Woburn Abbey International Moth Rally 17-19 August 2007

Before arriving at Woburn.
Your aeroplane: The thought of a much used con-rod coming through the side of the crankcase is something to contemplate, particularly when considering those mature and solid oak trees. It makes sense, therefore, to instil a feeling of comfort with your aeroplane and its engine by getting into practice prior to flying into Woburn.
If you are unhappy with your engine, investigate.
Increased baggage in the locker and a heavy passenger will increase aeroplane weight as well as changing the already sensitive CG position.
Compounded by a possible August temperature of 25°C, these factors will produce a surprising reduction in a Moth’s performance.
If you use Mogas in your aeroplane be aware of the 20°C limitation above which fuel vaporisation is likely which could be very embarrassing on take off.
Mogas is not available for sale at Woburn.

Pre-event Practice: Woburn Abbey Airstrip has been described by the CAA as ‘a difficult site’. To check your aeroplane’s performance why not simulate exactly what you should do when landing on Woburn’s short strip? Find a grass strip, mark off a suitable length and fly several ‘Woburn’ approaches in different wind conditions if possible and at a similar weight and CG position to be expected on the Rally date. Relate the heights and positions of Woburn’s trees and other obstacles to your practice landings, aborted landings and take offs and think about high temperatures, turbulence and wind shear.
What will you do if you experience engine failure at any stage? Make a check-list of your immediate actions and plan which way you will head in the event of a problem. A prudent pilot will have a plan for each eventuality. If you are uncertain, discuss the matter with your friendly Moth QFI or an experienced Woburn operator.

On the Day
Topography: The main hazards are mature oak trees beyond either threshold; the public road at the northern end; the lakes to the south; rising ground (to 460ft amsl) to the east beyond parked aircraft, marquees and steel mesh crowd control barriers. The operational strip is about 470 metres usable with displaced thresholds and is the smoothest area that can be found within the parkland. The strip is carefully plotted, marked, rolled and cut and is the only area considered reasonably safe for flying operations. Total distance between the C100 public road and the ponds is about 550 metres. Outside the marked area the ground is rough; exercise caution.

Wind variation: The Woburn wind is fickle. There can be a 90 deg difference in wind direction between one threshold and the other and it is almost guaranteed there will be a cross-wind and some turbulence at any time. Watch carefully both windsocks, expect a cross-wind landing and think about your technique in advance of every landing.

Departure: Wind, temperature, loading, topography, pilot alertness and adrenalin are all important factors. Before every take-off look at the prevailing conditions then plan your actions for a) all going well and b) an engine failure. In anticipation of failure rehearse your immediate actions at various points. At each, decide whether to turn towards a more open area or take a forced landing into the trees. Then fly happily home!

Engine starting: In spite of repeated requests not to do so, a small number of pilots still insist on hand swinging their propellers acting solo and without chocks in the aircraft park. Aeroplanes must be manoeuvred to the edge of the parking area and started against chocks. A qualified person must be seated in the cockpit.

Airfield Details

The landing strip (orientation of which is approx. 010/190 to achieve the best surface condition), 1500ft x 100ft (470m x 30m), lies in natural parkland northwest of the Abbey.
The site is to the east of Woburn village and west of the M1 Motorway at map reference N51 59 27 W000 36 36. The aerodrome elevation is 380 ft amsl.

A mown and rolled strip will be clearly marked by white edging. While every effort is made to provide a smooth surface, pilots should be aware that both thresholds and areas off the marked strip should be considered as rough. The indicated strip is advisory and aeroplanes may orientate takeoffs and landings into wind, as good airmanship dictates. However, we re-emphasise that the marked strip offers the best surface at Woburn and operations within its confines are recommended.

Wind socks are flown adjacent to both thresholds, on the eastern side.

A landing ‘T’ will be displayed adjacent to the Control Tower.

Taxiway

Two mown lines in the grass parallel with the runway on the eastern side indicate a taxiway, the first line being 30m from the runway centreline and the second line 15m from the first. Ensure you have crossed the first line before taxiing for parking; this ensures you are clear of the runway.

Obstructions

When landing on Runway 01, be aware of mature oak trees standing to within 300 ft (100m) of the threshold.
The private road crossing the approach to 01 will have pedestrian and traffic control on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The approach to Runway 19 passes over mature oak trees standing to within 300 ft (100m) of the threshold which is bordered by a public road. Control of passing traffic will be by temporary traffic lights on Saturday and Sunday only in direct contact with Woburn Radio. The temporary traffic lights are approved by the local constabulary.

Beware a low post and single rail fence separating the road from the parkland (very difficult to see) and miniature traffic signs on tall metal poles (even more difficult to see) spaced evenly along the line of the fence. These latter signs may be removed during the weekend, Woburn Radio can advise.
 

