Brett flying south in front of Mt. Roberts

Our Blog Title Photo is Brett Neyhart, the most photographed and most frequent flyer in town. (Or else it's Jerry Buckley..?) Brett holds the altitude record-8200 feet in May of 2004-and the duration record-4 hours 20 minutes. For many such extended airtime feats Brett is our perennial "Iron Bladder Award" winner.
Gerry Donohoe heading north on June 6, 2010

Gerry at 5 grand!

Gerry at 5 grand!
Gerry heading north at 5 grand !

Monday, April 3, 2023

 

Updated 4/2/23

 

MT. ROBERTS PARAGLIDING SITE GUIDE

JUNEAU ALASKA

 

INTRODUCTION

The 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.

Mt. Roberts is a mountain thermal site, requiring thermal flying experience to safely fly the site. The primary launches are small and require strong launch skills to avoid ending up in the alder thickets below launch. 

We are fortunate to have the Goldbelt Tram to take us most of the way up to launch.  It is essential that all pilots follow safe flying procedures to avoid accidents that could jeopardize our future access to the tram for paragliding.

 

SITE PROTOCOLS AND INFORMATION

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 M1or M2 special skill sign off.

2.     A site briefing by a local pilot is mandatory before flying.

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

4.     Access to the tram for paragliding requires advance contact with one of the local paragliding club officers.  It is best to email a minimum of one week before you want to fly the site. 

5.     Standard right-of-way rules apply.  Pilot with the ridge on the right has the right of way. First one 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.

6.     Flights over the tram upper terminal, cables, and tram cars shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 300 feet.

7.     Local radio frequency is 155.725 MHz

8.     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 (heading NW toward the airport) 737’s and southbound helicopter traffic close to launch altitude.

9.     Cross Country Flying: The main XC option from Mt. Roberts is flying toward the airport and Mendenhall Valley.  Because this route enters the Juneau airport Class D controlled airspace, prior contact with the airport tower is required.  Contact a local pilot for more information on this procedure. 

10.  Weather hazards:  Conditions at Mt. Roberts can be unpredictable and change rapidly. A site briefing by a local pilot is mandatory.  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 MPH with a maximum gust factor of +/- 5 MPH in 5 seconds or less. Ideal wind directions are 220T straight off the face or 300T straight up the spine. OK wind directions are from 140T clockwise to 320T.

11.  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.

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

13.  For Franklin Street dock LZ, if a cruise ship is docked, the landing zone is not safe for use if the winds are from the northwest (typical sunny day winds) due to rotor winds generated by the ship, and the position of the LZ in the lee of the ship.

14.  Local pilots sometimes fly Thunder Mountain near the Juneau airport.  Although Thunder Mt. is not an USHPA regulated site, the launches are inside the airport Class D airspace and require prior approval from the airport control tower before launching.  Contact a local club officer for more information.

 

LAUNCHES

All launches are rated P2.

 

Main Launch:   The main Mt. Roberts launch is located at about 2180 feet elevation, about a 15-20 minute hike up from the top of the tram, or 1.5 hours hiking up from town. There is room to lay out 2-3 paragliders.  Typical sunny day conditions have calm to light winds in the morning, with thermal cycles picking up at noon or later.  Since the prevailing wind is from the NW blowing down Gastineau Channel, the wind on launch typically cycles from straight up the hill to 45 degrees cross from the right.  It is important for pilots to time their launch with a good cycle coming up the hill.  After launch turn left to gain elevation and work your way up the ridge. The usual thermal sources are two small rocky bowls 1/8 mile south of launch and the large avalanche chute about 1/4 mile to the south of launch.  Pilots need to use care that they don’t get too low to make it back to the LZ against the headwinds blowing SE down the channel. Glide ratio to LZ: 1.2


   

South launch:   The south launch is about a 5 minute hike farther up the trail.  It faces more southerly than the main launch and is better for launching in south winds that would be too cross from the main launch. Glide ratio to LZ: 1.1


2800 Foot launch:   The 2800 foot launch faces NW and is the best launch when the wind is blowing NW up the spine of the lower Mt. Roberts launch (90 degree crosswind on the main launch).  In these conditions there is usually good ridge lift in the main NW bowl of Mt. Roberts.  Glide ratio to LZ: 1.0


 

 

LANDING ZONES

All LZs are rated P2.

 

Rock Dump Beach:   The beach at the SE end of the rock dump (where the fuel tank farm and barge landing/shipping container facility is located) is the most forgiving LZ and is recommended for visiting pilots; however it is only usable when the tide level is at 13 feet or below.

Hazards: High voltage power lines run along the road at the base of the mountain.  Avoid doing a final approach over the power lines. With NW winds pilots need to avoid getting too far downwind of the beach and ending up in the water.  In NW winds set up your approach with S turns over the beach rather than downwind over the water.   There are tall light poles surrounding the shipping container storage area.  These are a hazard for approaches with southerly winds.

 

Snow Storage Lot:   The snow lot is adjacent to the beach—see map—and is the only available LZ when the tide is too high to use the beach, and there is a cruise ship docked at the Franklin Dock LZ. 

Hazards: Same hazards as the beach LZ.  In addition, the snow lot is surrounded by a chain link fence.  Early in the season there can be piles of snow in the LZ.  Later in the season, there is sometimes equipment parked in the LZ.  With NW winds, there can be turbulence on final approach from the buildings upwind of the LZ. 

 

Franklin Dock LZ:   This LZ can only be used when a cruise ship is not docked, because the ship can create rotor turbulence as the winds blow over or around the ship.

Hazards: High voltage power lines run along the road at the base of the mountain.  Avoid doing a final approach over the power lines. NW winds can create lift blowing up the bank at the edge of the harbor, causing floating and long landings.  Pilots need to land at the SE end of the LZ.  there are tall trees on the road side of the LZ. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OVERVIEW MAP OF LAUNCHES AND LANDING ZONES


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANDING ZONES MAP


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUNEAU SECTIONAL CHART

Note Class D controlled airspace starting approximately two miles NW of Mt. Roberts 


launches and landings.  Prior contact with airport control tower required before entering Class D airspace.

 

 

 

 

Friday, May 24, 2019

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!



Thursday, May 23, 2019

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.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Gerry Donahoe late evening 8/29/10

Several pilots had already had some damn good flights (Brett 3 hours!)so Gerry tried to get lucky on the late side (7:30pm). My wife, SueAnn,  and I were chatting at the base of Father Browns's cross (where we married 12 years ago) when this yayhoo floated by.  Curiously, at the exact same moment Gerry was snapping a shot of us.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Local Flight Records

Official paragliding flight distance record for the state of Alaska is 38 miles flying out and back from Eagle River/Mount Baldy.

Juneau's distance record is held by Gerry Donohoe who flew from Mt. Roberts to Lena Loop off the Glacier Highway. I believe the distance as the crow flies is about 17 miles. He has also made a flight from Mt. Roberts to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor's parking lot, but that distance is ONLY (ha!) 11 miles. Ask Gerry; he has it recorded via GPS and is also on a website.

Brett Neyhart
holds altitude and duration records for Mt. Roberts. He had a flight in May of 2004 that took him to cloudbase at 8,200 feet. He also claims the IRON BLADDER award for the longest duration Juneau flight of 4 hours and 20 minutes. Brett has amassed more airtime than any pilot in Juneau. As of this writing, he has flown over 30 times this year, whereas the rest of us have less than ten flights so far.

Monday, June 21, 2010


Thanks to Jason Sosa for relaying a few pictures actually of me! Here's the one I think is best. I call it "Looking for God".