Please download and sign 2 copies of the Sierra agreement if you are planning to fly Big Johnson. Make sure you deliver 1 copy to our site Coordinator with fresh signature and keep 1 copy for everyone that is driving up the gate, including nonflying drivers or friends! Currently we accept only the original signed form!
| ncsc_bj_black_sierra_pacific_release_waiver.pdf |
1. The site info
The Big Johnson flying site (also referred to as BJ) is located about 18 miles east of Bellingham, Washington. It offers good thermalling potential and XC opportunities, providing beautiful views of the Nooksack River valley, Mount Baker, and the Twin Sisters Range. BJ is a P3 Site and is not suitable for basic training or beginning pilots.
The primary risks with the site are associated with the LZ which is surrounded by trees and power lines. The LZ can have a rotor and turbulence-associated risks if the wind is strong in the valley. Thermals at this site can be strong midday, it is recommended that pilots are competent flying in strong mid-day conditions.
Evenings are often smoother conditions with ridge lift and light thermals. These evening conditions can be appropriate for P2-rated pilots when assessed by an experienced pilot.
The LZ is located on private property. Parking is available only near the North Fork Rd, without blocking driveways. Pilots should fold winds and socialize by the parking area only. Please respect the property owner and do not intrude into the private residences around the LZ.
Site Contact: Jesse Williams, 360-201-2983
2. Best Time to Fly:
Noon to Sunset. Spring and Summer may produce strong mid-day thermals. Caution should be taken launching mid-day. Evenings typically offer smoother thermals.
3. Protocols:
The launch is located on Sierra Pacific Industries' property. NCSC has an agreement with SPI allowing drive-up vehicle access to launch behind SPI’s locked gate. NCSC members with a rating of P3 or higher may obtain access keys through the club. Everyone accessing launch in a vehicle must be a current NCSC club member, a current USHPA member, and have signed and turned in a current SPI liability release waiver to the site coordinator.
See https://www.spiind.com/OurForests/RecreationAccess for SPI’s complete rules regarding recreational access on their lands. Access to BJ launch may be closed by SPI, during the dry season due to high fire danger, or due to logging activity. Always yield to equipment operators on forest roads. You may need to back up until you find a pull-out if you encounter a truck, do not expect them to move over or get out of your way. Drive slowly and avoid using vehicles with poor traction to avoid wear on gravel roads. During the winter snow may make the road impassable. All pilots must get a site orientation before flying.
Ratings: Intermediate/P-3 (P-2 when not thermic as assessed by an experienced pilot)
4.BJ South Launch
The BJ south launch is a dirt/grass natural slope launch. The launching zone is small and has enough flat area to lay out 1 wing and run only a few steps before the terrain smoothly rounds over into a very steep slope with stumps and then trees below. Paraglider pilots launching BJ should have excellent kiting skills and experience with technical launch sites. There are no obstructions on launch; however, the close proximity to trees and the short, steep runways require precise launching techniques. The launching zone is characteristic of a mountain launch site.
Launch elevation is approximately 1,800 feet MSL. The LZ cannot be seen from the launch. The launch faces SW.
Note: The old Hang Glider launch (Upper Launch) has not been used for several years due to the access road being overgrown. This launch is now closed.
South Launch Recommended Wind Strength: PG - min 0, ideal 10, max 15, gust 2
South Launch Recommended Wind Direction (degrees): Ideal - 180° to 230°, acceptable 160°-250°
The Big Johnson flying site (also referred to as BJ) is located about 18 miles east of Bellingham, Washington. It offers good thermalling potential and XC opportunities, providing beautiful views of the Nooksack River valley, Mount Baker, and the Twin Sisters Range. BJ is a P3 Site and is not suitable for basic training or beginning pilots.
The primary risks with the site are associated with the LZ which is surrounded by trees and power lines. The LZ can have a rotor and turbulence-associated risks if the wind is strong in the valley. Thermals at this site can be strong midday, it is recommended that pilots are competent flying in strong mid-day conditions.
Evenings are often smoother conditions with ridge lift and light thermals. These evening conditions can be appropriate for P2-rated pilots when assessed by an experienced pilot.
The LZ is located on private property. Parking is available only near the North Fork Rd, without blocking driveways. Pilots should fold winds and socialize by the parking area only. Please respect the property owner and do not intrude into the private residences around the LZ.
Site Contact: Jesse Williams, 360-201-2983
2. Best Time to Fly:
Noon to Sunset. Spring and Summer may produce strong mid-day thermals. Caution should be taken launching mid-day. Evenings typically offer smoother thermals.
3. Protocols:
The launch is located on Sierra Pacific Industries' property. NCSC has an agreement with SPI allowing drive-up vehicle access to launch behind SPI’s locked gate. NCSC members with a rating of P3 or higher may obtain access keys through the club. Everyone accessing launch in a vehicle must be a current NCSC club member, a current USHPA member, and have signed and turned in a current SPI liability release waiver to the site coordinator.
