Long Reef NE

Description

A relatively straight ridge facing NE with a moderate slope. The ridge runs from the rock platform at the eastern end, up to the crown of the headland and then turns slightly more north and continues in a North Westerly direction for approximately half a kilometre. It then turns sharply to the west becoming more cliff like. It is covered in a mixture of tussock grass and low bush, with some small trees. This is a good site to build up your hours with easy ridge soaring and great views North to Whale Beach. Take care on Summer days as the sea breeze will nearly always strengthen.

Weather station

Takeoff

Paragliders launch from a grassy area near the crown of the headland that is approximately level. There is space for a couple of gliders. This launch gets quite a lot of compression in stronger conditions. This is a cliff launch for hanglider pilots who may need wire assistance.

Landing

The primary landing zones are the beach in front of launch and the sand spit on the point when the tide is not high. However, at high tide the area of sand is rather narrow. Anywhere on Fisherman's Beach (the long crescent beach to the NW) which is easily reached when winds are moderate and the easiest place to land when winds are strong. No landing on the grass in front of the golf club-house. Watch the pine trees though, their lower branches reach out over the sand. Avoid the boat launch which is a raised concrete ramp! Do not pack up your wing next to the clubhouse. The top landing zone is small, surrounded by trees and frequented by walkers and tourists. Only land on top if experienced and well briefed. Beware that due to compression it is easy to be blown behind the trees or ridge.

Flight

Lower Level of controlled airspace is at 2500'.

Hazards / Comments

NE winds can rapidly increase during the day giving more lift, however, beware of the increased compression and wind velocity on top of the ridge. Stay well in front of the ridge and land early-particularly south of the launch. Strong compression results in lack of penetration on top of the ridge and an inability to fly forward towards a safe landing. Do not top-land when strong, better on the spit or Fishermans Beach but be prepared to actively control your wing upon landing. Be prepared to share the air with radio-controlled aircraft and sometimes hang gliders. The site will handle wind direction from the NNE and ENE but it changes the lift characteristics along the ridge. For wind directions outside of this range pilots are advised to fly elsewhere.

• The Safety Signs and Cones and Wind sock, at Long Reef and Cooks Terrace should be used at all times that flying operations are underway - not just when it begins to get busy. Take the time to prepare the safety of the area before you fly. These signs/cones/windsock are in the lock boxes at launch. If you don't know how to access these safety tools then ask your colleagues. The last person at the site is to return the safety tools to the lock boxes. Yes, even if you are the only one there please install the safety tools before flying.
• Before Launching make sure that there is no members of the public behind launch.
• Before top landing make sure there is no members of the public behind your landing area and assess clearly whether you have the skills to top land in the prevailing conditions. If not head for the beach - it is easier and safer and your colleagues will quietly applaud your good decision making.
• Observe the SAFA separation rules from members of the public and buildings. Exemption to these rules comes with a set of conditions and these require assessment of the potential danger to a person on the ground and assessment that the operations can always be carried out safely. Accidents always happen very quickly! If you want to practice manoeuvres then move away from the public and buildings. Sure it may be cool to be flying low and "entertaining the crowd" but it is not smart in a public area despite how much you think you are in control. In other words do not spend your flight swooping low near launch or in the front of buildings.