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West Rutland VHPA Launch

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West Rutland VHPA Launch

Spot Info

Spot Details

PPG friendly
Not marked
Authorization
Not marked
Club / contract
Required
Launch faces
SW
Forecast point
Ready
Access notes
VHPA owns and maintains the launch and holds standing arrangements with neighboring landowners for access and landing. Pilots must hold current USHPA and VHPA membership, sign the annual state and landowner waivers, and receive a first-site introduction. Meet at the working agricultural lot called The Pit, consolidate into as few 4WD vehicles as possible, then use the signed club route to the locked Whipple Hollow Road gate; the current gate code is available only in the registered-member WhatsApp group. Hiking from the gate takes roughly 45-60 minutes.
Site rules
  • Maintain current USHPA and VHPA membership, complete the annual state and landowner waivers, and obtain a current first-site introduction before flying.
  • P2 pilots fly only under an approved mentor; P3 and higher may fly independently under the current club rules.
  • Keep The Pit clear for farm equipment, consolidate vehicles, keep the access gate closed and locked, use 4WD, drive slowly, and never disclose or guess the gate code.
  • Use Herbert's Field at 43.608262,-73.090705 as the primary PG LZ. Do not park there, keep vehicles on the track, and move equipment to the mowed edge before packing.
  • The HG LZ at 43.611710,-73.104870 and Duckie's LZ at 43.607877,-73.099075 may be used by PG only under the current club instructions; clear landing traffic immediately and protect the working hay crop.
  • Do not infer PPG permission. This row documents foot-launched PG only.
Launch directions
SW
Direction notes
Official ideal sector is approximately 235-245 degrees. Light south through light west may work, but crosswind and stronger south/west flow materially increase turbulence and ramp exposure.
Safety notes
  • The adjacent metal HG ramp is a serious PG obstacle; pilots have been dragged into it. Stage to the right, use a fully pressurized reverse launch, and abort early.
  • The launch has little usable takeoff run. Forward launches are discouraged except for pilots with the necessary skill and a suitable spotter.
  • Thermals move across the shoulder, and stronger south or west components create rotor, venturi, shear, and ramp-downwind conditions. The published PG range is about 5 mph minimum, 8 mph ideal, and 10 mph maximum; never treat a maximum as a target.
  • Herbert's LZ is bounded by rail and power lines, a swamp, trees, a non-landable horse pasture, a road, and more power lines. Arrive with at least 300 feet, remain within a 1:1 upwind glide, and avoid losing height over the swamp.
  • Late-day valley flow can reverse about 180 degrees while glass-off persists aloft. Watch all LZ wind indicators continuously and expect wet or flooded field sections after rain.
Additional notes
Vermont's most frequently flown managed mountain site. The automated ParaglidingEarth and unnamed OpenStreetMap discoveries resolve to this current official launch. No motor use is established.
Map pin (exact launch)
Exact launch coordinate published in the current VHPA West Rutland guide.
Official website
https://vhga.aero/flying-sites/west-rutland-2/

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