Mt. Baldy Area

61.336505, -149.514301
Updated April 29, 2024

Description

Pilot Requirements

P2 ; H3 (w/RLF for HMAC field)

P3 skills reccommended for XC flights

MUST BE A CURRENT  FULL AAW and USHPA MEMBER

All pilots must have an in person site intro before flying

 

Weather Conditions

Wind Direction: 290°-340° w/ 10° variance

PG Min: 0mph / Ideal: 5mph / Max: 12mph / Gust: 5mph

HG Min: 5mpg / Ideal: 10mph / Max: 15mph / Gust: 5mph

Glide Ratio to L//Z: 4.5

Hazards

Maintain 100' clearence from towers and guylines at all times

Be aware of the shallow glide to L/Z

This is a high traffic area for light aircraft

Beware of days with strong SE in surrounding areas! This can quickly push through and cause severe turbulence and sink

Do not get low in the steep valley to the NE of launch, due to rotor 

Do not launch in south winds due to rotor in flight and at the LZ

Restrictions

Do not fly within 500' of the Bowlin Residence (lowest house on the SE ridge from launch)

Harry Mac and the Hang Glider LZ are the only acceptable landing options in the core Eagle River Area.

The field at HMAC is the only permissible place to land. Landing in the parking lot is forbidden

Miniwings are not allowed to launch from Towers due to the shallow glide angle

 

BALDY TOWERS LAUNCH AND HMAC LZ ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

AAW is neogitiating a new use permit with Parks and Recreation.

This will be removed as soon as the site is reopened

 

 

Baldy is arguably the best flying site in the Anchorage area with abundant opportunities for cross country flights, a beautiful launch and a spacious LZ. It is primarily a thermal site with good days resulting in a cloud base of 7,000 feet or higher. The launch is situated directly above the town of Eagle River by the obvious radio tower. An easy 5 minute walk from the parking lot brings you to a glider friendly grassy knoll with room for several wings to layout at the same time.

Baldy is the launch site for several state XC distance records.  The first was set by Rick Ray on May 2nd, 2005 which was beat slightly by Jack Brown on May 6th, 2011 at 41.8 miles and then clobbered by Jack Brown on May 15th, 2012 at 68 miles.

Typical cross country directions from Baldy include south towards Flattop, north towards Palmer, east towards the Eagle River Valley Nature Center, and west towards Willow.  Bailouts along most of these routes are limited so be sure to consult with a local XC pilot before embarking on an adventure.

Both the launch and LZ locations are owned by private entities. Our permit agreement requires that everyone launching or landing be current members of USHPA and the Arctic Air Walkers, and to get an orientation to the site.

You may verify your AAW membership at this link.

Launch

Baldy Towers Launch Image

 

To get to launch, park at the Mt Baldy Trailhead parking lot.  At the east end of the parking lot, begin to hike up the steep gravel trail. When it levels out, turn right onto the access road for the towers. Follow the road past a gate to the end and you have arrived!

Baldy Towers launch area is a cleared, grassy area approximately 100 ft wide x 120 feet long.  For about 30 to 40 ft on each side there is low brush, before you get to sparse trees, which are ~20 feet tall.  The end of the “runway” below launch has about 50 ft before there are 10 ft high alder bushes. Spectators should be asked to keep behind the road to the south of launch, or in the brush to the north, and be at least 50 feet away

There are two towers located southwest of the Baldy "Tower Launch".  One tower is ~150’ from the southwest edge of the launch area and is supported by guy wires anchored about 50 feet from the southwest edge of launch. The second tower is a large freestanding tower located 300 feet from the southwest edge of launch.  Each tower has an adjacent single story building that houses radio equipment and has additional antenna dishes mounted on them. 

From launch you are able to see the Harry McDonald Center LZ to the west.

