Parapente Takapuna Grammar School

Takapuna Grammar Paragliding Site This site is located on the coastal edge of Takapuna Grammar School grounds, accessed from Winscombe Road, Belmont. The takeoff area is behind a fence and requires some skill. Wind direction can vary, flowing either from the left or right. For paragliding, the glider needs to be laid out perpendicular to the fence, and when pulled up, turned into the wind. A quick run towards the fence with a tug on the brakes should generate enough lift to get you airborne. Landing options below the cliff are limited and virtually nonexistent at high tide. The best landing option, short of Takapuna Beach, is at the bottom of the cliff 200 meters north of the launch site or on Narrow Neck Beach if the wind is from the northeast. The site is best suited for flying in a northeast wind direction. It's important to note that no flying is allowed during school hours. The designated site radio channel is Channel 20 - 476.900MHz. For paragliding, pilots need to have a PG2 rating with at least 60 hours of flight experience. Hang gliding at this site requires an advanced rating. Top landings should be approached with caution due to the presence of severe rotor. Launching over the post and rail fence along the cliff top requires careful execution to ensure sufficient lift to clear the rail, or the takeoff should be aborted. Be aware of the presence of naked sunbathers on the beach; if you land there, pack up quickly and head to the stairs located south of the launch area. The site is within a VFR operations special procedure area, with a height ceiling of 2,500 ft A.S.L. to the north and south, reducing to 1,000 ft A.S.L. at the start of Takapuna Beach for the VFR Transit lane T157. For more information, visit [Cloudbase Takapuna Grammar Site Guide](https://www.cloudbase.org.nz/site-guide/flying-site-takapuna-grammar). Site Monitor: Jeff Ripley, Mobile: 027 288 8818 Achievements at this site include an easy run to Takapuna Beach to the north. Cheltenham Beach has been reached once, and Jeff Ripley has successfully flown from Takapuna Grammar to North Head.