High Altitude West/ Southwest Facing P3
This document was designed to improve safety at the Lookout Mountain launch and was developed using USHPA's risk assessment worksheet. This document aims to orient pilots of all ability levels to safety concerns regarding the Lookout Mountain site and mitigate the risks associated with paragliding at this site. It also reviews communications plans taken by the Glenwood Soaring Society.
Lookout Mountain North Launch: 39°32'38.71″N 107°17'56.81″W
Lookout Mountain Middle Launch: 39°32'34.02″N 107°18'1.15″W
Lookout Mountain South Launch: 39°32'28.06″N 107°17'56.41″W
Lookout Mountain and Red Landing Zone: 39°31’59.18”N,107°20’30.06″W
Launch Altitude: 7980'
Landing Zone Altitude: 5932'
Launch to LZ distance: 1.72miles
Glide to LZ: 4.4
Lookout Mountain (frequently called Mount Lookout) is a P3 site and requires this rating or higher in order to fly at this location. The landing zone (LZ) is located just west of launch and is clearly visible from all three launches. Pilots not at this rating must be a registered student flying under supervision of a licensed basic or advanced USHPA instructor or sponsored by a P4 pilot. The Lookout Mountain launches faces west northwest, west, and south. Site orientations are required to all pilots new to Lookout Mountain. These orientations can be completed by any Glenwood Soaring Society club officer (pending proper pilot ratings are in order).
At about 11:00 on days with suitable XC weather (rare), western to southern prevailing winds begin to hit Lookout Mountain. As time progresses to mid-day, the sun begins to hit Lookout Mountain directly. Lookout Mountain is a peak, and makes for a good thermal trigger. A house thermal exists above a knob located a few hundred feet down the ridge between the north and middle launch. This house thermal is a good thermal to use in order to boost up and catch the thermals that trigger from the mountain peak. Advanced XC pilots may choose to follow the line of mountains behind Lookout Mountain in search of lift. These are reliable triggers but take the pilot through committed and remote terrain. Those newer to XC are suggested to follow closer to the Roaring Fork Valley. Many safe and wide landings exist either on the plateau south of Lookout Mountain and in the Roaring Fork Valley. New and intermediate pilots are strongly recommended to stay out of the high peaks behind Mount Sopris and beyond the town of Basalt. Only advanced P4 pilots should push into these dangerous mountains. Flying Lookout Mountain XC at mid-day requires a high level pilot with a strong background in mountain flying. Flying mid-day should be considered a P4 level task. Pilots flying out of their ability level in these conditions, or flying without a complete grasp of weather in the Roaring Fork Valley could encounter dangerous or even fatal turbulence. In this area of the Colorado Rockies, overdevelopment of clouds into thunderstorms is a near daily occurrence during flying season. This is a major threat to all pilots of all ability levels who fly Lookout Mountain. As far as XC weather prediction is concerned, less wind the better. In the mountains of Colorado, high winds are common to near constant. Light and variable as predicted by NOAA's winds aloft report indicate good conditions. The higher the light and variable air is the better. Another good source for weather data is www.XCsoar.com.
XC days can be rare depending on the season. More reliably, Lookout Mountain offers late afternoon and evening flights. These flights are more suited to intermediate pilots. Winds at about 10-15 mph at launch are best. Conditions may be good for late afternoon/evening flights between 3:00 pm and sunset. Typically 3:00 pm is too early to fly Lookout Mountain. As a general rule, the earlier you launch the more turbulent. Conditions at 3 pm are often too strong or dangerous to fly, and out of the ability level of an intermediate pilot. Typical meeting times at the LZ for Lookout Mountain during the middle of the summer are 4:00-5:00 pm. As a general rule the later you launch the gentler and more forgiving the conditions are. Afternoon and evening flights offer a significant chance of long local flights. Glass-off and restitution flights are the norm. Short XC flights to other towns are also possible during these hours. Pilots should make sure to stay up wind of the bowls associated with launches. Sink and rotor exists behind the antennas. Being low and in this area will result in an unintentional landing in the brush or a crash. Make sure you have significant altitude before attempting transitions. Dramatic sink and extreme turbulence exists on the lee side of the Lookout Mountain thermals and can make it difficult to reach the bowls again. Our rule of thumb is “when in doubt head out.”
It is important to remember, a long glide is required to make the LZ. Be mindful of maintaining enough altitude to safely make this glide.
As a general rule, head out to the LZ once you reach 400' below the top of the mountain. Again, when in doubt, head out. While on glide, stay away from the valleys associated with the bottom of the bowls. Instead, follow the high ground out to the LZ. This high ground takes the form of ridges next to the valleys mentioned above. Make sure to head out directly to the LZ and pick the ridge that points upwind (typically the more northerly ridge). The LZ is located on the other side of town. There are no LZs on the Lookout mountain side of town.
