ESE → ENE
Buchy's (Gerrards Lookout)
Overview Safety Hazards Launch & Landing Site Rules Permits & Exemptions
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Buchy's is an inland easterly site between Montville and Maleny that requires a face to face induction for all pilot levels by an SCFF PG4 or above before flying
A ridge between Montville and Maleny, providing breathtaking views of the Sunshine Coast at 375m (1230ft) asl. Taking ESE, E, ENE winds allow for soaring and thermic flights for supervised PG2 / HG Supervised pilots or greater. The landing paddock requires a briefing for your first flight. The launch and landing areas are owned by Peter and Sue who generously allow SCFF members to fly from their property
The Landing Zone is a paddock directly below and left of launch and can take pilots by surprise so a robust site briefing and landing plan on your first flight is essential.
In good thermic conditions, flights toward Maleny and beyond are possible with many outlanding opportunities. The famous Glasshouse Mountains come into view as a pilot ascends through 500m asl and also the entire coastline which comprises the Sunshine Coast as well as Moreton Island can be seen. Flights as far as Dalby, Toogoolawah, Kenilworth and Gympie have been achieved from here. A seabreeze has been known to approach between 1:30pm and 3pm in this region, as is a “thermal lunchbreak” between 11am and 1pm.
Safety Hazards
- Powerlines run behind launch, and also difficult to see lines run from the right of launch (South) down the slope in a WSW to ENE direction (see approximate powerlines placement in Purple in image)
- If flying below lookout height ESE conditions, directly left of the spur to the left of launch can produce rotor. (see Red shaded approximate area in image)
- In stronger winds, consider setting up further down the launch slope.
4. The landing paddock (Yellow shaded area) has been overshot many times by pilots entering the landing area too high. Pilots must know how to “wash off” height and adjust for the land contour which falls away to the east
5. A shallow dam and creek bed are midway into the landing paddock
6. During winter, katabatic winds have been known to develop late in the afternoon
Launch
Landing Zone
Launch
The set up and launch area is located on the grassy slope in front of Gerrards Lookout. See Blue highlighted area in image.
Landing Zone
See Yellow Box area in picture and note the dam in the middle.
Site Rules
Access to this site relies on the goodwill of Peter and Sue who own the Launch and Landing areas. Please respect their land and privacy. Keep closed gates closed after transiting.
- PG2 / HG Supervised class Pilots or less, are permitted with appropriate supervision.
- PG3/HG Intermediate or greater Pilots, are permitted to fly without supervision, once a Face to Face induction is completed with an authorised SCFF PG4 or above
- Carriage and use of a radio is mandatory via UHF Ch14 Tone 97.4
Permits & Exemptions
No official permits or exemptions exist at this site so all pilots must, once established in flight, maintain minimal separation as defined by SAFA of ”>25m horizontal and 100ft vertical separation from all buildings, people and roads.