Hat Creek Rim HCPA Site Guide/Rules
USHPA MEMBERSHIP
The HCPA has obtained insurance from the USHPA RRG so as to be in compliance with the USDA Special Use Permit issued to the HCPA.
The USDA are the landowners of all launches and landing areas and are insured by this policy.
The HCPA requests that all pilots planning to fly the rim become USHPA members.
All pilots must be USHPA members and fly with a parachute and a helmet.
PILOT PROFICIENCY
Pilots must have a minimum H3/P3 rating and AWCL,TUR,RLF sign offs are recommended
H2/P2 Hat Creek Must fly with sponsor and must be USHPA rated and current (flying recently) to be accompanied by a sponsor.
Minimum requirements for H2/P2 to safely fly with sponsor
H2/P2 Hat Creek must be USHPA rated and current (flying recently) and
be accompanied by a qualified sponsor.
Read and understand the site guide.
Perform a walk through of LZ1 and LZ2 and discuss the details of a
proper landing approach.
Have a good understanding of the weather and the physics of air density
at altitude and how it will relate to the launch, flight, and landing.
Understand what a wind gradient is and how it affects landing at both
LZ’s. This is especially important for the coastal pilots coming up for their
first mountain flights.
Before launching, the sponsor will discuss the details of the current
weather conditions and how it will relate to the flying. How to avoid some
common mistakes new pilots have made in the past e.g. drifting too far
behind the ridge, flying too far away from LZ’s to safely make it back. How
to deal with other air traffic.
The first 6 flights should be performed before 11:30 am and after 6pm
(P2’s 7pm)during the summer months.
Wind speed at launch should be no more than 18mph with a low gust differential and wind direction should be WNW to WSW
Pilot and sponsor shall be in direct radio contact at all times.
H4/P4 Sponsor Minimum Requirements
Pilot sponsor must have extensive experience flying Hat Creek and have
AWCL TUR and RLF sign offs.
Sponsor must take novice pilot and inspect LZ 1 and LZ 2 and discuss
approaches, and landing conditions to be expected.
Sponsor must ensure novice pilots has a good understanding about air
density at altitude , wind gradients and have previous knowledge/
experience with higher wind launches and zero wind landings.
Sponsor should either have first hand experience with the novice pilots
experience or be able to inspect log book and converse with pilot to
assess whether pilot is ready for the conditions.
Before launching, the sponsor will discuss the details of the current weather
conditions and how it will relate to the flying that day.
Pilot and sponsor shall be in direct radio contact at all times.
CONDITIONS
Hat Creek Rim is famous for its glass offs that occur many evenings throughout the summer months. Most pilots opt to fly the late afternoon early evening glass off conditions. If you fly in the day be aware that conditions can change from mellow to strong conditions quite quickly. Launch conditions can be strong and gusty. Pilots must be aware of the wind shadow and wind gradient in the LZ’s when landing. These require the pilot to maintain adequate maneuvering airspeed during set up and final approach. Density altitude on a hot summer day can creating thinner air must also be taken in to account. Landings can be challenging at Hat Creek, wheels and knee pads can be beneficial.
LAUNCH
Pilots must use the designated launch area. The launch experience at Hat Creek can vary greatly with the conditions. Please read the launch “Safety Advisory” below for your wing type.
The main launch is a gravelled slope launch suitable for Hang Gliders and Paragliders and is used the most. There is a launch adjacent to the main launch that Paragliders also use. Strong and gusty winds can be challenging in the summer months, and pilots should be confident in their ability to control their wing in these conditions.
LANDING
There are three LZ’s. LZ 1 and LZ 2 can be seen from launch. LZ 3 is further south, cannot be seen from launch and is primarily a “bail Out” LZ for pilots that may have ventured to far south on the ridge to make it back to the main LZ’s.
It is recommended to visit the LZ’s before flying. We do not have permission to land anywhere else. Top Landings are not allowed.
CROSS-COUNTRY FLYING:
All cross-country flying should be done in an easterly direction (downwind of the ridge) or out and return along the ridge. The entire Hat Creek Valley is private property and it has no designated landing areas.
FOREST FIRE AIR TRAFFIC
If there is any fire bomber traffic in the area, DON'T FLY, or if you're already in the air, GO LAND IMMEDIATELY!
DON'T TAKE CHANCES! Please remember that we are in a very fire prone area that has fires throughout thesummer and it is not worth risking lives and property for recreational flying. Please act wisely.
PILOT RESPONSIBILITIES
a) Safety: Pilots are responsible for their own safety and the safety of other pilots and spectators. Each pilot is ultimately responsible for avoiding people and other gliders.
b)Judgement: Good judgment is a necessary part of aviation. It requires a thorough knowledge of the limitations of your aircraft, your abilities, and the prevailing conditions etc., and whether your chosen landing zone is safe to land.
When deciding whether you are going to fly, take all things into consideration.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
Dial 911
Coordinates
Launch 40° 50.582', -121° 25.637'
LZ 1 40° 50.347’, -121° 26.28'
LZ 2 40º 50.457' , -121º26.989'
LZ 3 40° 48.708’, -121° 25.757’
Coordinates are posted on the Forest Service notice Board at launch currently.
