Setup

• Paragliders should unpack and gear up along the tree line separating the radial ramp and the Burnside launch.DO NOT unpack your paraglider in the middle of the launch / top-landing area.
• Both glider types should be geared up and ready to launch before approaching the launch / top-landing area.
• Hang gliders should setup in the back by the trees staying clear of top-landing area.

Hi-res image

Launching a Paraglider

• Before launching take note of the location of our LZ.There are two sections: Main LZ parallels the road to the south.The lower LZ (good for HGs) parallels Henson Gap Rd to the north.There is a pull-off into the lower LZ from Henson Gap Road.

Hi-Res of 3D image

• Be aware of traffic on the ridge and launches from south of launch, they can appear rather quickly on the ridge.
• Top landings have the right-of-way although pilots should not practice touch and goes on a busy launching day.If launching, be aware of anyone attempting to top land and drop your wing and/or move out of the way.
• This launch requires solid kiting skills and if you are not current, we recommend you spend time kiting in the LZ before coming to launch.
• Launches can be in directions from the West to the Northeast.You may need to feather your glider depending on the wind direction and launch into that direction. If it feathers downwind, make corrections and increase your speed.
• In light conditions a forward launch from further back is recommended.Light wind or no wind launches make up most of our incidents.
• Newer pilots should be aware that there is a transition zone at the rolloff where the angle of attack changes and the air pressure changes in the glider.You may experience minor tip collapses and may need to correct by adding more pressure to the wing.Give yourself room to abort if necessary.
• Once your glider is flying above you, kite towards the launch slope keeping your glider into the wind. If there is much wind, be prepared that you will probably lift off well before the end of the flat.
• Keep your feet under you and knees bent because you likely touch down again before getting away from the launch.

Launching a Hang Glider from the Burnside Launch

• The Burnside launch has been used by hang glider pilots. In light winds, the ramp affords better clearance from terrain. Any qualified pilot considering launching from Burnside is encouraged to consult with an experienced local hang-gliding pilot.
• If little or no wind, start at the top of the roll off in order to run down the slope and off.If a pilot attempts to launch from too far back, they will suddenly enter the vertical airflow and his may cause the nose to pop up, a lifted wing tip, or a stall resulting in a crash on launch. This is especially a problem when winds are stronger.
• Pilots should use side wire assistants in winds over 8 mph. A keel assistant is recommended in winds over 12 mph. In such winds it is especially important to maintain the proper angle of attack.Be sure to give clear instructions to your wire crew.

Flying

• When flying along the ridge, always use the rules of the ridge. To print separately Rules of the Air on our website.

• As winds increase, a venturi can form in the gap north of the ramp, resulting in less lift and more headwind. Stay well in front of the ridge to avoid being trapped.

• Consult the weather forecast for the day and maintain awareness of any predicted severe weather and changing conditions.
• When soaring, don’t scratch too low or get too far behind launch. Pilots have landed in trees behind launch, please don't repeat their mistakes.
• Conditions can often be extremely thermic between the hours of noon and 4 pm in the spring and summertime and are often unsafe for Novice and inexperienced mountain pilots.
• Keep the LZ in site during your flight in case conditions change.There are many other landable fields nearby should you not be able to make our LZ.

Landing

• The Henson Gap 40+ acre landing field (LZ) is located north of Davis Loop and south of Henson Gap Road.
• The large windsock is in the upper LZ closest to Davis Loop and shows the main airflow.There are many streamers throughout the field and they may disagree.Check them while circling the field.When touching down use the streamers closest to your selected landing area as your reference.
• The upper runway is located at the southern end of the field and runs west to east.It is a gentle slope downhill and then levels off.From here the field slopes down to the north, to a big flat bottom comprising the majority of area.There is a North/South runway and plenty of flat area for either hang gliders or paragliders.
• The runways are kept mowed most of the time, but the entire field is landable.Be aware that sometimes the grass may be a little higher at times when off the runways.
• Landing to the SW can be uphill and sinky; you may come down sooner than you think.It is better to undershoot than overshoot.Land towards the open gap in the SW tree line.
• Upper strip breakdown is along the Davis Loop. Lower strip breakdown – there is a path to the breakdown area which is in the NE corner of the field.Do not breakdown in the landing strip and do not drive out to pick up your glider.
• Remember that this is a landing field and all landing aircraft have priority.
• When landing along with hang gliders understand that they may come down more quickly and need more room for landing.Try not to make any unnecessary corrections while circling the LZ with hang gliders
• Maintain awareness of any other pilots approaching the LZ and move quickly from the LZ to one of the breakdown areas after landing.
• Do not pack your glider in the open areas where other pilots might land.
• Pilots kiting their paragliders should stay well clear of landing areas when hang gliders are flying and should be prepared to lower their wings well before other pilots begin a final approach.

Revised 1/9/2024
Henson Gap Landing Zone

Although the upper strip will be used by many pilots in a strong north cross, the wide flat bottom area may be easier to negotiate in these conditions. Our neighbor Mr. Woerner allows use of his 'bowl field' on the south side of Davis Loop, offering another good option.

The Henson Gap landing zone (LZ) is located in the field north of Davis Loop and south of Henson Gap Road.  View in Google Earth

Other Important Notes

• It is a good idea to talk to other pilots about arranging a shuttle to and from the LZ.
• Henson LZ:
• Park your vehicle along the tree line across Davis Loop from the main LZ.You may pull in the lower LZ and park just inside the driveway.DO NOT drive your vehicle into the lower LZ past the sign.
• Pilots should clear their launches and announce their intent before launching.
• Spectators should be advised to stand by the tree line for viewing whenever pilots are flying.
• Please take your trash with you and keep your speed down to 15 mph when driving past the homes surrounding the Henson Gap site.
• Respect the surrounding landowners.