Deanland Airfield
Operational Procedures,
Requirements
and
General Information
Issue: 2
Contents
1/. Foreword.
2/. Airfield History and Details.
3/. Organisational Structure.
4/. Insurance Requirements - Disclaimer.
5/. Entry and Egress.
6/. Aircraft Operations.
7/. Deanland Radio.
8/. Model Flying.
10/. Safety Equipment/Grass-Cutting and Maintenance.
11/. Environmental Factors
12/. Visiting Pilots.
13/. Deanland Maintenance.
14/. Use of Tools and Equipment.
15/. Resident Owners - Use of Hangars and Other Areas.
16/. Authorised Pilots - Use of Aircraft
17/. Appendices
1/. Foreword.
A/. Purpose:
The purpose of this document is to collate information which relates to Deanland Airfield, thus formalising all operations at the site: It is hoped that it will provide a single reference-point for information, and that it will establish clear datum-points for general etiquette, procedures, and use of the facility.
B/. Procedural and other changes.
From time to time, revisions to procedures may be required, and these will be reflected in this document: Such changes will be promulgated in the form of revisions, unless major changes are required, in which case the complete document will be re-issued. Revisions will be made on paper for insertion into the complete document. This document is available for inspection and download at the Deanland Airfield Web Site.
C/. Issue.
The Appendix contains a list of current holders of copies of the document - each copy is numbered, and it is a personal issue.
D/. Definitions.
'The Airfield Operator' - shall be taken to mean the Deanland Airfield Limited Liability Partnership.
'Deanland Airfield'/'The Airfield'/'the 'field'/'the facility'/'the site' -- shall be taken to mean land and property, operated by the Deanland Airfield Limited Liability Partnership, which is used for the flying of, or storage of Aircraft, of whatever type, Model Aircraft of whatever type, or for the pursuit of any Aviation-related activity.
'Resident Pilots/Owners' - 'Resident/s' -- shall be taken to mean those individuals who pay rent for the use of the Airfield and the facilities thereon; the definition shall encompass those who own an aircraft jointly, or who are part of a Group which operates an aircraft from the site, or stores aircraft or components at the site.
2/. Airfield History & Details.
A/. History:
Deanland was planned as an Advanced Landing Ground in order to provide support for the D-Day Landings on 6th June 1944. Construction was started in the Spring of 1943, and the first aircraft to take to the air on D-Day flew from Deanland, providing top-cover over the Omaha and Gold beach-heads
Copies of the original War Department maps of the Airfield, and photographs of the construction phase may be seen at Deanland, and an extensive history of the Airfield, with full details of resident Squadrons, and the aircraft which they operated, has been compiled. The Brook and Price families hold much of this information, and they will supply details upon request.
On 6th June 1994, the 50th Anniversary of D-Day, an oak-tree was planted at the Western end of the entrance-road - this tree commemorates the pilots who died in operations from Deanland. The Downlands Flying Group commissioned, and donated, a brass plaque to record the commemorative planting, and this is in place in front of the tree.
The Airfield was dormant for a time, post-war, but the land came into the ownership of Richard Chandless who reactivated the site as an airfield. Richard operated his own aircraft, and he was the main U.K. agent for Avions Pierre Robin. The Airfield came under the present ownership in 1991
B/. Details:
ICAO Designator - EGKL
Co-ordinates - N50 52 E000 09 24
Elevation - 60 feet AMSL
Runway - Grass 06/24 457M x 27M
(measured T-O 532Mtrs./Ldg.500Mtrs)
VOR Ref. - SFD (117.0) - 015deg/7.5D
Radio - 129.725Mhz.
Telephone - 01323-811410
Address: Deanland Airfield,
Ripe Lane,
RIPE,
Lewes,
East Sussex, BN8 6AR
Web-Site - www.deanland-airfield.co.uk
Tie-downs - Available
Fuel - Not Available
Runway-edge lights - Available
Taxis are available at Ripe Village - number available in booking-in area above Payphone. Local accommodation is available - details in Booking-in area.
Certificate of Lawful Use # WD/93/2854/LD is held by Wealden District Council, and it is a Public Document available for inspection by request.
3/. Organisational Structure.
No formal 'Allocation of Duties' has been made at Deanland, but various tasks have gravitated towards those who may have relevant experience in any given area: Broadly, the individuals listed below take responsibility for 'their' areas, as indicated, but all are able to to assist in directing any query.
Theresa Price & Karen Brook - Fly-In catering & organisation
David Brook - Accounts/Admin.
Gerry Price - Operational/Local Liaison
David & Karen Brook
Cleggetts Farm
Ripe Lane, Ripe
LEWES,
BN8 6AR
Business Phone: 01293-429800
Home Phone: 01323 811858
Mobile: 07785-316368
G. D. & T. M. Price
Mistral House
27 Tamarisk Way,
East Preston,
West Sussex,
BN16 2TE
Phone/Fax: 01903-774379
or
Please note that the Downlands Flying Group, SPASU and Deanland Maintenance are each individual entities which use Deanland Airfield: As such, they have their own internal 'organisation', however large or small that may be, and they will have established working arrangements, which are mutually compatible, between themselves and the Operator.
4/. Insurance Requirements/Disclaimer.
A/. Insurance Requirements.