Click here to download a map of Woburn Private Aerodrome (.pdf file - 136 Kb)
 
 

Three aerial views and short briefing on airstrip environment (click on the appropriate button)

Who is permitted to land at Woburn

1. All de Havilland Moth Club representative types.
    (Prior permission is not required but complaints will not be accepted from those who have
    not advised deHMC HQ of their intention to arrive late to find the catering has run out….
    you have been warned!) Click here to secure your lunch.....
2. Other aeroplanes specifically invited as guests or to take part in the air display.
3. DHC-1 Chipmunk under the command of a current member of the DH Moth Club (Prior Permission is required).
4. An aircraft operating in support of a Moth arriving from overseas (Prior Permission is required).

Insurance

All landing aeroplanes are expected to carry the appropriate mandatory minimum Third Party insurance foisted on all owners by the EU.

Landing Fees

There are no landing fees.

Telephone

For non-wireless PPO and operational calls only contact ‘Woburn Radio’ on 07779 123447  Friday 1200-1700 local, Saturday and Sunday 0900-1800 local.

Wireless

Woburn Radio (Air/Ground) on 132.900 MHz will operate from a tower situated by the main marquee, mid point along the airstrip on the eastern side. Operational Friday 1200-1700 local, Saturday and Sunday 0900-1800 local.

Please observe and comply with Aldis light signals or wireless broadcasts.  Please ensure you are fully conversant with the meaning of light signals.

Movements by Air

Arrivals and departures should be planned for normal operating hours. Movements outside published hours will be accepted only in exceptional circumstances.

On Saturday afternoon the airstrip will be closed between 1230 and 1245 and for short periods to accommodate some display rehearsals. Woburn Radio will advise if contacted by telephone in advance or on 132.900 MHz.

On Sunday afternoon the airstrip will be closed to all non air-display movements 1300-1645 local with the exception of aircraft taking advantage of the departure slot at 1500 local.

Marshalling and Parking

Please follow the marshallers’ signals. Every effort will be made to try to ensure aeroplanes are parked by type. Park where you are guided not where you think might be a convenient place to stop. Do not expect the same parking slot throughout the weekend.

Local Flying

Local flying is permitted at any time when the airstrip is not declared ‘closed’.
It is essential that non-wireless equipped aeroplanes book out with the Tower before embarking on local operations. It is advantageous to all if intentions are advised so that Woburn Radio does not need to ‘worry’ if aircraft do not return to the airfield. Wireless equipped aeroplanes should confirm their plans after start-up.

Fuel and Oil

80/87 Avgas will be dispensed by the deHMC refuelling team on request. As fuel prices are subsidised, payment will be accepted in cash or by cheque only. Sorry, no credit cards. A limited quantity of a range of Shell oil grades will be available for sale.

Circuits and Discipline
All circuits 800 ft AAL must be to the east, towards but not OVER the Abbey.
 
 

RUNWAY 01 RIGHT HAND

RUNWAY 19 LEFT HAND

 

It is absolutely forbidden to fly over the Stud Farm which occupies the buildings and extensive paddocks immediately to the west of the strip.

Propeller Swinging
Some marshallers are qualified to hand-swing propellers and will be willing to assist if other duties permit. They may not be familiar with individual engine peculiarities and a briefing between pilot and marshaller before any attempted start-up is strongly recommended.

Mass Departures:
Saturday and Sunday Evening
To reduce the amount of RT chatter please comply with the following:

Do not call Woburn Radio for a ‘pre-flight check’ or taxi clearance. Frequent broadcasts will be made giving runway and pressure settings.

Join the queue for the holding point. When you are number one at the hold and ready for departure call Woburn Radio, giving

 Colour
 Type
 Callsign
 Intentions

i.e. “Yellow Tiger, Foxtrot Mike, departing for White Waltham”.

It is particularly important to let Woburn Radio know at this stage if you are going for a local flight and can be expected to land back.

If non-wireless, please advise intentions at the Tower or send a runner in advance of start-up.

In the evening Woburn Radio may cease operations whilst departures and local flying is still in progress. A broadcast to this effect will be made. Make blind calls to ‘Woburn Traffic’ and keep a good look out.
 

Do not land or take off if any of the emergency services are clearly engaged in tasks preventing their fullest attention to normal operations. Woburn Radio will advise if there is a restriction and when movements may be resumed.

Master Diversion

RAF Henlow is available as a Master Diversion aerodrome should Woburn become non-operational.

Please see the aerodrome chart for Henlow included as part of this briefing.

Click here to download a map of Henlow Master Diversion (.pdf file - 63 Kb)
 
 

Members Arriving By Surface Transport

Admission charges levied by Woburn Abbey for entry into the Park apply to all visitors arriving by surface.

Substantial discounts apply to tickets purchased by Club memebers in advance.

