Bylaws of the Hawaii Paragliding Association

Article I. Name and Purpose

Section 1. The name of the association shall be Hawai‘i Paragliding Association, hereafter referred to as the "association".

Section 2. The purpose of the association shall be to promote paragliding fun, safety, and education. The association shall work with landowners and public agencies to obtain and preserve flying sites. The association shall organize flying activities and educational opportunities for its members. The association shall promote a positive public image for the sport of paragliding.

Article II. Affiliation

The association shall maintain chapter affiliation with the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA).

Article III. Membership

Section 1. Membership in this association shall be open to those persons who express an interest in the sport of paragliding, and who agree to support the purpose of the association. All members are required to maintain USHGA membership.

Section 2. There shall be two classes of membership. General Members pay an annual membership fee and may vote at all meetings. The fee schedule, terms and conditions shall be determined by the Board of Directors as necessary to cover recurring association expenses. Visiting Members submit an application and signed waiver but pay no fee. Visiting members may not vote at meetings. The duration of visiting membership is limited to 30 days.

Section 3. Any member who is found to have violated any of these by-laws or any of the association’s policies or regulations may be censured, suspended or expelled from the association by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors. Any member accused of a violation shall be notified in writing of the alleged violation, and shall have an opportunity to present a defense before the Board of Directors. Any such member may appeal the censure, suspension or expulsion at any meeting of the membership and may be reinstated by a majority vote at that meeting. Only those members actually present and hearing the evidence and defense shall vote. A member who has been suspended shall not vote on any matter during the suspension.

Article IV. Meetings

Section 1. Regular meetings of the membership shall be held quarterly at a place and time set by the Board of Directors, with at least two weeks notice.

Section 2. The Annual Meeting of the membership shall be held at the last quarterly meeting of the year.

Section 3. Special meetings may be called at any time by means of a request made by the President, the Board of Directors, or 20% of the general members, with at least two weeks notice.

Section 4. Quorum for any membership meeting will be one third of current general membership. General members of this association may enter their vote on any issue at the meeting, or by written proxy, as specified by the President.

Section 5. Roberts Rules of Order will govern all proceedings where not otherwise inconsistent with these bylaws.

Article V. Board of Directors

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall be elected by majority vote of the members voting at the Annual Meeting by secret ballot, or by proxy as determined by the Board of Directors. Votes will be counted by two or more Board-appointed general members who are not candidates for any office. The term of office shall be the calendar year. The Board of Directors shall receive no compensation. The Board of Directors shall elect officers among themselves to fulfill the roles of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. The President shall preside at all meetings, appoint and supervise all Committee Chairpersons with the approval of the Board of Directors; sign and execute all contracts in the name of the association when authorized to do so by unanimous approval of the Board of Directors or 2/3 majority of the members voting at a membership meeting; and shall have general supervision over the management of all affairs of the association.

Section 3. The Vice-President shall be vested with all powers and shall perform the duties of the President in case of the absence or disability of the President, and shall perform such other duties as may be delegated by the President by mutual consent.

Section 4. The Secretary shall record and distribute or post the minutes of Board of Directors and general membership meetings. In addition, the Secretary handles all association correspondence.

Section 5. The Treasurer shall keep the membership records; receive and deposit all funds; execute all authorized expenditures; account for all receipts and disbursements; maintain a balance on hand each month; submit a biannual treasurer’s report for distribution or posting to the membership; submit association funds to pay insurance on association-sponsored sites; and shall perform such other duties as may be incident to the office or delegated by the general membership.

Section 6. Any Director who accumulates three unexcused absences from Board of Directors meetings may be dismissed and replaced by majority vote of the other Directors. Any director may be removed by a 2/3 vote of the general membership at any membership meeting, with a replacement to be selected by the Board of Directors.

Article VI. Appointments

Persons or committees may be appointed by the President as he/she deems necessary for maintaining the association website, landowner liaison, special events, site maintenance or other association business. These persons/committee members shall be responsible for executing policy as set by the Board of Directors. Appointed committee members serve under the guidance of the Board of Directors.

Article VII. Miscellaneous

Section 1. The fiscal year of this association shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each year.

Section 2. Use of association letterhead or name shall be restricted to the President, Board of Directors and Committee Chairpersons. Other members may use the association letterhead and association name when acting on delegated special projects with permission of the President or Board of Directors.

