Merlin Aerodrome, Amelia, Virginia

Merlin is located off of Bevil's Bridge Road.  GPS users can use 10949 Bevils Bridge Road, Amelia Court House, VA 23002.

From most places North and East of Merlin, you will want to come to the intersection of Rt. 288 and Hull Street Road (Rt 360).  From Richmond, you may want to follow Rt 360 out of the city or take Powhite (Rt 76) to 288, then to Rt 360.
From there...

• Rt. 360 - Hull Street Road, travel southwest toward Amelia.  
  
• Turn left at Rt. 153 - Military Highway - this is the road to Blackstone/Ft. Pickett.
  
• Turn left at Bevils Bridge Road (SR 602)
  
• About a mile from the turn you will see the Merlin Aerodrome sign on your right.  If you miss the sign, the runway is plenty visible as you pass it.
  
• Come down the gravel road and take the first left in front of the office building.  
  
• Park along side the office building, Merlin Soaring Association members will generally be milling about.
  

If you arrive after operations have started for the day, you may see cars and people gathered at the north end of the field when you first turn in.  Feel free to park up there.  If we are operating from the south end of the field, park near the office and try to contact one of the members by phone.  If you want to walk to the south side of the field:

• Park your car - do not drive on the taxiways and runway at Merlin
• Do not walk on the runway - the runway is marked by orange cones.
• Walk on the taxiway/rough grass keeping the runway to your left.  Watch out for holes and depressions caused by sprinkler gear and rodents.  
• Try and get the attention of members at the south end of the runway and follow their instructions.

Operations

Merlin Soaring Association does not operate on a fixed schedule.  We generally operate on weekends, and mid-week based on demand.  Our operations are influenced by weather, forecast lift, and club participation in events held offsite.  

When operating, members begin assembling at the aerodrome between 9:30 and 11:00 (earlier during the summer daylight hours, later during winter).  Instruction flights are targeted during the morning hours when winds are generally calmer and lift is not as pronounced.  Club members and instructors tend to fly in the afternoons when there is more available lift.  

When students are present, and when enough members are otherwise available, Merlin operates with an Officer of the Day (OD) position.  The OD controls all aspects of glider launch and recovery operations.  In the mornings, the OD will generally be an experienced club member; as the day progresses, the OD position may shift to an experienced student.

The OD ensures that:

• Gliders are staged on the runway so as not to interfere with returning gliders;
• Air traffic is aware of glider operations;
• Glider launches are performed in accordance with safe procedures (tail dolly checks, dive break checks, traffic checks);
• Wing runners provide proper signaling and support to the launch operation;
• Returned gliders are quickly moved clear of the runway and safely returned to the staging area or returned and secured in hanger/tie-down areas.

Flight operations frequently run until dusk and near dark by the time all aircraft are put to bed.

Members and visitors are encouraged to bring adequate supplies for the day, this includes proper clothing and water/hydration and may include meals, snacks, insect repellent, and sunscreen.