Paragliding Coopers Mountain Thermal Rise Lumby, BC

Cooper's Launch, located northwest of Lumby, British Columbia, is one of the most secure and frequently used flying sites in Canada. Maintained by the Lumby Air Force, it offers excellent conditions for both paragliding (PG) and hang gliding (HG). The site is particularly known for its thermalling opportunities and good cross-country (XC) potential. The launch site is best utilized in the morning and early afternoon from May to September. Across the valley, Saddle Mountain offers afternoon flights but is restricted to experienced pilots who must be accompanied by a local Lumby Air Force pilot. To fly at Cooper's Launch, visiting pilots must sign a waiver at the Freedom Flight Park and have HPAC insurance, which can also be obtained at the park. The site features east and south-facing launches with a large, rounded grassy clearing that overlooks the Freedom Flight Park landing zone (LZ). The Freedom Flight Park LZ is a very large area that includes a powered aircraft landing strip. Pilots are advised to land on one of the three airstrips and move to the breakdown area immediately to avoid conflicts with other aircraft. There is also an emergency bailout LZ directly in front of the launch on the east side of the road below. Cooper's Launch hosts two popular annual events: the Lumby Air Races in June and the Wild Salmon Festival Fly-In in July. For more information, you can visit the Lumby Air Force website: [Lumby Air Force](https://lumbyairforce.weebly.com/). For flight training and other services, check out the Freedom Flight School: [Freedom Flight School](https://www.freedomflightschool.com/freedom-flight-park.html). For additional contact information, visit: [Fly OK](http://www.flyok.ca). General Location: Just north of Lumby, BC, 20 km east of Vernon, in the North Okanagan Valley. Flying Season: - Spring: Excellent - Summer: Excellent - Fall: Good - Winter: Limited (when the road is plowed) All pilots require a minimum of 10 hours of airtime and 20 foot launches or must be under the supervision of a certified instructor before flying at Cooper's. Vehicle Requirements: Any vehicle can access the site. Radio Frequency: Aircraft Band 123.400, Monitor Aircraft band 122.8 Vernon MF (15 miles west), HG and PG & 173.640 MHz, Local Club Frequency: 146.415. For more information on the British Columbia Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association, visit: [BCHPA Contact](http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html).