All aircraft which use Deanland Airfield, in whatever context, are required to carry appropriate insurance cover: In the case of 'resident' aircraft, or those which make use of the facility on a frequent basis, a copy of the insurance certificate must be supplied to the Operator of the Airfield. Cover should be altered, as appropriate, to cater for any change of use, or authorised pilot - for instance, in the case of a jointly-owned aircraft, were a less experienced pilot to replace one of greater experience. In any event, the Airfield Operator must be informed of such changes, and a copy of the revised insurance certificate must be provided.
Please note that vehicle, personal and other insurance cover may well be altered or compromised by going 'airside' at any aviation facility: Any area within the red 'Airside' boundary, as shown on the Map at Appendix 'G', is thus defined as being 'Airside'. All other areas are defined as 'Maintenance Areas'.
B/. Disclaimer.
All aircraft operations, vehicle movements and personal activities are carried out at your own risk: The Airfield Operator will take all reasonable precautions, and it will act with Due Diligence, but it will accept no responsibility whatsoever for any accident, damage, loss, theft or other occurrence.
5/. Entry/Egress - Movement on the Airfield - Security.
A/. Entry/Egress - Movement on the Airfield.
Surface access is, normally, through the South Gates (adjacent to Cleggetts Cottage) from Deanland Road, which runs North out of Ripe village towards Golden Cross. Please exercise caution when turning into Deanland Road from the Airfield, as vehicles seem to travel at speed on this narrow country lane.
If you are the last to leave the Airfield, please close the gate, and insert, close and 'scramble' the padlock. If we leave the gate open, this might compromise security, and, in any event, it could be construed as offering free access to the site.
The North Gates are used, generally, by aeromodellers (see Section 8). Deanland Airfield either owns, or has Right of Way over the concrete which runs from Deanland Road (next to Veals Farm entrance) to the North Gate of the Airfield, but we do ask that vehicles do not block access through either of the gates. Aeromodellers may take their vehicles onto the Airfield, but they should park as close as possible to the entrance, and should not take their cars further South onto the Airfield than is necessary - those having impaired physical ability are, of course, welcome to park their cars further up the 'field, but they must be kept clear of operational areas. When the Airfield is wet, vehicles must be parked on the hard-core area, just inside the Gate.
Different arrangements may be made for 'Event' days, and these will be agreed with the Airfield Operator on an individual basis.
Resident owners/operators of Full-Sized aircraft may take their vehicles onto the manoeuvring area in order to gain access to their aircraft and hangar, but this should be kept to an absolute minimum: Generally, such vehicular movement should be restricted to those areas near to the hangars. When the surface is soft, vehicles should not be taken onto the grass surface as rutting, or bogging-down may result.
Note: Vehicular traffic must give way to aircraft on the ground
B/. Security.
The facility is relatively 'open', in terms of access, and this is in accord with the wishes of the Operator that activity at Deanland shall not be overly regimented or restricted: There have been thefts at the airfield, and it is advisable to lock cars, and to keep other personal items secured.
The South gates are 'offset', and the Airfield Entrance cannot be seen from the road, when the gate is closed, but Residents are asked to be vigilant at all times: In the summer months, in particular, strangers do visit the Airfield, and the majority are simply interested in our activities, though others may have a less healthy goal in mind. Security is everyone's business:-
Should you have suspicions about any individual/s, please make a polite challenge: If you are not satisfied, note the car number - or any other distinctive identifier - and advise the Police as soon as possible, but do not place yourself at any personal risk.
6/. Aircraft Operations.
Please read the Disclaimer (Section 4[B]).
A/. Compliance with ANO.
All pilots operating at Deanland Airfield are required to comply with the Air Navigation Order in force at the time of their flight: This is a requirement for exercising the privileges of a CAA/JAR Pilots Licence - at Deanland, Rule 5 has particular relevance in the avoidance of local noise nuisance.
** H.M. Customs & Excise 0870 7853600
B/. Preflight/Taxy-out.
NOTAMS are no longer available in paper form, and Deanland Airfield is, thus, no longer able to keep an updated set available for pilots: The only way to achieve this is to download and print copies from the CAA Web Site at http://www.ais.org.uk (these are updated daily). The Operator cannot provide a computer terminal at the Airfield, but it remains an aircraft Commander's responsibility to be familiar with the constraints which any active NOTAM may place upon his/her intended flight.
Sites at Kittyhawk Farm, Ringmer and the Downs to the South East, South, and South West of the Airfield may be active with powered aircraft, gliders or parasails, and it is suggested that pilots identify any such activity, if possible.
Aircraft should be suitably restrained before starting the engine (chocks, tail-wheel lanyard, handbrake, or any combination), and the area should be checked for children, animals or any other potential danger. We have experienced both a dog-fatality and a runaway aircraft at Deanland - this is not a theoretical exercise). Pilots should be aware of the location of the nearest Fire-Extinguisher, and should be able to identify, and use, the correct type for any possible fire upon start-up (see Section 10). A call of 'Clear Prop' is in common use just before start, and it is a habit which the operator encourage at Deanland. Hand-swinging ('Armstrong Starter') is perfectly safe when carried out by a competent pilot and prop-swinger - please be sure that your team of 2 really is competent.
Tie-downs and chocks must be removed from the area prior to moving off; this will prevent any arriving aircraft from 'picking-up' the rope with its' propeller - this has happened at other airfields, and it can cause a tremendous amount of damage and injury.
A 'Taxying' call should be made on 129.725Mhz. and, if using runway 06, please taxy up to the North of the centreline arrow near the 'hump' on the runway, and then backtrack to the Holding Point for your checks: This action will serve to alert any aeromodellers that you are about to take-off, and it is also good Airmanship, as the far end of 06 cannot be seen from the start of the runway, due to the slight undulation of the 'hump', mentioned above.
