Club Flying Sites and Rules

The M.V.S.A. fly only even numbers on 35Mhz, solid colours on 27Mhz and 2.4Ghz.

A maximum of 13 models are allowed in the air at any one time. ( Note: This number may be reduced on certain slopes).

We use the 'peg off' system for peg board frequency control. This means that you must take a peg from the peg board with your frequency channel or colour and clip it to your transmitter before you switch it on. If your frequency peg is not on the board then you must not switch on your transmitter.

When operating on 35Mhz a square orange pennant with your frequency number marked in white must be attached to the transmitter.

When using 27Mhz the correct colour ribbon must be attached to the transmitter.

2.4 Ghz users should display a black flag or have a black ribbon on the transmitter.

Please observe 'The Country Code' at all times.

The clubs main flying site is Butser Hill.

There are two further private slope sites, for the exclusive use of members, at HMS Mercury and Harting Down. We have a flat field site off the A32, just outside Soberton in Hampshire, for those who like to thermal soar.

The location of these sites and other slope sites available for us to use, is subject to change and details can be obtained from any committee member.

Please follow the rules laid down for each site to ensure continued use thereof.

 

Butser Hill

Butser Hill is just South of Petersfield in Hampshire. It is easily recognised by the telecom mast at the top.

Butser Hill is part of The Queen Elizabeth Country Park, and comes under the jurisdiction of the Hampshire County Council.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Gravel Hill
Horndean
Hampshire
PO8 0QE
Tel. 02392 595040

The M.V.S.A. has an agreement with the H.C.C. which gives us the controlling interest for model soaring on the hill.

There is a car parking fee of £1.00 (pay and display) for the car park at the top of the hill. This is in force all year round 8.00am to 9.00pm. The ticket is for the whole day - there are no hourly rates.

There are toilet facilities available at the round house on top of the hill. In summer you may purchase light refreshments here also.

Visitors

Because Butser is a public site any non-member may fly there provided he/she can prove adequate insurance cover, can demonstrate flying profinciency and flies with the club in a safe fashion, abiding by frequency control and safety rules.

Slopes

The West slope gives good flying conditions but watch out for hang/paragliders.

The South West slope is on the side of a bowl which gives turbulant conditions unless the wind is light. The slope does not lend itself to novices as apart from the normally turbulant conditions the landing area is on a ridge. Good fun for EPP combat type models though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The North slope gives good flying conditions but the flying area is at the end of a ridge slightly down hill. This makes landing slightly awkward as there is still some lift in the landing area.

 

The North East slope gives very good flying conditions with a good landing area.

The East slope is good but you have to launch over a fence and trees. If you have to land out - well don't.

South East - Death valley - Forget it!!

 

 

 

 

 

The South slope gives variable to good flying conditions but you are flying over Yew trees. Good landing area

 

 

 

Butser Hill Rules of Use

Butser is a public open space and during the summer it becomes crowded. When such conditions exist flyers should be constantly aware that the public has every right to be on the hill, albeit that from time to time they foul our approach and landing areas. It is in our interest to fly and act responsibly so as not to jeopardise this site.

The public always take priority even if it means endangering the model!

No bungees or tow lines are allowed.

There is a limit of 13 airborne models at any one time.

Model gliders and electrically assisted thermal soarers only are allowed. I.C. powered and other electric aircraft are forbidden.

Please be aware that it has been known for model cars using 27Mhz to have been used in the car park by youngsters.

Hang Gliders and Paragliders

A close liaison exists between the M.V.S.A. and the Sky Surfing Club using Butser. It has been agreed that we endeavour to keep clear of one anothers air space, but should a model and hang/paraglider appear to be on a collision course, the model must give way.

A model must never be allowed to cross the silhouette of a hang/paraglider.

Should a model make contact with a hang/paraglider, the model pilot responsible must report the incident to the club chairman or a committee member within two days. A written incident report will be required in the event of a near miss, injury or damage to either party.

This applies also to Harting Down.

Harting Down

 

Wind direction - North to North West.

Flying - Extremely good. When this slope is 'on' then so is the whole of the South Downs North facing escarpment. Flying is an absolute joy but watch out for hang gliders and the occasional real glider out on a cross country jaunt from the South Downs Gliding Club at Parham Airfield near Storrington.

Harting Down is just to the South of South Harting village on the B2141 Petersfield to Chichester road. At the top of the hill is a car park, charge is £2.00. There are no facilities except sometimes, in the Summer, an ice cream van.

This site is the property of The National Trust with whom the M.V.S.A. have an annually signed agreement.

The site is available for use by the M.V.S.A. any B.M.F.A. members by invitation (normally freely given) and The Sky Surfers Hang Gliding Club.

Models may be flown under the following conditions: -

No more than 6 models may be airborne at any one time.

Adhere to the launching and landing sites as shown.

Flyers must carry M.V.S.A. or B.M.F.A. membership cards and insurance certificates.

Flyers must abide by the M.V.S.A. code of conduct (including even and solid crystals), obey N.T. bye laws and requests by N.T. representatives.

Use common sense, avoiding the public, horse riders, livestock, and kites. Please be aware that the South Downs Way cuts across the flying site.

Be aware of The Sky Surfers who also have a N.T. agreement.

No competitions are allowed.

No vehicles beyond the car park.

Flyers must inform a member of the M.V.S.A. committee of any incident, near miss or unresolved disagreement.

Please do not participate in cross country type activity unless other flyers remain in the launch area to maintain frequency control.