Section 3. Amendments to these by-laws may be made by a 2/3 vote of the members voting at any meeting of the membership, or by proxy as determined by the Board of Directors. All proposed amendments must be sent to the general membership at least two weeks prior to a vote. If the meeting is a Special Meeting all proposed amendments must be stated in the notice of the meeting. When possible, the Board of Directors will prepare and distribute or post a concise statement outlining the possible advantages and disadvantages of any proposed amendment at least one week prior to the meeting at which the amendment will be considered.

Section 4. It is the responsibility of each member to adhere to current USHGA regulations and Federal Aviation Agency regulations (FAR 103 and other paragliding-related FARs).

Section 5. The general membership may, at any meeting and with 2/3 majority of those voting, overturn any Board of Director action including appointments.

(last revision by Bylaws Committee on 03/17/03, adopted by membership on 5/10/03)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General FAQ

What are paragliders?

Paragliders are unpowered foot-launched soaring craft that resemble modern parachutes. Pilots fly seated in a padded harness that is suspended by lines below a nylon canopy, and the craft is steered by the application of weight shift and brakes. Our craft are similar to hang gliders in that they allow pilots to soar in wind currents and updrafts, but in many ways the craft are quite different. Our gliders are made of only cloth and lines, with no rigid parts, so they are much lighter and can be packed into backpacks for hiking. In addition, paragliders are forced by their design to fly slower than hang gliders. This limits the windspeeds in which we can safely fly, but it also means that our launches and landings are made at more manageable speeds.

Is it safe?

Safety is our primary concern. The safety issues related to paragliding are similar to those of other popular recreational pursuits that have inherent risks, such as surfing or mountain biking, where good judgment is required to assess natural conditions. Our members are all trained, certified and regulated according to strict safety guidelines developed by our national association. Our members fly with helmets, radios, and reserve parachutes.

Visitor FAQ

We have about 10 intermediate rated sites we fly pretty much year-round. The sites we fly on this island are rarely suitable for novice visiting pilots due to various challenging launch or LZ or weather conditions. The flying here is mostly ridge soaring, often in very strong winds. We have one site that is thermal-only, but good conditions for flying there are more rare. To fly our ridge sites, you will need excellent ground handling skills, and you should be on the upper side of the weight range of your wing. We ask that our visitors fly with a reserve and helmet and a 2m band VHF radio.

During the winter and spring months we see a lot of weeks where it rains too much or it's just blowing too hard. We have one officially permitted site where we are strictly regulated and prohibited from commercial activities like tandems or tour groups. Our other sites are unpermitted but very sensitive. Our island is very populated and developed compared to the others, so we are often dealing with landowner and PR issues. Please don't fly our sites without locals present. Also, please note that we love to share our sites with individual visitors but our sites will not accommodate large groups of visitors.

About Us

Hawaii Paragliding Association
PO Box 742, Kailua, HI 96734
E-mail: windlines@hawaii.rr.com
Web Site: www.windlines.net

Contact any board member on the list for official club business or information.

Name	Phone
Raimar "Ray" van den Bylaardt II (Director-at-Large)	(808)779-9013
Alex Colby (President)	(808)223-0144
Bob Johnson (Secretary)	(808)228-1900
Quentin K. Kawananakoa (Treasurer)	(808)226-2121
Dave Taratko (Vice President)	(808)382-0568

Background

The Hawaii Paragliding Association (HPA) is a nonprofit association of paraglider pilots, formed to promote and support paragliding activities in Hawaii. We are a chapter of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA). The USHPA is designated by the FAA to administer all hang gliding and paragliding activities under Part 103 of the Federal Aviation Regulations concerning ultralight aircraft.

Paraglider pilots have been flying on Oahu since the early 1990s. In 1998 our original members joined the local hang gliding association, and then in early 2003 our members reorganized as a separate association in order to address issues more relevant to our needs and our increased numbers.

Our association currently has about 50 members, with about 30 being active pilots. Most of us fly on weekends only, weather permitting, and many pilots find time to get a flight in after work on the weekdays as well. We are also the contact point for all visiting pilots to Oahu. There are over 200,000 paraglider pilots worldwide, and we generally see about 50 visiting pilots per year.

We fly at about a dozen sites on Oahu. Because of the predominant trade winds that favor the windward side of Oahu, our most frequently flown sites are on that side: Kahana State Park, Makapuu Ridge, and Lanikai.

