Managing club: Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club
Site briefing
Planning information for Portland West
Take-off
There is a small flat grassy peninsula that protrudes from the coastal path. This is the old launch area (///elated.salmon.trail). It is very small and being flat will almost certainly mean it is in rotor. Once you manage to inflate your wing it should be flying in clean air above you. Be careful not to stand too close to the cliff edge when inflating your wing. You will be stepping straight over a vertical drop to launch so ensure your wing is flying cleanly and you have no line twists etc as you will not get a second chance. This take off works better when the wind is due West. The area directly in front of Portland Heights Hotel where the Olympic rings monument is sited provides a more regularly used take off now. This area works well with a North of West element in the wind. Be aware the clear area is small, can be slippery, has a lamp column directly behind which has been decorated with several wings in the past, then a road behind that, plus is popular with the public as a view point. As you launch you will fly directly over the main road just below, without lift immediately after launching you will be quite close to any high vehicles on the road.
Landing
Top landing: Top landings have been done on the steeply sloping grass to the right of take- off, and this seems to work. Landing on the spoil heaps above and to the left of take-off looks inviting but has proved to be quite exciting due to rotor from the cliff below is probably best avoided. We are not permitted to land on the spoil heaps anymore as they are part of a sculpture park. Back on either take-off is very difficult due to small space and surrounding hazards. It is possible to land behind the hotel or behind the car park on some days. There is a risk of severe rotor though depending on wind conditions, consult an experienced pilot before launching.
Bottom landing: On Chesil Beach (///lion.ideas.bloomers). The beach is steeply sloping and is made of large pebbles. Land as far south as you can (near the cliff) to avoid the helicopter flight path. Not all bottom-landing areas apparent from the air are suitable as the pebbles become large boulders as you get closer. If the promenade above the beach is clear of pedestrians this can provide an option. The beach often has tar patches on it that can be highly damaging to glider fabric as well as very messy. The Cove Inn provides convenient refreshment whilst waiting for a retrieve. Alternatively, a regular bus service runs back up the hill to the hotel.
Access and parking
From Weymouth follow signs to Portland. Once on the island follow the only road to the top of the hill. At the roundabout with a garage to your right and Portland Heights Hotel straight ahead turn left and park in the view point car park (///dares.height.giggled).
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
The spur take-off area is small, and has obstacles around it. Also, vertical drops from the sides and in front. The Olympic rings take off can be slippery when wet, often members of public present, lamp post directly behind take off and a Main road just below take off. This is a cliff site. Normal precautions apply with respect to rotor during launch. There is a disused quarry directly behind the Spur take off, being blown back here would be highly hazardous. Bottom landing directly beneath take off is very limited, if going down ensure you fly out before losing too much height to enable a landing on Chesil Beach or the promenade. The weather can change rapidly here as with all coastal sites, any increase in wind speed can have a dramatic effect on flying conditions and landing options. Be aware of orographic cloud forming over the cliffs.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.