Single Hill news - MUST READ to fly there!

Well, we have good news and bad news.

Instrument of Exemption:
The good news is that CASA are renewing our airspace exemption to fly at Single Hill. It should be through before the March 31 expiry but we’ll let you all know if not.

The bad news is that there has been extra scrutiny on this renewal. They are now cracking down on processes around these sorts of exemptions.

As a result there are a few changes to be made:

• We will all have to re-do the online induction every year. I can hear the groans but it’s just 10 minutes once a year. If it’s been more than a year for you, please go and do this now. Store a screenshot of your final page in your phone. (Note: if you don’t do this form annually you won’t be covered by insurance if you’re involved in an incident at Single). https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMoL9r-EAYIBb_I_Z_tQJrlH1zvl4-Jugy49tc46SGZtyAbA/viewform
• On-Site inductions to new pilots must be conducted by senior pilots of PG4/HG-I or higher with 80 hours, or 50 hours at Single Hill (the same rules as being a supervisor for a PG2/HG-S). Senior pilots giving the induction must follow a step-by-step guide when inducting (see below) so that everyone gets the same induction.
• Duty pilot must be PG3/HG-I or above.
• We’ve also had to put up more signage on the hill reminding pilots to assign duty pilot, call the tower, post on WhatsApp and carry a radio.
• Pilots now MUST make a radio-check call to the duty pilot, receive a reply, and confirm the reply before they fly. I know we mostly do this anyway.

Boom Gate:
There is a new boom gate at the entrance from Eleanor Court. If it is down, go to the lockbox on the post behind the “Authorised Vehicle Access Only” sign and enter code 717. Use the remote to open the gate and lock it back inside. Drive through and the boom will lower automatically behind you (you have plenty of time to get to your car and drive through, probably 45-60 seconds). It will open automatically when you approach the gate on leaving.

There is also now a boom gate across the track to the upper NE launch. We have one of our THPA locks in the series of locks. A key for our lock is stored in the lock-box attached to the post. Code is 0071. Unlock the gate, go through and close it behind you. Remember to only have two points of contact to be a link in the chain.

Launch areas:
The pile of rocks on SE launch will be removed over time and the area rehabilitated. For now just be careful if launching upwind of the pile. The weather station will also get moved to the gate on the SW corner which will hopefully give more accurate readings.

The NE launch has just been cleared again for us by Clarence Council but it needs some raking to get rid of cuttings. Please try to remember to take one if you go up and spend a few minutes cleaning up ;-)

On-Site Induction procedure:
We suggest making a contact-card in your phone called Single Hill and put these details in as phone numbers or Notes – 

Phone (Hobart Tower) 6248 3096

Boom gate 717

Induction Guide.

(To be conducted by a pilot meeting PG4/HG-I or greater, minimum 80 hours or 50 hours

previous experience at Single Hill)

- Define boundaries of the flying area and point out landmarks to help identify it from the air.

- Show launch areas and describe potential hazards (NE and SE) including venturi

- Show landings and discuss hazards/considerations (NE and SE)

- Discuss seabreeze and meteo wind differences

- Discuss wind indicators on water for strength and direction

- Discuss usual flight paths and aircraft movements

- Discuss consequences of not adhering to Exemption requirements (eg. dangers, disruption to

operations, possible personal financial cost to compensate airlines)

Questions for the inductee:

? What is the maximum altitude you can fly? 1000ft or 300m

? How far can you fly from shore? 100m

? How is the duty pilot assigned? Self-assigned or first on the hill.

? What does the duty pilot have to do? Call the tower and post on WhatsApp, keep their phone on, relay calls to pilots, call tower off and post on WhatsApp

? What is the number for the Hobart Tower? Do you have it stored in your phone?  6248 3096

? What equipment do you need? Radio, parachute if over 300ft AGL, helmet, altimeter.

? What channel should your radio be on? HGFA Open 472.125Mhz

? What do you do if an aircraft passes by close and upwind? Land if there is time, or get high and forwards from the hill

? What hours and conditions can you fly here? VMC daylight   i.e. from morning civil twilight (first light) until evening civil twilight (last light)

? What’s the minimum height you can fly over the houses? 200ft

? How far do you have to stay away from people on the beach? 25m lateral, 100ft vertical

? Where can you top-land? PG3 in end paddock only, PG4 on launches

Remind the inductee of the privilege of being able to fly at Single within airspace and the fragility of the Exemption.