Third phase at Chouet could stop model flyers

The western area of the Chouet headland was prepared for the purpose of permitting the operation of internal combustion (IC) powered model aircraft, by a resolution of the States of Guernsey in April 1974. The Guernsey Model Flying Club (GMFC) members have operated their aircraft from this site since that time.

In addition, the club maintains at its own expense the grassed areas (runways) and provides easy access for the numerous walkers, cyclists and dog owners who frequent the headland throughout the year.

The GMFC has over time been in discussions with Ronez concerning the proposed phases of the future quarrying of the headland, and how best the GMFC could continue its safe operation of model aircraft during phases one and two of the proposed quarrying process.

Due to the extent of the area required by Ronez for their quarrying operations, it has been initially agreed that members of the GMFC would not overfly the new quarry or primary crusher plant (currently the States Green Waste site) during their (Ronez) operating hours. This effectively removes the west/east runway area from general use.

The remaining runway areas will be slightly re-aligned by the GMFC to help offset the loss of the west/east runway.

The overall impact on the operations of the GMFC during the first two phases of the quarrying of the headland will be challenging for the club, however the safe operation of the model aircraft by members of the GMFC is paramount so as to maintain its excellent safety record.

Should phase three of the quarrying operation by Ronez proceed in the future, then the GMFC and general members of the public would face the complete loss of the use of the grassed area of the headland and a new location would need to be found to operate model aircraft from. To this end, the GMFC has had initial dialogue with States Property Services to ascertain where model aircraft operation could be moved to in the future.

MIKE BURTON

Guernsey Model Flying Club president