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.
McHugh Peak is an XC departure site that can be good in light prevailing winds out of the west. However, there are no good landing zones within a reasonable glide from launch so be confident in your ability to climb up and out or be prepared to side-hill land along one of the lower westerly slopes. The hike is long and not recommended for those that aren't into that sort of thing.
Parking is only available for a few cars so carpool if possible. Follow official trail signs and respect private property while hiking up.
Landing Zones
Storck Park
61.088481, -149.749480
Storck Park is closed to paragliders. This is a NO-LZ. Updated 2-6-2022
Neighbors and park users have asked that we not land here. Fortunately there are alternate sites nearby, but you might get your feet wet.
To keep the neighbors and park users happy, please find an alternate area of boggy land nearby to land in if you find yourself too low to find a better LZ.
Weather Considerations
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Pilots need to keep a careful watch on weather conditions, both on launch and in the air.
Ideal winds are from West 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.
- This site is only suitable for flying when the winds are light and out of the east.
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, and it may not be suitable for P2 pilots. 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
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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.
- here are no good landing zones for this site. Side-hill landing one of the lower westerly slopes is an option that comes with the risks usually associated with side-hill landing mountain slopes.
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.