Nixon's Nose

61.773867, -149.312569
Updated April 21, 2024

Description

Nixon's Nose is 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.

Nixon's nose is accessed from the top of the pass where you hike up the steep loose dirt hill to the north towards a rock outcrop that gives this launch it's name.  Just past the rock outcrop you'll find a spacious saddle that provides an excellent launch to the southeast and an acceptable launch to the southwest. 

The primary LZ for the SW launch is the Lake Hill Meadow though many people choose to top land at the Lake Hill launch to make the hike back to retrieve their car shorter. 

There is no designated LZ for the SE launch.  However, the Marmot Parking Lot area can usually be reached from Nixons Nose and on lifty days landing the Marmot Bench launch is possible landing site as well.

Landing Zones

Lake Hill Meadow

61.767642, -149.332523

The Lake Hill Meadow LZ is a vast open space at the base of Lake Hill and is an ideal place to land if you sink out after launching from Lake Hill.  This is also the primary LZ for Nixon's Nose when launching to the west.  The LZ slopes slightly downhill to the west into the prevailing wind.

Marmot LZ

61.767376, -149.265454

Marmot LZ Image

The State Parks has asked that we not land in the Parking Lot.  Instead land in the tundra above the parking lot, or on the tundra elsewhere.

There are two main landing area just to the north of the parking lot and east of the road. They consist of soft tundra, and make a great landing site. While relativly smooth, there may be hummocks and ground squirrel holes that could injure and ankle.

In strong winds, the field next to the A-frame lodge just up valley is a better landing option.

These are by no means the only landing options. There are many similar areas in the vicinity that make for great landing options aswell.

Other hikers/spectators/berry pickers 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.

Weather Considerations

  • The ideal conditions for this site are light prevailing winds directly up either the SW or SE launch. 
  • Avoid conditions with a strong cross-valley flow.

  • Pilots need to keep a careful watch on weather conditions, both on launch and in the air.

    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.

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. 

P3 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.
  • This site is not managed by the Arctic Air Walkers.
  • This is remote backcountry flying site which requires suitable pilot skills and good decision making. 
  • The SW launch is suitable for P2 pilots
  • The SE launch is suitable for P3 pilots due to limited landing options within view of the launch

Hazards

This is a remote mountain site and there are many natural hazards that are common to many remote mountain sites in Alaska that could be a hazard for pilots.

  • Massive overdevelopment is one of the biggest hazards at Hatchers Pass. It’s very common for towering cumulonimbus clouds to blast into the sky past 30,000 feet. These clouds will suck you up, chew on you for hours, and spit your frozen corpse out somewhere in the remote and inaccessible Talkeetna Mountains. Be aware that this development can occur quickly above you and it’s not always obvious that it’s happening until it’s too late. Blue sky over the Matanuska-Susitna Valley doesn’t mean that you’re safe. In fact it often means that you’re not. Scared? Good.
  • There are a lot of converging, diverging, and mixing valley flows in the Hatcher Pass area. Stay alert.
  • Winds can shift quickly. Be prepared.
  • The pass (Hatcher Pass) can have strong venturi winds.  Do not try to land at your car if parked at the pass!
  • Pilots often try to fly along the east and west flanks of Marmot. If you choose to do this be aware of mechanical turbulence along the spines leading up mountain and be aware that the strong valley flows will probably make this a one way trip.
  • Landing at the Mint Valley Trailhead often results in backwards landings because of the strong valley flow. It’s doable but not the best option.
  • The State Parks has asked that we not land in the Parking Lot.  Instead land in the tundra above the parking lot, or on the Tundra elsewhere.
  • All tundra areas have rocks, bushes, sticks, etc. that are a tripping hazard at both launch and landing.
  • The precise launch area at many remote sites is undefined since most mountain sites are above tree line and there are often numerous locations on the mountain where pilots can set up and launch.
  • Most remote mountain sites offer abundant twigs to tangle lines, sharp rocks to break lines, strong thermals, uneven ground, steep launch slopes, and slippery snow fields.
  • Snow/rock may accumulate in your wing during setup or during botch launches.  This can signifcantly affect the flight worthiness of your wing.
  • Many of these remote sites have undefined LZ's, poorly defined LZ's, or LZ's that cannot be seen from launch making them unsuitable for P2 pilots.
  • As with mountain sites anywhere, be ultra aware of the potential effect of mixing, converging, diverging, and rotor airflows on your intended flight path.

  • Other hikers/spectators/berry pickers 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. 

  •  

    General Aviation (Private plane) flights occur throughout Alaska, and some will transit through Hatcher Pass, sometimes at a low altitude.

    There may be no cell phone reception in many backcountry areas.  Pilots are expected to be prepared for self-rescue and by carrying Spot, InReach or other non-cell based communication equipment.


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.