Association Bylaws

Application/Waiver

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Makapuu

Description

Makapuu is the premier ridge soaring site on the eastern-most point of Oahu. It has been flown continuously by hang gliders since the early 1970s. The site extends from the steep-cliffed area at the ironwood trees to the lighthouse at Makapuu Point. Rabbit Island and Black Island are just offshore. There is one primary landing zone, and 5 primary launches that work in a broad range of conditions. It is important to be proficient with high wind reverse launches here. If the conditions are strong trade winds (NE to ENE and greater than 10 mph), or the pilot is a low airtime pilot, then Kahana would be a better choice of flying site.

Directions

From Honolulu: Take the H-1 Freeway east until it becomes Kalanianaole Highway (Route 72) and continue for 9 miles past Hawaii Kai Golf Course. As you turn along the cliff and see the islands offshore, the parking for Cactus and Manic Depression is on your right. Continue down past Sea Life Park, and on your right you will see a wind sock. Turn into the driveway -- the flat grass area is the Landing Zone.

From Kailua/Windward Oahu: Turn onto Kalanianaole Highway (Route 72) east and continue approximately 7 miles east past Makai Pier. As you approach Sea Life Park you will see the windsock and Landing Zone on your left.

NOTE: There is no one right place to truly gauge the winds correctly. Local pilots use a combination of sensor reports and wind sightings on the water to give an accurate reading. Many a pilot has been fooled into thinking because it was light at the landing zone then it is fine above.

Landing

The landing zone for Makapuu is situated on the ocean side of Kalanianaole Highway, across from the back entrance to Sea Life Park (Waimanalo end). There is a large windsock on the dunes and a smaller one next to the driveway that marks the landing zone.

The normal trade winds are from the ENE, which makes the normal landing approach originate from the pier end of the field, flying parallel to the road and touching down in the large area adjacent to the windsock. If you overshoot the landing area and avoid any parked cars, then the dunes make a fine backup landing spot. NOTE: Take caution to avoid landing in or around the road, especially on very north or windy days.

If the winds are very strong and the Landing Zone is in the wind shadow of Rabbit Island, landing on the beach further towards the lighthouse might be a better choice. Please do not land in the area near the Heiau (ruins of an ancient Hawaiian temple) between the bathroom on the Waimanalo side and the parking lot on the lighthouse side.

Launching

There are five primary launches we can use to get airborne at Makapuu. The first two (the higher launches) are best for newer or less current pilots. The last three (the lower launches) require launching and/or working lift right next to power lines, and we do not recommend their use.

1). Cactus

Cactus launch lies at 400’ MSL atop the ridge above Makapuu beach and is accessed by a 15 minute hike from the parking lot at the lookout. Cross Kalanianaole Highway, watch for the fast moving traffic and find the jeep trail up to the top. Note: Jeep trail = rock crawlers. At the flat-topped ridge above the bowl is the launch.

Cactus launch works best with the wind at the LZ from the NNE to ENE at 1 to 8 mph. On launch this translates to 5 to 18 mph. When the winds are light Cactus is excellent for the low time pilot. Unfortunately, light winds on Cactus are rare and quickly build. Top landing is possible here.

In strong winds, the penalty for a botched launch is a dance through a few boulders, and picking your glider from the bushes.

The normal flight heads to the left after launch and works the dark cliff face to gain altitude. Ridge lift is plentiful here.

2). Tomato Patch

Tomato Patch is a real all-purpose launch at 400’ above the chapel at Sea Life Park. By the time you read this the launch might have undergone some long awaited improvements. The trailhead is just lighthouse side of the entrance to Sea Life Park at the small dirt turnout. The hike parallels the road for 50 yards and then turns up the hill toward the power pole on the small spine. Continue past the power pole up along the rockslide until you come to a cleared area below the cliff face. This launch is in a compression, so even if the wind is strong above, it is easy to launch. It is a steep, pull-and-go launch, as the lack of wind makes kiting difficult, and the steepness is what makes you fly. This launch works in NNE to almost E winds with winds from 4 to 12 at the LZ. The wind on launch will be 5 to 13mph due to the compression effect of the cliff above.

3). Tomato Juice

Tomato Juice is a 200’ high launch that likes more easterly to ENE in the range of 7 to 14 at the LZ, which will be from 7 to 16 mph on launch. This launch is directly below the pole and power lines on the hike up to Tomato Patch. If you have an aversion to power lines, then you can forget this and the next two launches.

After launch, follow your way right along the power lines into the lift above the road. The bomb out is the beach (read more on beach landings under Crazy Man’s).

4). Crazy Man’s

Crazy Man’s is the launch directly below the road (and power lines) at 80’ above the beach. The launch is a little rough since we don’t yet have the authorization to improve it. Needless to say, it is very convenient as you can layout 20’ from your car.

