Mystiquette

A few hints

Mystic can get very busy at certain times, with pilots working both ridges and trying to stay in thermals to stay up.
Do not let this become more important than avoiding collision by a safe margin.
The ‘Rules of the air’ are intended to keep gliders apart, but the overriding rule is that it is each pilot’s responsibility to avoid collision.
See ‘Rules of the air’ below...

No aerobatics over the launch or landing area
There are no litter bins on Mystic, whatever you might bring in, take it back out with you.
Do not drive too fast, the track is narrow and has many blind bends, drivers are too often watching the sky rather than the road. Try to keep it below 40kph, please

Rules Of The Air

Collision Avoidance

When two aircraft (in clear air) approach HEAD ON, or nearly so, both shall alter course to the RIGHT
When approaching head on along a ridge the hang glider, paraglider or sailplane with its right wing towards the ridge shall have right of way
The aircraft that has the ridge to its left shall give way by turning away from the ridge.
When joining a thermal turn in the same direction as any hang glider, paraglider or sailplane already circling.
When thermalling give way to the hang gliders and paragliders that are climbing up from BELOW.

BE AWARE THAT THE RULES OF THE AIR FOR PILOTS OPERATING SAILPLANES REQUIRES THAT THEY GIVE WAY
TO SAILPLANES ABOVE THEM IN THERMALS.

Take extra caution when operating in the same thermal as a sailplane.
Remember that the UPWARD vision of a hang glider or paraglider pilot is restricted by the sail, and that in many sailplanes the DOWNWARD vision of a sailplane pilot is restricted by the wing.

Operation in Proximity to other Aircraft

Maintain a good lookout at all times.
Avoid abrupt changes in direction and speed when other gliders are present.
Be especially careful where other gliders are displaying a red streamer indicating that the pilot in command holds a Restricted Pilot Certificate.

Overtaking Rule

When overtaking another aircraft, that aircraft has right of way.
A hang glider or paraglider engaged in ridge soaring shall overtake by passing between the ridge and the other aircraft.
Other than when ridge soaring the OVERTAKING aircraft shall alter course to the RIGHT.