Near Point

61.154657, -149.653131
Updated January 14, 2025

Description

Pilot Recommendations

 

P3 skills recommended

 

In person site intro recommended,

especially for pilots flying XC

Weather Conditions

Wind Direction: 240° - 320°

Min: 0mph / Ideal:5-8mph / Max:10mph / Gust:5mph

 

 

Hazards

This is a backcountry site that is flown infrequently. Pilots should only fly here if they are confident in judging conditions appropriate to their skill level

Ideal launch conditions can vary greatly during time of year and time of day. Pilots are urged to watch conditions for a while before committing to launch

Hazards can include, but are not limited to, water crossings, heinous bushwhacking, animal encounters, weather exposure, extreme terrain and difficult, complex navigation

Restrictions

Do not land within 50' of other recreators

 

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.

Nearpoint is primarily an XC departure site that often delivers nice thermals when the winds are light and out of the west. 

The hike to the summit takes about an hour and can be slippery through the lower wooded section when wet or icy.

There are limited landing options so pilots generally launch near the summit and side-hill land above treeline if they sink out.  It's possible to land in the neighborhood near the trailhead but it's not recommended.  It's also possible to glide out to one of the large bogs to the north of lower Basher Drive but it's a marginal glide in a headwind or if you descend to low before making that decision.

Launch

Near Point

Weather Considerations

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

Wind Direction: 240° - 320°

Min: 0mph / Ideal:5-8mph / Max:10mph / Gust:5mph

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. 

For winter flying, P3 is the recommended pilot level as you can land at the frozen lake in Stuckagain Heights. 

During the summer, this is recommended to be treated as a P4 site due to the lack of landing zones.

It is flown infrequently, all hazards inherent to flying a backcountry site in Alaska may be present.

These hazards can include, but are not limited to, water hazards, heinous bushwhacking, animal encounters, weather exposure, extreme terrain and difficult, complex navigation.

Pilots must be comfortable evaluating weather and landing conditions from the air.

This site is located in a complex mountain environment, and strong knowledge of local weather patterns is recommended.

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.

  • There's no good landing zone for this site.  The safest options are to land in an open area above treeline or make the long and shallow glide out to one of the swamps north of lower Basher Drive.
  • Pilots sometimes land in the neighborhood near the trailhead but that's not recommended due to the turbulent conditions you'll encounter, limited space, and sloping roads.


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.