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 June 21, 2025
WaterGap Site Rules per NationalParkService, Landowners & RiskAssessments.
All pilots must:
1. be current USHPA members & do full site LZ walk-throughs with safety monitor/sponsor & this guide.
2. clear onlookers & parked gliders within 1½ wing spans of launch point/track.
3. fly clear of launch and follow ridge/thermal soaring rules.
4. not launch or scratch in marginal air that risks not reaching designated LZ.
5. quickly leave and clear touchdown areas , avoid attracting spectators and keep low profile.
6. get BoD pre-approval for each tandem flight.
7. wear helmet wih reserve, radio, backup-loop/speed bar. Fly only if same wing-type safety monitor is present.
8. carry emergency & first-aid kits.
9. reimburse landowners & club for any damages.
10. leave-no-trace & steward sites. Remove telltales/windsocks & trash/firerings.
11. NOT cut trees, store items, do drugs/alcohol, train/practice or tandem, start campfires, advertise, post signs, stunt- or speed-fly, promote contests, meets nor demos.
12. carpool so 5 vehicles max in launch or LZ parking areas. Excess vehicles park alongside public roads.
13. not drive in any fields
14. understand memberships, ratings, appointments, certifications may be suspended for landing outside designated LZ or emergencies involving reserve deployment, injuries, damages or rescue services.
15. not access nor fly unless a SiteSafetyMonitor present.
Site Safety Monitors:
PG=Jim Maze, Rolan Yang
HG=Jack Eckert, Paul Golas, Rogery Irby
Alternates: PG=Tom Schray. HG=Gus Johnson, Bill Watters
250621
WaterGap Site Rules per NationalParkService, Landowners & RiskAssessments.
All pilots must:
1. be current USHPA members & do full site LZ walk-throughs with safety monitor/sponsor & this guide.
2. clear onlookers & parked gliders within 1½ wing spans of launch point/track.
3. fly clear of launch and follow ridge/thermal soaring rules.
4. not launch or scratch in marginal air that risks not reaching designated LZ.
5. quickly leave and clear touchdown areas , avoid attracting spectators and keep low profile.
6. get BoD pre-approval for each tandem flight.
7. wear helmet wih reserve, radio, backup-loop/speed bar. Fly only if same wing-type safety monitor is present.
8. carry emergency & first-aid kits.
9. reimburse landowners & club for any damages.
10. leave-no-trace & steward sites. Remove telltales/windsocks & trash/firerings.
11. NOT cut trees, store items, do drugs/alcohol, train/practice or tandem, start campfires, advertise, post signs, stunt- or speed-fly, promote contests, meets nor demos.
12. carpool so 5 vehicles max in launch or LZ parking areas. Excess vehicles park alongside public roads.
13. not drive in any fields
14. understand memberships, ratings, appointments, certifications may be suspended for landing outside designated LZ or emergencies involving reserve deployment, injuries, damages or rescue services.
15. not access nor fly unless a SiteSafetyMonitor present.
Site Safety Monitors:
PG=Jim Maze, Rolan Yang
HG=Jack Eckert, Paul Golas, Rogery Irby
Alternates: PG=Tom Schray. HG=Gus Johnson, Bill Watters
250621
Kirkridge SSE 650’AGL by NPS permit. Advanced & experienced Intermediates FSL skills & monitor signoffs with this guide and LZ walk-through terrain, powerline & water hazards. LZs: Ponly(6.5/1), Honly(6.5/1 owner waiver). Bailout: PH(5.5/1). ¼ mile hike-in. Landing inside red area or outside PG-only & HG-only LZs subject to suspension, loss of ratings, appointments & certifications. Bailout emergency only! No toplandings. BoD pre- approved tandem only for intermediate rated passengers. LZs must be entered at 150'AGL due to power lines (yellow). 2 flights/day max. No sled riding. 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. Slope has briars, poison ivy, and copperhead, black- & rattle-snake dens. Bear habitat. Check safety monitor for hunting season restrictions.
Little Gap NNW 950’AGL by NPS permit. Intermediate & previous high-site >500’ AGL experienced novice monitor radio supervision. No ‘first highs’! FL skills. LZs: PH(5/1). ¾ mile 500’ elevation hike-in. Landing inside red area or outside LZ & bailout subject to trespass arrest. Can change without notice. So check with monitor before flying Toplandings discouraged. BoD pre-approved tandem only for novice-rated passenger. Risk of entering ABE airspace mainly east of launch. Powerlines (yellow) are 350'AGL & 1000' from LZs; also cross ridge 1000' west of launch. 25 pilots max on site. Limited setup areas directly behind launch. Blowbacks & 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 less than ¾ mile from launch. Severe LZ turbulence also possible winds 10 mph or higher 340° or more due to secondary ridge less than ¼ mile from LZ. Wind direction ideal/ok 325-360°/315-020°; speed min/ideal/max/gustΔ H 5/15/20/10mph, P 5/10/15/5mph.
ABE SECTIONAL (LittleGap ridge red line/oval)