Hammondsport

Hammondsport Upper Launch

Hammondsport Upper Launch

 

Updated 3/22/2023

Hammondsport is a slotted launch site with ridge and thermal soaring.

Site Weather Info

Flying Conditions

  • Site is flyable in NNW to N wind. Ideal conditions are NW-NNW.

  • Ideal conditions are 8-12 mph. Maximum recommended conditions are 20 mph with max gusts of 10 mph.

  • Fly within the USHPA recommended operating limitations for your rating as specified in the USHPA Pilot Proficiency System.

  • Awareness of crosswind conditions: with westerly crosswind pilots need to head for the Main LZ as soon as sinking below launch level.

Launch

  • Primary Launch GPS Coordinates: 42.3718, -77.2768

  • Both, upper and lower launch, are slot launches with trees to the left and right; no power lines.

  • Crosswind launches can be tricky as there are trees to the left and the right that direct the wind. This can lead to some turbulence in the launch slot and requires patience to wait for the right cycle or phase in the cycle.

  • 1760’ MSL

  • Leave the gate on the access road as you find it. Drive slowly and carefully. Driving in is only permitted on the dirt road. Drive only up to the cabin. No vehicle past the cabin! This is private property so behave accordingly!

Landing Zone

  • Primary LZ Location - Harvest Baptist Church, 7568 Route 54 Bath, NY 14810

  • 1100’ MSL

  • The primary LZ is 0.9 miles from launch and requires a minimum glide ratio of 7.2/1. If you get much below launch you should head for the LZ!

  • You cannot see the LZ from launch due to trees and the topography.

  • There are two landing fields (LZ): The Main LZ, and the Emergency LZ. If you land anywhere else, you do so without permission and at your own risk!

  • All LZs have trees and/or buildings near them. Be aware of the rotor associated with them relative to your approach and touch down area.

  • The Main Landing Field is the mowed grassy area BEHIND the church. Please park all vehicles so that you are not in the way. Pleased do not disturb any church activity. The Main LZ is surrounded by trees on two sides and church buildings on third side.  With a proper landing approach, these obstacles are easily avoided.

  • The Emergency LZ is the field directly below launch. It is mainly for emergencies. If you land there you will have to carry out all your gear. This is a rough and not well maintained field which is also true for the hike out trail. Use caution when hiking out. Emergency LZ is surrounded by trees on all sides.

  • Immediately after landing, leave the LZ so others can land too. Break down your glider in the Break-Down Area, safely away from any flying activity.

  • Pilots must be aware of all the power lines near the different LZs. There are power lines along the road (Route 54) and along the road at the N-boundary of the Top LZ. There are also power lines leading to the communications tower located between Launch and the Top LZ.

  • There is a pond / wetland area near the HG Emergency LZ.

Pilot Requirements

  • Pilots must be current USHPA members as well as current RAF Chapter members.

  • Hammondsport requires current intermediate rating (H3/P3). H2/P2 rated pilots require direct supervision by a H3/P3 or higher pilot familiar with the site.

  • All pilots new to the site must receive a site briefing prior to flying. Contact the Site Coordinator listed below to request a site briefing.

  • Any pilot wishing to fly this site must be familiar with all site rules, or be in company and supervised by someone who is.

  • No mini-wings allowed.

Sensitive Site Rules

  • Any concerns, especially Landowner concerns addressed to pilots, have to be brought to the attention of the RAF BOD as soon as possible.

  • Respect the landowner's wishes… No pets. No parties. No fires. No cutting of trees. Leave no trash. Please keep the place clean. Clean up if necessary. Report any undue occurrence to a Club Officer.

  • Do not trample or damage any crops or fields, even if it may not look like a crop to you. Report any damage to the landowner immediately, and offer to compensate for it.

  • Leave gate as you find it. Drive slowly and carefully. Drive only up to the cabin. No vehicle past the cabin.

  • If there are people using the cabin, be polite. Park so that you do not block others.

  • If you see a new pilot, or someone you don’t know, introduce yourself, get acquainted. Make sure that person is familiar with the site and knows all site rules. Don’t let somebody make a mistake because you are reluctant to approach others.

  • If you notice someone doing something wrong, don’t hesitate, tell that person politely. Explain the situation so everybody will know how to do things right. Don’t let our site get lost because you fail in this simple task!

  • Do not invite any spectators or visitors, especially not into the launch and landing areas. Do make sure that any spectators, guests, and any other non-flying persons (including pets on leash!) stay clear of launch and landing areas and generally do not get in the way. Make them aware of any dangers to themselves and pilots.

Emergency Plan

  • In an emergency situation – suspend all flight activities, dial 911 if appropriate, and administer first aid as appropriate to your training and experience

For more information and site introductions contact the RAF President.

Moritz Wagner moritz.wagner.swiss@gmail.com 585-955-3784

 

Hammondsport Landing Zone - click for directions on Google Maps