Revised January 1, 2025
LAUNCH
Although this site may be flown year round, the most consistent conditions are found in the summer months. The primary launch has seen many improvements over the years and although it has been made very user friendly, it still demands correct technique and control of one's wing. As you walk out to launch, you will often encounter strong winds. This is typical and a characteristic of the site. Due to the high desert location, topography, and geographic influences this site boasts some of the best glass off and consistent conditions one can find.
With that being said, it also is known as a technical site which requires a specific skill set needed to safely launch and fly the site due to the often stronger winds encountered on launch. Please see pilot requirements and parameters below. It is recommended that a thorough and proper pre-flight containing all the necessary gear be performed in the set up area located to the left of launch. Always assess the conditions and fly within your skill set and rating parameters. Once you walk out to launch, you should be prepared to fly as the wind gusts may be unpredictable. When deciding to launch in stronger winds, we strongly urge you to pick your cycle. Wait for a lull. It is recommended to set up lower on the gravel slope in stronger conditions. In perfect conditions, it is recommended to set up further upslope and in the true wind. Use caution in lighter winds as it often necessitates paraglider pilots in particular to set up further back. One will find a lengthy runway but you will be inflating your glider potentially in the rotor. Hang glider pilots light wind recommendations are to practice patience, pick a straight cycle, and use judgement when assessing conditions.
Please follow wind direction launch recommendations as specified below. Hat Creek Rim's launch is west facing and can accommodate a slight cross in both directions. When there is a south component, please use caution as the true velocity and degree may not be easily assessed properly due to the terrain influence which shelters the launch zone. HG's are particularly cautioned about launching in crosswinds; especially south crosswinds. It is important to note the wind streamer beyond the launch run to the left. Do not attempt launching if this wind streamer is showing a cross south. Patience will usually reward a straight cycle. Do not launch in a tailwind. This is a P3/H3 site and all first time P2/H2's are required to have a club approved sponsor to fly the site. Approval to launch without one thereafter will be at the discretion of the sponsor. It is highly recommended that first time visitors and newer pilots connect with our club mentors as they are very experienced with launching at Hat Creek Rim. Please utilize our program and know that our mentors are happy to assist and give site intros. Both hang and paraglider pilots have encountered challenges which have resulted in blown launches. The terrain is unforgiving. Although rare, pilots of both wing types have found themselves too low over the back and have failed to penetrate out, resulting in blow backs. Being confident of ones launch skills and having the appropriate assistance in higher winds is recommended. Pilots should have assisted windy cliff launch (AWCL) Turbulence (TUR) and Restricted landing field (RLF) skills Ratings to safely fly this site.
WING/RATING WIND VELOCITY (MPH) WIND DIRECTION
IDEAL MIN MAX GUST IDEAL MIN MAX
| HANGGLIDERS: H3+ | 14 | 2 | 22 | 10 | 270 | 250 | 290 |
| PARAGLIDERS P3+ | 7 | 0 | 18 | 10 | 270 | 250 | 290 |
| MINIWINGS: M2+ | 10-18 | 5 | 22 | 10 | 270 | 250 | 290 |
Elevation 4500'
Ideal wind direction: WSW to WNW
Glide to LZ 1 is 3:1
Glide to LZ 2 is 7:1
Environmental conditions can change radically throughout the day. Flying midday through early afternoon in summer is only recommended for advanced pilots with XC skills with potentially very technical conditions. All LZ's begin heating up with the first sunlight and are thermal generators. Conditions can rapidly change, be very turbulent with quickly switching wind directions. Good descent techniques and control of one's glider is a needed and required skill. Morning flights are often quite enjoyable but it is recommended that all pilots, regardless of rating, be landed by 11:00. The green fields located in the Hat Creek Valley below and in front of launch are privately owned and no landings are allowed. p
Most summer pilots launch in the early evening for the famed Hat Creek glass off. There is ample space for numerous gliders to set up simultaneously with a large parking lot located adjacent which accommodates enough area for pilots and spectators alike. The club provides and maintains a porta potty on site and we ask that all visitors utilize it. No spectators or other pilots should be found in the launch zone while a pilot is preparing to launch. There are established viewing areas. One located to the south of the parking lot where there are benches provided and ample shade in the summer months. Another bench is located above the primary launch, to the north. Please help keep everyone safe and request spectators view launches from these locations.