Crazy Man’s is good in wind conditions from NNE to ENE at 8 to 16 mph at the LZ, which translates to 9 to 18 mph on launch. When the winds are more northerly, the lift is abundant. When it is really easterly, the lift comes and goes, so it is important to pick a strong cycle. The lift is normally found to the right of launch, but this takes you out over the ocean, so if you are not getting up, make sure you have some altitude to get back to the beach.

THE BEACH: The beach is not okay to land on when the lifeguards are on duty. The lifeguards work from 9 to 5 weekdays, 8:30 to 5:30 on weekends, so it is okay before and after they are on duty. Having said that, the beach is also the safest place to land when low, and if you do land on the beach a “beer fine” of a 6 pack of Heineken is due. No problem, tell the guys “thanks” and move on. Some pilots still insist on piling into the rocks on the hillside to save the “beer fine” -- I guess they would rather break an ankle instead. The rule of thumb is: if it looks kind of light, then launch up higher.

5.) Manic Depression

Manic Depression, 180’msl, is in the little bowl below the parking lot at the lookout. It works in lighter conditions from NNW to NE at 4 to 8 mph at the LZ, which translates to 9 to 16 on launch. The launch can be windy and is directly over the ocean. The bombout is a ways to the left, back at the beach below Crazy Man's launch. The normal lift is found to the left of launch near the road and the power lines, except when it is very N, when the lift is to the right on the lighthouse side. Conditions change fast here, much in the same way as at Cactus, so be aware. In general, if it is strong (i.e., difficult) to launch, then there will be plenty of lift once in the air.

Soaring

The ridge is composed of three primary parts: Sea Life Park, Hang Glider Launch, and the Lighthouse.

1). Sea Life Park: This is the primary flying area in most any flyable conditions there. It encompasses the area from the venturi at the lookout parking area to the venturi above Makai Pier. All the launches are within this area. The best place to get high is at the high peak known as Three Poles. If the wind is strong and northerly, be aware of turbulence coming off Rabbit Island and possibly affecting the LZ.

2). Hang Glider Launch: This is the area from above Makai Pier and the east Hang glider launch to the cluster of Ironwood trees before the ridge turns the corner into Waimanalo Valley. The hang glider launch is in the center of this area at 1200’ MSL. This is the area to really get altitude for acro runs over the water or for the start of XC flights down the Koolau Range.

3). Lighthouse: This is the area from the lookout to the lighthouse at the point. It works best when conditions are more northerly and you fly directly over the water. When conditions are very easterly, you can push into the wind from above Sea Life Park and fly around to the east side of the lighthouse ridge, but be careful not to get stuck here - there are no good landing options.

We recommend flying at Makapuu with a local pilot. Always remember to be respectful to non-pilots you encounter. Enjoy.

Paragliding Library

If you'd like to borrow an item from our library, make it available to others or donate an item, please contact Ray by e-mail or at (808)779-9013. Whoever currently has an item is listed in parentheses after each item in the list below. If you pass an item directly to another borrower, please let Ray know so he can update this list. Thanks!

Regarding magazines, please save them for the clubhouse, someday :) - unless they're in digital format (DVD or CD-ROM).

Books - instructional

• USHPA's Paragliding Instructor's Manual - By Dennis Pagen, on loan from Brazilian Ray (Brazilian Ray)
• Paragliding A pilot's training manual - By Wills Wing team, on loan from Brazilian Ray (Brazilian Ray)
• The Art of Paragliding - By Dennis Pagen, on loan from Brazilian Ray (Brazilian Ray)
• Gleim's FOI Fundamentals of Instructing 2005- By Irving N. Gleim, on loan from Brazilian Ray (Brazilian Ray)
• Performance Flying - By Dennis Pagen, on loan from Sandy (Sandy)

Books

• (no items yet)

DVD - Instructional

• Performance Flying with Jocky Sanderson and Team Ozone, on loan from Brazilian Ray (Alex)

DVD

• East Wind - A Border Crossing Adventure, on loan from Brazilian Ray (Brazilian Ray)
• Acro & Trippy - Independence Gliders - on loan from Brazilian Ray (Brazilian Ray)
• The perfect mountain - a paragliding adventure (2002) - on loan from Sandy (Sandy)
• Rat Race 2006 - comp in oregon - on loan from Sandy (Sandy)
• Flying the Nasca Lines - Gin Gliders, on loan from Brazilian Ray (Brazilian Ray)

DVD-ROM

• USHPA "Complete Magazine Collection 1971-2004", on loan from Nick (Nick)

