Managing club: Devon and Somerset Condors HGPG · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for East Hill
Take-off
HG & PG be cautious of rotor being generated by the trees. Be prepared to actively pilot the wing immediately after taking off.
The ridge is largely tree covered along its full length. In limited lift ensure adequate separation from the trees and be prepared to turn out quickly if necessary.
PGs need to be aware of the danger of being blown back behind the trees in strong conditions. The ridge is spine backed so, if intentionally going over the back, ensure you have sufficient height to avoid rotor caused by the ridge.
The site is often thermic and can become turbulent. The coast is only 5km South of launch and sea breeze can affect the site early in the day bringing with it the associated change in wind direction.
Landing
Top landing: Trees make top landing impossible anywhere along the ridge.
Bottom landing: Use one of the 3 fields closest to take-off to land (A,B or C) provided there is no livestock within any part of the field boundaries of your chosen field. If a field has been divided by an electric fence with livestock in one half then please do not land either part of the field.
Do not land in any cropped field
Fields B and C have set aside areas which the owner does not want us to land in.
Please be especially careful not to damage electric fences when landing or leaving the landing fields.
The same landowner also owns field D which can also be used however there is a HV power line just inside the hedge line and, for that reason, is best avoided.
Because of the land owner's conditions for use of the landing fields, please check the fields from the bottom road before taking off as trees on either side of take off obscure the view of fields A and D
Do not land to the North of field D as the farmer will attempt to charge £15 for every landing.
Access and parking
Leave Honiton on the A375 toward Sidmouth and 2.2 miles later, immediately before "Hare & Hounds" pub, turn right on the B3174 toward Ottery St Mary.
Just before the road goes down a steep hill in woods, turn left and drive to the end of the straight road (approx. 3 miles) and you will come to a T junction with a wooded car park in front of you (White Cross). Park in the car park:-
https://what3words.com/robot.deeds.spoiler
Take-off is the open area just over the hedge:-
https://what3words.com/luck.sniff.should
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
Narrow tree line launched
Rotor from trees especially if the wind direction is off
Take off is over trees - inadequate lift or not committing to launch can (and does) result in tree landings
Exeter airspace is extremely close. Do not fly further North than Ottery St mary to avoid aircraft approaching or departing Exeter airport
Sea breeze can switch the wind direction very quickly
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.