High Altitude East/South East P2
This document was designed to improve safety at the Red 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 Red Mountain site and mitigate the risks associated with paragliding at this site. It also reviews communications plans taken by the Glenwood Soaring Society.
Red Mountain Launch: 39°31’59.18”N, 107°20’30.06″W
Red Mountain and Lookout Mountain Landing Zone: 39°31’59.18”N, 107°20’30.06″W
Launch Altitude: 7460'
Landing Zone Altitude: 5730'
Distance to LZ: 0.7 miles
Glide ratio Launch to LZ: 2.1
Red mountain is a P2 site and requires this rating or higher in order to fly at this location. The landing zone (LZ), located just east of launch and is clearly visible from this location. Pilots not at this rating must be a registered student flying under supervision of a licensed basic or advanced USHPA instructor. The Red Mountain launch faces east with a slight southern aspect. On a typical morning, cold air drains from the south (Aspen/ Independence pass area) to replace warm rising air from lower elevations to the northwest. Red Mountain faces south slightly to scoop this drain upwards and provide ridge lift. In addition to this, the early morning sun heats the Red Mountain Launch providing thermal cycles to compliment this drain. These conditions can produce reliable ridge soaring flights of an hour or so. Early morning flights are often smooth and well suited for students.
Typically, if the weather is reported clear in the morning, Red Mountain is flyable. It is advised to check NOAA winds aloft reports before flying Red Mountain. In addition to this, simple local weather reports like those found on Wunderground.com are sufficient for predicting flyable days at Red Mountain. By about 10:00 am, the morning drain is usually exhausted. Prevailing winds start to overcome the thermic cycles. Winds may reverse in compliance with the westerly prevailing winds and cause rotor over Red Mountain. In addition to this,
continued solar heating of Red Mountain make for turbulent thermic conditions. Low ground clearance associated with ridge soaring and
turbulent thermic conditions make for dangerous conditions, particularly for beginners. As a result P2 pilots or lower are considered grounded at 10:00am. Pilots may fly after 10:00am with safety officer approval.
Development of thunderstorms is always a concern while flying in the mountains. This area of Colorado sees overdevelopment of clouds almost daily. Always re-evaluate plans to fly after 12:00 pm.
Though Red Mountain does get thermic cycles, it does not face the correct direction into the prevailing westerly winds for reliable XC
flights. It is also located on a lower aspect of the mountain making the site a poor thermal trigger for XC flights. Those interested in flying only XC rather than ridge lift with the Glenwood Soaring Society are recommended to pursue flights on Mount Lookout.
Minimum wind speed for flying Red Mountain is 0 mph from the east. East winds must be no stronger than 15 mph with gusts up to 20mph. Should these limits be exceeded, or west winds be present (blowing over the back) Red Mountain will be closed to flying. Pilots may take off with crosswinds. 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 say may result in loss of flying privileges with the Glenwood Soaring Society.
Access to launch is restricted to the Glenwood Paragliding truck or to hike up. This truck typically will be going up to launch around 3-4 times a day. For truck meeting times, join the Glenwood Soaring Society Facebook and our WhatsApp group.
The landing zone, located directly below the launch area is owned
by the City of Glenwood Springs. It is clearly visible from launch, 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. These hazard(s) include pedestrians, a large pine tree just west of center, and trees/brush that border the LZ and a river directly from the west. Normal flight patterns, such as a standard aircraft approach, are sufficient to avoid these hazards. Communication between pilots and pedestrians is vital 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. When landing be mindful of wind direction. The morning drain typically flows from south to north meaning the typical landing pattern is oriented to land flying from the north to the south (landing towards the town of Aspen). However, as the drain ends, so can the winds in the LZ. Expect at any moment that winds can switch directions. Maintain awareness of wind direction at all times by watching the windsocks in the LZ and maintaining radio communication with those on the ground.
The dog park LZ associated with Red Mountain and Lookout Mountain has significant thermal triggers. For this reason, consider a different (and unsanctioned) LZ during mid-day or in highly thermic conditions.
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.
The road used to access the launch area crosses land owned and maintain by the City of Glenwood Springs, and the use of this road falls under a lease. Access to this road is by authorized vehicle only and Adventure Paragliding, LLC utilized access under our lease agreement with the City of Glenwood Springs.
Student solo pilots and instructors may meet at the landing zone located at Coach Miller Drive, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 and are transported to the launch area in Adventure Paragliding’s vehicle for a fee if they choose not to hike to launch. When parking, be mindful not to pass through any gates or fences, either when they are open or not.
No students are allowed to access the Red Mountain site without instructor approval. During instruction and tandem operations, the launch area is restricted to students, solo pilots, instructors, and photographers. If you are a solo pilot, you must wait for tandem operations to launch and clear before setting up your glider. If you are a student, launch only 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 Red Mountain Launch exist. The site periodically undergoes site maintenance to ensure solo pilots and tandems have the clearance required by USHPA.
Clearance around the take-off area is 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 address collision avoidance mitigation while flying.
Pilots are expected 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.
Parking at the Red Mountain Launch is restricted to the Adventure Paragliding work truck. Parking at launch is a 15'x15' space 100' from launch. It is reserved for the Adventure paragliding work truck only. There are no private vehicles allowed in the landing zone or at launch. Access exists for emergency vehicles in the event of an emergency at both the Red Mountain launch and LZ. Parking at launch is restricted to a 15'x15' space 100' from launch and is reserved for the Adventure Paragliding work truck only.
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.
Adventure Paragliding runs a tandem instructional school at Red Mountain. Students are to be issued a 30 day student membership or are current USHPA members before flying as a tandem student. 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 Red 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 past 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.) Red mountain is a P2, student, and tandem flying sight. Pilots must be P2 or higher or fly under or instructor 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 Red Hill launch without consent of the Glenwood Soaring Society and Adventure Paragliding will be treated as trespassing.
8.) All pilots flying Red Mountain 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.