Glover Park

Site Information

This site is located at the northern end of Waitara road St Heliers, just to the east of Achilles point.

Take off height is approximately 160 ft ASL.

Site Type

Coastal.

Landing

With no bottom landing between mid and high tide and a risky top landing behind trees this is not a site for novice pilots.

If conditions permit transit Eastward along the coast to Karaka Bay where some greater landing options are available but still limited by tidal movement.

Alternatively landings can be made at Ladies Bay or, after a long downwind glide, St Heliers Bay but note the comments on airspace.

Mandatory Notices

None.

Site Radio Channel

Channel 20 - 476.900MHz

Restrictions

Hang Glider

HG Advanced

Paraglider

PG2 + 60 hours.

Launching: The launch area is between trees, and the wind must be straight in, especially for hang gliders.

Wind: Be cautious about the true wind strength at take-off. Sometimes it might feel lighter on launch than it really is. Look for signs like gust lines on the water near Rangitoto, and check the treetops on the left and right sides. If you're unsure, head over to the lookout at Achilles Point to measure the wind without obstructions from trees or cliffs.

If the wind is over 22 kph at launch, conditions may not be favorable for a safe flight.

Landing: This site has claimed three or four pilots a season due to landing in the tide, soaking their gear, or damaging gliders. Always check the tide conditions before flying, and have a backup landing plan in case the wind changes while you're in the air.

If you're not confident in top-landing, or don't have a backup landing spot, be extra cautious. Murphy's Law tends to apply in these situations, so plan ahead!

Airspace

Special care should be taken at this site and close reference to the latest visual navigation chart.

This site is located within VFR common frequency zone, CFZ 120.4 with height ceiling of 2500 ft ASL. It is also on the edge of the Acukland City Mandatory Broadcast Zone. Height limit within this MBZ is 1500 ft ASL. This means you cannot fly inland of cliffs/beach unless you are operating with an airband radio.