C/. Takeoff.
PLEASE USE THE FULL-LENGTH OF THE
RUNWAY FOR TAKEOFF
Pilots should ensure that the ground is not too soft for safe operation: The various Safety Sense leaflets, available from the CAA, are very useful - 'Strip Sense' is particularly relevant to operations at Deanland. If there is any doubt at all about the state of the ground, the full length of the runway should be walked in order to ascertain conditions at first-hand.
IF ANY DOUBT REMAINS, DO NOT TAKE-OFF
Note: The state of the runway may not have been checked for some days: Retardation caused by soft ground can have a dramatic effect upon the acceleration, and therefore the takeoff performance, of any aircraft.
The Wind Velocity may be checked from the windsocks to the West of the runway close to each threshold: Please make 'Entering Runway' and 'Rolling' calls on 129.725.
D/. Climb-out.
In pursuit of causing the minimum of noise nuisance, locally, pilots should maintain the extended runway centreline track - not the runway heading - until passing over the BP garage to the North of the Eastbourne road, when departing from 06, or until passing over the A27 when using 24. Note that Kittyhawk Farm 28-day strip may be active, in which case a 20 degree turn to the Right (West) is suggested in order to keep clear of possible traffic - this will keep the strip in sight, in addition. Having passed the relevant visual point on the extended R/W centreline, pilots may turn on course.
Please make a Radio call that you are clearing the area, and note the following: All circuits at Deanland are to be flown to the West, avoiding the barn-type house to the SW, and the two large houses with lakes, which are to the WNW and NNW of the Airfield. Aircraft must not fly over, or near to, Ripe village or Deanland Wood Park. Repeated circuits and 'touch-and-goes' are not permitted, and circuit-height should be 1000' AAL - Deanland is 60' AMSL.
Note: Please refer to Appendix 'F' for a map of the areas which must be avoided.
E/. Re-join.
Call Deanland Radio (129.725) when inbound. With the exception of a Fly-In day, the Airfield is not, generally, particularly busy; with this in mind, it is perfectly acceptable to join down-wind, base-leg or straight-in, but please observe the restrictions relating to noise-sensitive locations, and make radio calls well before joining the circuit, upon joining the circuit and on final approach. A standard 'overhead' join may be flown, but minimum power should be used, with radio calls being made at the various points around the circuit.
F/. Final Approach.
R/W/ 24: Aircraft should be established on the extended runway centreline by the time they pass overhead the BP garage at Golden Cross. This track should be maintained to the threshold, and a 'finals' radio call should be made.
R/W 06: Aircraft should be established on the centreline track of the runway upon passing overhead the A27, and a 'finals' radio call should be made. If Kittyhawk Farm is active, a Westerly offset may be advisable, intercepting the 06 centreline about one mile from the threshold.
Note; As at many G-A airfields, turbulence and wind-shear may be a factor when approaching either runway.
G/. Go-around.
In the event that a Go-Around proves necessary, make a radio call when things have settled-down ('..... going around runway 24/06'), and fly the extended centreline track, just as if you had taken off. If the G/A was from 06, fly to the BP garage before turning cross-wind, and for 24, go as far as Kittyhawk farm - as you are turning back into the circuit, it is not a requirement that you fly as far as the A27. Please bear in mind our noise requirements, and make radio-calls in the circuit.
H/. Landing/post-landing.
Aircraft should clear the active runway expeditiously, and a radio-call should be made when vacated ('....vacated R/W 24/06'). From runway 24, a left turn off will take you towards the hangar, but 06 will require a right turn to backtrack the taxiway.
Note: If it is necessary to backtrack the runway, ensure that no traffic is departing or on finals, and make a radio-call. When taxying-in, please be vigilant for animals, children or any other potential hazard.
No Training Flying of any kind is to be undertaken from Deanland Airfield. Familiarisation, whether due to a change of aircraft on the part of an established owner, or by a new pilot/owner becoming familiar with Deanland, is acceptable.
Certain situations - Young Eagles Air Experience flying, for instance - may be acceptable, but these will be considered, and briefed-for, on an individual basis.
Deanland has an adequately-long runway for many G-A types, but upslope/downslope and the width of the mowed surface can generate a visual illusion that the runway is quite short. Newcomers to the Airfield must have adequate experience to operate, safely, from Deanland, and established owners are expected to maintain proficiency in such operations.
J/. Re-fuelling.
Spillage of fuel onto grass areas should be avoided, as the resultant bare-patches become a magnet for rabbits: Fuelling should be carried-out in hard surfaces, if at all possible, and it is commonly agreed that re- and de-fuelling inside a hangar is, potentially, dangerous.
K/. Outside Parking.
Should an aircraft need to be left outside, it is the owners' responsibility to ensure that it is secure in all respects: Deanland Airfield can accept no responsibility in this area.
L/. Summary.
Safety is the prime goal for all operations at Deanland, and the legal onus for a safe operation lies upon the Pilot in Command: The Airfield Operator will do all possible to facilitate safety in general, and any suggestions as to how this may be achieved, in any area, will be welcomed.
Second only to safety, is our desire that operations from Deanland cause no local impact, and this distils to the absolute minimisation of noise: We have very good relations with the local community, and it remains vital that all pilots operating from the Airfield adhere to the procedures described in Section 6. The Airfield reserves the right to evict any resident pilot/s on the grounds of breaches of safety, breaches of noise-minimisation requirements, or any other matter.
