S → SSE

Kings Beach

Overview    Safety Hazards    Launch & Landing   Site Rules    Permits & Exemptions

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Kings Beach is very close to everything, including the waves!

The south facing sister site to Moffats, this cheeky little site is situated along the waterfront at Kings beach. Perfect for those wanting to sneak in an afternoon flight without straying too far from the pub. With a broad ridgeline of coastal soaring (once established at altitude) and an easy beach landing, Kings is a low altitude launch site providing challenging flying, even for experienced pilots.

In sufficiently buoyant conditions (circa 12 knots) and straight on S – SSE winds, experienced pilots can clear the surrounding terrain and build elevation directly left of launch in the first bowl (see purple shading on image). Once at a safe height, soar the south face for the length of the southern headland.

Kings has difficult short landing options –  if landing short, pilots need to manuever themselves onto land in rocky, slippery foreshore terrain. High tide further reduces this space.  

Safety Hazards

  1. There are slippery uneven rocks and surf below launch.
  2. There is a busy road behind launch, so beware of cars behind launch and avoid getting dragged into them
  3. The general public frequent the launch and landing areas – maintain separation as per the SAFA ops manual.

4. If there is any west in the wind, the bowl directly left of launch becomes turbulent
5. Do not fly at high tide as there are no contingency landing options.

Stay alert – the rescue helicopter flies low and close to terrain.

Launch

Landing Zone

Launch is a small grassy patch set amongst coastal cliffs on the Esplanade Headland near corner of Albert St Caloundra, east of the swimming pool and SLSC. If winds are south or SSW the bowl to east of launch can produce rotor.

There is car parking along the Esplanade – take note of any parking restrictions.

Get directions >

The best and recommended landing area is the beach west of the surf club shaded in yellow on the image above.

The small beaches to the E and W of launch (see image to the right) are tight landings that require skill. if you are not confident to land safely, head to west side of surf club and land on beach. AVOID THE SURF LIFESAVING CLUB and be mindful of the general public when landing.

Be Aware: High speed swoops scare people and may result in complaints – please land and fly with this in mind.

Site Rules

This is a PG4 Site.

We fly here under permit from SCC. Permit conditions include:

    • The operation of the permitted activity is limited to the permitted location only
    • Flying must ensure that the community purpose of the land can be continued without undue interruption or obstruction
    • Pilots must fly in a manner that does not endanger the health or safety of any other person using council-controlled land

To fly this site you must:

  • Abide by the club Code of Conduct, SAFA flight rules and SCC permit conditions
  • Be suitably qualified as a pilot: PG4 or above
  • Obtain a site briefing from the Duty Pilot or Senior Safety Officer if visiting or new to this site
  • Maintain clearances from members of public on beach and pathways
  • Carry and use a UHF radio, channel 14 – frequency 476.750 – tone squelch 97.4
  • Lower levels are tight so maximum two pilots “scratching low” is advisable
  • Kings is close to Caloundra aerodrome, and light aircraft frequently transit the area. It is strongly recommended that PG and HG pilots announce that flying activity is occurring using VHF 125.850
  • A guide for those who would like a refresher on suitable VHF calls for the area is available here.

Exemptions – None. Pilots must fly in compliance with the SAFA Ops Manual

SAFA Operations Manual Section 7.1.4.1 – Minimum Heights and Distances / Launching / Landing: Except during Launch / Landing Phases, a non-powered SAFA aircraft, shall not be flown at a height lower than 100 feet if within a horizontal distance of 25 metres from: 1) public roads, or 2) a dwelling except with the permission of the occupier, or 3) persons not directly associated.