Full details are included on the booking form. Download the 2007 booking form here.
 
 

Stop Press 20-07-2007:  Entry to Woburn Park by surface is on a one ticket per person per day basis  On Friday 17 August entry is via the MAIN GATE and no tickets are available in advance. On Saturday and Sunday 18/19 August, guests with tickets should use the STUMPS CROSS entrance which will be open from 0800 on both days. On either day, anyone without a ticket should use the MAIN GATE and show their membership card for reduced rate entry.

Fast track gate entry for advance purchase ticket holders and officials

All holders of advance purchase tickets, guest and official´s tickets are invited to use the Stumps Cross entrance at C100 on the brow of the hill opposite the entrance to the Safari Park.
Discounted tickets are available to Club members arriving by surface on Saturday and Sunday (main entrance only) upon presentation of a valid Club memebership card. Accompanying non-members will be charged the full entrance fee appropriate to the day.

Entry to the Club Enclosure

Entry to the Club Enclosure is strictly controlled. A valid Club membership card will permit free entry by one member accompanied by one guest.

Members arriving by air who wish to invite guests into the Enclosure should ensure that passes have been secured on their behalf.

Dress Code

Members are encouraged to sport Twenties style togs throughout the weekend but especially on Sunday......

Catering Arrangements

On Friday, 17 August there will be minimal/no catering facilities available in the main marquee.
 

Stop Press 20-07-2007: ARRIVING BY AIR ON FRIDAY? Woburn has now suggested it will make light refreshments available for crews arriving on Friday afternoon. To ensure we have enough cups, if you are intending to visit by air on Friday, please LET US KNOW in advance. You do not have to stay overnight....just a quick visit would be welcome. Woburn Wireless will be operational from mid-day on Friday. The strip will be operational from 1300 local until 1700. Read the Briefing Sheets for other details

Woburn Abbey´s normal public catering facilities will be operational on Friday. There will be no `Food Court` on the public side of the fence on Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday, complimentary vouchers for lunch and tea in the marquee will be issued on arrival on the basis of two per individual aircraft. Crews nightstopping on Friday and Saturday must check in again the next morning to qualify for that day´s rations.

A limited number of tickets for lunch and tea on Saturday and Sunday, in the marquee, will be available for sale in advance to members arriving by surface.

Click here to secure your lunch or tea in advance, when arriving by surface....

On Friday evening there will be a Buffet Supper in Moore Place Hotel, Aspley Guise for which tickets may be purchased in advance.

Hotel Accommodation

The Club has arranged concessionary rates at Moore Place Hotel, Aspley Guise. Bookings must be made through the Club to qualify. For full details click here.

The Flying Programme

Friday 17 August 2007

1300            Woburn airstrip operational
1700            Woburn airstrip closed

Saturday 18 August 2007

1000            Woburn Airstrip operational
1010            Raising of the de Havilland Standard
1100            Air Experience Flying
1200            Landing competition for the Rose Young Trophy
1230-1245  Woburn airstrip closed for display practice by visiting aircraft.
                    Please note: Other closures may occur on Saturday afternoon for rehearsals.
                    Woburn Radio will advise.
1700             Emergency services stood down

Sunday 19 August 2007

1000            Woburn Airstrip operational
1100            Alan S. Butler Memorial Flypast
1300            Last landing for non-displaying aircraft
1330            Flying display (departure slot at 1500)
1600            Prizes and Awards Ceremony
1645            Lowering of the de Havilland Standard
1650            Woburn Airstrip re-opens for departures
1800            Emergency services stood down

Competitions

Landing Competition for the Rose Young Trophy. Saturday only. Entries accepted on the day.

Tiger Moth Tyre Rolling Challenge. Sunday only. Teams of four. Entries accepted on the day.
 
 

Woburn Etiquette DO PLEASE: o Enjoy your day with the de Havilland Moth Club. o Leave prams and push chairs in the car or under supervision of the gate stewards or in the enclosure. o Stand well clear of turning propellers. o Move out of the way of manoeuvring aeroplanes. o Move if asked to do so by a marshal. These requirements are in the interests of safety for everybody on site.   PLEASE DO NOT: o Smoke in the aeroplane park, enclosure or marquee, all of which are designated no-smoking areas. o Let children run around attacking aeroplanes. o Take your dog into the aeroplane park, even on a lead. o Park your car opposite the emergency vehicle access gate. o Leave camera bags and tripods unattended and scattered amongst parked aeroplanes. Unattended kit of any kind will be removed by the marshals.

The Aircraft Park

Sterile areas created within the aircraft park will be accessible to members and guests for most of the weekend, subject to operational constraints and any other circumstances that might affect opening hours.

All aircraft parking areas will be closed during the flying display on Sunday afternoon (CAA Regulation).
 

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This page last updated on 20 July, 2007.

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