VHS - instructional

• Speed to Fly - by Jocky Sanderson, on loan from Alex (Alex)

VHS

• (no items yet)
  

Flying Sites: Map

• Relief
• Google
• Airspace
• Records

Here in Hawaii we fly in tradewinds during most of the year. These winds blow against the northeast facing side of the Koolau mountain range and produce smooth and predictable ridge lift to keep us up for hours at a time. Most of the flying on Oahu takes place on the windward side. But during the winter we enjoy a brief rainy season, and the tradewinds are often interrupted by low pressure systems and fronts that turn the wind around for weeks on end. This is when we get to fly some of our more infrequently flown ridges on other parts of the island.

Here are some general guidelines to help new pilots and visitors figure out where we might be thinking of flying in various conditions:

Light to moderate N: Dillingham
Light to moderate N to E: Makapuu
Moderate NE to E: Lanikai
Moderate NE to E: Kahana
Moderate SE: Koko Crater
Moderate S: Diamond Head
Light SE to S: Tantalus
Moderate SW: Koko Head
Light SW: Mariners Ridge
Moderate W: Makua
Moderate NW: Sunset
Light, any direction: Nanakuli

Measured at sea level in open areas, light winds are those blowing in the general range of 1 to 8 mph, and moderate winds blow from about 7 to 13 mph.

Our Videos

Paragliding Makapuu Oahu Hawaii with Friends
By Chopper Dave

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The Hawaii Paragliding Association
By Chopper Dave

A short clip describing the Hawaii Paragliding Association and the sport of paragliding on the island of Oahu, created for our city permit application.

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My Paragliding Experience, Part I
By Chopper Dave

Learning and Paragliding Oahu Hawaii.
Part I of II (7:23)

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My Paragliding Experience, Part II
By Chopper Dave

Paragliding Oahu Hawaii with Friends,
2003-2006, Part 2 of 2 (8:08)

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Paragliding Alyeska, Alaska, September 2006
By Chopper Dave

Paragliding Alyeska ski resort, Girdwood, Alaska, Sept 2006, Spectacular views, alpine thermals. (5:02)

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Paragliding in Hawaii 2006
By Kazu and Mika

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Mad Dog Takes the Monkeys to France (2004)
By Bob Johnson

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Ray taming the Funky at Kahana low launch, January 2007
By goalpost

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Peter's 1st try at a tandem launch at Kealakekua, January 2007
By goalpost

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Peter's first successful tandem launch at Kealakekua, January 2007
By goalpost

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Doug sails off the high launch at Nanakuli, January 2007
By SkyBunnyHI

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Chopper Dave spins the wing high over the sand, July 2007
By Chopper Dave

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Your video here...?

Makapu'u Weather Station

Our Photos

Local pilots, let us know about your online photos so we can set up a link to them. Try www.flickr.com if you don't already have an account elsewhere. Thanks for sharing your photos!

Our albums

Pictures by flykahana on flickr.com


Pictures by brazilianray on flickr.com


Pictures by Eric Weinert on flickr.com


Pictures by The Dangler on flickr.com


Pictures by paliglydr on flickr.com


Pictures by esharky on flickr.com


Pictures by davebean46 on flickr.com


Pictures by McStalker on flickr.com


Pictures by VIParagliding on flickr.com


Pictures by SportySpice on flickr.com


Pictures by thomas_ku on flickr.com


Pictures by scrappy.cp on flickr.com


Pictures by niirs9 on flickr.com


Pictures by smoothf1 on flickr.com


Pictures by gravityreaper on flickr.com


Pictures by waianae_jim on flickr.com


Pictures by Sky Bunny on flickr.com


Pictures by tandemflightshawaii on flickr.com


Pictures by paraguide on flickr.com

Kahana

Description

Kahana is a State Park located near the top of the windward coast of the island. It is a remote lush valley surrounded by tall ridges and fronted by a mile-wide beach and bay. One of the ridges over the bay faces the tradewinds, and provides consistent ridge soaring over one of the most beautiful undeveloped vistas on the island. The lift is mostly ridge lift, with the possibility for some gentle thermals mixed in. On the right days, this is a great site for new local pilots and low airtime visitors, and it also offers some easy cross country trips with a mixture of ridge soaring and thermal flying for new XC pilots. The back of the valley is the rainiest spot on the island, which explains why it's so green and lush, and also why we often have low clouds and rain squalls blowing through. This is our only permitted and insured site. USHGA membership and a signed club waiver are required.