7/. Deanland Radio:
Operating on 129.725 Mhz., this is a licenced Ground-Air/Air-Ground facility. It may only be used as detailed in CAP 452, and users must be authorised on an annual basis. (This is satisfied by signature of a Radio Operators Certificate of Competence)
It is important to note that, as no Air Traffic Service is offered, or implied, no form of clearance may be given, and, for instance, the words ".... at your discretion" cannot be used.
The facility may be used to pass details of W/V and other weather information, details of the runway condition, or details of other traffic: If pressure information is requested, the enquirer should be advised that Deanland lies at 60 feet AMSL - by reference to the Regional QNH (Chatham), he/she will be able to calculate the QFE. The radio transmitter is located in the large caravan, and the microphone-lead and external speaker-system permit external use.
For non-radio aircraft, or in the event of radio-failure, an Aldis Lamp is housed in a box close to the exit-point of R/W 24, adjacent to the penultimate Runway Light, on the left Hand (South Easterly) side of the Runway. CAA/JAR Licence-holders should be familiar with Light Signals, but a laminated-card, containing the relevant information, is housed with the lamp, together with Red and Green filters.
8/. Model Flying.
Note: This section must be read in conjunction with the map contained in the Appendix. This map details the areas to be used by modellers, both for Airborne and for Ground Activities. It is imperative that the locations shown for modelling use are adhered to.
A/. Use by Aeromodellers.
It is the intention of the Operator that the Airfield shall be used for as many aviation-related activities as possible, commensurate with both safety, and the absolute minimisation of noise-nuisance to our neighbours.
'Silent Flight' models may use the Airfield at any time, operating in compliance with the operational details which follow; 'Silent Flight' models are defined as gliders, and electrically-powered models.
2- and 4-stroke powered models may use the Airfield on specified Sundays or Saturdays throughout the year: The dates of these days will be agreed with the Operator and the Eastbourne Model Flying Club. No more than one such day per Calendar Month will be agreed.
'Event Days' will be additional to the annual total of 12 days, and different parking arrangements will be agreed with the Airfield operator for such days: Parking on other flying days must be in accordance with the details contained in Section 5 of this document.
B/. Model and Full-Sized Aircraft Integration.
Deanland is, primarily, a facility for Full-Sized flying machines, and full-sized aircraft will take priority over models at all times.
Full-sized aircraft taxying for takeoff will pass close to modellers when using R/W 24, and they will taxy to the 'high' point of R/W 06 prior to takeoff, in order to make it clear that a departure is imminent. Prior to any takeoff of a full-sized aircraft, models should be landed, or flown well to the East of the runway close to the Deanland Road hedge. Additionally, it is a requirement that an Airband Receiver be tuned to 129.725Mhz., and that it be continuously monitored for full-sized traffic movements at Deanland Airfield whenever model flying activity is taking place.
Note: Aircraft joining the circuit at Deanland will usually overfly the Airfield, especially if they are non-radio, but they are not required to do so - see Section 6(E) for details of joining procedures. With this in mind, vigilance is required on the part of model flyers.
As soon as an aircraft is seen to be on Final Approach for either Runway, any airborne models should either be landed, or should be flown well to the East of the runway, close to the Deanland Road hedge. All aeromodellers use Deanland entirely at their own risk, and they must have appropriate Insurance Cover.
Responsibility for maintaining separation from full-sized aircraft remains with the Aeromodellers at all times.
Note: We have experienced one instance of an unauthorised, unannounced low-level, high-speed 'beat-up', in contravention of Rule 5 of the Air Navigation Order: Under these circumstances, modellers could not possibly be expected to maintain separation from the Full-Sized aircraft, and it seems likely that the airborne pilots' illegality would provide an adequate defence for any aeromodeller, in Law.
C/. Sussex Police Air Support Unit (SPASU).
The SPASU helicopter pilots use procedures, which are detailed in Section 9. Aeromodellers must be aware of these different procedures, and they must ensure that they maintain separation from the helicopter at all times.
When the helicopter is on the ground, models must be flown well away from its' location - please refer to the 'Aeromodelling' map included in the Appendix.
D/. Parking.
Other than 'Event Days', parking must be in accordance with the details contained in Section 5.
E/. Use by other than EMFC and Silent Flight Modellers.
The Airfield Operator may grant permission to fly models of any type at any time to other individuals: Included in this definition is Mr. Roy Medhurst who has been a great friend of the Airfield for many years.
9/. Helicopter Operations (SPASU).
Note: This Section should be read in conjunction with the Noise/SPASU Map at Appendix 'F'.
A/. Sussex Police Air Support Unit.
This Unit will use Deanland Airfield occassionaly - please note that neither the helicopter, nor the Unit, is based at Deanland in any sense.
The Unit flies in support of Police Crime-Fighting, Crime-Prevention, Pursuit and other facets of the normal Policing Function, but it takes on the additional roles of CasEvac and Search and Rescue, as required.
10/. Safety Equipment/Grass-Cutting and Airfield Maintenance.
A/. Safety Equipment:
All pilots are required to be familiar with the location of Fire Extinguishers, and they should be able to identify, and operate, the most appropriate type for any particular fire. Extinguishers are sited at various strategic points on the Airfield, and these locations are detailed on the Safety Equipment Map at Appendix 'I'.
