Those visitors who are unfamiliar with gliding sites should be aware that we operate both winch and aerotow operations.

Winch cables can be a hazard both on the ground and in the air. During winch launching, cables often approach 2000ft AGL before dropping back to the airfield, and when not in use can be found lying on the ground along the length of the runway causing further hazard during taxi, take off and landing.

If you spot a powered aircraft in the vicinity of the field, there is a good chance it is our tug, and there will probably be a glider being towed behind it! If there is no glider attached, then it will be trailing a rope and descending at a high speed.

Our airfield sits just inside the Newcastle CTR, and as such initial radio contact should be made with Newcastle Radar in order to facilitate a zone entry. If you are arriving outside of our operating hours, you may wish to stay with Newcastle until you are safely on the ground.  We do not recommend attempting to land at Currock Hill without a clearance from Newcastle.

Although in a fairly remote location, the few built-up areas we have around us do appreciate us keeping the noise down where possible. Please do not overfly the immediate farms around the airfield (especially at high power) and if possible, consider a glide or low power approach to land. The village of Hedley-on-the-Hill lies one mile to the west, with Chopwell one mile to the south east, and Prudhoe one mile to the north.

If we’re active, then we operate on 125.185MHz and you can reach us by calling “Currock Base”. If nobody answers, continue to make blind calls.

Due to the nature of the sport, gliders returning to the field might not adhere to a standard circuit. However, they will still expect you to keep it standard. Generally speaking, gliders will make a downwind join. Given the risk of winch cables in the overhead, it is recommended that you do the same, too. Overhead joins are not a good idea.

The usual landing area is marked by white flagstones at the threshold of the strip, although most of the airfield is landable with caution – particularly with a nosewheel aircraft. Careful energy management is advised as the wind effects of our hilltop site can be quite pronounced.

If you are parking for a longer period, one of our club members will advise you of the best place to park. If you’re visiting for only a short period, then park up on the south side of the strip in order to keep the airfield clear.

If we’ve agreed to supply you with fuel, then the fuelling point is down towards the clubhouse. 100LL only.

It is a requirement for all visiting aircraft that you sign our airfield movements log.

As for arrival, keeping a good lookout and avoiding overflying our neighbours under high power are most important. Ideally, an early turn out to the north or south on either runway should prevent overflying the closest residents.

If we’re operating when you come to depart, be sure to get a briefing off our duty instructor before you leave. Once airborne (on our frequency) you’ll have to make a frequency change to Newcastle Radar and get a clearance through the zone before you leave our circuit.

If we’re not flying when you leave, you must make contact with Newcastle Radar on the ground. In this instance you will require a clearance into the zone before you get airborne.  We do not recommend departing without a clearance from Newcastle – especially to the east.