Lookout Mountain is not a beginner flying site. However, certain conditions on Lookout Mountain are tolerable for beginners. Sunset flights can offer beginner pilots amazing flights. It is recommended that beginners pursuing sunset flights launch 1 hour before sunset at the earliest. This must be done under a P4 sponsor and or instructor. Radio contact is required with your sponsor at all times. Noncompliance with your sponsor’s instruction can result in loss of your flying privileges with the Glenwood Soaring Society. It is highly advised that pilots take at least one SIV clinic before flying Lookout Mountain.
Various hazards exist to pilots flying Lookout Mountain. Two radio tower complexes are present nearby. Risks associated with these towers can be mitigated if pilots stay at least 100' away from the southerly tower and at least 500' AGL over the larger, northern tower.
Maintaining this elevation over the northern tower also helps ensure pilots do not get too low behind launch to where they can make it back to the lift band. In addition to this, power lines cross a variety of locations on the summit of Lookout Mountain. Maintaining an altitude of 500' above the northern tower while flying over the summit will ensure that these power lines will pose no threat to pilots.
It is advised to check NOAA winds aloft reports before flying Lookout Mountain. In addition to this, simple local weather reports like those found on Wunderground.com are sufficient for predicting flyable days at Lookout Mountain. As mentioned above more precise weather data can be obtained at XCsoar.com.
Minimum wind speed for flying Lookout Mountain is 0 mph. Winds/cycles blowing into launch must be no stronger than 17 mph with gusts to 21mph. In the event these wind speeds, or north winds present (blowing over the back), Lookout Mountain will be closed to flying. Pilots may take off with crosswinds, however this is not advised. Pilots taking off in crosswinds are expected to fly only in conditions suitable for their skill level and criteria designated by the USHPA rating guidelines defined by their Pilot Proficiency Program. Failure to do so may result in loss of flying privileges with the Glenwood Soaring Society. In the event of crosswinds, it is recommended to move to a launch where winds are blowing straight in. If they are cross from the north, then you will most likely experience rotor regardless of launch site.
To access Mount Lookout a personal truck is required to drive to launch. Frequently, club members meet in the LZ and carpool up to Lookout Mountain. For truck meeting times, join the Glenwood Soaring Society Facebook and our WhatsApp group.
Avoid landing at the standard LZ during mid-day. The LZ associated with Lookout Mountain contains significant thermal triggers. If you launch Lookout Mountain mid-day and are landing mid-day, you need to pick another LZ. Various backcountry and unmaintained launches are visible from launch. Make sure you have one picked out before you launch. Again, only advanced pilots highly skilled in mountain flying should be flying Lookout Mountain mid-day. It is highly advisable that all pilots fly Red Mountain before flying Lookout Mountain to become more familiar with the LZ.
The landing zone, located directly below the launch area is owned by the City of Glenwood Springs. It is clearly visible from all Lookout Mountain launches, and located between the high school stadium and the river. Glenwood Soaring Society operates under a special use lease between the City of the Glenwood Springs and Adventure Paragliding, LLC. Two windsocks are maintained on the east sides of the LZ. The LZ is roughly 1,100' feet long from north to south and 350 feet wide at its widest from east to west.
Various hazards exist in the LZ. Hazards include pedestrians, a large pine tree just west of center, and trees/brush that border the LZ and a river directly from the west, and power lines next to a road on the east.
Normal flight patterns, like a standard aircraft approach, are sufficient to avoid these hazards. Communication between pilots and pedestrians is key to maintaining safety. Yell to pedestrians in your flight path of your impending landing. When on the ground, ask pedestrians to clear the way for following pilots. Upon landing be mindful of wind direction, as conditions are always changing in the LZ during afternoon and evenings.
Pilots are expected to fly only in conditions suitable for their skill level and criteria designated by the USHPA rating guidelines defined by their Pilot Proficiency Program. Failure to do say may result in loss of flying privileges with the Glenwood Soaring Society.
Lookout Mountain contains three different launches. A north, middle, and south launch. The names of these launches are based on their location on Lookout mountain relative to each other. They are not named for the direction they face. The Glenwood Soaring Society maintains windsocks at all three launches. Parking exists at the top of Lookout Mountain and it is only a few hundred foot walk to each of the launches. The North launch is visible just north from the parking area. The middle launch is easy to find as it is at the base of the smallest of the two radio towers. The South launch is more difficult to find. Locate a string of power lines to the south of the landing zone that travel south and downhill. Follow these power lines down to a series of cairns. Take this cairn trail right (west) and follow it to the south launch.
No students are allowed to access the Lookout Mountain site without instructor approval. If you are a student, launch when indicated by your instructor. Occasionally, a spectator may be permitted to watch the launches, however they should be closely monitored and required to stay clear of the actual launch area. Please ask spectators to stay at least 25' from gliders. Communication with spectators is vital to preventing incidents/accidents.
Obstacles at the Lookout Mountain Launches exist. Concerns are identical for all three launches. The site periodically undergoes site maintenance to ensure solo pilots and tandems have the clearance required by USHPA. Clearance around the launches are maintained at 75’ feet in front of take-off and 30’ feet behind set up. However, many pilots may choose to set up in more restricted launch pattern. This can be done safely, but should be done with great caution. To set up in these restricted spots, pilots must pass a review from the club safety officer to address collision avoidance mitigation while flying.