See https://www.spiind.com/OurForests/RecreationAccess for SPI’s complete rules regarding recreational access on their lands. Access to BJ launch may be closed by SPI, during the dry season due to high fire danger, or due to logging activity. Always yield to equipment operators on forest roads. You may need to back up until you find a pull-out if you encounter a truck, do not expect them to move over or get out of your way. Drive slowly and avoid using vehicles with poor traction to avoid wear on gravel roads. During the winter snow may make the road impassable. All pilots must get a site orientation before flying.
Ratings: Intermediate/P-3 (P-2 when not thermic as assessed by an experienced pilot)
4.BJ South Launch
The BJ south launch is a dirt/grass natural slope launch. The launching zone is small and has enough flat area to lay out 1 wing and run only a few steps before the terrain smoothly rounds over into a very steep slope with stumps and then trees below. Paraglider pilots launching BJ should have excellent kiting skills and experience with technical launch sites. There are no obstructions on launch; however, the close proximity to trees and the short, steep runways require precise launching techniques. The launching zone is characteristic of a mountain launch site.
Launch elevation is approximately 1,800 feet MSL. The LZ cannot be seen from the launch. The launch faces SW.
Note: The old Hang Glider launch (Upper Launch) has not been used for several years due to the access road being overgrown. This launch is now closed.
South Launch Recommended Wind Strength: PG - min 0, ideal 10, max 15, gust 2
South Launch Recommended Wind Direction (degrees): Ideal - 180° to 230°, acceptable 160°-250°
BJ South launch
5. BJ North Launch
The BJ North Launch is shallower in slope and is generally unsuitable for hang glider use. Several cut-off stumps, rocks, and other tripping hazards may be present on the launching runway. The launching surface is mostly gravel and dirt. Small sticks and roots are presented in the setup and launching areas and can easily become tangled in lines. Care should be taken to ensure lines are fully cleared before committing to takeoff. Several lone-standing tall trees are present immediately below the launch. Pilots need to be aware of these trees and actively steer clear.
North Launch Recommended Wind Strength: PG - min 5, ideal 10, max 15, gust 5
North Launch Recommended Wind Direction (degrees): Ideal - 35° to 300°
The BJ North Launch is shallower in slope and is generally unsuitable for hang glider use. Several cut-off stumps, rocks, and other tripping hazards may be present on the launching runway. The launching surface is mostly gravel and dirt. Small sticks and roots are presented in the setup and launching areas and can easily become tangled in lines. Care should be taken to ensure lines are fully cleared before committing to takeoff. Several lone-standing tall trees are present immediately below the launch. Pilots need to be aware of these trees and actively steer clear.
North Launch Recommended Wind Strength: PG - min 5, ideal 10, max 15, gust 5
North Launch Recommended Wind Direction (degrees): Ideal - 35° to 300°
BJ North Launch
6. Landing Zone:
The main paraglider LZ is on private property adjacent to North Fork Rd. The owners have given permission to land there. Park only near the road without blocking the driveway. Pack and fold up wings by the parking area and do not intrude on the property owner’s private residence on the east side of the field. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. There are tall trees and power lines surrounding LZ in addition to a row of trees partially bisecting the LZ. Appropriate approach patterns are communicated to new/visiting pilots during site orientation.
Generally in SE-W wind, the downwind leg is northbound over the paved road, the base leg is eastward over the power lines, and the final approach is from the NE corner of the field towards the parking area in the SW corner taking advantage of the longest diagonal dimension of the field.
In NW-E wind, the downwind leg is southwest-bound over the eastern edge of the field, a short base leg turn is made westbound over the south edge of the field, and the final is made in the north-northeastward direction making use of the long diagonal dimension of the field if going long.
This LZ can become extremely thermic particularly during mid-day summer conditions often requiring creative adjustment of landing patterns. It is often in a convergence zone and winds can switch without warning. It is relatively small and surrounded by high obstacles so lose elevation carefully and go on the final approach as low as possible, trying to land short to avoid overshooting if an unexpected lift is encountered on the final. Pilots should also be very careful not to get too close to obstacles such that a sudden sink could cause a collision, or a sudden gust of wind could put them on the wrong side of the obstacle, unable to reach the LZ.
Strong north or south winds in the valley can also create rotor and associated turbulence but overshooting the LZ is less of a problem in these conditions. The required glide ratio to reach the main paragliding LZ is approximately 2.2 and 2.7 from BJ South Launch and BJ North Launch, respectively.
