{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120702\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E(Published January 2023, replacing January 2018)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EIntroduction\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore going to any airfield - private, civil or military permission must be obtained from the appropriate controlling body.\u00A0 The only exceptions to this are the spectators enclosure when visiting a civil airport, or on an open day at a military airfield.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore attending members of the group should have instruction on:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe general layout of the airfield with special reference to runways in use, taxiing areas and safe areas for spectators.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe hazards of jet intakes and exhausts, propellers, ejection seats, explosive canopies,\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGlider and paraglider launching cables and aviation fuels.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EAirfield Layout and Features\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe plan below illustrates the main features in the layout of a typical airfield.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/19643/airfield-layout-2.png","width":940,"height":705,"altText":"Airfield layout","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhen airfields were first built it was thought best to have a triangular pattern of runways to cut down the need for landings to be made in a cross wind, but as aircraft developed and landings speeds increased, the length of the runway became more important than the wind direction. Modern airfields confine operations to one or two runways which are 50m wide and 1500m long.\u00A0 In some cases where large, heavy aircraft operate, main runways can be as wide as 75m, and as long as 3500m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe approach and overrun areas must be kept free of obstruction to allow for landing or departing aircraft over-running the runway.\u00A0 The runway threshold is marked by a broad white line across its full width.\u00A0 White chevrons prior to the threshold indicate a sterile area, not to be used for touchdown.\u00A0 A broken white line is used to indicate the runway centreline, and two numbers painted at each end will show the magnetic direction of the runway to the nearest 10 degrees.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe Airfield Controller works from a glass control cabin at the top of the Control Tower giving a clear view of the airfield, while the Approach Controller operates from another part of the Tower assisted by radio and radar equipment.\u00A0 In some instances the Ground Controller occupies a caravan sited to the left of the touch-down of the runway being used.\u00A0 The caravan, painted in red and white checks bears the elevation of the airfield above sea level in black figures on its side.\u00A0 A white letter \u2018T\u0027 is displayed close by and indicates the landing direction being used.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EAirfield Definitions\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhen talking about airfields certain terms are used which it is important are known and kept clear in the mind.\u0026nbsp; Here are the most important.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAn\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAirfield\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eis the term used to refer to an area of land used for the take-off and landing of aircraft, excluding buildings and installations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAn \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAerodrome\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eis a defined area of land or water, including buildings and installations, used for the take-off and landing of aircraft.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAn \u003C/span\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAirport\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eis an aerodrome which may handle scheduled air traffic and often has Customs and other travel facilities.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERunway\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E- The area of the airfield used for take-off and landing.\u0026nbsp; Not every runway has a tarmac surface; grass is often used for gliders and light aircraft.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPerimeter track\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E- The roadway around the outside of most military and some civil airfields.\u0026nbsp; This is sometimes used as an air\u00ACcraft taxiway.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EControl tower\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E- The air traffic control centre of an airfield marked on the outside by a yellow board showing a black \u2018C\u2019. If no air traffic control exists, get in touch with the senior instructor or member available.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESignal square\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E -A square marked on the ground, usually near the control tower, containing details of operations and facilities at that airfield.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHangar\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E- A large \u0027shed\u0027 in which aircraft are kept.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETaxi-ways\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E- Grass or tarmac route between operational areas.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApron\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E- Outside parking for aircraft when not in use.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERunway headings\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E - The direction of the runway expressed in terms of degrees, to the nearest ten degrees without the final nought. Eg an east-west runway would be \u0027runway 27\u0027 and have the figures \u002727\u0027 marked on the eastern threshold; a west-east runway would be \u0027runway 09\u0027 and have the figures \u002709\u0027 near the western threshold, to be visible to an approaching aircraft.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECable dropping areas\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E - The area where a glider and paragliding or parascending launching cable will fall to earth after being jettisoned by the glider at, or near the top of, its climb.\u0026nbsp; This could be a wide area, not necessarily just over the runway strip.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETow ropes\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E- A length of nylon rope trailing from a light aircraft or winch which is used to tow a glider into the air.\u0026nbsp; The pilot will either decide to land with this rope attached or will jettison it during a \u0027dummy\u2019 approach prior to landing.\u0026nbsp; In either case the rope can be dangerous as it is not easily visible and has a heavy metal ring at the free end.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EAirfield hazards\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAn airfield is a potentially dangerous place.\u00A0 Before visiting you must be aware of all the dangers and hazards.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe principle upon which a jet engine works is to suck in large quantities of air, heat it up and then expel it at a very high speed. Because of the large amount of air being sucked in and expelled, and the very high pressures attained, the jet engine is probably one of the most dangerous hazards on any airfield. The areas covered by the blast from the exhaust and the intake of the air are large.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe shaded area on the diagram should be avoided at\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Eall times\u003Cspan\u003E, even if the engine is not running, except when Scouts are under the control of a responsible and qualified person.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Jet engines - intakes and exhausts"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAnother lethal device to be treated with extreme caution. Stay well clear of an aircraft which has the propeller running and never ever touch a propeller under any circumstances unless instructed in the correct procedures by a qualified flying instructor.