The Beaufort Valley near Port Alberni, BC, offers a unique paragliding experience for experienced pilots. The site, known as "Deer Hunter’s Launch" on Mt Irwin, is accessible to WCSC and ISS members with current HPAC membership, as well as visiting pilots. The launch altitude ranges from 600 to 1023 meters, with a height difference of 920 meters.
This site is regularly used for hike & fly, or you can drive up with a 4WD vehicle if you have access through the locked gate. A short walk is required to reach the launch point. The area is known for thermal soaring and offers cross-country (XC) flying potential. On strong thermal days, launching from lower altitudes is also possible.
Flying here is generally restricted to weekends, and visiting pilots must contact the local club before flying. The site is within the Comox Class E TCA, so HAGAR certification and an Airband radio are required.
The Beaufort Valley features a continuous, south-west facing alpine ridgeline that promotes excellent soaring conditions. The valley below offers various safe landing options and accessible retrieves. However, the site has many rules due to its complex nature, including passing through private land with active logging operations.
Novice pilots should fly with a mentor, while experienced pilots are encouraged to join the local flying community. Required items include current HPAC insurance, a P2 rating or above, HAGAR certification, and a current WCSC or ISS membership. An Airband radio and a restricted aeronautical operator's license are strongly recommended for at least one pilot per group.
The airspace is busy with sailplanes, recreational, commercial, and forestry aircraft. Strong valley winds and cloud suck are common, especially in the late afternoon. Real-time wind data can be monitored at PA harbour.
Pre-flight arrangements include requesting a NOTAM with Kamloops FIR and notifying the Sailplane club. A key for road access can be obtained by contacting Lars.
Local ridge soaring rules apply, and international ridge soaring rules are used in the Beaufort Valley. The pilot with the ridge to the right has the right of way.
The best XC season is in the spring and early summer, with flyable conditions until mid to late September. Launch and road access are on private property, so visiting pilots should go with a member.
For more information, visit the British Columbia PG + HG Association: http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html and the West Coast Soaring Club: https://www.westcoastsoaringclub.com/project/beaufort-valley/
Watch a video of the site here:
Click to watch video
Contact the local club here: http://www.islandsoaring.ca/sites.html