There are several permanently maintained windsocks at launch. You can access a webcam view of launch here. There is a wind talker that is maintained by the AAW on one of the towers at launch. The phone number is: (907) 694-3017

Please maintain a respectful distance from houses along the SW slope below launch.  Several residents in the in the area below launch have have politely asked that we avoid lingering directly over their residence.  In particular, please maintain a 500' radius around the Bowlin residence, and lowest house on the SE ridge.

 

Baldy Overview Image

 

Baldy Summit Launch

This location is not managed or maintained by the AAW. USHPA and AAW membership are required to land at the HMAC LZ.

Baldy Summit Overview

A 30-60 minute hike up from the Baldy Tower parking lot along a well worn trail brings you to the summit of Mount Baldy. This can be a fun place to launch from if the winds are light or if you're looking for some exercise. It is also a great location for an extended winter sledder with prime views.

Baldy Summit Launch Image

There's no specific launch area at the summit but most people launch from just west of the summit in a west or north breeze and walk a bit past the summit when launching in a light south breeze.  Occasionally we get rewarded with a mid winter soaring session along the north or south face of Baldy.

The reccommended wind levels for both launch directions are : Min: 0mph Ideal: 5mph Max: 12mph with a gust factor of 5mph

This is an unmaintained launch so be mindful of rocks or shrubbery that might snag lines or trip feet. This location is located on State Park land, and as such any "grooming" of launch is expressly forbidden.

The west launch has ample space to lay out several wings, and a gentle gradient that is conducive to nil wind launches. The south launch area is a bit narrower, and has just enough "depth" for a wing and lines. The slopes on the south side are steeper, and pilots should be confident with their forward launch before attempting a zero wind launch.

This is a popular hiking trail, so please be mindful of other users and layout your wing off the main trail.

Landing Zones

Harry McDonald Center LZ

61.343098, -149.549626

HMAC LZ image

The Harry Mac LZ was established by Eagle River Parks and Recreation in 2008 as a multi-use field / Landing Zone.  Anyone that has struggled to secure a landing zone for their local site knows how amazing it is to have the city designate a permanent LZ.  Please help us keep this as a permanent LZ by strictly following the rules.  The Arctic Air Walkers have been tasked with enforcing the rules and be aware that there will be ZERO tolerance for pilots who don't comply. 

The typical approach is from the SE through a large gap in the trees.  This approach allows you to turn left into a West wind or right into a North wind.  There's a large wind sock on one of the lamp posts and there's often a secondary wind sock closer to the ground on the edge of the field.

The field is approximately 400' x 250' on a N to S axis. The field is ringed by trees ~50' tall on the north through southeast aspects and bordered by a parking lot containing lamp posts on the northeast through southeast. This is a multi-use field, please announce your arrival from above if there are people in the field. If landing during midday, the LZ can be thermally active and the wind can be switchy.  Be prepared prepared for pockets of lift and sink on approach and leave yourself options as you make your final.

There is a chain link fence around a drainage retention pond located along the “slot” between the trees at the SSE corner adjacent to the LZ.  Because the fence is located part way down slope between the LZ and the pond, the height of the fence is only about 4 feet above the ground level of the LZ.

The field is the only area permitted to land. Landing in the parking lot is forbidden and will result in a complaint to the AAW.

The LZ can be muddy in the spring so many pilots kite their glider to a small hill that drys out early on the NW end of the field.

The parking lot often closes around 4:00 so most pilots park outside the gate to avoid getting locked in. Parking also allowed at the nearby Firelake Elementary school outside of school hours.

Large events are occasionally held at the Harry Mac Center and landing will not be allowed during these events. These events will be communicated to the membership well in advance.

Current USHPA and full AAW membership is required to land here. You may verify your AAW membership at this link.

 

Baldy Hang Glider LZ

61.349487, -149.556504

Baldy HG LZ Image

Because the landing zone at the Harry McDonald Center is fairly small and surrounded on 3 sides by trees, the partially cleared parcel of land across the Glenn Highway is a better landing zone for Hang Gliders.  

All pilots should get an orientation and walk the LZ prior to flying and landing. Pilots are encouraged to put up a temporary wind sock in the LZ, and to align themselves on the brushed out future road that winds through the future subdivision. 

