Arrivals by Air
Bellarena Airfield is an unlicensed, private airfield, operated mainly for gliding activity. The club operates mainly, though not exclusively, on weekends. It is not open to visiting aircraft at other times.
Glider launching is by aerotow and by self-launch gliders. The well-drained all-grass airfield is located on the Magilligan peninsula. It is landable from most directions, with clear approaches to both the main longitudinal runs and cross-wind diagonals. At its widest points the field measures 546 m x 310 m, however there is an area of rough ground at the beach end. A windsock is located on the northern boundary.
NB: The recommended circuit direction for the day does not prevent a glider pilot from selecting an alternate, if the urgency of the situation dictates, for example running short of height. Accordingly all pilots must recognise that there may be opposing circuit traffic that may be difficult to detect and a particularly rigorous lookout is required.
Do not engage in low flying over adjoining properties or in the local area other than as required for approach and landing. Arrivals must keep a good lookout and remember that powered aircraft must give way to gliders and to aerotow combinations.
Avoid flying low and directly over the two dwellings nearest to the Clubhouse at the East end of the airfield, unless doing so is unavoidable for safety reasons.
There may be vehicles on the airfield engaged in towing gliders or in field maintenance work. Landing runs must be planned to keep well away from them.
When landed, take care before turning off as gliders may be landing alongside. Do not follow, park or cross close behind tug aircraft; they are trailing 200 feet of tow rope which may be hidden in the grass. Avoid using high power settings if turning in proximity to parked gliders.
Aircraft must not manoeuvre under power within the marked area in front of the hangar.
Visiting aircraft will be advised as to where they may park safely.
Departures — We expect you to pay the landing fee and make an appropriate entry in our ‘Booking-out book’ before departure. Departing aircraft should not fly low directly over the two dwellings nearest to the Clubhouse at the East end of the airfield unless doing so is unavoidable for safety reasons. Departures should climb to circuit height then set course. Do not engage in low flying over adjoining properties or in the local area other than for take-off.
Facilities — Customs -NIL. Maintenance – NIL. Hangarage – NIL Fuel – NIL
Operating hours — Generally Saturdays and Sundays 0930 to 1730 hrs. For other days, see programme of operations.
Local taxi — 02877 768822
Caution — This airfield is not notified as a point of entry/exit under the terms of the Terrorism Act 2000. If you are flying to/from Bellarena to/from outside Northern Ireland, you must submit a General Aviation Report (GAR Form) before making the journey. For further information, contact:
National Customs Unit: ncu@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk / Fax: 08702403738 / Telephone: 087 0785 3600 PSNI: GAR@psni.pnn.police.uk / Fax: 02890901242.
Additionally, flights to/from the Republic of Ireland require a flight plan to be filed in advance.