Inland mountain WNW
1460'/ 445m agl, 1935' / 590m amsl PG5 with advanced inland experience and advanced ground handling skills. Not suitable for tandem operations.
Overview map Site map
30km E of Melbourne. Melway Ref 52 F11.

Landowners

Parks Victoria (Launch - included in the statewide licence agreement between Parks Victoria and the VHPA), Salvation Army (main LZ). You do not need to contact these property owners prior to or after flying. All issues should be communicated directly to the Melbourne Hang Gliding Club. Contact to these owners or the local site managers should only be made in emergencies when emergency access is required.

Contact

PG evaluation contact: Airie Merlin (0474 128 219), PG evaluation contact: Clinton Arnall (0415 229 316)

Responsible

Skyhigh, MHGC, Skyhigh - David Goralski (0428 819 340)
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Mt Dandenong (Paragliding)

This entry refers to paragliding use of this site only. For hang gliding use, please see here.

Mt. Dandenong launch is a technically demanding take off with one of the most spectacular views in Victoria. It is an inland site, closest to Melbourne, with both excellent thermal activity but also under the influence of the SW sea breeze in Summer.

Restrictions:

ATTENTION: Prior to flying Mt Dandenong all pilots must obtain a site induction from a PG5 pilot (or above) who has flown the site previously. The Site Induction document must be signed and initialed by the pilot receiving the endorsement, and signed by the pilot giving the endorsement. The Site Induction document should be emailed to web@skyhighparagliding.org.au prior to the flight. An onsite induction must also be provided.

Here is a link to the Site Induction Document

Here is a link to the Site Evaluation Report. This provides additional information about the evaluation flights and observed weather conditions.

Takeoff

Item Description
Details
  • GPS: -37.834924, 145.346767
  • Altitude: 585m ASL (423 m AGL) track
  • Orientation: W
  • A steep hang glider ramp with limited clearance, slotted in between tall trees, a walking/cycling track underneath and boulders below launch.
  • Responsible clubs: Skyhigh, MHGC
  • Site Requirements: SAFA Membership + Site Induction. The Site Induction consists of a signed document + an onsite briefing by a PG5 rated pilot who has previously flown the site.
Access
Conditions For launching purposes, the ideal wind direction is WSW-WNW. SW and NW possible in light to moderate winds. Best wind conditions are W wind, 2-10 Kn. In nil wind thermal cycles should provide the minimal airflow needed for a safe launching sequence. The recommended take off techniques are either the Cobra launch (in strong conditions) or the reverse launch. If using the reverse launch the pilot needs to be standing on the foot path with the glider laid out over the ramp. Pilots flying this site should be highly skilled and well versed in launching from small technical inland launches.
Risks
  • Lines getting caught on ramp and surrounding rocks.
  • Uneven steep terrain with big boulders making aborting launch once committed extremely difficult.
  • Difficulty judging wind strength and direction on launch due to being a slot launch and being below top of hill.
  • Local thermals being triggered from launch leading to switchy wind and sink cycles which can create significant turbulence and complications for clearing trees on launch.
  • Mechanical turbulence from surrounding trees.
  • An inability to physically see potential overdevelopment behind launch.
  • General public who frequently use the track, launch and surrounding area.

Figure 1. Schematic of launch

Figure 2. View from launch. Glider on launch pre-astro turf modification (top). Astro turf modification with side sections expanded (bottom).

Landing

Options Description
Pavitt Lane Paddock
  • GPS: -37.845748, 145.320617, https://goo.gl/maps/sytnem1Gjr8DsE7N9
  • There are tall trees surrounding this landing area. Expect mild to strong tree induced mechanical turbulence on days with surface wind.
Liverpool Rd Retarding Basin paddock
  • GPS: -37.844339, 145.316052, https://goo.gl/maps/pWbh3XxsKCK3aYie9
  • There are tall trees to the S of the landing area. Expect mild to strong tree induced mechanical turbulence on days with SW wind. There are footpaths on the S and N side of the landing running parallel with the border of the landing. Do not be landing either on the footpaths (the one on the N might appear inviting due to no trees around) and keep well clear of people and dogs who might be using the paddock.
Sheffield Rd bomb out
  • GPS: -37.838997, 145.328498, https://goo.gl/maps/1Lv8J9KDaHiAuHxc7
  • There are tall trees to the N of the landing and also half the length of the landing on the S side. Expect mild to strong tree induced mechanical turbulence on days with surface N-NW wind.
Emergency Options Although there are many other PG viable paddocks within closer glide, we do not have permission to land in these paddocks. Also, the vast majority of these properties are occupied by horses, which are VERY EASILY spooked by PG & HGs. Landing anywhere except the official landing or bomb-out zones will jeopardise this site.

Figure 4. Official landing zones

Flight

Item Description
Overview Due to its W facing orientation the slope is heated by the sun in the afternoons, causing good thermal activity along the ridge, making it flyable on afternoons with no prevailing wind. The site is subject to the afternoon SW sea breeze, making the glide towards the landing into headwind and thus reducing the glide angle. The hill will also provide less lift in the cross-wind SW sea breeze. The pilot should gain sufficient height above launch to be able to safely make the glide to the official landing area(s).
Flight Plan The biggest concern for every pilot needs to be the ability to make it to one of the official landing areas. Altitude awareness is crucial. As soon as the pilot’s altitude in-flight is below launch the flight plan is to head straight towards the nearest landing area. If the wind is cross from the SW the pilot should immediately turn left after launching unless the pilot is launching into lift. In summary: in sinky air, at altitude below launch, and in SW cross wind, the flight plan is to turn left and fly towards the landing.
Airspace Restrictions

Pilots need to stay below 4,500ft QNH (1,370m).

