Facilities

Under the new EASA regulations complex repairs must be carried out in workshops approved by the regulator. Severn Valley Sailplanes have passed that approval process and have List 1 status allowing us to undertake both maintenance and repairs to all glider types.

Staffed by experienced technicians who care about getting the job right you can be assured that your glider is in good hands.

Our workshop is equipped with a range of machinery and hand tools essential to our trade as well as having access to a extensive range of equipment we use for our commercial activities.

Among the more unusual equipment we have at our disposal is a small CNC mill that we use for the manufacture of jigs and fixtures. A Romer measuring arm that is capable of measuring to within 0.1 mm over a 3 mtr arc  in 3 dimensions, finally a 900 mm Boreoscope. While not essential equipment it is surprising how often they are called into play

Before we start any job we take care to assess the damage and draw up a detailed repair scheme and estimate. Our aim is to keep you the customer informed at all times. As work progresses we aim to give you regular updates letting you know how work on your glider is coming along, you are welcome to make site visits at any time.

When work is finally completed we will take time to show you the finished repair, discuss any issues you want to raise and help you on your journey back to your home site.

Because we have been repairing gliders for over 20 years we have an extensive knowledge of how gliders work, their mechanics and their problems, so if it is maintenance you are looking for we tick all the boxes. Add to that our extensive stores as a by product of our On-line web shop and you have one of the most cost effective solutions for routine glider maintenance in the West of England.

Meeting the people

Martin Carolan:- Having started his career working on accident damaged cars Martin transferred the skills he had learnt to gliders. In 1987 he started work with Roger Targett Sailplane Services In 1990 he formed his own company Severn Valley Sailplanes. Until 2006 he personally under took all repairs and maintenance. Today Martin's prime responsibility is the day to day management of the company which now employs 8 staff carrying out not only glider maintenance and repair but is the UK's premier supplier of repair materials and general spares.

 

Adam:- Originally from Poland Adam has nearly 20 years experience of repairing gliders having worked for many of the major repairers in Poland. He joined us in 2006 and is well and truly part of the team. His skill is based on the training he received in Poland where he was chief repair technician for Glider Services run by Henryk Mynarski. It would be fair to say that Adam can quite literally turn his hand to anything and equally at home carrying out a major repair as he is at re-wiring a panel. Today it is most likely Adam who will carry out any work we undertake and the quality of the finished job is a testament to his ability. Adam holds a BGA Inspectors approval

Frank:- After spell in the workshop assisting and undertaking Annual renewals Franks primary job has been created by the bureaucrats in Brussels. The majority of Franks work now is Aircraft Records and Audit reviews. A BGA inspector and active pilot for many years his is the new face of glider maintenance under EASA Regulation

Juli :- (No the spelling is correct) Runs our stores and web based shop. Hers is the voice you are most likely to get when you call us. A truly local girl her Gloucestershire accent is as thick as they come. Juli joined us in 2008 and has had to work hard to get to grips with the variety of odds and sod glider pilots ask for.

 

 

Pam:- Is our longest serving member of staff and joined us in 2004 when our On-line shop first started. Looking after our accounts, stock and suppliers is Pam's primary role.