How to join the club:
1) Email jaeckert@ptd.net to request an application & site guide
2) Complete & return application for approval.
3) If approved, you'll get instructions to activate your membership.
1) Email jaeckert@ptd.net to request an application & site guide
2) Complete & return application for approval.
3) If approved, you'll get instructions to activate your membership.
Revision Jan 31, 2024
WaterGap Site Rules per NationalParkService, Landowners & RiskAssessments.
All pilots must:
1. be current USHPA members.
2. clear onlookers & parked gliders within 30° front-to-back both sides from launch point.
3. fly well clear of launch; know ridge & thermal soaring rules.
4. not launch or scratch marginal air that risks not making designated LZs
5. quickly leave touchdown & LZ to clear for other pilots, avoid attracting spectators & keep low profile.
6. seek BoD pre-approval for each & every tandem.
7. wear helmet with reserve, radio, backup-loop/speed bar & launch only if site monitor is present.
8. carry emergency & first-aid kits.
9. reimburse landowners & WGHGC for damages.
10. leave-no-trace & steward sites; remove LZ telltales/windsocks & launch trash/firerings.
11. neither cut trees, store items, do drugs/alcohol, commercially train/practice or tandem, start campfires, advertise, post signs, stunt-fly nor promote contests, meets or demos.
12. carpool so 5 vehicles max at Kirkridge parking lot; 7 max in bailout pond parking area. Excess vehicles park in route 191 turnoffs or Institute Rd. Park in Palmerton & Danielsville Rd turnoffs at LittleGap
13. display vehicle authorization sign if required and not drive in any fields
14. understand that memberships, ratings, appointments, certifications may be suspended for landing outside designated LZ or emergencies involving reserve deployment, injuries, damages or rescue services. Site Safety Monitors:
PG=Jim Maze, Rolan Yang
HG=Jack Eckert, Paul Golas, Rogery Irby
Alternate Gatekeepers: Gus Johnson, Tom Schray, Bill Watters
WaterGap Site Rules per NationalParkService, Landowners & RiskAssessments.
All pilots must:
1. be current USHPA members.
2. clear onlookers & parked gliders within 30° front-to-back both sides from launch point.
3. fly well clear of launch; know ridge & thermal soaring rules.
4. not launch or scratch marginal air that risks not making designated LZs
5. quickly leave touchdown & LZ to clear for other pilots, avoid attracting spectators & keep low profile.
6. seek BoD pre-approval for each & every tandem.
7. wear helmet with reserve, radio, backup-loop/speed bar & launch only if site monitor is present.
8. carry emergency & first-aid kits.
9. reimburse landowners & WGHGC for damages.
10. leave-no-trace & steward sites; remove LZ telltales/windsocks & launch trash/firerings.
11. neither cut trees, store items, do drugs/alcohol, commercially train/practice or tandem, start campfires, advertise, post signs, stunt-fly nor promote contests, meets or demos.
12. carpool so 5 vehicles max at Kirkridge parking lot; 7 max in bailout pond parking area. Excess vehicles park in route 191 turnoffs or Institute Rd. Park in Palmerton & Danielsville Rd turnoffs at LittleGap
13. display vehicle authorization sign if required and not drive in any fields
14. understand that memberships, ratings, appointments, certifications may be suspended for landing outside designated LZ or emergencies involving reserve deployment, injuries, damages or rescue services. Site Safety Monitors:
PG=Jim Maze, Rolan Yang
HG=Jack Eckert, Paul Golas, Rogery Irby
Alternate Gatekeepers: Gus Johnson, Tom Schray, Bill Watters
Kirkridge SSE 650’AGL by NPS permit. Advanced & experienced Intermediates FSL skills & monitor signoffs. LZs: Ponly(6.5/1), Honly(6.5/1 owner waiver). Bailout: PH(5.5/1). Landing inside red area or outside PG-only & HG-only LZs subject is to suspension, trespass charges, loss of ratings, appointments & certifications. Bailout for emergency only! No toplandings. BoD pre-approved tandem only. LZs must be entered at 150'AGL due to power lines (yellow). 2 flights/day max. 25 pilots max on site. Shallow to moderate slope slot launch. Subject to both up slope & crosswind tree rotors. Wind direction ideal/ok 125-185°/110-200°; speed min/ideal/max/gustΔ H 8/12/20/10mph, P 5/10/15/5mph. At least one site monitor must be present. Briars, poison ivy, copperhead & timber rattlesnake dens in & near south-facing slope. BlackBear habitat.
Little Gap NNW 950’AGL by NPS permit. Intermediate & experienced novice monitor radio supervision. FL skills. LZs: PH(5/1). Landing outside LZ & bailout subject to trespass charges & loss of raings, appointments & certifications; subject to change without notice so check with monitor before flying. Toplandings discouraged. BoD pre-approved tandem only. Risk of entering ABE airspace particularly east of launch. Powerlines (yellow) are 350'AGL & 1000' from LZs; also cross ridge 1000' west of launch. 25 pilots max on site. L aunch turbulence possible for 10mph or higher winds 315° or less due to primary ridge peninsula and 20mph or higher winds 020° or more due to secondary ridge. Severe LZ turbulence also possible winds 10 mph or higher 340° or more due to secondary ridge.Wind direction ideal/ok 325-360°/315-020°; speed min/ideal/max/gustΔ H 5/15/20/10mph, P 5/10/15/5mph. 3/4- mile 500’ elevation hike to launch from parking area along Danielsville Rd.
ABE SECTIONAL (LittleGap ridge red line in oval)