Embedded Files
Site Information
Site Information
On arriving at Piha turn left off Piha Road into Te Ahu Ahu Road and then into-Log Race Road at the top of Piha Hill, drive to the end of the road and loop car park.
Take the Mercer walking track (to the right as you arrive) on the northern side of the car park, proceed 150 metres or so until you reach a right-and turn and a wooden seat and a glimpse of the Tasman Sea.
Immediately to the left through the gap and the scrub is the launch site.
Launch height for the southern site is 800 feet A.S.L. For experienced pilots it is possible to fly South from Piha to the Manukau Heads and north to Muriwai.
Warning
Warning
Although this site appears deceptively safe, it gets rotor if the wind is more than about 15 degrees south of straight in. Symptoms are gust/calm cycles (instead of a steady wind flow).
DO NOT launch under such conditions.
The site is exposed, so is not recommended for wind speed exceeding 15 knots.
I recommend that you do not fly at this site alone, but go with another pilot/driver.
Site Type
Site Type
Coastal.
Landing
Landing
On the beach
Mandatory Notices
Mandatory Notices
Although this site appears deceptively safe, it gets rotor if the wind is more than about 15 degrees south of straight in. Symptoms are gust/calm cycles (instead of a steady wind flow).
DO NOT launch under such conditions.
The site is exposed, so is not recommended for wind speed exceeding 15 knots.
Site Radio Channel
Site Radio Channel
Channel 20 - 476.900MHz.
Restrictions
Restrictions
Hang Gliding
Hang Gliding
HG Intermediate + 20 hours
Paragliding
Paragliding
PG 3
Cautions
Cautions
See safety video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHSDBuZyAIY
Be aware launch is located in situation which is often in rotor from ridge and left.
It is a very long glide out to landing on the beach.
Airspace
Airspace
Lion Rock, located in the middle of Piha Beach denotes the border of Whenuapai controlled airspace and VFR Transit Lane T158 Te Henga.
Height ceiling to the north of Lion Rock is 2000ft ASL.
Height ceiling to the south of Lion Rock, i.e. South Piha, is 2500ft ASL but drops back to 1500ft ASL at Whatipu Beaach on the northern side of the Manukau Harbour entrance.
Access Conditions
Access Conditions
None.
Site Monitor
Site Monitor
John Burton 027 420 4094 / 09 528 3362 (during office hours)
Notes
Notes
None.
Site Achievements
Site Achievements
None.
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