General Statistics

- Rating: P2 local, P3 visitor
- Upper launch altitude: 380 feet
- Low launch altitude: 250 feet
- North launch altitude: 380 feet
- Landing zone altitude: 2 feet
- Best time(s) of day to fly: anytime
- Most flyable season(s): summer and fall
- Flyable days a year: 150
- Launch access: steep 15 minute hike
- Best conditions: 7-12 mph, E to NE, measured at boat ramp

Protocol

Our site agreement with the State Park requires USHGA membership and a signed club waiver, and you must also be accompanied by a local pilot when you fly here. Do not park at the boat ramp - park at the Camping Area lot if it's not crowded (second on the right coming from town) or at the inside lot (across the highway from the beach), or at the trailhead. Alcohol may not be displayed or consumed in the Park.

Launching

Wind can be strong on launch (15-20+ mph) and will require good high wind launch skills and a speedbar. No matter what the actual direction of the wind it will flow crossways over the launch ridge, so be ready to turn into the flow when inflating. When the wind is strong on the upper launch the lower launch can work better. When the direction is more NE, the inside launch ridge will get rotor from the wind shadow of the north ridge, so it's often better to launch the North launch on those days. If you don't get up immediately from the low launch or the North launch, head immediately for the beach LZ - there are no alternative bomb-out LZs from those launches. Or if you are getting low after launching from the upper launch, head for the beach as soon you get below the low launch.

Soaring

Stay out of the little valleys between spines on the ridge when the wind is stronger, to avoid rotor and mechanical turbulence. When the direction is E, watch out for the venturi around the north side of the ridge when you're low - many pilots have been sucked around there unable to get back, and were forced to pick a pasture LZ around the corner. On E days the entire E face of the Kahana ridge will generate lift, but on NE days, only the front of the Kahana ridge will generate lift and the E face will be a venturi of sinking strong wind. On stronger days the wind accelerates around the surfaces of the ridge and especially at the summit - pilots generally stay low and out front on those days. Avoid flying over the valley - it is a swamp and generates no lift, but can often see a valley wind that will keep you from getting out of there if you are low.

Landing

Our official landing zone is the clearing between the trees at the center of the beach. Avoid setting up any portion of your landing over the trees since the venturi effect or occasional valley wind can drastically reduce your chances of avoiding a tree landing. Instead, lose your altitude over the boat ramp corner of the bay and when you are at tree height (around 100 feet) begin your base approach leg along the surfline towards the center of the beach. If the center of the beach is crowded, choose another open area - pilots must yield to other park users. This also applies to folding up - if the usual grassy area is crowded with campers or beachgoers, find another spot. There are plenty of alternate spots available. If the wind is strong and E there can be mechanical turbulence washing over the LZ from the other side of the bay, made visible as they approach by cats paws on the water. In these conditions it's better to try to land on the boat ramp end of the beach, or just skip the normal LZ and head downrange to land at a beach with cleaner exposure to the easterly wind.

Cross Country

On lighter days when cloudbase is reasonably high, the options for cross country trips are numerous. We will head downrange (NW) on the more easterly days, hopping across the valleys and working the ridges, sometimes in ridge lift and sometimes in strong thermals. There are numerous beaches and fields available for landings. Be aware that on stronger days the venturi effect at the ridge tops and valleys is strong and you'll need to stay way out front of the terrain. Also the wind tends to accelerate the farther downrange you go as the mountains shrink into foothills and veer inland - so leave lots of upwind leeway as you set up for landings.

On the occasional days when the wind is more northeasterly we'll attempt to cross the bay and head uprange (SE). If you get low on a bay-crossing attempt be aware there are no good landings on the other side -- you need to leave enough altitude to make it back to the ridge or at least to the central beach LZ.

Records

Pilots have made it as far as the beach at Hukilau/Malaekahana in Laie (7.5 miles downrange), and as far as possible in the other direction - to Makapuu at the easternmost tip of the island (22 miles uprange).

History

Kahana was first flown by hardy hang glider pilots around 1985, then by paragliders in 1992. Jon Goldberg-Hiller flew a paraglider there first, from the official hiking trail ridge. Later on, pilots hiked almost to the summit and launched from high up above the north ridge to soar on light northerly days. Chris “Mad Dog” Pliska pioneered the current launch and trail which saved a lot of hiking and worked on more easterly days. Later, Troy figued out that we could use the low launch (lolo launch) on strong days, and later he pioneered and groomed the current North launch.

