{Last Updated: Jan 2024}
Minimum
Rating: H3/P3
Site
Direction: NW
Flyable
Directions: NNW to WSW
Glide Slope
to main LZ: about 5.2:1
Vertical: 1200’
Type of
Launch: Grassy steep slope in medium
slot
Type of LZ: Grassy
field
Soarable: Ridge, thermal
Location: Site is sensitive, see the point of contact for
location and directions
Turnaround:
Time: 40 Min drive
Parking at launch: Restricted
Parking at launch: Parking at the landing zone is restricted and access is frequently
locked.
Owner Launch: Greg & Ann Beyer
Owner LZ: County of Allegany MD
Setup/Breakdown:
launch limited to four hang gliders/LZ unlimited
Disclaimer: This site is very sensitive. Because
of the sensitive nature of the site, this site guide is non-inclusive. Keys for
obtaining access to the site and specific information concerning how to fly the
site should be acquired via an officer of the Mountaineer Hang Gliding
Association.
WARNING: The descriptions of typical flying
conditions listed in this site guide reflect the experience of the authors of
the guide. The conditions that you encounter at the site may differ, sometimes
substantially, from those encountered by the authors. The descriptions of their
experiences may not be relevant to the likely experience of any other pilot,
particularly one who is relatively inexperienced or new to the site.
A decision to launch is always that of the
individual pilot. When deciding whether or not to fly, a pilot may wish to take
into account the descriptions in this site guide but must also consider
numerous other factors including the pilot's training and experience,
familiarity with the site, equipment, physical and mental condition and the
specific weather conditions in existence at the time of the decision along with
what the conditions may change to.
● USHPA
membership required.
● Note that
Mountaineer club membership is required to fly the site.
● Seek a
site introduction from the designated point of contact. Walk the LZ to be sure
you understand the obstacles and preferred landing approach.
● Ball up
your glider and move off the LZ as soon as possible. Particularly if there are Hang Gliders flying
that day, but it is a good practice every time.
● Be aware
of severe sink if the wind is parallel to the ridge.
● Allegany
County Department of Emergency Services (304) 876-9155
● Ridgeley, WV
Volunteer Fire Department (304)788-8888
●
911
● Contact
the designated site point of contact to unlock gates and provide access.
Because of landowner issues, the High Point hang
gliding and paragliding site is extremely sensitive. Anybody visiting pilot
that approaches the site without a Mountaineer Hang Gliding Association officer
to serve as a guide will risk arrest or confrontation for trespassing. The main
point of contact to gain access to the site is:
Jim Rowan
13818
Florida Ave.,
Cresaptown,
MD 21502
Ph: 301-729-0773
The High Point hang gliding and paragliding site
is located atop the Allegheny ridge. The site is accessed via a private dirt
road. Due to landowner concerns, a known site guide will need to provide access
to the launch. To access the site, a four-wheel drive vehicle is needed.
Before the first flight, new or visiting pilots
must be a member of the Mountaineer Hang Gliding Association.
The High Point Launch faces NW and is flyable
from WSW to NNW wind directions. Thermal activity can be present starting
mid-day. This site is acceptable for pilots with either a H3 or P3 rating and
have sufficient experience with thermic conditions. A H3 and or P3 rating is
required because of the significant glide to the landing zone, because of the
restricted landing zone, and because of the landowner's insistence.
The normal wind speeds for flyable days are
between 4 to 15 mph. Hang gliders may fly the site on days when the wind on
launch gusts up to no more than 20 mph. Paragliders may fly the site when the
wind on launch gusts to no more than 15 mph. The site allows for both ridge soaring and thermalling. Weak gusts of up to 14 mph
may exist as mild thermals pass through. Flying is not recommended if gusts are
higher than 10 mph differential.
Launch can be very turbulent on a North or South
cross due to the spine on both sides of the launch.
The launch is surrounded by tall trees and is
considered typical of an East Coast slot launch.
The LZ is restricted and may contain automobile
traffic. When approaching the LZ, a standard airport approach landing is
recommended. When landing, beware of traffic that may be driving through the
LZ. Remember that, automobile drivers are not used to looking up and will
probably not see you on your approach. For paragliders, the landing zone may
not be within glide of launch if a pilot does not encounter lifting air.
The site is on private property and is typically
devoid of spectators. As a result, spectators do not conflict with pilots.
Pilots are advised to have out of the launch
site when not launching. Space is available for only one to launch at the site.
At the LZ the pilots should take their wing out
of the landing zone as soon as they land.
You may have to set up on either the North Side
or the South side of the field depending on the wind direction. If landing from the North, baseball field
lighting may present an obstruction and will need to be avoided.