Code of Conduct for Glider Pilots when Landing in Fields
Most cross-country flights in gliders are planned to end at an airfield; however it must be emphasized that if a pilot fails to reach his destination and has to make a forced landing in a field, he incurs certain responsibilities:
- Select a field that is safe to land
- Particular care should be taken when standing grass and cereal crops cover large areas of the countryside, for a landing in these will damage the crops as well as the glider.
- Care should be taken avoid landing with livestock if possible.
- Immediately after landing and securing the glider endeavour to discourage on-lookers from coming into the field. For this reason it is preferable not to land in a field adjoining a housing estate.
- Contact the farmer, or his representative, and explain the circumstances of the forced landing. Pay for any telephone calls. If unable to find him at the time, obtain his name, address and telephone number and contact him without fail as soon as possible.
- Keep the retrieve vehicle off the field if it is likely to do any damage, unless permission is obtained; it may be better to manhandle the glider to the vehicle.
- Ensure that no animals escape while the gate is open and that all gates opened are properly closed before leaving.
- If any damage has been done, exchange names and addressess with the farmer as well as giving the address of the insurers covering the glider. All gliders should be adequately insured against third-party risks.