By 1999 or so the site was flown regularly by an increasing number of paraglider pilots until early 2001, when the DLNR began to enforce their rules against launching or landing on state property without a permit. After a year of proposals and discussions with state and community groups, the club was granted a permit to resume flights there under specific terms as set forth in the permit, beginning in early 2002.

Articles

List of articles will be linked here

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Oahu Weather

Makapu'u Weather (New !!)

NWS Forecasts

University of Hawaii Weather Department

10m winds forecast

Graphical Forecast

Hourly wind report

Half-hourly wind plot

Molokai Radar loop

iWindSurf Snapshot

Kitesurf HI Snapshot

Flying Sites: Airspace

• Relief
• Google
• Airspace
• Records

We don't have to think too much about the airspace we fly in here on Oahu, but there are a few important issues to keep in mind. Class B airspace extends down to 1000 feet over Diamond Head -- we have been warned by the FAA to stay below that altitude there. Class B airspace also extends over Koko Crater at 4000 feet. (Not that many of us have been anywhere near that high there -- but it could happen!) Elsewhere around the island, we skirt class D airspace in some spots and possibly some class E.

Also at all of our flying sites we share the air with numerous military aircraft, commercial tour aircraft and recreational aircraft of all shapes and sizes, and it's important to keep our eyes out for air traffic no matter where we are flying.

One last point: as ultralight aircraft, we need to avoid flying over congested areas - marked on the sectional map in yellow.

Flying Sites

• Relief
• Google
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This site guide is an overview of useful information for new local pilots and for visitors: click the title of each site for more details. Please contact a local club member for a site introduction before flying any of our sites. Thanks for your understanding! Also please see our list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Oahu flying for visitors.

Kahana

Kahana is a State Park located near the top of the windward coast of the island. It is a remote lush valley surrounded by tall ridges and fronted by a mile-wide beach and bay. One of the ridges over the bay faces the tradewinds, and provides consistent ridge soaring over one of the most beautiful undeveloped vistas on the island. The lift is mostly ridge lift, with the possibility for some gentle thermals mixed in.

Makapuu

The Makapuu ridge is a world class ridge soaring site located on the eastern tip of the island, pioneered and made famous in the early days of hang gliding. The ridge stretches three miles down the coastline, from the lighthouse perched on steep sea cliffs that rise from the churning waves below, to the hang launch overlooking a 1200 foot sheer drop to the beach.

Lanikai

The ridge at Lanikai is a small hill overlooking an isolated and exclusive beachfront community. The site is flown in moderate tradewinds, especially when the direction is too east for Makapuu or Kahana. The flying is mostly ridge soaring with some thermals available on lighter days to get you higher. On the weekends the beach is super crowded and the landings can be challenging.

Nanakuli

On the leeward coast of the island we have our thermal-only site, located on the dry and sun-baked western slopes of the Waianae Range. On days when the tradewinds aren't blowing very hard or at all, the strong thermals on the west side can rival those in mainland desert locations. The hike is not trivial, but it's worth it for the rare opportunity to fly thermic lift like real pilots do.

Koko Crater

Just around the corner from Makapuu is a crater that offers a combination of ridge soaring and thermalling on days when the wind is anywhere south of east. This site features our largest and easiest landing site, the vast manicured green expanse of grass behind Sandy Beach Park, first pioneered by the hang gliders flying from Makapuu in the early days. Depending on the wind strength and direction this site can vary from easy ridge soaring to rock and roll thermic air.

Koko Head

Every day, joggers and dog walkers enjoy the steep paved trail that leads to the VORTAC installation atop Koko Head. These hardy hikers are rewarded by a panoramic view of Maunalua Bay. On rare winter days when the winds are blowing moderate S to SW, hardy paraglider pilots will brave the hike to soar the ridge.

Mariners Ridge

This ridge overlooking Hawaii Kai is accessed by a DLNR hiking trail, and generally supports thermic flying when the conditions are light S to SW.

Diamond Head

On the rare prefrontal winter days when we have moderate southerly Kona winds and it's not pouring rain, Diamond Head Crater can be flown from a roadside clearing on a beach cliff. The launches and landings in this clearing can be technically challenging, but the reward is a smooth ridge soaring flight and a world class view of Waikiki and Honolulu. We don't get as high as we'd like here because this site is located under class B airspace with a floor of 1000 feet.