SITE ADVISORIES
HANG GLIDERS
HANG GLIDER SAFETY ADVISORY
The most dangerous launch condition at the rim is a south cross. The south point will hide the true direction and wind speed under WSW to SSW conditions. The effects will vary depending upon strength and direction. Even under a strong SSW the bowl will generate thermals and show straight launch cycles. The more South it is the more the point shadows launch.
The windsocks in LZs 1 and 2 are better indicators of the southerly component !!
Hang Gliders are particularly cautioned about launching in south conditions. The MOST important wind streamer to take note of is around 100 feet in front of launch to the left. If this wind streamer is showing a south component to the wind (blowing from the left) regardless of the other streamers, you are likely to have your left wing lifted during your launch run.
PARAGLIDERS
PARAGLIDER SAFETY ADVISORY
The most dangerous condition at the rim is a south cross. The south point will hide the true direction and wind speed under WSW to SSW conditions. The effects will vary depending upon strength and direction. Even under a strong SSW the bowl will generate thermals and show straight launch cycles. The more South it is the more the point shadows launch.
The Windsocks in LZs 1 and 2 are better indicators of the southerly component !!
For PGs it is important to be mindful of mechanical turbulence from the south point and a strong southerly component that makes it hard to make either LZ. In these conditions, I always fly South first to check how well I am able to penetrate before venturing into the bowl. In the event you are pinned and going backwards, know that the reservoir under Bald Mtn is the next best option.
Also, if you are planning on landing in one of the LZ's do it after 7 or before before 12. Midday commands serious respect and skills
MINI WINGS
Mini Wing pilots should hold an M2 rating and must maintain a safe altitude over terrain.
PILOTS NEW TO HAT CREEK RIM
It is highly recommended that all pilots new to Hat Creek Rim contact an experienced pilot for their first flights at Hat Creek Rim.
HCPA officers can be contacted here…… https://hatcreekrim.com/contac
Emergency Action Plan
911
EMERGENCY SAFETY NOTICE
Do injuries require immediate medical
attention?
IF PILOT IS IN A REMOTE LOCATION, REQUIRES
TECHNICAL RESCUE, AND POSITIVE COMMUNICATIONS
HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED OR IF INJURIES
REQUIRE IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION DIAL 911.
CALLER WILL ASSUME COMMAND OF THE INCIDENT
AND WILL STAY IN AREA TO BRIEF INCOMING
RESPONDERS AND TRANSFER COMMAND. IF IT IS
DETERMINED THAT RESPONSE CAN BE CANCELLED
DUE TO A FALSE ALARM POSITIVE COMMUNICATIONS
MUST BE MADE WITH RESPONDERS AND OR 911.
BE PREPARED TO GIVE YOUR LOCATION, BEST
ACCESS, NUMBER AND EXTENT OF INJURIES. RELAY
TO DISPATCH IF INCIDENT IS REMOTE OR IF
TECHNICAL RESCUE WILL BE REQUIRED. START
RESPONDERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. YOUR CHANCES
OF SURVIVING A TRAUMATIC INJURY ARE GREATLY
INCREASED IF YOU CAN MAKE IT TO AN EMERGENCY
ROOM WITHIN THE "GOLDEN HOUR"
When possible caller should stay on phone with
dispatch until 1st responders arrive at scene.
Caller should try to direct 1st responders to
correct location.
Launch Location
Approx 10 miles east of Hwy 89 near Hat Creek on Forest
Route 22. (Hwy 89 to Doty Road to Bidwell Road, left onto
Forest Route 22 to Launch turn off)
Coordinates 40°50'34.9"N 121°25'38.2"W
LZ 1 Location
Approx 8 miles east of HWY 89 near Hat Creek. Turn 2nd left
off of Forest Route 22 follow dirt road approx 1mile to LZ.
(Hwy 89 to Doty Road to Bidwell Road, left onto Forest Route
22, 2nd left onto marked LZ 1 road)
Coordinates 40° 50.347’, -121° 26.28'
LZ 2 Location
Approx 7miles east of HWY 89 near Hat Creek. Turn 1st left off
of Forest Route 22 follow dirt road approx 1 mile to LZ. Hwy 89
to Doty Road to Bidwell Road, left onto Forest Route 22, 1st left
onto marked LZ 2 road)
Coordinates 40°50'27.3"N 121°26'59.4"W
LZ 3 Location
Approx 9 miles east of Hwy 89 near Hat Creek. Turn right off of
Forest Route 22 (Hwy 89 to Doty Road to Bidwell Road, left
onto Forest Route 22, approx 1mile turn right follow poor
condition dirt road and make left turn in to LZ after approx 1
mile.)
Coordinates 40°48'48.5"N 121°25'41.6"W
Local hospital/Clinic numbers
Mayers Memorial Hospital, Fall River Mills 530-336-5511
(CLOSEST EMERGENCY ROOM)
Dignity Health,Redding 530-225-6000
Shasta Regional Medical Center 530-244-5400