Scottish Gliding CentrePortmoak Airfield

Alan Boyle - Vice ChairmanAlec 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?