Paragliding Syphon Creek, BC

Syphon Creek (Fly Hills) is a paragliding and hang gliding site located west of Salmon Arm in the North Okanagan Valley. The launch site is situated at an elevation of 2575 feet above sea level, with a landing zone at 1650 feet above sea level. The site is suitable for both thermal and ridge flying, with a good potential for cross-country flights exceeding 50 kilometers. The launch faces east and is ideal for morning flights or easterly winds. The natural slope below the road provides a good launch area, although paragliders should be cautious as the glide ratio from the lower launch is 5:1, making it challenging. There are gravel pits on either side of the launch area that can be used for emergency landings. To reach the launch site, drive west from Salmon Arm towards Tappen and turn west at 1 Ave NW (by the Funeral Home). Then, turn left on 30 Ave NW, followed by another left on 33 Ave NW. The Syphon Creek Road starts from the end of the paved turnaround area, with a total of 1.6 kilometers of reasonably good 2WD road. The site is best flown in the morning and is known for its strong east winds. However, pilots should be aware of the potential for significant sink along the east-facing ridge. The airspace above 2200 feet AGL is Class 'E', with several Victor Airways overhead. Pilots should reset their altimeters to the accurate launch altitude before flying. For weather briefings and HAGAR notifications, contact FIC Advanced Weather Briefing at 1-866-WXBRIEF (1-866-992-7433) or 1-866-GOMETEO (1-866-466-3836) for French service. The local radio frequencies are 123.400 MHz for aircraft and 173.640 MHz for local club communications, with 146.415 MHz being the most commonly used. Primary contacts for the site include: - Tim Staal (HG): 250-833-4349, tim_staal@hotmail.com - Cliff Rempel (HG): 250-571-3620, csrlt1@sunwave.net - Fred Wilson (HG): 250-309-6651, ftlwilson@shaw.ca - Ken Steiner (PG): 250-833-4568, 250-832-5887, kensteiner1@gmail.com - Doug Nitchie (PG): 250-308-9854, dougtnitchie@gmail.com - Greg Penner (PG): 250-306-1325, skydawg_73@hotmail.com For more information, visit [Fly OK](http://www.flyok.ca/) or contact the [British Columbia Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association](http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html).