News Item Archive - 2009

June 2009

• Flying all Week??: At last we have some high pressure and early signs are for flyable conditions all week. Best days in the first half of the week. See the weather forecast for more details.
  
  
• Aberdeen Round: A good turnout for the first round of the Scottish Nationals in Aberdeen saw Task 1 (emptying the 100-pint barrel) getting completed with ease. There are also rumours of some flying tasks too! Details to follow. Next round of the Nationals is the Arran comp on 4/5 July.
  
  
• Dales Bash & BCC: This weekend 27/28 June sees the Dales Northern Bash along with the Dales round of the British Clubs Challenge. Early forecasts are looking pretty good for flyable weather on both days giving the LLSC team a chance to show what they are made of!! All welcome to attend - even non-competitors and non-flyers - and if there are any last -minute entries to the team then get in touch with info@llsclub.org.uk leaving your name, contact and brief message..
  
  
• Flying Log A new addition to the website - a Flying Log to record all flying days through the year. Apart from being an interesting read, it will also create a truer picture about just how flyable Scotland is each year. Credit must go to Tom Percival for putting in the hard work in getting these pages together and continuing to maintain them.
  
  
• Abington - Open again: We have now been informed that the Abington site is now flyable again. This is a Cloudbusters training site, so please remember to call Peter Shields first before flying there (07899 878509). Thank you.
  
  

  May 2009

• Scottish Nationals: Dates for the 2009 Scottish Nationals are now finalised, (subject to amendments for weather) see Events & Dates.
  
  
• Flying Log A new addition to the website - a Flying Log to record all flying days through the year. Apart from being an interesting read, it will also create a truer picture about just how flyable Scotland is each year. Credit must go to Tom Percival for putting in the hard work in getting these pages together and continuing to maintain them.
  
  
• Members Area & Newsletter: All members should have received the latest newsletter, featuring the first in a series of Easy XC flights. Also included are the new login and password details which give access to the LLSC Members area, including contact details. If you think you have been missed out, contact website@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• BP Cup/British Championships: May saw the paragliding competition community descend on the Borders for two competitions - the BP Cup and the British PG Championships. Although blessed with a week of glorious weather, there was only one flyable day as the winds were too strong. But that one day was excellent, with plenty of 'interesting' flying and over 15 in goal. Despite the disappointing conditions, a good time was had by all, in no small part due to the wonderful location: Tibbie Shiels Inn on St Marys Loch.
  
  
• X-Scotia - AMBER: At time of writing, the weekend of 23/24 May is an AMBER with winds currently looking set to be light SW but with a hint of showers (to keep competitors cool??). If you want to get a taste of the event, the official DVD of X-Scotia 2008 is now available, priced £10, from teh SHPF website. Any volunteers to help run the event contact Gordon at: <gordon(at)eggshell.demon.co.uk>.
  
  
• Lambing Season - Abington: Reminder for everyone not to land near any livestock, and no flying at Abington until further notice. If unsure, always check status before flying.
  
  

  Mar 2009

• AGM: Last week's AGM did the usual business, but perhpas most importantly agreed to some revisions to the subscriptions to come into effect next year. Full details in the forthcoming Newsletter.
  
  
• NATS Responses: ***Closing date is 24 March 2009*** Not long left to submit your responses to the consultation document. See the Google Group for the latest update on negotiations, view the NATS Consultation Document and then download the NATS Consultation Response Form.
  
  
• Spring Flying - At last!: It is hard to believe, but the current weather forecast suggests we are in for a whole week of high pressure, and flyable conditions into the weekend.
  
  
• BP Cup Drivers: Volunteers still required for the BP Cup from 9th -12th May, especially minibus drivers for the last two days. This is a great opportunity to see how some of the top pilots fly - so if you aren't competing, get involved with helping in some way. Contact Dave Lyal <dave_lyal(at)yahoo.co.uk> for more info.
  
  
• AGM & Auction: The club AGM takes place this Wed, 18th March in the usual location (Buchanan Arms Hotel on Buchanan Street, nr Glasgow Queen Street station). Meet at 7.30pm with proceedings starting at 8pm. All welcome to attend - come and meet other members and grab yourself a bargain at the club auction. (Bring along your donations of unwanted items - all gratefully received in aid of club funds).
  
  
• Membership: A final reminder that reduced 2009 subscriptions only apply before the AGM - bring your cheque book along and you can pay on the night, or do it all online - details on the 2009 Application Form.
  
  
• Members Area Access: Advance notice that the Members Area will be getting updated shortly to include contact details of all members and to add more articles. At the same time, you will each be notified of the new login and password for the area.
  
  
• NATS Responses: ***Closing date is 24 March 2009*** Not long left to submit your responses to the consultation document. See the Google Group for the latest update on negotiations, view the NATS Consultation Document and then download the NATS Consultation Response Form.
  
