor. This is the area west of highway 39, west of highway 301 and south of highway 54. Do not fly above 3000 feet in this area. Parachute Operations Safety and Coordination In general, jump operations may result in parachutists occupying the final approach - monitor the radio, keep your eyes open, time pattern entry, and adjust the pattern and final approach accordingly. Avoid flight under where jumpers are being spotted and exiting the jump plane. Horseplay An important statistic is that over 90% of injuries to CAP cadets at CAP functions occur as the result of Horseplay. We can all have a great time without that type of activity. Horse play is strictly prohibited. Non-Flying Issues Sun Protection – Protection from the sun is important. Cadets and seniors will be spending several hours in the direct sun. Use sunscreen with a high protection level. Areas that need special attention are: noses, cheeks, chin, tops of ears, forearms, knees, and the back of legs. Apply the sunscreen before exposure and repeat application several times throughout the day. Hydration – Bring water or drink the water in the TBSS cooler. Do not drink large quantities of carbonated beverages, coffee or tea as these are all diuretics that will cause you to loose water. Food – Bring snacks to the field. Small snacks ward off hunger and fatigue. Insects – Treat all insect bites. A first aid kit is available in the TBSS clubhouse. Minor Injuries – Report all injuries. This means things such an insect bites, scrapes and scratches. A first aid kit is available in the TBSS clubhouse. Several of the TBSS members are physicians and nurses. Obtain assistance from a TBSS member to use the first aid kit. Early Departure – Cadets who have permission to leave early must sign out with the visiting squadron administrator. Cadet Protection Policy (CPP) – To ensure protection of the cadets. The CAP Cadet Protection Policy will be strictly enforced at all times. Specifically:
Safety Checklist Use this Checklist to ensure that the safety and Operational items are covered at the CAP Cadet Glider Orientation Flight Operation
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 June 2010 18:27 |