In addition, resident owner-pilots should be able to drive the Fire & RescueTruck, positioned as shown on the Appendix map; they should be familiar with the equipment therein, and its use - a sledge-hammer, fire-gloves and protective helmet, extinguishers, wrecking/prising bar, axe, ladders, rope etc. are available in the truck, together with a small First Aid Kit.
Note: A First Aid kit is also kept in the Booking-in area. Telephone numbers which would be relevant in the event of an emergency are contained in the Appendix section, and they are also pinned next to the telephones at Deanland Airfield.
Laminated 'Accident Procedures', 'Emergency Services Details', Accident/Incident Instructions', and 'Post Event Media Statement Sheets' are personal issue to all holders of the Deanland Document. Additional copies are available in the Main Hangars, and on the Drivers' seat of the Crash Truck. EACH OF THESE IS REPRODUCED AS APPENDICES 'J', 'K', 'L' AND 'M' TO THIS DOCUMENT - PLEASE READ, AND BECOME FULLY FAMILIAR WITH, THESE SHEETS.
In the unlikely event that you are present at an incident/accident at Deanland which requires the attendance of the Emergency Services and their vehicles, it is essential that you specify the use of either the North or the South gate, ensure that the chosen gate is unlocked, and instruct someone to meet the vehicles on Deanland Road - the Emergency Services will gain access to the site in the minimum time, if these procedures are followed. The gate codes are:
SOUTH GATE - **** ('Normal' entrance)
NORTH GATES - ****
B/. Grass-Cutting and Airfield Maintenance:
Note: Offers to mow are much appreciated, but insurance considerations dictate that only those designated by Airfield Operator may use cutting equipment, or other machinery, at the site, and such offers must be declined.
Mowing of the 'Active' areas of Deanland Airfield takes about two-and-a- half hours, and, during that time, the operative will listen-out on 129.725Mhz.: this will facilitate expeditious vacating of runway/taxyway, and the passing of requisite information to aircraft.
On a very few past occasions, the mobile radio has not been available: Should this situation arise in future, the operative will maintain an enhanced lookout, in order to avoid hindrance to active aircraft, and mowing will only be undertaken if a period of very low activity is anticipated.
Similarly, the battery on the mobile transceiver has expired without the tractor-driver being aware that this has occurred; this has only happened once in the past 9 years, and the go-around of a resident aircraft alerted the driver to the situation. The Operator will do all possible to avoid such a situation arising in future, but, if the tractor does not clear the runway, or does not respond to your 'finals' radio-call, please execute a low Go-Around - DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE DRIVER HAS HEARD YOUR CALL, AND HAS SIMPLY NOT RESPONDED.
From time to time, it is necessary to undertake maintenance work in close proximity to the runway, or to other 'active' areas: Under these circumstances, the operative will be listening-out on 129.725, and he/she will move clear of the area by a prudent distance.
Other maintenance work will be necessary on occasion, and, where this involves disruption to the use of hangars, roadways etc., we ask for your co-operation. Such maintenance will always be completed in the minimum possible time.
11/. Environmental Considerations.
Deanland Airfield is situated within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the South Downs National Park: As such it is the intention of the Operator that the Airfield be a part of that Area, rather than an imposition upon it. Two separate, but complimentary, considerations must be acknowledged, in order to achieve that aim, namely, Physical Aspects and The Perceptions of the Local Community.
A/. Physical Aspects.
Within its' boundaries, the Airfield contains areas of woodland, natural-hedging and coarse meadowland. Generally, the land is maintained with the minimum use of pesticides, and other intrusive control-methods, although some light spraying may be used in order to keep the hay-crop clear of weeds, which might be harmful to livestock.
Various species of tree have been planted, placing emphasis upon those which would occur, naturally, in the English countryside; the growth of indigenous species such as Hawthorn/Blackthorn, Oak, Ash, Beech, Elm, etc. is encouraged.
The site is a haven for many types of insect - Bees, Butterflies and Dragonflies are particularly prolific - and we enjoy a good variety of bird-life; the resident Nightingale chorus, which serenades the area up to late May, has been described as the best for miles, and we have 'our own' Barn- and Tawny-Owls, Marsh-and Hen-Harriers, Swifts Swallows and Martins from late Spring, and a pair of Buzzard has been seen over the Eastern Meadow. Of note is the fact that the hay is never cropped until ground-nesting birds have completed their fledging-cycle, and we boast an excellent population of Skylarks, as a result.
The Mammal population is made up of many varieties of Mouse, though we have not spotted the rare Dormouse, as yet: Others include Stoat, Weasel, Badger, Shrew and Field-Vole and several varieties of Bat - mostly Pipistrelle. By far the largest contingent in the Mammalian camp is that of the Rabbit; these animals cause a certain amount of damage at the Airfield, and they invade surrounding crop-growing fields to a considerable extent. They are controlled naturally, in part, by the local Fox population, but shooting takes place if numbers appear to be getting too high - this only takes place when there is no significant human activity at Deanland.
B/. The Perceptions of the Local Community.
Deanland has a Certificate of Lawful Use (WD/93/2854/LD), and it would be possible, in theory, to pursue our hobby within the constraints of the Certificate, but without giving any thought to our neighbours, and other Local Residents. This would not be a tenable stance, in the long-term, and our policy is one of listening to our neighbours, and acting upon local feedback, if at all possible.