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENote:\u003C/strong\u003E A propeller should always be treated as dangerous even if it is not going round as accidents have occurred where propellers have started turning unexpectedly even though the engine has been switched off. It\u0027s important to remember that a propeller may not be visible once running.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Propellers"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EOn military aircraft the provision of these devices is notified by signs painted on the fuselage in red, usually just below the cockpit. At no time should an untrained person attempt to operate any part of these systems except under the guide of a fully qualified technician. Any person finding a crashed aircraft fitted with these devices should not attempt to effect any rescue. The correct action is to alert the emergency services who are trained to deal with this type of occurrence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Ejection seats and explosive canopies, always treat as lethal and live"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIn addition to what has previously been written, care should be taken along the landing area with cables laying on the grass as they tend to become hidden. Keep well clear of this area if take-offs or landings are not in progress at the time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Cables used by gliders, paragliders and parascenders"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe danger of naked lights near liquids of low flash point is obvious.\u00A0 Follow earthing procedures where necessary. Treat spilled or excess fluids with extreme caution and deal with them quickly and effectively. Remember that empty tanks are potentially more hazardous than full ones. Use the correct fuel for the engine.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Aviation fuels"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIt\u0027s important that any person who intends flying knows in general terms what sensations to expect. It is accepted that no words can describe exactly these sensations, but the Scout should be warned beforehand so that any normal maneuver\u00A0is not automatically classed as an emergency.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Flying sensations"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EStaying Safe on an Airfield\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou should:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFollow access roads and signs if clearly marked or\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk the airfield controller for comprehensive directions to your intended destination and the methods and direction of launch or take-off.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf the airfield controller is not available, stick close to the perimeter wherever possible. Don\u0027t cross the airfield directly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBe aware of the following:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAircraft approaching, landing or taking off (which may be from any direction).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGlider launching cables and equipment; glider tugs trailing towing ropes.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EParachutists or paragliders (if applicable) and cables.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"What precautions should be taken when walking to a point on the airfield?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYou should:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAcquaint yourself with the position of all aircraft at or below circuit height (even if only starting or taxiing).\u00A0 It is a general rule that an aircraft\u0027s red \u0027anti-collision\u0027 flashing light is switched on prior to engine start, remaining on whilst the engines are running. Use this as a visible warning but do not assume that if there is not a red flashing light the engines are not running.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EChoose a route clear of all obstructions which might hamper your own or the pilot\u0027s view.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EChoose a route which would leave you in the take-off or landing area for the minimum possible time.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDo not cross while aircraft are taking off or landing (even if it appears that plenty of time is available).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep together if you are in a group.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf a collision between yourself and the aircraft seems possible, remain stationary: only take avoiding action if absolutely necessary. The pilot should take the appropriate action and your moving could make the pilot\u0027s job more difficult. If avoiding action is necessary, remember that a prone body offers less target area and lay flat on the ground - sacrifice your dignity rather than your head!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What precautions should be taken when crossing launching and landing areas?"}]}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.2\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.10 Air Activities \u2013 General\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.2\u0022\u003ERule 9b.2\u003C/a\u003E Air Activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.2\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.11 Access to Airfields\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.2\u0022\u003ERule 9b.2.1\u003C/a\u003EAccess to airfields\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/#9.20\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9.20\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Rules relating to accessing airfields","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/#9.1\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9.1\u0022\u003ERule 9.1\u003C/a\u003E All activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9-activities/rule-96-use-of-external-centres-and-instructors/\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.6 Use of External Centres and Instructors\u0022\u003ERule 9.6\u003C/a\u003E Use of External Centres and Instructors\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"General activity rules","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/air-activities/air-activities-safeguarding-guidance/\u0022 title=\u0022Air Activities Safeguarding Guidance\u0022\u003EAir activities safeguarding\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/air-activities/hovercrafting/\u0022 title=\u0022Hovercrafting\u0022\u003EHovercrafting\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/air-activities/parascending/\u0022 title=\u0022Parascending\u0022\u003EParascending\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/air-activities/air-activities-faqs/\u0022 title=\u0022Air Activities FAQ\u0027s\u0022\u003EAir Activities FAQ\u0027s\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://forms.office.com/e/PugLXaJtsh\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Air notification form\u0022\u003EAir notification form\u003C/a\u003E - Please provide details of the air activities being undertaken by your Group, Unit or Network. This can be done prior to or shortly following an activity.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Check out the guidance for air activities:","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Before going to any airfield - private, civil or military permission must be obtained from the appropriate controlling body.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"14 July 2023","reviewDate":"14/12/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":45596,"nodeName":"Access to airfields","title":"Access to airfields","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Access to airfields","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Before going to any airfield - private, civil or military permission must be obtained from the appropriate controlling body.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NTU5NiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/access-to-airfields/"}