Managing club: North Yorks Sailwing Club · Access: members only
Site briefing
Planning information for Carlton bank
Take-off
Anywhere into wind but the best spot is the small bowl just in front of the rigging area about 40 yds SW of the trig point. The available take-off areas are small. It may not be possible to keep a good separation between hang gliders and paragliders. Paraglider pilots will be aware of the risk of being blown back if there is a strong wind. Do not launch in front of parked gliders. If intending to take off in front of the landing area you will be in the line of any overshoot. Both hang gliders and paragliders should not loiter here prior to take off and should clear the area after take-off. Check above and behind before launch, use assistance if necessary.
Landing
Bottom: 1) Avoid landing in the fields at the immediate foot of the bank. These fields belong to Carlton Bank Farm, which is a stud farm. Gliders landing here may disturb the horses and are not welcomed by the owner. Other bottom landing fields have been negotiated, Marked in red. Check with a committee member for the latest situation or politely approach the farmer of our prospective field before flying. (owner Mr Atherton - Plane Tree Farm, entry by track next to the barn on Carlton / Faceby road). 2) An alternative landing may be made on MODEL Ridge /Busby Moor. This is possible in nil or light winds if you have plenty of height to cross the road, but this requires a crisp 180 degree turn to land into wind. Turbulence can be expected as you fly over the gully to the west of the large quarry and on landing on Model in a Westerly due to Carlton hill, the quarry and the tall pine trees around Model top landing. If you do not have enough height to make Model safely then it is possible to land on the flat area covered in bracken between the quarry and main road. Top: Top landing at this site calls for precision flying and should only be attempted by pilots with previous top landing experience. Generally severe wind gradient or rotor can be expected around the heather-covered landing area and in winds above 25mph the rotor can move forwards several yards. The best landing area is just to the SW of the trig point and the air is most predictable about 15 yds from the edge. Do not land behind the path which runs behind the heather covered landing area as this would mean landing in strong curl-over. Please study the map before take-off and remember that the rotor here has claimed many broken bones and hang gliders! Come in with a fair amount of speed to ensure safety.
Access and parking
Access by track is limited to club gate key holders only. Access by foot is permitted, please consider other uses of the site, walkers, riders and bird watchers when accessing, setting up and flying. Rig on the bare grass area surrounded by heather.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.