Grouse Mountain

Region and Location:
North Vancouver, South Western British Columbia, Canada

Launch:
Grouse Mtn. ski area. From Highway #1, travel north along Capilano Road/Nancy Greene Way to the end and then take the Gondola to the top.

Landing:
Cleveland Park. From Highway #1, travel north along Capilano Road to Prospect Avenue.

Flying Season:
Excellent in spring and summer, virtually closed in winter.

Type of Site:
Coastal Mountain Thermal soaring suitable for PG and HG
(very restricted LZ for HG, hot ships almost impossible to land)

Cross-Country:
None allowed, due to controlled airspace just outside of the small CYA

Description of Launch:
4000' (1200 m) ASL SSW facing launch with excellent groomed slope on ski hill. Moderately sized set-up area on rocky and bushy ski slope. Get a good clean run as sink could be present just in front of launch. Grouse is a very restricted site. Grouse Mtn. is privately owned, next to one of the main water reservoirs for the city, and the landing field is a sports-field in an upscale area of greater Vancouver. Because of these circumstances, in order to fly Grouse, you first have to get onto the guest pilot list. To be accepted as a guest, you have to have an intermediate or advanced rating, liability insurance, a reserve, and you have to be a responsible pilot (You will be asked for a contact person who can vouch for you). Once approved as a guest, you can fly Grouse, but you must always be accompanied by one of the members of the Grouse Mountain Flying Team. The team member will brief you on the site, sign you in, and see you off at launch, etc.

Description of LZ:
600' (180 m) ASL Soccer field in an upscale area of greater Vancouver. Very tight landing area surrounded by high trees, houses, backstop and busy roadway. Sports may be in progress also. Best approach is: A westerly downwind, then turn behind / in front of the tree off the southwest corner of the LZ. (10 ft max above - HG) head north over houses on west side of road (closer to the field if sink is present). When in line with the filed make a right turn, dive for the edge of the field, ground skim across field, and flair!

Transportation:
Any vehicle to the gondola lift

Site Regulation:
Formal, HPAC Insurance, Intermediate rating and guest pass minimum requirements
Skill demonstration and log book may also be required.

Local Contacts:
Grouse Mt. Flying Team
PGer: Roman Kanak at 604-980-0002 (in charge of guest list)
HGer: Mark Dowsett 604-984-2588

Other Information:
You can only fly this site as an approved guest of a Grouse Mtn flying team member. Demo flight may be required at another Mtn site. Grouse Mountain is a year round mountain resort and a very high profile flying site.
CYA 133 (H) to 6000' (1800 m) ASL.
Radio Frequency 123.4 Mhz (Aircraft), 173.640 Mhz
Local: 146.460 or 146.550 MHz
Emergency: 911

Pemberton(Mackenzie)

Region and Location:
SW British Columbia Canada north of Whistler / Blackcomb Ski area Just north of Pemberton village.

Launch:
Head east out of Pemberton take the road which heads north just after crossing the bridge over the Lillooet River on the road to D'Arcy. Turn left (west) at the power lines.

Landing:
Pemberton Community Centre across from Spierings Automotive. Check for posted schedule if booked by field sports. Excellent for paragliders (all aspects). Smaller but ok for H.G. (not sure). To use any other field (ie. large H.G.field or for students, must make prior arrangement with landowners). Landings on XC generally ok with exception of crops and livestock.

Flying season: April - October

Cross-Country:
40km Out and return along ridge to NW is common. East to Lillooet Lake 14km (watch for Airport Traffic). SE to Whistler (limited landing options, valley winds) E to Duffy Lake and Lillooet (has been done, "Tiger Country")

Description of Launch:
Elevation: 2500ASL, SW, suits HG & PG, room to set up many HG's.

Vehicle / Transportation Requirements: 4WD

Site Regulation:
HPAC insurance for L.Z

Other Information:
Not recommended when wind is blowing in from Whistler (inflow). Look for signs of wind from your left at launch and the odd gust from behind. Local radio: 156.650 mhz

Local contacts:
Jim Orava 894-5502, Mike Sadan 894-6162 Ty 905-9503 Nigel Protter 894-5558