Regarding Cruise Ships and Paragliding

Fellow Flyers,
    Our best flying season correlates with Cruise Ship mania in Juneau.  From Mt. Roberts, it's a real kick to fly over them but there are also several significant critical precautions of which you need be aware.  Seriously!
 
1. You MUST give 500 feet clearance above cruise ships or run the risk of Homeland Security officers accosting you upon your landing. Yes, it's cool to wing-over above their top deck swimming pools but, believe me, wrestling with the "do-right boys", not to mention inhaling the nasty cruise ship smoke stack exhaust fumes is NOT worth the GoPro shot. Besides, our local experience confirms "there ain't no lift there!" If you have read this warning, ignorance is no excuse.

2. If you are lower than 500 feet above the cruise ships, you have severely limited your LZ options, and a water landing in the harbor is NOT one of them.  (This happened once and the rescuing Coast Guard team hook-knifed all of the paraglider lines to drag out the floundering pilot!)

3. Perhaps most noteworthy!- the advent of new super-tall  cruise ships (like 14 decks!- 250' steel walls)  4000-5000 crew and passengers means to paraglider pilots : a WIND SHADOW, TURBULENCE and ROTOR that may extend nearly a quarter mile which is potentially ALL of our LZ options.

Sadly, one of our most highly-skilled pilots experienced that shadow/turbulence/rotor this week and has the hospital records to prove it.

Bottom line-  GIVE CRUISE SHIPS A SUPER WIDE BERTH!

Mt Roberts Paragliding General Rules

MT. ROBERTS PARAGLIDING SITE GENERAL RULES

Mt. Roberts flying site, located in Juneau, Alaska, is a USHPA regulated site to ensure the safety of spectators, pilots and personal property so all visitors may enjoy it. The site is maintained by the members of the Juneau Eagles Paragliding Club, USHPA Chapter #115.

1. All pilots must be USHPA members and have in their possession while flying, their USHPA membership card or a temporary 30-day USHPA membership card issued by an authorized individual. Paraglider pilots must have a minimum USHPA Novice (P2)rating or equivalent foreign rating. Mini-wings pilots must be USHPA Novice (P2) or above and have a M1 or M2 special skill sign off.

2. Helmet, reserve chute, and radio are required on all flights.

3. Standard right-of-way rules apply. Pilot with the ridge on the right has the right of way. First pilot in the thermal determines direction. Pilots must follow FAA rules which include VFR separation from clouds. For more information, see Aeronautical information Manual at www.faa.gov.

4. Flights over the tram shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 300 feet.

5. Local radio frequency is 155.725 MHz

6. Airspace Air Traffic: The airspace in front of launch is filled with every imaginable type of air traffic, including commercial 737’s, private jets, tour helicopters, float planes, and transient fixed wing. As a rated USHPA pilot we operate under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 103 and must abide by the aircraft traffic rules stated in the regulations. The airspace at launch is uncontrolled and “see and avoid” is the recognized method for avoiding collision and requires that pilots actively search for potentially conflicting traffic. Be particularly vigilant when crossing Gastineau Channel towards Douglas Island and look for inbound 737’s and outbound helo traffic close to launch altitude.

7. Weather hazards: Conditions at Mt. Roberts can be unpredictable and change rapidly. A site briefing is strongly advised. Visiting pilots should seek a local pilot for a site briefing. Use extreme caution when east winds are present or possible. Winds in the landing area can be much different than launch, both direction and speed, so have a complete flight plan before launching. Maximum wind speeds at launch are 15 knots with a maximum gust factor of +/- 5 knots in 5 seconds or less.

8. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or intoxicants is prohibited from flying. No alcohol or intoxicating substances may be consumed prior to or while flying.

9. Landing at the CBJ Snow Lot off Thane Road next to the water treatment plant is permitted with a signed waiver available through the Juneau Eagles Paragliding Club.