Parapente -HG Bastion Lookout , BC

This paragliding site is located northwest of Salmon Arm near Sunnybrae in the North Okanagan Valley, South Central British Columbia, Canada. The launch site is situated at an elevation of 3400 feet above sea level, with the landing zone (LZ) at 1135 feet above sea level. The launch direction is south, and the site is suitable for hang gliding (HG), particularly for advanced pilots with a minimum of 50 hours of experience. Special skills required include cliff launch proficiency. The site is characterized by a vertical cliff of 1700 feet, allowing only two steps for takeoff. The thermals here are very strong, roaring up the cliff face, making it a challenging site not for the faint-hearted. The launch area can accommodate about seven gliders and is accessed via the Bastion Forestry Road up to the Microwave tower, a long and rough drive. The best times to fly are all day, with the flying season peaking in mid-July. The site usually opens in late June due to snow. The cross-country potential is over 30 km, with the possibility of flying across Shuswap Lake to Sicamous. The landing zones include a long, wide beach 2 km north of the Highway 1 turnoff, a tiny spit protruding into the lake 2 km past that, and a field below the launch site. Pilots should check the field before landing. The site falls under Class 'E' airspace above 8000 feet ASL and Class 'E' airspace above 2200 feet AGL immediately south of the LZ. For advanced weather briefing and HAGAR notification, pilots can contact FIC at 1-866-WXBRIEF (1-866-992-7433) or 1-866-GOMETEO (1-866-466-3836) for French service. The local radio frequencies are 123.4 MHz for aircraft and 173.640 Hz, with 146.415 being the most commonly used by the local club. Primary contacts for more information are: - Tim Staal: Tel: 250-833-4349, tim_staal@REMOVE.THIShotmail.com - Cliff Rempel: Cell: 250-571-3620, csrlt1@REMOVE_THISsunwave.net Please note that this site is not frequently flown due to the rough drive up and the challenging launch conditions.