APPLICATION FOR BGA BEST PRACTICE AWARD
Club: HIGHLAND
Site: EASTERTON
Please describe briefly the “Good Practice” that is subject of this application. Very simply, I put out a weekly e-mail giving the highlights of the previous weekends operations, any safety issues that have arisen and advising of any upcoming special events. Recently, I have improved this by moving the e-mail to Friday's allowing me to give an accurate forecast and advice on where to find any lift for less experienced pilots.
Has this involved any changes in order to improve practices at your club? If so, what? No, we are changing our club practices separately but this e-mail forum provides me with an ideal place to keep people informed.
How did you identify the need for change, if any and what investigations were carried out? Initially, the idea was developed to allow duty rota's to be issued. However, it proved popular so although we have moved to an automated rota system, I continue to issue the weekly e-mails.
How long have the ideas been in operation at your club? We have been using this for 5 years now. The CFI is responsible for issuing it.
Costs and resources: What financial and other resources were required to implement the proposals? No costs were involved, there is minimal admin and it only takes me 20 minutes a week to produce.

Evaluation: What are the results, to date? This is very popular and everyone is familiar with and expects the e-mail each week. This makes it an extremely useful tool for passing on information. The latest changes have been received well and had a significant impact on attendance as most people see the BBC forecast and write off what can be very good weather at our site. My forecasts are made with local knowledge and give accurate pointers on likely lift sources.
Has future club policy been affected? If so, how? No but it may be worth our while writing this into the job description for our CFI. (The system has seen 2 CFI's and survived)
What recommendations have you to share with other clubs that might benefit from your experience? This is very simple, free and easy to start up. It takes quite a while for people to get used to the idea but once the majority of the club are receiving it, the CFI has the ability to get essential messages out to everyone quickly. It is important that the content is brief but informative. I am standarising the format just now so that the next CFI knows what is essential information
Do you know of any other club that has adopted this idea? I have not really asked so there may well be something similar elsewhere.
Please return this form to Roger Coote, British Gliding Association, Kimberley House, Vaughan Way, Leicester, LE1 4SE, or email it to office@gliding.co.uk