{Last Updated: Jan 2024}
Minimum
Rating: H3/P3
Site
Direction: NW
Flyable
Directions: NNW to WSW
Glide Slope
to main LZ: about 3.2:1
Vertical: 825’
Type of
Launch: Grassy very steep slope in
medium slot
Type of LZ: Grass
field
Soarable: Ridge, thermal
Location: Site is sensitive, see the point of contact for
site location and access directions
Turnaround:
Time: 40 Min drive
Parking at launch: Restricted
Parking at
launch: Parking at landing zone is restricted and the
launch road gate is frequently locked
Owner Launch: Arnold Zirk
Owner LZ: Dan Twigg
Setup/Breakdown:
launch limited to four hang gliders/LZ unlimited
Disclaimer and warning: This site is very sensitive. Because of the
sensitive nature of the site, this site guide is
non-inclusive. Any non-club member wishing to fly the site must be accompanied
by an officer of the Mountaineer Hang Gliding Association.
WARNING: The descriptions of typical flying
conditions listed in this site guide reflect the experience of the authors of
the guide. The conditions that you encounter at the site may differ, sometimes
substantially, from those encountered by the authors. The descriptions of their
experiences may not be relevant to the likely experience of any other pilot,
particularly one who is relatively inexperienced or new to the site.
A decision to launch is always that of the individual pilot. When deciding whether or not to fly, a pilot may wish to take into account
the descriptions in this site guide but must also consider numerous other
factors including the pilot's training and experience, familiarity with the
site, equipment, physical and mental condition and the specific weather
conditions in existence at the time of the decision along with what the
conditions may change to.
● USHPA
membership required.
● MHGA club
membership is required to fly the site.
● Seek a
site introduction from the designated point of contact. Walk the LZ to be sure
you understand the obstacles and preferred landing approach.
● Be aware
of severe sink if the wind is parallel to the ridge.
● Allegany
County Fire Department (304)
866-7450
● Short Gap
Volunteer Fire Department (304) 726-4388
●
911
● Contact
the designated site point of contact to unlock gates and provide access.
Because of landowner issues, the Zirks hang gliding and paragliding site is extremely
sensitive. Any visiting pilot that approaches the site without a Mountaineer
Hang Gliding Association officer to serve as a guide will risk arrest or
confrontation for trespassing. The main point of contact to gain access to the
site is:
Jim Rowan
13818
Florida Ave.,
Cresaptown,
MD 21502
Ph: 301-729-0773
The Zirks hang gliding
and paragliding site is located atop the Allegheny ridge. The site is accessed
via a private dirt road. Due to landowner concerns, a club member will need to
provide access to the launch. In addition, to access the site, a four-wheel
drive vehicle is needed.
Before the first flight, new or visiting pilots
must be a member of the Mountaineer Hang Gliding Association.
The Zirks launch faces
NW and is flyable from NW to W wind directions. Thermal activity can be present
starting mid-day. This site is acceptable for pilots
with either a H3 or P3 rating. H2 and P2 rated pilots
are allowed to fly the site in benign conditions under
the supervision of a site monitor.
Pilots should have sufficient experience with thermic conditions. A
Pilot should be capable of launching on a severe slope.
The normal wind speeds for flyable days when
base winds are between 4 to 15 mph (paraglider flight limitations are base
winds of 4 to 12 mph). The site allows for both ridge
soaring and thermalling. Weak gusts of up to 14 mph
may exist as mild thermals pass through. Flying is not recommended if gusts are
higher than a 10 mph differential.
Launch can be very turbulent on a North cross
due to the spine on the North side of the launch.
The launch is
surrounded by tall trees and is considered typical of an East Coast slot
launch.
The LZ is unrestricted and wide open.
The site is on private property and is typically
devoid of spectators. As a result, spectators do not conflict with pilots.
Pilots are advised to remain off
of the launch site when not launching. Space is available for only one
glider to launch the site at a time.
The landing field is clear and unobstructed. You
may set up on any side of the field depending on the wind direction.