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Scottish Gliding Centre Portmoak Airfield. Alan Boyle - Vice Chairman Alec Stevenson – Secretary. Background. Scottish Gliding Union Ltd formed in 1938 Based at Portmoak for over 50 years Owns the site of the airfield Chose the site because the hills provide excellent flying conditions
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Scottish Gliding CentrePortmoak Airfield Alan Boyle - Vice Chairman Alec Stevenson – Secretary
Background • Scottish Gliding Union Ltd formed in 1938 • Based at Portmoak for over 50 years • Owns the site of the airfield • Chose the site because the hills provide excellent flying conditions • Has become one of Britain’s largest and most active gliding clubs • Attracts pilots from around the UK and beyond
Background • It’s large – more take-offs and landings than Dundee and Inverness together • It’s a centre of excellence – 8 UK records and world-wide “flight of the year” in 2007 • It’s inclusive – pioneered gliding for disabled people • It’s green – zero carbon emissions when flying
What is Airfield Safeguarding? • SAFETY for general public, neighbours and pilots • Means of preventing accidents or obstructions • Protects the airspace through which aircraft have to fly in the vicinity of an airfield • Protects landing areas and approaches • Protects the airfield users and public against danger from each other • Govt policy acknowledges that airfields have particular site requirements - official guidance
What is Airfield Safeguarding? • Consultation only – not a prohibition on development • Consultation usually based on a Consultation Zone and policies in the Local Plan • Examples: • Staffordshire Gliding Club, Seighford • South Down Gliding Club, Parham
Portmoak Airfield SafeguardingCurrent Situation • 1998 Safeguarding Report based on official advice on safeguarding plans • Supported by Scottish Sports Council • Adopted as policy in Kinross Area Local Plan 2004 • Consultation zone = 1km radius circle, centred on airfield
Safe operations • Policy 49 – focus on safety • “Developments likely to have an impact on he safe operation of aircraft will be refused” • E.g. obstructions • tall masts, wind turbines, buildings close to the airfield boundary • Pilot training not without risk, as shown on “outlanding” map
Looking forward • New planning act > new development plan • Dialogue between PKC and Gliding Centre about the Safeguarding Policy and Consultation Zone • Input to Main Issues consultation, late 2010 • Consultation zone to be more relevant to gliding activity – landing areas, hill soaring • Official guidance – GAAC, BGA, CAA, Scottish Government • Possible re-shaping of Consultation Zone?