Paragliding Deadman's Savona, BC

Elevation: Launch at 3280 feet above sea level, Landing Zone (LZ) at 1460 feet above sea level. Launch Direction: 270 degrees, suitable for both Hang Gliding (HG) and Paragliding (PG). Location: Off Sabiston Lake Road, 5 km west of Savona, British Columbia, Canada. Flying Season: - Spring: Excellent - Summer: Excellent - Fall: Moderate - Winter: Limited Type of Site: Mountain Type of Flying: Ridge, Thermal, and Wave Cross-Country (XC) Potential: Exceptional, with flights exceeding 102 miles. Launch Description: The launch area is a rounded rocky bluff with a 60-foot rock cliff in front. There are two side-by-side launches. A short run is required, and pilots should be cautious of vertical rising air just in front of the launch. Good launch skills are essential for paragliders. Landing Zone (LZ) Description: The primary LZ is a large sagebrush field near the training hill and Highway 1, known as the "International" or "747" because of its size. An alternate LZ, called the "Toilet Bowl," is located at the bottom of the northwest bowl. Another field, known as the "Crash Pad," is one-third of the way up and is named for the turbulent air from thermals. Top landing for paragliders is possible in two meadows behind the launch and at a clearing at the end of the ridge. It is also possible to land below the launch with access across a bridge to the road. Be cautious of wind switching at all LZs. Hang gliders may top land in a large meadow 1 km east of the launch but should be prepared for switching conditions. Vehicle/Transportation Requirements: Any vehicle can access the site, but a 4x4 is recommended when the road is wet. Skill Level Verification Requirements: HPAC Rating, Log Book, and possibly a demonstration at the training hill. Site Regulation: Informal, but HPAC Insurance and local club membership are recommended. Primary Local Contacts: - HG Kim Jenner: 250-457-6414 - HG Ian McArthur: 250-578-8402 - HG Mike Swift: 250-372-0733 - HG Alan Innes: 250-457-6414 - HG Gregg Cairns: 250-579-9544 - HG Dave Wagner: 250-579-9182 - PG Karl Buchegger: 250-579-2005 Roads to Launch: From Savona on Highway 1, head 8 km west of Deys Centre. After crossing the bridge, turn right on Sabiston Lake Road. Two kilometers north is the "Crash Pad" LZ and a side road through a pine forest leading to a lower launch above the "Toilet Bowl" LZ. Follow the main road up and take the first major left fork marked "Smith Camp Forestry Road." After a few switchbacks, stop climbing and take the first left turn, following the narrow unimproved road to the meadow. Park and carry your glider (5 minutes) to the launch, especially when wet, as alpine meadows take years to recover. Camping: Forbidden at the "Crash Pad" due to repeated fires. This is a Native Reserve; please respect their property. Airspace: Class E controlled airspace from 2200 feet AGL to 12,500 feet ASL due to Airway V323 and V324. Contact Transport Canada Flight Services Station Kamloops at 250-376-5036 or fax 250-376-7941 for flight information. Events: The KVR hosts a reliable and consistent XC competition each Easter Weekend at this site. It is also a popular flying reunion event. The campground is Steelhead Provincial Campground at the west end of Kamloops Lake in Savona. Contact Mr. Layce at 250-373-2500. Full-service sites are open all summer, and reservations are usually not required. For more information, visit: - FlyBC: [FlyBC](http://www.flybc.org/index.htm) - British Columbia PG + HG Association: [BCHPA](http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html) - Additional details: [The Cyberspace Studio](http://thecyberspacestudio.tripod.com/index-6.htm)