Mt Blackheath Launch Bushfire Risk
*** Update, closure extended, come back in the new year ***
Although the airspace remains open, the club committee believes that due to the bushfire emergency in the Blue Mountains, and forecast weather conditions, that pilots should not use the Mt Blackheath launch for the next four days at least.
In addition VMC are generally not achievable in the current conditions.
Significant bushfire activity is currently taking place in the upper Blue Mountains, to both the north and south of the launch. These fires are continuing to increase in size and the weather conditions over the coming days present significant risk to these fires behaving unpredictably.
Low level aircraft activity around the Mt. Blackheath launch is required in fighting these fires. It is critical that these aircraft, including helicopters, twin props and Large Aerial Tankers, are able to fly frequent paths at terrain level and on approaches as the immediate response situation requires. This includes across and over the Mt Blackheath launch as well as the surrounding cliff lines and valleys.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Friday, September 27, 2019
Outlook 28 and 29 Sept
Sorry, I've been working out of contact through the week.
Saturday, forecast looked likely to be blown out most of the day. Reality, it was flyable on the windier side. Looks like a number of pilots were in the air.
Sunday. Looks possible, maybe on the windier side in middle of the day when thermals are kicking through. Climbs 3 to 4 m/s. Some mid level cloud throughout the morning. Base about 2500. Mid to late arvo might offer some decent conditions for lower hours pilots.
The whole weekend was a bit of a funny call on the forecasts. Some suggested blown out strongly all weekend, others suggested OK. Could be a good weekend to go MTBing unless you are in the area and willing to make the call on conditions at the time.
Saturday, forecast looked likely to be blown out most of the day. Reality, it was flyable on the windier side. Looks like a number of pilots were in the air.
Sunday. Looks possible, maybe on the windier side in middle of the day when thermals are kicking through. Climbs 3 to 4 m/s. Some mid level cloud throughout the morning. Base about 2500. Mid to late arvo might offer some decent conditions for lower hours pilots.
The whole weekend was a bit of a funny call on the forecasts. Some suggested blown out strongly all weekend, others suggested OK. Could be a good weekend to go MTBing unless you are in the area and willing to make the call on conditions at the time.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
New RASP resource
The old RASP server was shut down, but Chris Dobinson in QLD has made this available to us.
The maps are more like google roadmaps, not the old statewide map, so some of the wording in our weather guide are not applicable. On the plus side though, you can just zoom in to work out exactly where you want to look at.
NSW RASP
The maps are more like google roadmaps, not the old statewide map, so some of the wording in our weather guide are not applicable. On the plus side though, you can just zoom in to work out exactly where you want to look at.
NSW RASP
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Outlook 13, 14, 15 September
My take on forecast.
13th. Light NW winds in the am, becoming W and blown out by 2pm, increasing thru the afternoon. Base about 2400 about 2pm. Climbs average 2.5 m/s. Blue.
14th. Mostly SW and S winds, but probable light east at launch height. Either launch 10am in SW before E pushes under, or possible launchable cycles lunchtime onwards. Base around 1900. Climbs 2.4 m/s. Blue.
15th. W winds around 20kmh. Base 2500. Climbs 2.8 m/s. CUs 1pm onwards. High cloud 4pm onwards.
My thoughts.
Friday, maybe fly early with caution, land by noon. "Blowing out" forecast is not what I like in my flying forecast.
Saturday, looks reasonable if you manage to get off launch. Possible XC towards Lithgow. Convergence line setting up during the afternoon from Blackheath - Newnes.
Sunday, maybe, maybe not. The wind will probably be too much for PG to enjoy.
Remember that peak climbs likely to be double the average given here.
*** Warning though, spring seems to have well and truly sprung early this year, conditions are already boisterous. If you are a low airtime pilot, expect that safety officers will advise flying outside of peak of day conditions.
*** If you haven't already read it, flip through our weather primer to help your understanding of Blackheath's weather puzzle.
