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.
Lazy Mountain is located in Palmer at the confluence of the Matanuska and Knik River Valleys. This site has been flown on and off throughout the years and has recently become more popular. The hike is 1 to 2 hours with an elevation gain of approximately 2,000ft. Some members of the Arctic Airwalkers have made an agreement with a land owner at the bottom of the trail head to land on his land. It is a big open field with no wind indicators. See picture attached. Important to place windsock up before hiking up. It is highly recommended that pilots new to the site contact one of the experienced Lazy Mountain flyers on Slack before flying this site.
Landing Zones
Lazy Mt. LZ at Smith Dr.
61.596380, -149.020275
One of the preferred landing zone options for flying from Lazy Mountain.
Some members of the Arctic Airwalkers have made an agreement with a land owner at the bottom of the trail head to land on his land. It is a big open field with no wind indicators. See picture attached. Important to place windsock up before hiking up. It is highly recommended that pilots new to the site contact one of the experienced Lazy Mountain flyers on Slack before flying this site.
Sloping Grass Fields
61.618363, -149.014349
This is the primary LZ for Lazy Mountain. You'll notice an overgrown air strip at the bottom of the fields. Follow this airstrip south until another field appears on your right. Walk downhill away from the airstrip toward the bottom of the field where you will find an overgrown road cut. Follow this road cut to the main road which will take you to the Lazy Mountain parking lot.
Weather Considerations
Pilots need to keep a careful watch on weather conditions, both on launch and in the air.
Ideal winds are from SW, W from 5 to 10 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.
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/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.
This is a natural mountain site and there are many natural hazards that are common to many natural mountain sites in Alaska that could be a hazard for pilots.
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.