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Checkerboard PG Launch

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Checkerboard PG Launch

Spot Info

Spot Details

PPG friendly
Not marked
Authorization
Not marked
Club / contract
Required
Launch faces
SW
Forecast point
Ready
Access notes
Current USHPA and Flathead Valley Soaring Association membership plus the annual FVSA waiver are required. First-time pilots need a local site introduction. Meet at Lunch Lady LZ parking, consolidate vehicles, and reach launch on foot or via Jewel Basin Road to Camp Misery without blocking the emergency-access road.
Site rules
  • Maintain current USHPA and FVSA membership, sign the annual waiver, and obtain a first-time site introduction.
  • P3 flies independently. P2 requires three observed flights with qualified FVSA P3/H3 members or site observers.
  • No flight after dusk and no top landing. Do not block Camp Misery access, park on Jewel Basin Road by the LZ, leave mountain vehicles overnight, trim trees, or leave trace.
  • Use Lunch Lady LZ through the southeast ladder only; do not open the livestock gate and do not land in any other private field.
  • The secondary field is emergency-only. Clear it immediately after a true emergency and do not pack there.
Launch directions
SW
Direction notes
Current official ideal range is 200-220 degrees with an 8 mph published maximum.
Safety notes
  • Southwest is ideal at 200-220 degrees. The current guide publishes 0 minimum, 6 mph ideal, and 8 mph maximum for PG/HG.
  • P2 pilots should avoid 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Active lift/sink can exceed 400 fpm; summer thermals can be sharp and turbulent.
  • The glide to the main LZ exceeds 4:1. Older/porous gliders and a delayed decision can lead to landing short; miles of trees lie behind launch.
  • Lunch Lady is technical with uneven ground, burrows, livestock, trees, thermal release, rotor, powerlines, and barbed wire. North/south approaches are used; east/west approaches are unsuitable.
  • Launch is 11.596 km from FAA facility 53U and current Lunch Lady LZ is 8.075 km from 93MT; no current R/P intersection was found.
Additional notes
The historic Many Feathers-labeled candidate matches the current Checkerboard elevation, aspect, and location and is normalized to the March 2026 FVSA site name and LZ rules.
Map pin (exact launch)
Published 1,935 m SSW launch point matching the current 6,425-foot Checkerboard launch near Mount Aeneas.
Navigation warning
The pin is not Lunch Lady parking, Camp Misery access, a road-opening guarantee, or permission to use any other field.
Official website
https://www.flatheadsoaring.com/site-guide

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