N → NNE

Moffat Beach

Overview    Safety Hazards    Launch & Landing   Site Rules    Permits & Exemptions

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At 12m ASL, Moffats Headland is a low North-facing coastal site

Set amongst the ancient lava flows of the Caloundra headland, Moffats is flyable in N – NNE winds for PG4 and above and HG Advanced.

The launch area is very right with a roadway directly behind it. This small clearing on a steep seacliff calls for excellent ground handling skills but delivers a broad ridgeline of coastal soaring (once established at altitude) and offers an easy beach landing.

This is a popular area for the public, with people often stopping behind launch to enjoy views and watch paragliding.

Safety Hazards

  1. ,There is a busy road behind launch, so beware of cars behind launch and avoid getting dragged into them.
  2. There is no sand below the launch, only rocks. If you have to land there be careful not to drop the wing into the surf or slip on the rocks.
  3. Watch out for skydivers landing on the beach and watch for Surf Rescue helicopter.

4. The landing area is small, with rocks above the beach.
5. The landing directly below cliff can be dangerous due to wind shadow. If possible try to land further away from the cliff if safe to do so.
6. Do not fly this site if tide is too high to allow safely landing on the beach.

Launch

Landing Zone

Launch is located on a grassy patch (see orange square on image to the right) – on Queen of Colonies Pde, Moffat Beach.

Given the small area, full size wings may need to be laid out on railing to launch. Cobra launches are usually preferred. On inflation you are in the lift band immediately and may get popped up, so good wing control is needed. Do not try to launch when winds are too strong. An assistant to help launch is recommended.

Get directions >

Landing is to the NW of launch on the beach, away from sunbathers, just south of the creek. (see yellow shaded area on Moffats image).

NOTE THAT LANDING IS NOT PERMITTED IN FRONT OF ROCK SEAWALL on the first section of beach at the end of the headland, except in an emergency. This is a condition of the council permit (see site rules below).

At high tide beware of a reduced beach landing area which makes it more difficult to avoid the general public. Top landing is generally not possible unless conditions are very cross.

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

 

Site Rules

Moffats is a PG4 and HG Advanced 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 th 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
    • No landing is permitted within 20m of the seawall at Moffat Beach, unless in case of an emergency

 

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 Advanced HG
  • 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 open is the default frequency
  • Moffats 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.