Managing club: Manx Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club · Access: membership
Site briefing
Planning information for Balleira Beach
About this flying site
The Balleira Beach launch, as far as we are aware, was first used in 2017. The launch is a grassy bowl on the north side of the car park at Balleira Beach. On the south side is a clean waste water treatment outflow. This site is not far from Glen Mooar and takes the same wind direction but it is much easier to enjoy a successful take off. There is room to launch one glider at a time.
It is possible to inflate big wings in winds as little as 8 mph and even in such light conditions, a 45 degree right turn will lift you gently up the sand cliffs and take you along to Orrisdale Head and Ballaugh Beach to the north and all the way down to Glen Mooar heading south.
This site works best in WNW winds but it is possible to take off relatively easily in W to NW winds although you should expect a little more turbulence if the wind is off.
With a good steady breeze the Peel run is a most enjoyable flight although there are no bottom landing options over significant parts of the route. For less experienced pilots, the run north from Glen Wyllin to Ballaugh Beach and back is a great coastal flight and you will have a beach to land on even at high tide.
Take-off
There is room to launch one glider at a time.
Landing
With a good steady breeze the Peel run is a most enjoyable flight although there are no bottom landing options over significant parts of the route.
For less experienced pilots, the run north from Glen Wyllin to Ballaugh Beach and back is a great coastal flight and you will have a beach to land on even at high tide.
Access and parking
The Balleira Beach launch is a small grassy bowl on the north side of the car park at Balleira Beach.
Local weather notes
10-12mph WNW works best at this site.
Local guidance
Hazards and cautions
This site works best in WNW winds but it is possible to take off relatively easily in W to NW winds although you should expect a little more turbulence if the wind is off.
Take care in stronger conditions, particularly if the wind is off to the N.
Take care in strong conditions and be prepared to turn back if you find you are needing to make extensive use of the speed bar to make progress.
Forecasts are planning aids, not safety clearance. Check current observations, official airspace and NOTAM information, local rules and your own experience before every flight.