We recognise that, if we were to have any local impact, it would most likely be that of noise, and the long-term aim must be to have quiet aircraft in residence. Until the technology catches-up, we must minimise noise by insisting upon absolute compliance with the Noise Abatement Procedures which are detailed in Section 6 (Aircraft Operations). It must be emphasised that these procedures have been kept as simple as possible, and any resident pilot who is unable, or unwilling, to adhere to them will be asked to leave Deanland Airfield. Acceptance of an offer to 'reside' at Deanland implies an acceptance that compliance with the Noise Abatement Procedures is mandatory.
If a complaint is received, and it can be verified that the transgressor was a resident pilot, the Airfield Operator will deal with the complainant at inception, but may require that the individual pilot concerned take-up the matter at a later stage. Having outlined this procedure, it is important to note that the Operator will pursue a valid complaint to its' conclusion, but will not entertain generalised, non-specific or other specious complaints which, quite probably, have their origins within the General Aviation Population at large - the airspace over and around Deanland is Uncontrolled, and neither the Airfield Operator nor any other individual or body has any jurisdiction over it.
In this context, it is recognised that individuals within any cross-section of the population may object to Light Aviation generally, and would like to see it banned - the Ripe area is no exception to that observation: In order to maintain some balance in such matters, and to be seen to be maintaining that balance, the owners communicate with the Ripe Parish Council in a consistently open manner. We have made an important contribution to local issues, such as Land-Raise, and the Police helicopter makes use of the Airfield in the pursuit of its' various tasks - another useful contribution to the Social Fabric of this part of East Sussex.
C/. Summary:
All visitors and resident owners/pilots at Deanland must respect the environment by, for instance, removing waste from the site for appropriate disposal; wherever possible, the environment of the Airfield and the surrounding area should be enhanced.
All aviation activity to, from, and at Deanland must be conducted in the most noise-sensitive manner possible. Compliance with all Noise Abatement Procedures is mandatory.
Suggestions and feedback on these topics are especially welcome, and should be directed to the Airfield Operator, as appropriate.
12/. Visiting Aircraft.
A/. Procedures.
The Airfield Operator monitors the use of the Airfield, partly to ensure that use of the facility by Visitors does not have a detrimental effect. Deanland Airfield is, hopefully, to be enjoyed by Visiting Pilots, though that hope is tempered, on occasion, by Visitors' unwillingness, or inability, to comply with our Noise Abatement Procedures, very simple though they are. Resident Aircraft Owners are asked to 'assist' Visiting Pilots to comply with the Noise Abatement Procedures, advise them that they are required to Book In, and to Book Out, and they must pay the appropriate landing and parking fees.
B/. Background:
Pressure upon General Aviation facilities in the South East of England has increased during the past few years, and Deanland has felt this pressure in the form of pilots who use the facility for a quick jaunt, and a free landing. Ideally, the Airfield Operator would like this to continue, but it has been noted that too many visitors simply do not bother to self-brief our Noise Abatement Procedures, and do not fly them, as a result.
Should a Resident Owner invite a Visiting Pilot to Deanland Airfield, it is the responsibility of the 'inviting' owner/pilot to brief his prospective visitor, in detail, regarding all procedures at Deanland Airfield.
Please see the Telephone Briefing Sheet, which is at Appendix 'B'.
13/. Deanland Maintenance.
This was established in 1991 by Denis and Gerry Price in order to offer a CAA-Approved (M3) facility at Deanland Airfield.
Due to pressure of other work, the facility if now operated by David Hockings, and a regular throughput of Certified Aircraft on major, or minor, maintenance takes place: Deanland Maintenance is permitted to use the Airfield for any aviation-related activity at its' discretion: Noise Abatement requirements will be complied-with at all times, and aircraft will be moved, parked or otherwise stored with due consideration for other 'residents' of Deanland Airfield.
Deanland Maintenance uses the Portakabin office to the North of the West Main Hangar - the actual Maintenance functions are carried out within this hangar.
Calibration-equipment, tools and the correct storage of many items, for instance, make up part of the CAA-Approval process which David has to undergo - at considerable expense - on an Annual basis: Resident owners/pilots must respect the fact that this hangar is 'off-limits' - under no circumstances may tools or other equipment be used, or removed from this hangar.
David Hockings' details:-36 Quinnell Drive, HAILSHAM, East Sussex, BN27 1QN
Mobile: 07710-329369
e-mail: david@hockings.flyer.co.uk
Note; Deanland Maintenance is the only organisation which is permitted to carry-out maintenance of aircraft at Deanland Airfield:
Even if you are a PFA Inspector, or you have some other form of 'approval', the Airfield is not to be used as a maintenance 'base', in however small a capacity, and owners/pilots must not be invited to Deanland in order to have their aircraft maintained, under any circumstances.
The only work to be undertaken at Deanland Airfield is that on 'resident' aircraft, or those coming under the auspices of Deanland Maintenance.
14/. Use of tools and Equipment:
In order to maintain vehicles, and the Airfield in general, the Airfield Operator keeps tools and equipment on-site: These must not be used without specific authorisation. An accident with gas-welding equipment, for instance, could have serious Insurance implications, and permission for such use will not, generally, be given.
Please note: The Airfield Operator takes no responsibility for tools or equipment brought onto the Airfield by individuals: Please ensure that your personal insurance covers such use at Deanland.
15/. Resident Owners - Use of Hangars and Other Areas.
SMOKING: Smoking is not permitted within hangars at Deanland Airfield
It is generally accepted that smoking in the vicinity of any aircraft represents a fire-hazard - please do not smoke in the vicinity of aircraft at Deanland Airfield.
