Siti di volo

Decollo – Reed’s Lookout Paraglider launch

Direzione: NNEESESSOONO
Coordinate: -36.7110, 146.8160
Altitudine: 1300 m
Regione: Victoria, AU

Descrizione del decollo

Access Leave vehicles at the Crystal Brook or Cricket Oval car sidings and take the path across the Crystal Brook Falls. Follow the Big Walk (downhill) for about 15 mins and there is a sign for Reed’s Lookout to the right. The side path emerges at the lookout which overlooks the launch area. The launch site can also be reached on foot by hiking up The Big Walk. Launching The launch gets the morning sun and takes the valley breeze so that conditions can be favourable first thing in light winds. The rocks warm up with the morning sun which can then create strong thermalling conditions. Any cross-wind may cause turbulence. The boulders offer only a few steps between the fissures so conditions have to be ideal for any launch to be considered. There is no room for error.

Regole / spazio aereo

Rating PG5, PG4 under FI/SSO supervision. Unsuitable for Hang gliders.

Commenti

Mt Buffalo is a large granite mountain. Reed’s lookout PG launch comprises a series of large (3-4m) boulders with a surface slope of around 35-40deg off level and deep fissures between the boulders. The surface is of ‘sharp’ granite which is helpfully non-slip but can grab lines and cause wing damage if movement against the rock face is excessive. Several options for launch are available: the conditions will indicate the optimum. The drop-off in front of the boulders is sheer where it is not closed by low trees thus there is no room for error. The site is rated PG5. PG4 may only launch under FI/SSO supervision. Visitors are strongly advised to seek local knowledge before attempting to fly here. Eagle Attacks – most wedgetail eagles in the area are friendly, however there is a grumpy eagle resident on the Buffalo Foothills who may attack paragliders.