Introduction

The launch point is the busiest place on the airfield during operations. Aircraft may be launching, landing, or retrieving, making it necessary for there to be a high level of supervision from the launch point marshall in the first place, but also from the Duty Instructor who is in overall charge of the airfield.

There are a number of important items of equipment at the launch point, the two principle ones being the Glider Control Caravan and the Light Mast.

The Caravan

The caravan serves a number of purposes in gliding school operations. Most importantly, it is where the Duty Instructor (DI) sits and runs the airfield operations from. The DI will sit at the top of the caravan, which is raised to give a good view, and is responsible for achieving the daily task, whilst ensuring all protocols are followed by everyone on the airfield.

The back of the caravan may be used by instructors to brief students before a sortie or as a shelter during times of bad weather.

The Light Mast

RAF Kenley is situated on top of a hill and has a hump in the middle which makes it impossible for there to be a direct line of sight between the winch and caravan. As launch signals must be given by lights, 615 VGS must use a custom built light mast.

This comprises of a trailer with a 20ft mast a the top of which are two fog lamps. This mast is set up next to the caravan with the lights aligned to point directly at the winch. Light signals are controlled from within the caravan.