It is the intention of the Airfield Operator that the use of the facilities at Deanland Airfield should be as unfettered as is possible. To that end, all hangar-spaces are large enough to allow aircraft to be moved both in and out without the need to move other aircraft out of the way; other residents will have their own trailer-box, or building, in which their aircraft is stored.
The Operator 'vets' potential residents, and a surprising number of applicants have been rejected, over the years: This has resulted in a harmonious atmosphere at the Airfield, where residents may come and go as they please, and are able to gain the maximum enjoyment from their chosen hobby, with the minimum of restriction.
Where a hangar is occupied, residents are expected to keep the area generally tidy and free of rubbish. In the same way, if your aircraft is tied-down, or you occupy a trailer- box or individual storage-building, please keep it, and its' immediate environs, tidy, and free of rubbish.
Note: The Operator does not offer a cleaning or waste-disposal service, and the maintenance of a clean, tidy and thus, safe hangar is the responsibility of the occupant/s.
Please interact with your fellow owners/pilots in a courteous and considerate manner.
16/. Aircraft Ownership/Authorised Use.
A/. Aircraft Ownership.
Unless advised to the contrary, the Airfield Operator will assume that an aircraft is owned by the resident who initially applied, and was accepted for, 'residence' at Deanland Airfield (it is accepted that a Finance Company, Bank etc. may be the actual owner of the aircraft, but that should not affect the intent of this section).
If ownership of an aircraft passes to another individual, the Airfield Operator must be informed: On no account should it be assumed that a new owner may continue to keep an aircraft at Deanland, and 'For Sale' advertisements, for example, must not state, or imply, that continued residence at Deanland will, or might, constitute part of any transaction. If you do sell your aircraft, and you think that you may wish to offer Deanland residence as part of the package, you must contact the Airfield Operator in the first instance.
If another pilot is authorised to fly an aircraft, in addition to the owner of that aircraft, the Airfield Operator must be informed: Obviously, an additional pilot will generate additional movements for any given aircraft, and the Operator shall approve, or otherwise, any such change to the use of an aircraft at Deanland Airfield - this is simply common courtesy, but it is not always observed. (The Operator must be satisfied that insurance requirements are being met in respect of any change, for instance).
Note: Any form of Group, joint-ownership or operation of an aircraft is subject to the approval of the Airfield Operator. Generally, sole ownership and operation of aircraft is the norm at Deanland.
7/. Appendices:
B. Telephone Briefing Card.
C/. Emergency Telephone Numbers.
D/. Amendment Sheet.E/. Gate Codes.
F/. SPASU Reporting Points/Noise Map.
G/. Site Map.
H/. Aeromodellers' Map.
I/. Safety Equipment Map.
J/. Post-Accident Procedures.
K/. Emergency Services Details.
L/. Accident/Incident Instructions.
M/. Post-Event Media Statement.
B/.
Telephone Briefing
QUESTION REPLY ACTION
No Read ALL briefing
Have you flown into Yes-frequently 1,5,6,8, & 9.
Deanland before? Yes - long ago 1,5,6,7,8 & 9.
1/. What aircraft are you flying?
*No weight-shift Microlights, Grumman AA-5/Cheetah, Falco, SOCATA Trinidad, Tobago, Tampico - No twin-engined aircraft.
2/. Strip is grass, 457m long by 27m wide: Is this O.K. for you?
*Runway is mown grass, undulating, but smooth, and may be soft after rain: The approaches are good, and unobstructed, with some trees well beyond the South West threshold.
3/. Runway is 06/24 with ALL circuits, for either runway, to be flown wide, to the West - i.e. R/H 24 - L/H 06. 60 feet AMSL - use Chatham ASR - Radio 'Deanland Radio' 129.725 (Usually unmanned).
4/. Circuit-Join - manned radio: Follow verbal instructions, which will be similar to '5'.
5/. Circuit-Join non-radio (or unmanned): Use minimum power to fly overhead and observe windsock; fly circuit for whichever runway is appropriate, making radio calls Overhead, Downwind, and Finals. Keep all manoeuvring well to the West of the 'field - do not fly over, or near to, the two houses with lakes to the West and North West of the 'field, Ripe village, or Deanland Caravan Park, to the North East.
6/. Circuit & Finals: Fly a wide circuit to the West at 1100' AAL - minimum finals leg for either runway is to be 2 miles. Reminder - make radio calls in the circuit, even if there is no reply.
7/. After Landing: Use the taxiway, or backtrack the runway - Book-in at the Control Point, marked by a large yellow 'C'. Please donate a minimum of £3-00 to the WWF Panda.
8/. Take-off & Departure: Reminder - You must Book-Out: make Radio calls entering the Runway, Rolling and Leaving the Area. Fly the Runway centreline (NOT the runway heading) for at least 2 miles before turning on-course. If in doubt about the aircraft performance, or the runway length, use Short Field technique.
9/. Use of Deanland is entirely at your own risk - Please ensure that your aircraft and pilot performance are compatible with the 'field. Third Party Insurance is required, and it must be valid. Always remember that our neighbours must not be disturbed by your arrival or departure - please use Deanland Airfield with the utmost consideration for them.
C/.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
FOR IMMEDIATE
POLICE/FIRE/AMBULANCE
CALL - 999
Air Accident Investigation Branch - 01252-512299
David Brook - 01323 811858 (home)
David Brook - 01292-429800 (business)
David Brook - 07785-316368 (mobile)
E.
