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XC Refuelling Sites in Scotland

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Here below is our guide to finding and using outside landing fields nearby filling stations. The list is being added to as our experience and time allows, but if you know of any landing field/site with a suitable fuel station nearby, please feel free to send us the details (preferably with six figure grid ref for landing site, name of settlement and preferred landing direction/s, and whether 98 octane fuel is available), using our feedback comment form.

Braemar filling station, Ref: NO 154 918; good landing fields to the South of the A93 opposite, landing from North & South. Although a windsock is located immediately North of the petrol station (Mountain rescue helipad), proximity of electric wirelines West of the A93 make the East field preferable for paramotor t/o and landing.

Some useful tips for landing out:

PLANNING    -    Plan your trip in advance, with an eye to wind direction and speed, anticipated landing points, but also alternative options, if at all possible; if you plan a returning flight-plan, it is best wherever possible, to fly into the prevailing wind direction on you out-leg, returning home with the wind;

SAFETY    -    Always leave yourself a good safety margin of remaining fuel in your unit when considering your options for refuelling point; 2 litres is good, 3 litres is better;

PRUDENCE    -    If in doubt of your ability to reach your next fuelling point, err on the side of safety; it is usually easier and preferable to refuel sooner than to walk a long way later!

FUEL-CAN    -    Consider bringing a tetra-can or similar mixing tank and filler tube with you (can be strapped in to your chest strap); it is easier to walk to the fuel station with an empty container than go without, cap-in-hand, and rely on the kindness of possibly busy pump attendants, with your own there is no need to return with a borrowed container, which may be less clean than you'd ideally wish;

HOMEWORK    -    Do your homework! Take time to recce potential fuelling sites from the ground, noting preferable landing fields nearby, proximity to buildings, livestock, pylons, all wires and other hazards (not only for the landing, but also the subsequent take-off!), and allow a good safety margin should you have to abort either landing or take-off;

CAUTION    -    Be realistic: better to have to walk an extra few hundred yards than endure a "bum landing" and the potential consequences for both man and machine;

OIL    -    Remember to bring adequate supplies of 2-stroke oil for your refuelling requirements: pre-measure oil for a 5 litre fuel mix for your particular machine, to save you time later. Mini chain-saw oil bottles, or a measuring container will help save time and guesswork;

LANDOWNER    -    Consider the landowner, as well as the good standing of our sport! It is good practice to bring a small token (e.g. a miniature of whisky, small jar of honey or similar token is almost always appreciated) to offer the owner of the landing field ; this will help smooth the path for others who may come another day, and does our cause no harm;

CASH    -    Remember to bring cash with you to buy your fuel!

Refuelling sites:  North-East Scotland

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