LZ 1 elev 3490' Is the closest to launch and an approximate 3:1 glide. Due to its size and is primarily surrounded by tall trees, it may require more planning on your landing approach. Ample space for both paragliders and hang gliders to land in, it typically is utillzed by paragliders pilots due to these terrain restrictions. Landing here in a high performance glider can be demanding. Landing in any significant wind can be very demanding due to topography and being ringed by trees. There may be mechanical turbulence and a potentially severe wind gradient when approaching during a higher winds aloft. This LZ is a natural thermal producer during midday conditions. Plan accordingly. As the evening progresses it typically has light to no winds. Please visit and become familiar with this LZ prior to flying Hat Creek Rim as it is your nearest landing zone. During the winter months, this will likely be the primary LZ for all pilots regardless of wing type.
LZ 2 elev 3570' It is located directly out in front of The Rim and is very visible from afar. It is an extremely large space with ample room for multiple gliders to set up for a successful landing. As it is an approximate 7:1 glide, you need an appropriate amount of altitude to reach this LZ once you leave The Rim. It is the most popular choice for pilots of all wing types due to the accessibility and large, clear field to land in. If you find yourself with not enough of a glide to reach this LZ, make that decision early on and utilize LZ1. There are no good options to land in between LZ2 and LZ1. There is a very visible and permanent wind sock located in the center of this field with streamers placed along the borders to help pilots accurately assess wind conditions. All Landings should be made to the South of this windsock. There is a line of painted rocks located on the northern end of the field and marks the boundary line for landing. The adjacent land is privately owned. Do not land there. Although very large, this field we land in is also ringed with tall trees which may give off mechanical turbulence. is the most popular LZ for HG's but is great for PG also. It is a large field with a permanent windsock and landings should be made to the South of the windsock This LZ receives sunlight early and heats up significantly. Late morning landings may be thermic and turbulent. It is also prone to a severe wind gradient on stronger evenings. We recommend always setting up your approach upwind. Please visit and become familiar with this LZ prior to flying Hat Creek Rim.
LZ 3 elev 3860' Is considered an emergency "bail out" LZ. It is not recommended to choose as your primary or even potential landing zone. It is located between the main Rim we fly and the "back" Rim that is to the south. Pilots who have utilized this landing zone have all made choices that placed them too low to return to LZ1 or LZ2. Always ensure ample altitude, penetration, and asses conditions. This is not as accessible or approachable as our primary LZ's and as such, is not as user friendly as our others. The road is in POOR condition and requires a high clearance vehicle. As with all LZ's if you think you may land here you should go and walk it.
HAT CREEK RIM HCPA SITE RULES
USHPA MEMBERSHIP
To Satisfy terms of the use permit, the HCPA requires that all pilots intending to fly HCR be current USHPA members, sign the HCPA waiver, and join the club prior to flying. Membership is annual.
All pilots must fly with an airworthy glider, emergency reserve, and a helmet. Although not required, it is recommended to always fly with a radio. Local frequency is 146.415. Further, a gps locating device is always suggested as an extra measure of communication and safety.
PILOT PROFICIENCY
1) Pilots must have a minimum H3/P3 rating and AWCL,TUR,RLF sign offs are recommended.
2) All H2/P2 pilots, regardless of wing type MUST fly with an HCPA appointed sponsor for their first flight. Further, one must have a current USHPA/HCPA membership and appropriate rating. Sponsor will connect with pilot and verify current (recent) flying/skills to be considered for sponsorship. All memberships and rating will be verified prior to flight.
3) Meet minimum requirements for H2/P2 to safely fly with sponsor.
4) H2/P2 at Hat Creek must be USHPA rated and current (flying recently) and be accompanied by a qualified sponsor.
5) Read and understand the site guide.
6) Perform a walk through of LZ1 and LZ2 and discuss the details of a proper landing approach.
7) 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.
8) Understand what a wind gradient is and how it affects landing at the LZ’s. This is especially important for the coastal pilots coming up for their first mountain flights.
9) 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.
10) The first 6 flights should be performed before 10 a.m. and after 6pm (P2’s 7pm) during the summer months.
11) Wind speed at launch for P2 should be no more than 15 mph and 18 mph for hangs with a low gust differential. Wind direction should be anywhere between WNW to WSW.
12) Pilot and sponsor shall be in direct radio contact at all times.
H4/P4 Sponsor Minimum Requirements
1) Pilot sponsor must have extensive experience AND current flying at Hat Creek Rim. They must have AWCL TUR and RLF sign offs. Further, must be actively flying at mountain sites and be a P4/H4 to qualify.
2) Sponsor must take novice pilot and inspect LZ 1 and LZ 2 prior to flight and discuss local influences and site specifics. Some topics to be covered: expected approaches, and landing conditions.
3 )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.
4) 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.
5) Before launching, the sponsor will discuss the details of the current weather conditions and how it will relate to the flying that day.
6) Pilot and sponsor shall be in direct radio contact at all times.
7) If not assigned by the HCPA, a sponsor must be approved by the HCPA prior to mentoring or sponsoring a pilot at Hat Creek Rim.