The main paraglider LZ is on private property adjacent to North Fork Rd. The owners have given permission to land there. Park only near the road without blocking the driveway. Pack and fold up wings by the parking area and do not intrude on the property owner’s private residence on the east side of the field. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. There are tall trees and power lines surrounding LZ in addition to a row of trees partially bisecting the LZ. Appropriate approach patterns are communicated to new/visiting pilots during site orientation.
Generally in SE-W wind, the downwind leg is northbound over the paved road, the base leg is eastward over the power lines, and the final approach is from the NE corner of the field towards the parking area in the SW corner taking advantage of the longest diagonal dimension of the field.
In NW-E wind, the downwind leg is southwest-bound over the eastern edge of the field, a short base leg turn is made westbound over the south edge of the field, and the final is made in the north-northeastward direction making use of the long diagonal dimension of the field if going long.
This LZ can become extremely thermic particularly during mid-day summer conditions often requiring creative adjustment of landing patterns. It is often in a convergence zone and winds can switch without warning. It is relatively small and surrounded by high obstacles so lose elevation carefully and go on the final approach as low as possible, trying to land short to avoid overshooting if an unexpected lift is encountered on the final. Pilots should also be very careful not to get too close to obstacles such that a sudden sink could cause a collision, or a sudden gust of wind could put them on the wrong side of the obstacle, unable to reach the LZ.
Strong north or south winds in the valley can also create rotor and associated turbulence but overshooting the LZ is less of a problem in these conditions. The required glide ratio to reach the main paragliding LZ is approximately 2.2 and 2.7 from BJ South Launch and BJ North Launch, respectively.
BJ Landing zone
Google map view of South launch and LZ
Notes: Beware of switching winds. LZ is to the west of launch west side of the river along the Mt Baker Highway
Directions: From Bellingham, take Exit #255 off I-5 for WA-542 E/Sunset Drive toward Mt Baker. Follow WA-542 for approximately 18 miles. Turn right onto Mosquito Lake Rd (at Welcome Grocery Store) then turn left onto N Fork Rd. Follow N Fork Rd approximately 1.5 miles to LZ.
Access: Gravel, 4WD. BJ South launch is accessed via a locked gate. Current NCSC and USHPA members with a P3 rating and above may get a gate key from the NCSC.
Incidents: All incidents should be documented by emailing the club: northcascadessoaringclub@gmail.com attention to Safety officer. In an emergency, Call 9-1-1 first.
Directions: From Bellingham, take Exit #255 off I-5 for WA-542 E/Sunset Drive toward Mt Baker. Follow WA-542 for approximately 18 miles. Turn right onto Mosquito Lake Rd (at Welcome Grocery Store) then turn left onto N Fork Rd. Follow N Fork Rd approximately 1.5 miles to LZ.
Access: Gravel, 4WD. BJ South launch is accessed via a locked gate. Current NCSC and USHPA members with a P3 rating and above may get a gate key from the NCSC.
Incidents: All incidents should be documented by emailing the club: northcascadessoaringclub@gmail.com attention to Safety officer. In an emergency, Call 9-1-1 first.
7.NO LANDING ZONES:
Some landowners do not like or accept that we land on their property. Please download the google earth file and make sure you avoid landing in these properties.
CLICK HERE to access "No landing" zones:
CLICK HERE to access "No landing" zones:
JOIN NCSC TELEGRAM GROUP: https://t.me/c/1504005836/51
8.Site Use Rules:
- Key members must be a minimum of H3 or P3 and NCSC members.
- Key members are responsible for making sure that all guest pilots are current USHPA members with a minimum H2 or P2 pilot rating, giving a site orientation, and adequate knowledge of the flying site.
- Key members must have guests sign the “Sierra hold harmless agreement” and return before access.
- Key members must escort their guests onto Sierra Pacific property and assume responsibility for their guest's safety, actions, and orientation to the site and these rules while on Sierra Pacific property.
- Keys are not transferable and are not to be loaned or duplicated.
- All pilots and tandem passengers must be current USHPA members or have a signed 30-day membership/waiver.
- Communications with landowners of said property shall be done through the club via the designated site coordinator. Please do not hesitate to contact us at our dedicated email address for any inquiry regarding the site coordinator.
- Appropriate vehicle speed on all roads leading to flying sites including those within surrounding communities. (Excessive speeds are the primary cause of most site closures)
- Drivers shall make every effort to minimize vehicle impact upon roads. Leave no evidence of our passage on such roads.
- No use of gas combustion-powered tools during fire season.
- No commercial activities are allowed.
- No Smoking.
- No Fires, No tree cutting, camping, wood gathering, or any other activities unrelated to flying.
- Be respectful and courteous to everyone we encounter while representing our club and sport.
- Pilots shall obey local flying rules and make every effort to mitigate risk.
For further info contact:
northcascadessoaringclub@gmail.com
northcascadessoaringclub@gmail.com