  
• Air Maps: Following the Group discussions about Air Maps, it is worth reminding all members that the club has a couple of 1:250 Air Maps covering our main flying areas. These are available on a free loan basis, which allows you to copy the info onto a simple Travel Master map and you're all set to go! Anyone wishing to borrow the maps should contact info@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• X-Scotia 2009: It's back! "A gentle stroll around Lochearnhead with some flying thrown in..." Either compete or get involved as a volunteer. See the X-Scotia 2009 info sheet for details or contact Gordon at: <gordon(at)eggshell.demon.co.uk>.
  
  
• Flying Log A new addition to the website - a Flying Log to record all flying days through the year. Apart from being an interesting read, it will also create a truer picture about just how flyable Scotland is each year. Credit must go to Tom Percival for putting in the hard work in getting these pages together and continuing to maintain them.
  
  

  Feb 2009

• Club Night: Following the first major flying day of the season last week, the Club Night on Wed 25th Feb at 7.30 in Tinto Hotel is dedicated to discussion of the good and bad from the day, along with some specifically requested topics (Air Maps and some GPS questions). It promises to raise some very interesting points (Flight planning, When it all goes wrong, Transitions, Monitioring conditions, equipment....and lots more) as well as being a good night out. Check the LLSC Group to find/offer transport.
  
  
• AGM / Membership: Advance notice that the club AGM will take place on Wednesday 18th March. Location still to be finalised, but likely to be central Glasgow. Remember that reduced 2009 subscriptions only apply before until the AGM - you can pay by cheque or better still by online transfer - details on the 2009 Application Form or email membership@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• X-Scotia 2009: It's back! "A gentle stroll around Lochearnhead with some flying thrown in..." Either compete or get involved as a volunteer. See the X-Scotia 2009 info sheet for details or contact Gordon at: <gordon(at)eggshell.demon.co.uk>.
  
  
• BP Cup: The Borders round of the BP Cup is based at Tibbie Shiels Inn (St Mary's Loch) from 9-12 May. Although officially a competition, this is an entry-level event which offers a very supportive environment with lots and lots of friendly advice available from some really top pilots and is an excellent way to improve your flying. Full details from www.bpcup.co.uk/index.php.
  
  
• Flying Log A new addition to the website - a Flying Log to record all flying days through the year. Apart from being an interesting read, it will also create a truer picture about just how flyable Scotland is each year. Credit must go to Tom Percival for putting in the hard work in getting these pages together and continuing to maintain them.
  
  
• NATS Consultation: This proposal will close our only flight corridor between north and south Scotland and stop all flying at Gargunnock.We strongly recommend every pilot to respond to the proposal as numbers can and do have a big effect - closing date is 24 March 2009. Steve Durkin/SHPF are co-ordinating input and will be producing some guidance on ways to respond in the near future and you can view the NATS Consultation Document or download the NATS Consultation Response Form.
  
  

  Jan 2009

• NATS Consultation: This proposal will close our only flight corridor between north and south Scotland and stop all flying at Gargunnock.We strongly recommend every pilot to respond to the proposal as numbers can and do have a big effect - closing date is 24 March 2009. Steve Durkin/SHPF are co-ordinating input and will be producing some guidance on ways to respond in the near future and you can view the NATS Consultation Document or download the NATS Consultation Response Form.
  
  
• Windtalker Access The windtalkers are now fully operational and will shortly be returning to a subscription service. As a member of LLSC for 2009, you will receive free access to both the Tinto and Broughton Live Updates. Phone access to the talkers on 07964 446105 costs £10 for 20 calls with no expiry - payment details on the Windtalker Subscriptions page.
  
  
• Club Coach Course: The Doric Danglers (Aberdeen Club) are running a BHPA Club Coach course on the weekend of 14th/15th February, including an exclusive Valentine's Night Curry. The course is open to all pilots (it is more about safety than coaching) and best of all, with the SHPF subsidy, it will only cost you £10. Contact ahpc@ahpc.org.uk for details or to book a place.
  
  
• SHPF Gathering: Last weekends gathering was a big success and very well attended. More than fifty pilots practiced throwing and repacking their reserve and there was very big turnout for John Silvester's awe-inspiring adventures around the Karakorum in Pakistan. Sunday also provided a packed day of activity, with some inspirational coaching sessions on XC and competition flying.
  
  
• Pilot Exam: Our annual Pilot Exam session takes place in February this year. All members should seriously consider taking the exam as it is the minimum qualification to get involved in the leagues, competitions, or even to fly some of our sites such as Campsies. If you are interested in taking the exam, contact coaching@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• Winter Works: The planned tree clearing and drainage work now looks set to go ahead towards the end of February. We are still looking for some sort of digger that could be used - if you can help, contact info@llsclub.org.uk.)