Fire Lake Elementary School (Closed)

61.346457, -149.547278

While the Fire Lake Elementary School ball field looks like a suitable LZ from the air, LANDING HERE IS NOT ALLOWED.  

Firelake Elementary School has occasionally been used as a bailout LZ for pilots that find that they have drifted too far to the north to safely make it to the Harry Mac LZ.  It's located directly north and adjacent to the Harry Mac LZ.  You've screwed up if you find yourself landing here.

All landings here should be emergency only and be prepared to suffer the wrath of irate fellow pilots if you make the mistake of landing here.

Eagle River Area School XC Bailout Sites

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XC Bailouts Overview

The listed sites are all potential bailout LZ opens for pilots flying XC in this area. It is possible to reach these LZ from many different sites, but the most common are Baldy, Bear and Flattop. These are listed for information purposes only, and are not recommended landing sites.

All of these sites are on Anchorage School District land, so the utmost care and respect should be given when landing at them. Please only land in the designated areas. Do not land in the parking areas. Please pack up your gear and move to a parking area in an efficient manner. 

It is recommended for pilots to have a minimum of P3 skills before attempting to fly XC to these sites. It is highly recommended to reach out to the club to receive an orientation to these sites, and to flying XC in this area.

None of these sites are maintained and managed by the Arctic Airwalkers. There will be obstacles and hazards at all of them that a pilot will need to contend with. These can include, but are not limited to, light poles, power lines, playground equipment, fences, etc. Pilots should feel comfortable evaluating weather conditions and hazards from the air before attempting to land at any of these sites. 

Wind conditions at these sites can vary greatly from the conditions at the pilots launch site. There are no maintained wind socks at any of these LZs. Pilots must feel comfortable with assessing wind conditions from the air before attempting to use any of these sites.

It is highly recommended to walk each of these LZs prior to attempting XC. flights in the area. If other users are in the area, please land as far away from them as possible. If students are using the field, landing is prohibited. It is highly recommended to NOT plan on using these LZ during school hours.

 

North of Baldy

 

Chugiak Elementary School

Chugiak Elem. School LZ Image

LZ options consists of fields to the NW and SW of the school building. 

 

Chugiak High School

Chugiak High Bailout LZ Image

The LZ option consists of a large field to the NW of the school building. There is a fence that runs the perimeter of the field, with open pathways for exit after landing.

 

South of Baldy

 

Gruening Middle School

Gruening Middle Bailout LZ Image

There are many LZ options located in this area. There are two fields located to the north of the school building. One is a football/track field that has field goals on the north and south ends. The other is a large field with no hazards of note.

To the NE is the Lions Club sports complex. Land here with extreme caution, as there are many hazards. It is recommended to use the soccer field if you need to land in this area as it has the least number of obstructions. These include soccer nets and bleachers. All of the baseball fields are full of many hazards including fences, backstops, bleachers, etc. These are poor LZ, and are not recommended for use.

 

Ravenwood Elementary School

Ravenwood Elementary Bailout LZ Image

The Lz option consists of a field to the WSW of the school building.

 

Alpenglow Elementary School

Alpenglow Elem Bailout LZ Image

The LZ option consists of a large field to the east of the school building.

 

Eagle River Highschool

Eagle River HS Bailout LZ Image

There are three LZ options located north, NW and west of the school building. Each are large fields with plenty of space. Due to the number of options at this site, it is requested to not land in the football field/track area.

Weather Considerations

Spring and early summer are the best months for flying Baldy and it's during these months when the XC potential is the greatest. However good flights can be had at all times of the year.  Early or late in the season good flights can be had starting at 5pm, making this a great option for after work fliers. During the height of the season, strong thermic conditions will exist midday, with morning sledders and the evening glass-off being great options for newer pilots.

The ideal wind direction is W to NNW (290°-340° w/ 10° variance) with wind speeds between 0-12 mph gusting 5mph for paragliders and 5-15mph gusting 5mph for hang gliders.  

