Nont Sarahs

Airspace

Manchester TMA 3500ft, Class A,  Dropping to 3000ft  Leeds Bradford CTA 14km away.

Safety

If the wind is off to the West, do not fly behind March Hill as severe turbulence can arise there. This site is definitely not for the novice, there have been a number of serious accidents at this site, the casualties usually being novices or pilots who have had a break of several months from flying.

It is not a good site for that first flight of the year. Ask for advice on conditions if you are new to the site, even if you are experienced.

Sharing airspace with aeromodellers

The site is shared with aeromodellers from the Marsden Moor Soaring Association (MMSA). Although they generally operate on the eastern side of the site, a series of airprox incidents led to an agreed set of rules to promote the safety and enjoyment of all users.

Please adhere to the following:

• Marked areas are the default positions when models and PG are both flying.
• Modellers MUST endeavour to stay to the East of this line, PGs MUST endeavour to stay to the west during normal flight phase when close to the ridge
• PG pilots may need to overfly the modellers’ launch area if they are very low and the only other option is a bottom landing, which is difficult and dangerous due to rocks in the undergrowth.
• A shouted warning from the PG should be given to alert modellers
• Paragliders must fly in such a way as to minimise the chances that they will need to cross the modelling area or will force other PG's past the modellers by 'boxing-in' their options to make a turn

In addition to the above rules, please familiarise yourselves with the links below: 

MMSA Guide to Nonts: 

https://www.marsden-moor-soaring-association.co.uk/index.php/2-uncategorised/4-nont-sarah-s-rules

BMFA/BHPA document on sharing the airspace: 

https://www.marsden-moor-soaring-association.co.uk/index.php/2-uncategorised/3-bhpa-bmfa-operating-code

Finally, an informal incident reporting form has been agreed upon, and we ask that our pilots complete it if any incident occurs. This form does not replace the BHPA incident reporting process but copies will be sent directly to the PSC and MMSA and may help identify safety learnings to further enhance the safety and enjoyment of the site for all users.

https://reporting.bmfa.uk/nont-sarahs

Notes

The bowl West of the pub can be flown in ESE -SE winds. The road is now fenced on either side so fly here with CARE, not for the inexperienced.

• Do not approach low over the car park.
• Avoid becoming trapped behind the ditches or the road in strong winds.

Restrictions

This site is restricted to full PENNINE and DALES members only. Please respect this rule; National Trust wardens do check for club identification

This view shows the many boulders that cover this site

Paragliders

In light conditions, paraglider pilots should give consideration to hang gliders, for whom access to top land is vital; landing below the
top is far safer for the paraglider than it is for the hang gliders.

Hang Gliders

The principal take off is directly in front of the rigging area, behind rocks, which can cause rough air in strong winds. Find somewhere you can hold your wing steady then make a committed take off. Check that there are no paragliders lurking below the rocks in front of the take off.

Bottom landing is tricky. The land slopes down to the reservoir and is too boggy and tussocky to run out a landing. The safest place to land is on the undulations above the reservoir, heading across the main slope.

XC Potential

Keep below 3500ft until north of Skipton if flying due North, other directions are more problematical, check air charts.