Description
Mountain Ridge and Thermal Site. This site is NOT managed by the Arctic Air Walkers, and this Site Guide is provided to assist pilots in making good decisions about flying at this site. Always seek out pilots with site experience to get an orientation to the site.
The Butte is an 850 foot hill surrounded by flat land, in the middle of the Matanuska Valley, about 10 miles south of Palmer. It is accessed from the Old Glenn Highway via Bodenburg Loop Rd. There is good parking with a 35 minute hike up a well worn trail to several launch sites facing - south west, south, and southeast. All of these wind directions work well for ridge soaring and, with thermal influence, soaring several hundred feet over launch is common. The LZ is the huge hay field on the south side of the Butte. No permanent wind indicators are maintained in the LZ. It is the responsibility of the pilot to place temporary wind indicators if needed. The landing zone is private property, and we are lucky to be granted permission to use it. No one should drive onto the LZ, as we don’t want to damage the crops or cause ruts, or cause other potential problems. Pilots and others are expected to show all courtesy to the site and the land owners, with no loud discussions, and to use the Port-A-Potty at the adjacent Trailhead, not just peeing in the field! Paragliders have special permission to access the LZ by walking through the same yard. Approximately 75 yards out into the field is a, lightly used, grassy farm road running east and west. Try to land near and fold wing on road, so not to stamp down hay field. Don't forget to walk out and erect a pole and wind sock prior to hike up, to indicate wind direction for landing.
Landing Zones
The Butte LZ
61.540198, -149.050936
This is the primary LZ for the Butte. It is a large hay field on the south side of the Butte. There is a public outhouse in the private yard across the street from the trail head parking lot. Paragliders have special permission to access the LZ by walking through the same yard. Approximately 75 yards out into the field is a, lightly used, grassy farm road running east and west. The owner has asked that we try to land on or near the grassy road and fold our wings on the road, so not to stamp down hay field.
Weather Considerations
Pilots need to keep a careful watch on weather conditions, both on launch and in the air.
Ideal winds are from SW 10-12 mph. Winds can be about 15 degrees to either side of that direction, or you can move to a different area to launch that faces more into the wind.
Soarable in moderate winds from the southwest, south, or southeast. DO NOT launch if the winds are to the northwest.
Requirements
Pilots are expected to evaluate the launch, the possible landing areas, the weather, and other conditions. Flights are at the Pilot's own risk.
P2 is the recommended pilot level. This site is not managed by the Arctic Air Walkers and there are no specific requirements to fly here aside from strong launching skills and good judgment. Pilots should have P3 skills, but because it is a remote site, with greater consequences for messing up, pilots should follow the USHPA recommended operating limitations for P2 pilots, which are:
- Maximum base wind of 12 mph.
- Maximum peak gusts to 15 mph.
- Maximum gust rate of 5 mph in 5 seconds
- Should not fly in thermal lift where peak climb rates exceed 200 fpm.
- Launch from slopes steeper than 4:1 with the wind within 25 degrees of being straight up the slope.
Hazards
Other hikers/spectators may occasionally visit this site and the potential for a conflict exists. Pilots are cautioned to ensure an appropriate distance is maintained between launch and landing activities and the public. Pilots are expected communicate to the public as needed to maintain clearances.
This is a natural mountain ridge site and there are many natural hazards that are common to many natural mountain sites in Alaska that could be a hazard for pilots.
Be aware of possible tripping hazards in the LZ, especially before the hay is cut.
Do not land near operrating farm equipment, and consider flying elsewhere if they are cutting hay, etc.
There may be limited cell phone reception in this area. Pilots are expected to be prepared for self-rescue and by carrying Spot, InReach or other non-cell based communication equipment.
While a relatively low elevation site, be aware that general aviation occurs everywhere in Alaska.
WARNING: The descriptions of typical flying conditions listed in this Site Guide reflect the experience of the authors of the guide. The conditions that you encounter at the site may differ, sometimes substantially, from those described. These descriptions may not be relevant to the possible experience of any other pilot, particularly one who is relatively inexperienced or new to the Site.