New South Wales > Hunter Valley

West Heaton Lookout

Site photo
Type Hill launch, Inland Site
Conditions W at 270° • Ideal is W but can take NW • 4-7 knots
Height 430m-53m = 377m height difference
Rating PG5, HG Int. As there is no views of Landing area. Rating will change as new landing areas are organised with local farm owners- this is work in progress as of August 2022.
Overview map Site map
  • Access from North via Sandy Creek Road: not suitable for 2wd
  • Access from South via Mt Faulk Road: suitable for 2wd

Landowners - ?

Contact/Responsible

NPC Newcastle, NSW, NHGC

Description

  • Winter flying here when the coast is not accessible due to Westerly winds.
  • When plenty of rain and grass is green thermals will not be so active so the drier the area around the better thermals producing.
  • Remember during winter months the warmest part of day is between 2-4 pm not 1-3 pm like summer. Although the sun is shining on this side of wall from 2pm until 7pm.
  • Great phone reception on launch is 4 to 5 bars. (Optus/Telstra)
  • While on any sites in the Hunter Valley be very mindful of horses and livestock.
  • Please remember to walk the landing area Carmel’s so you can see where you must glide to.
  • This site requires a retrieval driver, and the round trip could take between 40-50 mins to landing area (Carmel’s) depending on direction taken.
  • Take food and water and charge flying gear.
  • Take only pictures and leave only footprints.

Map

Etiquette
  • Take only pictures and leave only footprints.
  • If heading to this site, it’s always a good idea to take a tree saw or cutters to prune back leaves and bushes so the glider does not snag.
  • If going to fly West Heaton’s please make your intentions known on the Fly Hunter (WhatsApp) Group.
Weather Stations
Hike n Fly

• Hike n Fly is possible on the Heaton ranges by parking at the service station at Brunkerville and hiking up ‘The Great North Walk’ to launch. Roughly 1 hour 20 mins if reasonably fit.

Hike n fly map

Takeoff

  • EN B paraglider and above because of the long glide to landing zone and other farms in the area do not approve of landing anywhere else.
  • Great ground handling skills are a must as this launch is very steep to a large drop off into some very large trees.

Landing

  • Carmel’s LZ is open to us - Other farms do not approve of us landing on their land
  • Coordinates: 32°56’43.22″S and 151°28’42.08″E
  • Elevation: 173 feet or 53m ASL.

Map of glide to Carmel's landing

Flight

Airspace
  • Class Q – Williamtown airport over launch is Surface to 8500ft.
  • Class RMZ - If venturing to the west– Radio Mandatory Zone –
  • Carmel’s LZ has a Class R 4,500′ airspace height limit.
  • Cessnock airport has surface to unlimited.
  • Check Aviation maps and heights of flight paths.
  • Review all airspace here - Aircheck | Australian Airspace & Flight Display (xcaustralia.org)

Hazards / Comments

  • If it’s too strong (>7knots) you will be in a head wind and extreme turbulence due to sheer cliff in front of launch.
  • If it’s too light (~3knots) it is insufficient to stay up ridge soaring but strong enough to make flying to the bomb out difficult.
  • This site has large trees and a long glide to landing making a tree landing very possible in bad conditions, ropes, spot-gps and even some dental floss to enable rope to be raised or lowered if caught in a tree.
  • EN B glider and above because of the long glide to landing zone and other farms in the area do not approve of landing anywhere else.
  • Great ground handling skills are a must as this launch is very steep to a large drop off into some very large trees.

Map information

map