BJ and Black access closed pending an updated contract with Sierra Pacific.
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Hello Members,
Sierra Pacific has asked that we stop accessing their land pending an updated contract. Communication from them has been spotty so I don't know exactly what they'll need or how long this will take. For now please do not access behind their gates. I'll be working on this today and I'll update you when I know more. Please let friends know who might not be on telegram regularly.
***********
Hello Members,
Sierra Pacific has asked that we stop accessing their land pending an updated contract. Communication from them has been spotty so I don't know exactly what they'll need or how long this will take. For now please do not access behind their gates. I'll be working on this today and I'll update you when I know more. Please let friends know who might not be on telegram regularly.
1. Black Mnt Info
Black Mt. is located about 20 miles east of Bellingham, WA within the North Cascade Mountains foothills and near the Canadian border. Flying at Black Mt. is primarily along the western- and southwestern-facing aspects, overlooking Silver Lake. Access is via a locked gate off of Highway 542; many north-end pilots have keys and visiting pilots are welcome. The landowner requires USHPA membership. The site is administered by the North Cascades Soaring Club.
2. Launches
Black Mt. is located about 20 miles east of Bellingham, WA within the North Cascade mountains foothills and near the Canadian border. Flying at Black Mt. is primarily along the western- and southwestern-facing aspects, overlooking Silver Lake. Access is via a locked gate off of highway 542; many north-end pilots have keys and visiting pilots are welcome. The landowner requires USHPA membership. The site is administered by the North Cascades Soaring Club.
Launch Elevation: Main top launch 4,670′
GPS Coordinates: 48°58'15.75"N, -122°1'42.84"W
Launch Elevation: Middle Launch: 3,820’′
GPS Coordinates: 48°57'41.30"N, -122°2'27.29"W
Launch Elevation: Lower Launch (Lippy’s Launch): 2,140′
GPS Coordinates: 48°57'20.08”N, -122°3'6.23”W
Landing Zone Elevation: 780’
GPS Coordinates: 48.965078 , -122.072947
Flight Types: Mountain Thermal and Ridge-Lift
Best Season To Fly: Allowed usage year-round, the best time to fly is typically in the Summer and Fall.
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.
Several launches have been developed along the western aspect of Black Mt. The launches are at various elevations, giving pilots options depending on the conditions. The Upper (Main) Launch is most heavily used.
2.1.Black Mt. Upper Launch
The Upper Launch is located near the south end of the south-north trending ridgeline on the upper slopes of Black Mt. Pilots typically set up on the gravel road near the parking area. The launch is short and steep.
2.1.Black Mt. Upper Launch
The Upper Launch is located near the south end of the south-north trending ridgeline on the upper slopes of Black Mt. Pilots typically set up on the gravel road near the parking area. The launch is short and steep.
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Recommended Wind Strength:
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Black Upper launch
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Black Middle Launch
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2.2.Black Mt. Middle Launch
The Middle Launch faces northwest. The launching surface is gravel and the runway is short and steep. Recommended Wind Strength:
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2.3.Black Mt. Lower Launch (Lippy’s)
The Lower Launch (Lippy’s Launch) is the lowest launch on Black Mt. The launching surface is gravel and the runway is short and steep. Recommended Wind Strength:
Recommended Wind Direction (degrees):
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Protocols:: The Black Mt. launches may be closed during the dry season due to high fire danger, and during the winter due to snow. All pilots must get a site orientation before flying.
Ratings: Intermediate/P-3/H3 (or Novice/H-2/P-2 when mellow) |
Black's Launch
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3. Landing Zone:
The main designated landing area is adjacent to the Silver Lake group campground site. There are tall trees surrounding the landing zone and a barn in the southern portion of the field. Appropriate approach patterns are communicated to new pilots during site orientation. For most of the Black Mt. launches, the glide ratio needed to reach the main LZ is 3:1.
The main designated landing area is adjacent to the Silver Lake group campground site. There are tall trees surrounding the landing zone and a barn in the southern portion of the field. Appropriate approach patterns are communicated to new pilots during site orientation. For most of the Black Mt. launches, the glide ratio needed to reach the main LZ is 3:1.
Black LZ
Alternate LZ
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Access: Locked gate on the gravel road, 4WD, deep water bars
Launch Elevation: top launch 4500′ MSL; Lippy’s Leap 2900′ MSL Paragliders can be flown in smooth SW to NW winds of 0-15 mph. Hang gliders can be flown in smooth SW to NW winds of 0-20 mph Type: Slope, earth launch Obstructions: None Faces: W, NW Notes: Set up on road at top launch. Soarable: Yes, R/T LZ Elevation: 900 MSL Type: Grassy field Obstructions: Tall trees around the field; barn; rotors Notes: Beware of switching winds. LZ is in the group camp area of Silver Lake County Park. |
The large field across the road is available for landing if you first check with the Silver Lake campground officer.
Additional Notes: consistent site for soaring, good tandem site. Can-Am competition was held at Black in late summer. Very scenic. |
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. Contact NCSC for further info.
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:
Please dowload and sign 2 copies of the Sierra agreement if you are planning to fly Black Mountain. 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 |
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 minimum H2 or P2 pilot ratings, 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. DOWNLOAD HERE and please carry one signed copy with you and one delivery in person! Printed signed copies or photographed ones are not valid!
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.
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.
Key members are responsible for making sure that all guest pilots are current USHPA members with minimum H2 or P2 pilot ratings, 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. DOWNLOAD HERE and please carry one signed copy with you and one delivery in person! Printed signed copies or photographed ones are not valid!
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.
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.
NO LANDING ZONE
Some landowners do not like or accept that we land on their property. Please download the google earth file and make sure you avoid it as much as possible landing into these properties.
CLICK HERE to access "No landing zones
CLICK HERE to access "No landing zones
Contact NCSC for further info:
northcascadessoaringclub@gmail.com
JOIN TELEGRAM: https://t.me/c/1504005836/51
northcascadessoaringclub@gmail.com
JOIN TELEGRAM: https://t.me/c/1504005836/51