Wolds Gliding club COVID19 Policy

[Tier2]

The club is currently open to members but closed to visitors. Limited dual instruction is available (check the rota.)

Gliding is an ‘organised outdoor sport’ so it is legal in all 3 tiers - so long as it is also ‘COVID Secure’ - which means everyone must adhere to the following rules:

The rules:

  • Book In using the intent to fly system (enabling the duty instructor to plan for the day.)

  • Track and Trace. The first thing everyone must do when visiting the club is sign in and log their temperature. If you develop symptoms after visiting the club, please let us know at covid19@wolds-gliding.com so any contacts can self-isolate. There is also a QR code for those using the NHS app (to be used in ADDITION to the club track and trace system.)

  • Rule of six. Unless actively participating in ‘the sport’ (logging, signalling, flying etc.) then no more than six people can congregate socially. If you’re busy, you’re participating in ‘the sport’ - if you’re chatting then you’re socialising.

  • Face coverings must be worn in all ‘indoor environments’. That means the clubhouse - even when signing in or visiting the bathroom.

  • Social distancing should apply in all situations (indoors and outdoors.) That means 2m apart OR 1m plus a face covering.

  • Good sanitation. Frequent hand washing is vital - plus regular cleaning of ’shared surfaces’.

  • Good ventilation. Where multiple people are in an enclosed environment, windows and doors should be opened.

Specific Guidelines

  • No congregating indoors. For shelter, consider taking your car to the launch point or try the hangars (with the doors open.) No sheltering on the launch bus!

  • Only one person resident on the launch bus (it is an ‘indoor environment’)

  • Open hangars can be considered an ‘outdoor environment’.

  • Briefings will be conducted in the hangar. The rule of 6 doesn’t apply during briefing. It is a critical part of ‘the sport’ and it takes place outside (i.e. in an open hangar.)

  • The bar is closed - except for a tea bus takeaway service (to be consumed elsewhere.)

  • Flying dual is permitted (with P1/P2 consent.) Cockpit screens are not mandatory for dual flying. Masks are recommended, but not mandatory for dual flying (if there is a safety concern.)

  • The simulator is indoors, but we believe a single instructor and pupil can undertake training (with social distancing etc.) since it is fundamental to the safety of the sport.

Traveling between Tiers?

  • The tier that applies to you is the higher of where you’re from and where you’re going (e.g. if you come from T3 and visit T2 then T3 applies to you.)

  • Traveling to/from a T3 area is discouraged by the government (but not technically illegal.)

Personal Responsibility

  • Many members are in the ‘vulnerable’ category (due to age.) They are (knowingly) taking a significant risk in visiting the club - often to help with instruction and tugging etc. To help reduce their risk, we must all follow the rules above.

  • Those members who spend time in high risk environments (schools, hospitals etc.) or travel from a high tier area should be especially careful to follow the rules (perhaps add an extra metre when you can!)

The future?

  • We will endeavour to keep the club open as long as possible (law and safety permitting.)

Please can all members remember to bring a face covering to the club - you will need it in order to sign in if nothing else! There are disposable masks available in the briefing room, the office and on the launch bus for those who forget. The masks are free for members - but they cost the club 50p each, so please don’t squander them.

These steps are important for both the health of members and the continued operation of the club. If you see people ’stretching the rules’, please speak up - it affects us all.

Thanks

WGC Committee

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