Info last updated 3/10/22
Big Johnson (Racehorse Ridge, BJ). is located about 18 miles east of Bellingham. Access is via a locked gate.
Landowner requires USHPA membership. The site is administered by the North Cascades Soaring Club.
Protocol: Intermediate/H-3/P-3 (or Novice/H-2/P-2 when mellow). May be closed during dry season due to fire danger, and winter due to Snow. All pilots must get a site orientation before flying.
CONTACT: Site Chairman: Andy Holmes 971-808-4030
Flying Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Access: Locked gate on gravel road, 4WD
Launch Elevation: SW launch 1800′ MSL; Upper hang Launch (overgrown) 2700′ MSL
Paragliders can be flown in smooth SW winds of 0-15 mph. Hang gliders can be flown in smooth SW winds of 0-20 mph
Type: Slope, earth launch
Obstructions: None
Faces: SW
Big Johnson (Racehorse Ridge, BJ). is located about 18 miles east of Bellingham. Access is via a locked gate.
Landowner requires USHPA membership. The site is administered by the North Cascades Soaring Club.
Protocol: Intermediate/H-3/P-3 (or Novice/H-2/P-2 when mellow). May be closed during dry season due to fire danger, and winter due to Snow. All pilots must get a site orientation before flying.
CONTACT: Site Chairman: Andy Holmes 971-808-4030
Flying Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Access: Locked gate on gravel road, 4WD
Launch Elevation: SW launch 1800′ MSL; Upper hang Launch (overgrown) 2700′ MSL
Paragliders can be flown in smooth SW winds of 0-15 mph. Hang gliders can be flown in smooth SW winds of 0-20 mph
Type: Slope, earth launch
Obstructions: None
Faces: SW
Please dowload 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 |
|
Notes: Mainly used for paragliding. Minimal hang glider set up area at lower SW launch
Soarable: Yes, R/T Paraglider LZ Elevation: 500 MSL Type: Grassy field Obstructions: Tall trees around field; power lines along road; valley flow rotors |
Notes: Beware of switching winds. LZ is to the west of launch east side of the river.
Hang Glider LZ Elevation: 500 MSL Type: Grassy field Obstructions: Tall trees around field; power lines along road; Cattle and the occasional elk herd may be present in the LZ Notes: Beware of switching winds. LZ is to the west of launch west side of the river along the Mt Baker Highway |
North Cascades Soaring Club administers several other sites in Northwest Washington, some of which are behind locked gates, most of which have sensitive landowner issues or extremely challenging launch and/or landing.
All incidents should be documented via the current USHPA incident reporting protocols with a courtesy copy to the site contact. Any incident involving non-pilot property damage, injuries or assistance from non-pilots (EMS, police, public bystanders etc.) must also be reported as soon as practical to the site contact.
In an emergency, Call 9-1-1 first.
All incidents should be documented via the current USHPA incident reporting protocols with a courtesy copy to the site contact. Any incident involving non-pilot property damage, injuries or assistance from non-pilots (EMS, police, public bystanders etc.) must also be reported as soon as practical to the site contact.
In an emergency, Call 9-1-1 first.
Site Use Rules:
Key members must be a minimum H3 or P3 and NCSC member.
Key member are responsible for making sure that all guest pilots are current USHPA members with minimum
H2 or P2 pilot rating, giving a site orientation, and adequate knowledge of the flying site.
Key members must have guests sign “Sierra hold harmless agreement” and return before access.
Key members must escort their guests onto Sierra Pacific property and assume responsibility for their guests 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 hesittate to contact us at our dedicated email address for any inquiry regarding 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 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.
Key member are responsible for making sure that all guest pilots are current USHPA members with minimum
H2 or P2 pilot rating, giving a site orientation, and adequate knowledge of the flying site.
Key members must have guests sign “Sierra hold harmless agreement” and return before access.
Key members must escort their guests onto Sierra Pacific property and assume responsibility for their guests 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 hesittate to contact us at our dedicated email address for any inquiry regarding 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 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.
NO LANDING ZONES:
|
JOIN TELEGRAM GROUP: https://t.me/c/1504005836/51
|
Vertical Divider
|
Some landowners do not llike or accept that we land in to their property. Please dowload the google earth file and make sure you avoid as much as possible landing into these properties.
CLICK HERE to access "No landing" zones: |
|
Contact NCSC for further info:
northcascadessoaringclub@gmail.com |
|