Middle brother

Description

The SE launch has a ramp and the SW has an earth mound. Common to have a flight north toward Kempsey or to a local beach from here. (VHF radio is required.)

Overlooking Johns River, this is the middle of three isolated small mountains. The take off was carved out from a state forest with a ramp installed by local pilots. The area was handed to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, now known as the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water. They have a policy of removing ramps and replacing them with more natural surfaces, grass or crushed rock.

Takeoff

SW

SW launch is reached by taking the Middle Brother turn off the Pacific Highway and following the Middle Brother Road. A Tee intersection will be reached, take the left hand turn onto TV Road (named for the Television transmission tower at the end of the road). There will be a small track off to the right. It's really 4 wheel drive from that point on but you might be ok with a rugged 2wd in dry weather. There's a fork a little way in, take the right fork. Follow the road to a turning bay, there will be a strong metal gate on the left. Walk around the gate and about 150 m down hill to the take off. If you find yourself somewhere with buildings you've taken the wrong turn.

Hazards / Comments

Hang gliding has been going on here since the 1980s, however since the local school switched from hang gliding to paragliding there has been a decrease in activity at this site. Often quite overgrown, count on significant gardening prior to launch. National Parks is apparently ok with gardening as long as it doesn't extend beyond the already gardened area. No chemicals are to be used, this site has been endangered by use of herbicide.

Mountain site with the normal attendant risks. The ramp is quite slippery, probably due to lack of use. Care should be taken. There is a gap between the end of the ramp and the cliff. A very aggressive launch is required.

Also infested with leeches so bring salt. It's also alive with snakes. All reptiles are protected by law, do not harm any, the owners will take a very dim view of any such activity and this will further endanger the site.

Local club requests all pilots carry radio tuned to SAFA frequency.