Managing club: North Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: open
Site briefing
Planning information for Moel Famau
Take-off
Getting to takeoff: Moderately difficult. Take the upper footpath from the north car park towards the summit. It's a steady
climb with a gain of height of about 350ft / 105m from car park to take-off area. Only the fitter HG
pilots will carry up in one go!
Moderately easy. T/O is across a popular walking track with a blind corner so look carefully before launch.
When top landing, take care not to fly behind the fence running N/S along the ridge. A
lower T/L is possible on the small prominatory immediately below and in front of launch. Caution rotor
if the wind is anything but due W.
Landing
The designated bottom landing field is a trapezoid shaped field 1.5 miles glide from take-off and pilots
should assess conditions
and glider performance before committing. Grid Reference
SJ143593
.
Bottom landings may also be made in the 'stump' field below and to the left take-off. This
field is limited in size and slopes away towards power lines beyond the stump in the middle of the
field, so approach this field as low as possible over the gate in the corner nearest to take-off. Landings
can sometimes be made in the small un-enclosed field in front the Southern car park. This must only be
attempted with extreme caution due to venturi winds, rotor behind the tree line and heavy public presence.
Access and parking
Park in either of the two car parks at the top of the pass. Parking fees are charged (approx £1.50/day)
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
EGNR (Hawarden) RMZ procedures:
Moel Famau lies on the edge of the Hawarden RMZ (Radio Mandatory
zone). Notify Hawarden ATC by telephone (01244 522012) or text (07786 208291) stating 'Moel Famau
active (dd/mm/yyyy) from (time)' if there is any chance of leaving the site to the east, such as XC. An
acknowledgement must be received from ATC prior to commencement of activities. Pilots will not normally
need
to notify ATC of cessation of activities.
Due to the proximity of the coast, this site is often affected by a sea breeze during the summer.
The altitude and nature of the site means conditions can be markedly different from those observed in the
Vale below. Benign flying conditions can quickly become blown out.
This site is strictly controlled by the Denbighshire County Council. Anyone wishing to fly must purchase
an annual permit (permits expire at the end of April). Either call at the Countryside Office to obtain a
permit, or apply by post. Send a cheque for £8.00, payable to Denbighshire County Council; a photocopy
of both sides of your BHPA membership card and BHPA insurance statement; two current passport photos
(one only for a renewal), and a 7"x10" self addressed envelope to: Howard Sutcliffe, Denbighshire
Countryside Service, Loggerheads Country Park, Ruthin Road, Loggerheads, MOLD CH7 5LH Tel: 01352 810614.
Failure to comply with this requirement will jeopardise the use of all sites in the area controlled by
the Denbighshire County Council. This site is also used model aircraft fliers: please liaise with them
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.