Updated:
| Min Rating: H3/P3 H2/P2 with USHPA observer | Location: Ellenville, NY |
| Site Direction: WNW | Launch Vertical: 1000′ |
| Flyable Directions: 285-305 | Glide to LZ: 3:1 |
| Wind (mph: min,ideal,max,gust): 0,10,15,5 | Launch Type: ramp |
| Launch Coordinates: 41.6774, -74.4011 | LZ Coordinates: 41.68737, -74.40454 |
Overview Map:
Launch Map:
LZ Map:
Directions to Launch: Entering Ellenville from the South/West, turn right onto Canal street. Continue up the mountain past one overlook. Soon after the overlook you’ll see a steep gravel road on the left. This is the road to launch.
Directions from Launch to LZ: Drive back down the mountain. Turn left on 209 and continue to Hang Glider Road. Turn left at the Y intersection.
Protocols:
- Pilots must be members of both USHPA and HVFF (monthly memberships are available).
- Hang glider pilots should land towards the practice hill, unless the surface winds are very strong to the north west (see flight guidance below). In that case those landing into the wind must have the restricted landing field (RLF) sign-off to land in the practice hill LZ. Those who don’t should land in he Ellenville flight park field. If the wind is above 10 mph pilots must have a H3 or above rating. This restriction does not apply to PG.
- All accidents involving injury or major equipment damage MUST be reported immediately to the club president or to Greg Black.
- Once the upper parking area is filled there’s a pull-out on RT 52 that can park another 4 or 5 cars. Extra cars can unload up top then park down along the RT 52 overlook.
Contact: Wayne Neckles, HVFF president, wayneneckles@yahoo.com, 845-590-3241.
Emergencies: Cell phone service is available on nearly all carriers both at launch and in the LZ. The nearest hospital is in Ellenville: take 209 nearly through Ellenville and you’ll see the signs on the right.
Flight Guidance:
- If you find yourself at or below road level it’s time to head for the LZ.
- The exposed rocks above the road near launch are the house thermal, with a combination of ridge and thermal lift.
Landing Guidance:
- The practice hill field is under wind shadow from trees, so pilots should carry extra speed on landing.
- If the wind direction is obvious all pilots will land into the wind as usual. When the wind is light so the direction is ambiguous, the preferred direction is towards the practice hill so that hang gliders can end the landing uphill if necessary. Since it’s a small field, all pilots should follow this pattern.
- Before attempting a towards-the-hill landing, get additional guidance from Greg Black or another pilot experienced in this landing approach. To start this approach, overfly the hill at the end of the Ellenville Flight Park LZ (EFP LZ on map) then turn into the practice hill field, aiming at the base of the hill. For HG the flare up the hill will occur naturally.
- In times of high landing density, PG should land in the northern or southern sections of the field, leaving the longer central runway for HG.
- If there is any question about a safe landing due to high traffic, turbulence, or distance to LZ, do not hesitate to land in the Ellenville Flight Park LZ (EFP LZ on map) even if you do not have membership in the EFP.
Amenities:
- There are no public restrooms available except for the portapots on the Ellenville Flight Park property. The tree line is available.
- All else you should need can be found in Ellenville.
Waivers: USHPA membership + Club Membership + North Knob Waiver (below)