TANDEM
All Tandem flights must be conducted in accordance with FAA, USHPA, and HCPA requirements and guidelines. No commercial tandems may be performed unless school in insured separately for Hat Creek Rim. All recreational tandems must meet all required ratings, paperwork verification, and ratings waivers with their current and valid USHPA/HCPA membership. This includes their tandem exemptions while flying this site. Tandem pilots must carry proof of this while flying HCR. The HCPA requests that all pilots intending to perform a tandem flight contact our Safety Officer to be made fully aware of any additional dangers that may be encountered at Hat Creek Rim.
CONDITIONS
Hat Creek Rim is primarily a thermal, ridge soaring site that is well known for its widespread glass offs that occur in the summer evenings. Although considered very suitable for a P2's/H2's first mountain flights, it may also be a very technical site due to terrain,valley influences, and topographic features/location. The launch faces due West and accommodates a WSW, W, and WNW. Often described as having its own micro climate, the site has a large valley in front with the Shasta Valley to the north, and Lassen Park to the south. Most pilots opt to fly the late afternoon/early evening glass off conditions. MOnring flights may be made but should you choose to fly, be aware that conditions can change rapidly and you will likely encounter stronger thermals in the air and above your LZ's. See site guide for parameters. 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 required the pilot to maintain adequate maneuvering airspeed during set up and final approach. Density altitude on a hot summer day can create thinner air and may affect landings. Although our LZ's are ample in size, landings may be challenging at Hat Creek Rim due to conditions.
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 graveled 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 prior to flight at HCR. We do not have permission to land anywhere else and there are no other designated landing areas. Top Landings are not allowed. Do not attempt.
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, DO NOT FLY. If you are 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 the summer and it is not worth risking lives and property for recreational flying. Please act responsibly.
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.
c) When deciding whether you are going to fly, take all things into consideration including weather conditions, your skill level, and all proper pre-flight measures. This includes all necessary gear and mental/physical preparedness needed for your flight.
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’
SITE ADVISORY
WEATHER CAUTIONS
Assessment of conditions prior to flight is required. Many weather tools are available and easily accessible. If you need assistance, please see our weather links tab which has specific for this site. Stormy conditions that cannot be observed from launch can sometimes be lurking way behind launch and only observed once flying. It is wise to be observant and cautious as these kinds of conditions can change quickly without notice. These kind of conditions can cause pilots to be blown away from LZ's. Use caution when there are thunderstorm clouds present or located nearby. They can be dynamic and apt to change rapidly. Use good judgement and always give proper respect to these weather systems. It is recommended to carry a radio and a cell phone when flying.
HANG GLIDER SAFETY ADVISORY
Launches during summer glass off conditions can be quite windy. Make sure that you are in full control of your glider after you have hooked in, make sure to brief any helpers/wiremen if needed, and consider backing off and waiting if not comfortable as conditions usually mellow later in the day. 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.
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. As all LZ's are located to the South. In a strong headwind, it may be very slow going, or impossible to reach your LZ's. It is advised to always check your penetration right after launching, and as conditions increase in wind speed. In the event you are unable to penetrate and are going backwards (I.e getting blown back), know that the reservoir under Bald Mtn is the next best option. Do not attempt to land close to the Rim's edge as you will encounter turbulent air associated with rotors. If you have ample altitude, turn downwind and attempt to reach the reservoir. Midday flying is not advised and advanced skills are a requirement. Respect for conditions must be shown.
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, local pilot for their first flights at Hat Creek Rim. The HCPA has a system in place to arrange a site intro. Please utilize our email or you may request on our Telegram, Signal, or FB group page.
HCPA officers can be contacted here…… https://hatcreekrim.com/contac
Emergency Action Plan
CALL 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 first responders arrive at scene.
Caller should try to direct first responders to correct location.
Launch Location
Approximately 10 miles east of Hwy 89 near Hat Creek, CA on Forest Route 22 off Bidwell Road. Sign is posted.
Coordinates 40°50'34.9"N 121°25'38.2"W
LZ 1 Location
Approximately 8 miles east of HWY 89 near Hat Creek, CA. Turn on the second dirt road to your left off of Forest Route 22. Follow dirt road approximately one mile to LZ. Sign is posted.
Coordinates 40° 50.347’, -121° 26.28'
LZ 2 Location
Approximately 7 miles east of Hwy 89 near Hat Creek, CA. Turn onto the first dirt road located on your right off of Forest Route 22. Follow dirt road approximately one mile to LZ. Sign is posted.
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 HOSPITALS INJURED PARTIES MAY BE TRANSPORTED TO:
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
LOCAL CLINIC: Pit River Health Service (530) 335-3651