Airspace: Melbourne CTA C5, lower: 4500ft, upper: 8500 ft ASL.

Figure 3. Surrounding airspace
House Thermal There is a house thermal to the right of launch but one should only head there if the wind is straight W or has crossed from the N or if there is already lift present straight off launch. Heading right after launch in SW wind with no lift present could result in pilot not being able to make it to the landing.
Cross Country Flights Landing options are very limited. Airspace limitations don’t allow for long glides. The hill is in the middle of the 4500 ft ASL step of the Melbourne CTA C class airspace. Heading straight over the back one only has 2000 ft to work with. Good landing options are pretty much non-existent and the few emergency landing options are surrounded by tall trees and/or sloping. Heading N, one is flying towards the suburban area of Montrose and Lilydale. Again, landing options are very limited and one would struggle to maintain minimum required height above populated areas. Going S is offering more landing options towards the Basin. Flying past the Basin is not recommended. Again, it would be close to impossible to be able to maintain minimum required height above populated areas.
Risks
  • Maintaining glide to landing options.
  • Incoming sea breeze on afternoons.
  • Thermal drift towards towers.

Hazards/Comments

To help pilots maintain the highest level of safety, mitigation strategies for each of the major risks have been developed.
Launch
Risks Explanations Mitigation strategies
Lines snagging When launching from standing on the Kyeema Track, the lines can easily get caught on the ground on either side of the ramp. Roll out the astro turf either side of the ramp and pay close attention to the placement of lines on the ground. The astro turf must be rolled up after launching.
Aborting launch once committed The presence of large boulders beneath Kyeema Track make aborting launch once committed extremely challenging. Before committing to the launch run, make sure the wing is in the appropriate configuration above your head and is positively inflated. Do not attempt to launch in nil wind.
Misjudging wind strength and direction on launch. Due the the launch being below the top of the ridge and a tree slot launch, wind on launch is significantly less than in the air. Thermals which cycle up the face can make the wind direction appear straighter than the prevailing wind or even overcome an easterly influence. This is a problem as if the pilot encounters a strong SW wing after launch, it may not be possible to make the landing fields. Launching into the lee can see the pilot encounter rotor. Launching in moderate cross wind can also create significant mechanical turbulence after launch. Verify surface wind speed before launching. The most relevant weather observation stations are Scoresby, Coldstream and Ferny Creek. Expect wind speed of double of what you experience on launch. Use advanced observations techniques to identify local wind strength (refer to onsite briefing induction).
Thermals triggering from launch The launch is one of the most significant trigger sources in the surrounding areas. Launching in a cycle which triggers from launch can see the pilot encounter large sink and turbulence after launch which can make it difficult to clear the trees on launch. Only launch when a significant cycle passing through the trees below launch or in the presence of sufficient wind.
Mechanical turbulence from surrounding trees The trees surrounding launch create mechanical turbulence. This is particularly prevalent in cross winds or stronger conditions. Maintain active canopy control after launching. Do not sit until you are clear of the trees. Never release your hands from the controls.
Overdevelopment behind launch It is possible for the day to overdevelop (OD) behind launch, without the being able to observe this development until in the air. Gust fronts from OD were observed in the evaluation flights. On days when OD is forecast or possible, closely monitor the sky for OD. Closely monitor rain radar for precipitin in the mountains behind launch.
General public Due to launching from (or over) Kyeema Track, the public must be managed for a safe launch. If another person is not available to help manage the public’s movement during launch, inform the nearby public of your intentions and expected time frame. Give way to pedestrians and cyclists on the track if they have not stopped before commencing your launch.
Flying
Risks Explanations Mitigation strategies
Maintaining glide to landing options In a strong SW wind or from below hill height, it may not be possible to reach the landing options. In sinky air, at altitude below launch, and in SW cross wind, the flight plan is to turn left and fly towards the landing. If the wind is cross from the SW the pilot should immediately turn left after launching unless the pilot is launching into lift.
Incoming sea breeze TheIn the afternoons it is common for the sea breeze to reach Mt Dandenong, changing the direction to SW and increasing the wind speed. If not closely monitored this has the potential to complicate the glide to the landing options. Constantly evaluate penetration and confirm you have suitable glide to the landing. If you suspect a sea breeze in the near future, move away from the hill towards the landing paddocks.
Thermal drift towards the towers Directly behind launch there are three telecommunication towers. In moderate westerly winds, thermal drift will take pilots towards the towers. Be prepared to leave the thermal to maintain the required distance from the towers.
Landing
Risks Explanations Mitigation strategies
Mechanical turbulence in Pavitt Lane The presence of high trees around the narrow landing field in Pavitt Lane generates mechanical turbulence. Actively pilot the glider and anticipate the mechanical turbulence. Avoid making low turns.

Map information

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