Tantalus

Tantalus is a roadside scenic mountain overlook above downtown Honolulu, with sweeping panoramic views of the developed side of the island from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor, enjoyed by hundreds of tourists and car thieves every day. The occasional intrepid paraglider pilot enjoys it as well, on rare days when the winds are light and southerly or southeasterly and the cloudbase is on the high side. The site is mostly thermic with occasional periods of buoyant ridge lift. This site is not recommended for any but the most experienced pilots, because the conditions are notoriously changeable and difficult to judge, and the only good landing option is back on top. Inadvertent landings in school fields and parks in town have all resulted in calls to security and police.

Sunset

On the remote North Shore of Oahu, above the famous wintertime big wave surfing beaches, is a mountaintop circuit of motocross tracks in the woods, with one track that takes you to a low cliff that faces northwest. The gate to the track is only open on the weekends, and the riders tolerate us if we keep our cars parked out of their way. This site only works on the rare wintertime postfrontal days when it's not pouring. Generally it's ridge lift but on lighter days the thermals are workable. On the best days here you can soar the entire miles-long ridge between Kahuku and Waimea.

Makua

This site is located on the remote northern tip of the west side of the island, on the low extension of a ridge that encloses a gorgeous remote valley that is used exclusively by the army for training exercises and blowing things up. The site is only soarable in the moderate westerly winds that accompany storm fronts. On the best days here you can get up high and work your way down the ridges towards Nanakuli to the south.

Kaena Point/Dillingham

The ridge at Kaena Point, at the remote NW tip of the island, is a miles-long thousand foot cliff that runs behind Dillingham airfield and gliderport. It faces north and works best in the rare light north winds we sometimes get in the wintertime. In the old days the pilots used to get day permits to enter the Air Force gate on the west side of the ridge and drive up to the launch area from the back, but then they had to make sure to top-land because driving to the bottom would require a very long drive around the whole Waianae mountain range. In recent years pilots have flown this site by hiking up from the bottom, or launching from halfway up on stronger days. There also used to be a launch site behind the airfield at the top of the Kealia Trail. Due to it's remote location and rare flyable conditions, this site is infrequently flown.

Tandem Flights

If you are interested in a brief introduction to flying then you should contact a tandem instructor to find out about instructional tandem flights, which are one-time lessons designed to introduce you to the sport without having to make a commitment to long-term instruction. Here is the list of our active tandem instructors.

Name	Phone
Peter J. Arroyo, Jr.	(808)389-PETE
Jorge Atramiz	(808)220-6302
Raimar "Ray" van den Bylaardt II	(808)779-9013
Dexter Clearwater (Maui)	(808)87-GLIDE
Doug Hoffman	(808)291-4613
Christopher Langan (Big Island)	(808)938-8663
Pete Michelmore	(808)753-1027
Dave Taratko	(808)382-0568

Instruction

Please see the USHGA web site for general information about instruction.

If you are interested in a brief introduction to flying then you should contact a tandem instructor to find out about instructional tandem flights, which are one-time lessons designed to introduce you to the sport without having to make a commitment to long-term instruction. Check out the current list of qualified tandem instructors in Hawaii by clicking here.

If you are interested in learning to fly, you should speak to a qualified instructor. This article on the USHGA site describes some of the issues involved in choosing an instructor. Here is our current list of local instructors:

Name	Phone
Raimar "Ray" van den Bylaardt II (Oahu)	(808)779-9013
Dexter Clearwater (Maui)	(808)87-GLIDE
Christopher Langan (Big Island)	(808)938-8663
Pete Michelmore (Oahu)	(808)753-1027

Visiting Pilots

These contacts are available to help visiting pilots get into the air with our local group here. Please call any of the local pilots listed below on any day that you're interested in flying, to get an idea of weather conditions and who might be flying. A signed waiver is required to fly at our regulated club site at Kahana. Thanks for your cooperation. See the site guide for brief descriptions and photos of our sites.

Name	Phone
Raimar "Ray" van den Bylaardt II (Director-at-Large)	(808)779-9013
Alex Colby (President)	(808)223-0144
Bob Johnson (Secretary)	(808)228-1900
Quentin K. Kawananakoa (Treasurer)	(808)226-2121
Pete Michelmore (Instructor)	(808)753-1027
Dave Taratko (Vice President)	(808)382-0568

Contacts for pilots visiting Neighbor Islands

Island	Name	Phone
Maui	Dexter Clearwater (Instructor)	(808)874-5433
	Paul Smith	(808)269-0443
Big Island	Charlie Crocker	(808)938-9825
	Achim Hagemann	(808)895-9772
	Chris Langan (Instructor)	(808)938-8663
Kauai	Glenn Schot	(808)826-2579