Be very careful of flying at Baldy when there are moderate to strong SE winds in the surrounding area. Due to its location and direction, the "Baldy Bubble" is a phenomenon that can occur resulting in flyable conditions when the rest of the area is blown out. The "bubble" also does not encompass a large area, and can result in staggeringly different conditions as soon as one strays outside of it. This can create a false sense of security, as when the bubble bursts strong winds quickly push through and cause severe sink and turbulence. This scenario has been the cause of several incidents through the decades, and many "extra spicy" landings. If this condition exist, it is highly reccommended to only fly if you have extreme familiarity with the site, and even then with an abundance of caution.

Do not attempt to launch when the wind has a southerly component due to significant sink that you will experience on your glide out to the LZ and the risk of rotor from the ridge that runs SE of launch.

In winds with a North or NNW component, pilots are cautioned that there can be turbulence and/or rotors coming from the Swiss Alps peaks to the NNE of launch. Rotors have likely been involved in incidents and accidents in the area between the Parking Lot, towards the closed road to Wallace Ranch, and in the partially flat area between the trail to launch and the lower slopes of Baldy Peak above the trail.

Requirements

Baldy Towers Launch and the Harry McDonald LZ are locations managed and insured by the Arctic Air Walkers.  Our agreement with Municipality of Anchorage requires current USHPA and AAW memberships, as well as a site orientation. No Commercial instruction, tandem flights or any for pay operations are allowed unless full insurance for this specific site is obtained.

  • A rating of P2 or equivalent is required to fly at Baldy Towers
  • Baldy is a H3 site for the Hang Gliding LZ and H3 w/RLF required due to the size and configuration of the McDonald Center LZ.
  • Current USHPA and Arctic Air Walker memberships are required to fly at Baldy Towers Launch/McDonald Center LZ and Hang Gliding LZ. 
  • Pilots are required to fly with a helmet and reserve as per USHPA regulations
  • An in person site orientation is required prior to flying this site.
  • The shallow glide to the LZ means that a modern glider is required
  • Mini-Wings and Speed Wings are not allowed to launch from Baldy Towers
  • Harry Mac and the Hang Glider LZ are the only acceptable LZ's within the core Eagle River area.  All other parks, schools, empty lots, etc are not allowed or discouraged and will likely get you in trouble. 
  • In the winter, some pilots land on the frozen lower Fire Lake which is acceptable but pilots are cautioned to keep an eye out for light aircraft traffic that may also be taking off and landing on the lake.
  • While Hang Gliders landing at the Harry Mac LZ are specifically discouraged, if undertaken, it is recommended that there be an LZ coordinator in the LZ in radio contact with the pilot for the duration of the flight, and to clear the LZ prior to the pilot making the final approach.

Hazards

  • The launch slope is on the shallow side with alders at the base of launch which can make it a challenge for beginners in no-wind or tailwind conditions.
  • The area between launch and the Glenn Highway is a high traffic zone for light aircraft heading in and out of Anchorage. You should be looking for other aircraft at all times, but pay particular attention when below 2000 feet.  Pilots can do wing-overs or spirals to increase the likelihood that general aircraft pilots will see you.
  • Don't launch in a southerly wind, which can cause rotors and poor penetration. Many pilots have made that mistake (some more than once) and it often ends in a tree.
  • Fly no closer than 100 feet to the towers or guy wires attached to them.  It's likely that we would lose this flying site if a collision occured
  • Spectators should be asked to keep behind the road to the south of launch, or in the brush to the north, and be at least 50 feet away
  • In winds with a North or NNW component, pilots are cautioned that there can be turbulence and/or rotors coming from the Swiss Alps peak to the NNE of launch. Rotors have likely been involved in incidents and accidents in the area between the Parking Lot, towards the closed road to Wallace Ranch, and in the partially flat area between the trail to launch and the lower slopes of Baldy Peak above the trail.


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.