*** Please note that the Mt Blackheath Holfuy is not working properly and needs maintenance.
*** These posts are intended as a reference only, they do not supercede the responsibility of a pilot making the call to not fly.
13th. Light NW winds in the am, becoming W and blown out by 2pm, increasing thru the afternoon. Base about 2400 about 2pm. Climbs average 2.5 m/s. Blue.
14th. Mostly SW and S winds, but probable light east at launch height. Either launch 10am in SW before E pushes under, or possible launchable cycles lunchtime onwards. Base around 1900. Climbs 2.4 m/s. Blue.
15th. W winds around 20kmh. Base 2500. Climbs 2.8 m/s. CUs 1pm onwards. High cloud 4pm onwards.
My thoughts.
Friday, maybe fly early with caution, land by noon. "Blowing out" forecast is not what I like in my flying forecast.
Saturday, looks reasonable if you manage to get off launch. Possible XC towards Lithgow. Convergence line setting up during the afternoon from Blackheath - Newnes.
Sunday, maybe, maybe not. The wind will probably be too much for PG to enjoy.
Remember that peak climbs likely to be double the average given here.
*** Warning though, spring seems to have well and truly sprung early this year, conditions are already boisterous. If you are a low airtime pilot, expect that safety officers will advise flying outside of peak of day conditions.
*** If you haven't already read it, flip through our weather primer to help your understanding of Blackheath's weather puzzle.
*** Please note that the Mt Blackheath Holfuy is not working properly and needs maintenance.
*** These posts are intended as a reference only, they do not supercede the responsibility of a pilot making the call to not fly.
Monday, September 9, 2019
Weekly weather posts
The club is trying to restart regular blog posts on weather in particular. Please have a read of these if you want some help deciding if a trip up to the Blue Mtns is worthwhile.
I'll try to post on thursday evenings a take on the weekend opportunities for flying. In addition, if it looks promising for the mid week ahead, I'll add a brief mention on the thursday post, but probably less detailed as there are likely fewer pilots mid week.
This weekend just past was characterised with strong winds associated with multiple clipper fronts passing the SE corner of Aus. These winds have been prevalent for many days, but are beginning to back off this evening (Monday). Wednesday currently looks promising for the first fly in a while; light westerly winds, with base around 2300m.
Sunday also looks promising at present, and hopefully will look good on the thursday post.
*** Warning though, spring seems to have well and truly sprung early this year, conditions are already boisterous. If you are a low airtime pilot, expect that safety officers will advise flying outside of peak of day conditions.
*** If you haven't already read it, flip through our weather primer to help your understanding of Blackheath's weather puzzle.
*** Please note that the Mt Blackheath Holfuy is not working properly and needs maintenance.
*** These posts are intended as a reference only, they do not supercede the responsibility of a pilot making the call to not fly.
I'll try to post on thursday evenings a take on the weekend opportunities for flying. In addition, if it looks promising for the mid week ahead, I'll add a brief mention on the thursday post, but probably less detailed as there are likely fewer pilots mid week.
This weekend just past was characterised with strong winds associated with multiple clipper fronts passing the SE corner of Aus. These winds have been prevalent for many days, but are beginning to back off this evening (Monday). Wednesday currently looks promising for the first fly in a while; light westerly winds, with base around 2300m.
Sunday also looks promising at present, and hopefully will look good on the thursday post.
*** Warning though, spring seems to have well and truly sprung early this year, conditions are already boisterous. If you are a low airtime pilot, expect that safety officers will advise flying outside of peak of day conditions.
*** If you haven't already read it, flip through our weather primer to help your understanding of Blackheath's weather puzzle.
*** Please note that the Mt Blackheath Holfuy is not working properly and needs maintenance.
*** These posts are intended as a reference only, they do not supercede the responsibility of a pilot making the call to not fly.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Blackheath site temporary closed for work
Council will be replacing the hang gliding ramp on the Blackheath West launch this
Thursday 20th June, and Friday 21st. The west launch will
therefore be closed to both HG and PG on these days or until the work is completed. Don't waste a
trip up the hill before checking if the work is complete.
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