Southern Para Pilots

Bell Mountain GA   WNW

General info

WNW, 900 AGL, 4.59 to 1 Glide, 1 mile ridge
XC Record: None yet

Rating

Bell Mountain is technically a P3 site according to USHPA guidelines because the glide ration from launch to the Primary LZ is 4.59:1 and the Emergency LZ is not visible from launch. We strongly recommend that P2 pilots, with a foot launch rating, fly Bell Mountain under the supervision of a P3 pilot with Bell Mountain experience.

Getting to Launch

There is a gas station and parking area where Shake Rag Road intersects Hwy 76. This parking area is a good place to leave vehicles. To get to launch, follow Shake Rag Road up the mountain. You will need a good 4 wheel drive vehicle to drive the last 200 feet to launch. If your vehicle cannot traverse this last section, there is a place to park 2 or 3 cars there and hike the rest of the way up.

Launch

The launch at Bell Mountain faces due West and the Primary LZ is directly NW. The Emergency LZ is directly N and can’t be seen from launch. Launching is possible in winds from SW to NW. The launch is an open rocky area 2 gliders wide but is tucked in between tall trees. Launching in winds 45 degrees or more off of West requires special care to make sure that your wing stays fully inflated during your launch sequence. Your kiting and launching skills should be at a P3 level to launch in cross winds at Bell. There is also a fair amount of wind gradient effect at launch. Regardless of the wind speed observed at launch, make sure you are checking the streamer at the top of the trees and top of the rock structure, if it is there. Once you are clear of the trees, wind speed can be double what you are feeling on launch. Because of this we strongly recommend not launching in any winds above 10mph.

Flying

Bell is a mile long ridge and only a smaller portion of that is facing west. This area can get crowded fast so please remember it is your responsibility to make sure to avoid collisions and to follow all right of way rules. The spine to the north of launch often produces turbulence as a west or southwest wind curls around it. Directly out in front of launch and a little to the north is a small hill we call 'Baby Bell'. This is often a good thermal trigger. Many pilots have also found good thermals to the south of launch near the radio/cell towers. As mentioned, Bell is a P3 site because of the long glide ratio to the Primary LZ. Pilots should not get lower than 100 feet below launch before heading to the Primary LZ. We sometimes see horses in fields and yards around Bell Mountain. Most horses will be very distressed and panic over a paraglider flying low overhead or nearby. Do not fly low over horses or land in any fields or yards where they are.

Primary Landing Zone

Please park in the grass, near the trailer and off the drive, so we don't interfere with their coming and going. We should probably leave only one truck/car there at a time. We should also strive to pack our gear as quickly as possible and try not to linger any longer than necessary to pack gear and go. After packing it wouldn't hurt to stage all the gear, and ourselves, together so we don't have stuff spread all over the LZ.

Emergency Landing Zone

Radios

Some form of radio communication is required to fly Bell Mountain. A 2 meter radio is preferred, but a GFS (family band) radio in combination with a cell phone will also work. The preferred 2 meter radio frequency for Bell Mountain is 151.625Mhz.

Visiting Pilots:

Please contact one of the SPP officers to coordinate your flying at Bell Mountain or any one of our SPP club flying sites. We love to have pilots from around the country and around the world come to fly with us and we strive to make sure you have a fun and safe time.

Closest Hospital:

General Safety Guidelines:

When you are on launch, consider yourself responsible for the safety of all pilots. Assess conditions and talk about what you are seeing. Check each pilot as they prepare to fly and run your own pre-flight check list. Check for knots, weeds, sticks, or anything else foreign in the lines. No alcohol consumed on a flying day until you are done flying for the day. Pilots should be well rested and clear headed when flying. Pilots should ensure good inflations and control of their glider during takeoff, in flight, and when landing.

Weather

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