Pilots are expected within to fly within their skill level. In addition to this, pilots are expected to follow the criteria designated by the USHPA rating guidelines as defined by the pilot proficiency system. Failure to do say may result in loss of flying privileges with the Glenwood Soaring Society.
All student/solo pilots are required to completely and accurately fill out their paperwork prior to receiving any instruction from Adventure Paragliding. All USPHA numbers are reviewed by texting (970)274-1619 before solo pilots are authorized to fly Red Mountain.
Students/solo pilots are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear proper clothing, including long pants and light jackets, and wear appropriate shoes that provide support during launching and landing. We do not provide additional water at launch or at the LZ.
A first aid kit is kept inside the paragliding truck at all times. This kit is maintained and replenished as necessary and inspected monthly or after use. All personal are instructed as to where this kit is located (see Emergency Action Plan). Emergency contact information is kept here.
Students/solo pilots are not allowed to hook into the wing without wearing a helmet. No students are allowed to access the wing without the supervision of their instructor. Students and solo pilots are required to go through a preflight check before each flight, including proper connection to the glider.
All pilots are required to have an emergency parachute. All students are trained in the proper use the emergency parachute. All pilots
must wear a radio and that radio is checked each day to make sure the
student has communication with their instructor. Should the radio malfunction during the flight, all students are instructed during their instructional tandems about proper landing technique and correct flight patterns. During the students’ instruction there will be a qualified USHPA instructor at both the landing and the launch to insure the student is completely monitored throughout the flight.
New solo pilots can present significant safety concerns. As a result they will undergo review with the club safety officer before flying Red Mountain. Depending on experience level, the pilot may need to pay for an instructional site orientation with an Adventure Paragliding certified instructor. All pilots are encouraged to fly with a first aid kit and extra food and water, and a charged cell phone.
Vehicle parking is available at the top of Lookout Mountain. It does not present a safety hazard to paragliders in the area. The parking area is located at the very end of Lookout Mountain Road in Glenwood Springs.
Parking at the LZ is available directly off the road behind the high school stadium. Do not park or drive past any fences or gates. Parking at the LZ is about 50' from the edge of the LZ.
The Glenwood Springs Airport serves the Glenwood Springs area.
It serves general aviation needs and some commercial tourist businesses. Glenwood Springs’ air traffic presents little risk to paragliders. Paragliders have right of way when confronted with aircraft from the airport. To avoid any conflict, student/solo pilots are instructed to not cross an imaginary line stretching along the valley formed by the runway. This ensures pilots do not cross in a powered aircraft's final landing approach. Standard paraglider flight patterns and safe and prudent recreational flights sticking to the Red Mountain terrain will avoid all aircraft from the Glenwood Springs Airport. When in doubt, do not fly towards the airport and rather towards the LZ. All FAA laws apply.
Students/passengers are to be issued a 30 day student membership or are current USHPA members before flying as a tandem student/passenger. All tandem pilots are responsible for maintaining and following guidelines USHPA FAA Tandem Exemption. Before flying tandems, tandem pilots must undergo a review with the club safety officer before flying tandem at the Lookout Mountain site.
Clearance around the take-off area is maintained at 75’ feet in front of take-off and 30’ feet the set up. It is the tandem instructor’s responsibility to ensure they set up in the correct area to ensure this.
However, many tandem pilots may choose to seek more restrictive launch spots. In order to do so, they must pass safety officer review to address collision avoidance mitigation while flying a tandem passenger.
There are no mini wings or hang gliders allowed to fly from the Red Mountain launch
1.) No vehicles are allowed to access the landing zone.
2.) Lookout Mountain is a P3 site. Pilots must be P3 or higher or fly under or instructor/sponsor supervision.
3.) Ridge soaring and thermaling “right of way” rules are to be followed at all times.
4.) Helmets are to be required at all times when clipped into glider, flying or kiting.
5.) FAA rules apply.
6.) All USHPA rules apply.
7.) Use of the Lookout Mountain launch without consent of the Glenwood Soaring Society and Adventure Paragliding will be treated as trespassing.
8.) All pilots flying Mount Lookout must be current USHPA certified pilots.
9.) All pilots are required to carry a radio, helmet, and hook knife.
10.) Personal vehicles are prohibited from accessing the Red Mountain
Launch without Glenwood Soaring Society and Adventure Paragliding.
11.) All pilots are required to possess a hiking permit or a hunting/fishing license.
12.) All pilots flying Red Mountain and Lookout Mountain are required to be current members of the Glenwood Soaring Society.
13.) All club members are required to report unauthorized use of launches and landings to club officers. Club officers are required verbally prohibit unauthorized pilots from using Glenwood Soaring Society sites and if deemed necessary to contact the USHPA or law enforcement.
14.) Pilots are expected to fly only in conditions suitable for their skill level. Pilots must follow criteria designated by the USHPA rating guidelines as defined by their Pilot Proficiency Program. Failure to do say may result in loss of flying privileges with the Glenwood Soaring Society.