Gate Codes:
NORTH GATES - ****
SOUTH GATE - ****
(This is the 'normal' gate for entry - please memorise the number)
SOUTH 'FIELD' GATE - ****
J/.
Accident Procedures - Deanland Airfield
1/. Sound the Emergency Alarm - Extricate aircraft occupants.
CONSIDER, VERY CAREFULLY, YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY
2/. Offer First Aid, within your capabilities.
3/. Call Emergency Services on 999 - use the words "Light Aircraft Accident" at Deanland Airfield, Deanland Road, RIPE, East Sussex, BN4 6AR
01323-811410
Located one mile North of the village of Ripe - one mile South of Deanland Woodpark, which is 1 1/2 miles South of the A22 at Golden Cross.
Use South*/North*/South & North* entrance(-s) Rendezvous Point Markers are on the verge, close to each entrance. Gate codes are SOUTH - **** NORTH - ****
*As appropriate.
4/. Position personnel on Deanland Road, near Entrance(-s), to direct the Emergency Services.
5/. Call:
DAVID BROOK - 01323 811858 / 01293-429802
07785316368
IF NO REPLY
DAVID HOCKINGS - 07710329369
ONCE THE SITUATION HAS BEEN CONTAINED:-
6/. Call:
Air Accident Investigation Branch - 01252-512299
7/. Do not remove, or disturb, anything at the scene, and do not allow others to do so, unless AAIB authorise.
8/. Open the 'Accident/Emergency' box, which is located in the rear of the Emergency Vehicle - FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS, WHICH ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BOX.
K/.
Emergency Services Details - Deanland Airfield.
Location: Approx. 5 miles East of LEWES, between the A259 to the South, and the A22 to the North.
1 mile to the North of RIPE Village, on the Westerly side of Deanland Road.
1 1/2 miles South of Deanland Woodpark.
2 1/2 miles South of Golden Cross, on the A22 Eastbourne Road.
Two Entrance Gates: (In each case, further gate inside Airfield)
NORTH GATES: (Green 'RVP NORTH' sign)
PADLOCK CODE -
Enter over Concrete Hard-Standing, turning Left towards second (Inner) Gate. Continue straight ahead along 'hardened' track towards SPASU heli-pad.
** In wet periods, no grassed surface on the Airfield will support the weight of a rescue appliance without bogging-down **
A lake (water source) is situated just to the North of the North, inner, Entrance Gate: It is just outside the Airfield Boundary, but it is readily accessible for an Incident at the Northern end of the Airfield.
**CONTINUED OVERLEAF**
SOUTH GATE: (Green 'RVP SOUTH' sign)
PADLOCK CODE - ****
Entrance beside Cleggetts Farm
** GRASS AREA BETWEEN TWO MAIN HANGARS WILL SUPPORT WEIGHT OF RESCUE VEHICLE **
(Steel Mesh Underlay Embedded in Grass)
Telephone Nos:
DAVID BROOK - 01293-429802 / 07785-316368 / 01323 811858
DAVID HOCKINGS - 07710-329369
L/.
ACCIDENT - INCIDENT INSTRUCTIONS
1/. Photographs:
Use the single-use camera, which is contained in this box, to photograph all relevant aspects of the Accident/Incident: Be sure to photograph 'Collateral Damage' along the Trajectory/Flightpath to the final stopping-point. Skid marks, propeller-strike slashes etc. can be very useful, and may be lost quickly in poor weather.
After using-up all the film, the camera should be handed to David Brook, Roy Brook, Gerry Price or David Hockings - Do not hand it to any other person, or to any other agency.
2/. Emergency Services:
Offer all possible assistance to the Emergency Professionals, but do not hinder them by trying to involve yourself in their work.
3/. Media/Press:
The telephone will start to ring fairly soon after the event, followed, in short order, by the arrival of photographers and reporters. If you have spare personnel, detail someone to man the Airfield telephone, using the 'Statement Format'. Several copies of this are contained within this box.
** Be polite, but firm in dealing with all media personnel - they are paid to get a story, and they will be persistent. **
Photographers: We do not permit photography, post Incident/Accident, at Deanland Airfield. If possible, position someone at the Gate(s), and decline. politely, access to this private land. Note that we have no power to prevent anyone trespassing on land which is not part of Deanland Airfield.
M/.
Post Event Media Statement.
To reporters (in person, or on the telephone):-
1/. Advise them that we are busy in the aftermath of the occurrence, and that the Airfield Operator may, or may not, make a fuller statement later on.
2/. The Runway at Deanland is just under 1500 feet long, which is long enough for the majority of Light Aircraft. The Airfield is Private, and no Fare Paying Flights take place at any time.
3/. In common with most Airfields, we do have the occasional Incident or Accident - flying is not as easy as driving a car, by any means, but one is safer, statistically, flying to or from Deanland Airfield, than making the journey by road. At the Annual Fly-In, around 50 aircraft arrive and depart in complete safety over a period of about 6 hours, having raised several hundred pounds for Charity.
4/. For many reasons, we cannot speculate upon the causes of the Accident/Incident, but the Air Accident Investigation Branch Report will be published, in due course, and it will be a Public Document, as are all Accident Reports.
5/. The Pilot (and Passengers, as applicable):-
Are completely unharmed
Or
Have been taken to hospital
6/. The Aircraft is a ..........., and it was flying from/to .......
** Politely decline to answer further questions, re-stating that the Airfield Operator may have more to say later. **
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