In visual flight, pilots traditionally orientate themselves by distinctive terrain features. Cities, rivers, motorways or large industrial plants often serve as navigation aids. Airfields are also easily recognisable reference points. Runways are usually clearly visible from the air and can be easily synchronised with the flight map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Especially during cross-country flights, the proximity of an aerodrome is therefore occasionally deliberately used for orientation. However, this practice can become problematic if the aerodrome is actively operated and several aircraft are travelling simultaneously in different flight phases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The situation is particularly challenging at gliding sites or at airfields with intensive skydiving operations. In such environments, aircraft, towing machines, gliders, parachutists and other road users can move around the immediate vicinity of the airfield at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most critical situations arises during the winch launch of gliders. In contrast to aerotowing, the glider is launched using a launch winch installed on the ground, which accelerates the glider via a long steel cable and pulls it to a high altitude in a short time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sequence of such a take-off is highly standardised and follows a fixed movement profile. The glider first accelerates on the runway, takes off and then climbs upwards at a very steep angle. An altitude of several hundred metres can be reached in just a few seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this phase, the glider's manoeuvrability is severely restricted. The pilot can neither freely choose the direction of flight nor initiate major evasive manoeuvres. At the same time, visibility from the cockpit is considerably limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a steep climb, the horizontal view to the front is almost blocked, to the sides only possible to a limited extent and practically non-existent to the rear. The pilot concentrates on speed, flight attitude and the correct take-off procedure. Under these circumstances, it is difficult to recognise crossing traffic in good time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a motorised aircraft or another aircraft flies over the aerodrome at low altitude, it may find itself right in the climb zone of a winch launch. In this situation, the parties involved have only very limited options to react.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The glider cannot simply swerve out of the way due to the cable connection. At the same time, the winch cannot stop the launch immediately. It is true that many gliding clubs have a so-called warning chain in which the launch manager, launch assistant and winch operator communicate with each other. However, these procedures take time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If an aircraft suddenly appears in the climb zone, this communication chain may be too slow to interrupt the take-off in time. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the pilot of the aircraft flying over often does not even recognise that a winch launch is taking place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The winch launch cable itself is difficult to see from a distance and can be several hundred metres long. The glider taking off also often climbs very steeply and is already well above the runway shortly after take-off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A comparable risk exists at airfields with skydiving operations. Here, skydivers usually leave the aircraft at altitudes between 3000 and 4000 metres and then descend relatively slowly towards the landing area with the parachute open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During freefall, skydivers initially move very quickly, but after opening the canopy they move relatively slowly and with limited controllability. There may be several skydivers at different heights near the airfield at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is not always easy for overflying aircraft to recognise these people at an early stage. At the same time, parachutists only have limited opportunities to react quickly to a suddenly appearing aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A key contribution to safety is the active use of aeronautical radio. Anyone approaching or flying over an aerodrome should tune into the appropriate aerodrome frequency in good time and listen carefully to the radio traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Important information about current flight operations can be obtained by listening in. Position reports from other aircraft, information on towing starts or reports from parachutes provide valuable information on possible dangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your own flight route is in the immediate vicinity of the aerodrome, a short position report can also be useful. This lets other road users know at an early stage that another aircraft is in the vicinity of the aerodrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experienced pilots develop a mental image of the traffic situation. Every radio message heard is mentally linked to a position in space. This creates a situational picture of the traffic around the aerodrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another important safety aspect is maintaining sufficient altitude and distance. As winch launches are often not announced by radio, a glider can be in take-off at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is therefore good practice not to fly over aerodromes with glider operations at low altitudes. Many safety recommendations advise not to fly over the entire airfield area, including the aerodrome circuit, at an altitude of less than 600 metres or 2000 feet above ground level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is even safer to fly generously around such airfields. Especially on days with good thermals, intensive gliding can take place. There are often several gliders in the area of the aerodrome circuit or in the immediate vicinity of the aerodrome at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tow aircraft, motorised gliders and other aircraft can also be part of this traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most dangerous situations in air traffic are not caused by individual rule violations, but by a combination of incomplete information, restricted visibility and unexpected movements of other aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forward-looking flight guidance is therefore crucial, especially in uncontrolled airspace. This includes careful airspace observation, early radio communication and a defensive approach to potential conflict situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoiding airfields with glider or parachute operations, or at least flying sufficiently high above them, reduces the risk considerably. At the same time, active listening on the aerodrome frequency helps to better assess the traffic situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end, a simple basic rule of general aviation applies: distance creates safety. Those who leave sufficient space at aerodromes make a decisive contribution to ensuring that all parties involved can carry out their flight operations safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n