Moffat Beach

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.

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

Moffats is very “boosty”, launching you straight into the lift band. Expect that in winds above 8 knots your wing will lift you off your feet. Use the assistance of an anchor from another pilot where possible.

It is recommended not to reverse launch in 12 knots or above. You should cobra launch, facing uphill (East) – ensure you have practised cobra launching on that side of your wing.

A “stuff-up” in strong winds could result in you being dragged into bushes, or over the railing. Or worse – into spectators, parked cars or traffic. Assess your capability judicously –  “stuffing up” can happen but at this site it is not only dangerous, it creates anxiety for locals, which is irresponsible and risks access.

It is POSSIBLE to fly Moffats in a NE BUT beware, when launching from the East side of launch, the bushes and cliffline create rotor, increasing your chances of a “neurchi” (landing in bushes).

The site is narrow for hang gliders. Self-assess your ability to perform a coastal cliff launch in strong conditions with minimal side clearance

Be aware: Due to the steep cliff, getting too low on the ridge will put you under the lift band into dead air

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).

Landing Technicalities:

Top landing is to be avoided – it is a very advanced manouevre at this site and takes great skill requiring pilots on all wings particularly parakites to be confident with a parachutal descent.

Below launch is rocks and surf. In light conditions, DO NOT head East (right). Head West (left) to gain height, because if there’s insufficient lift, you will at least make the beach. Heading East means you face a high risk of landing on slippery rocks or in the water.

Don’t fly the site at high tide due to risk of a) water landing and b) the likelihood of landing in small area densely packed with beach goers.

Spot landing skills are essential. Landing is commonly cross wind. You need solid skills in killng your wing in strong wind.

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).

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

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 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
• No landing is permitted within 20m of the seawall at Moffat Beach, unless in case of an emergency.
• To fly this site you must:
• Be a current SAFA member and member of SCFF
• Abide by the club Code of Conduct, SAFA flight rules and SCC permit conditions
• Moffats is a PG4 site for PG pilots and Advanced HG pilots with SOLID SKILLS. PG pilots rated PG2 or PG3 are NOT permitted to fly here – not even under the supervision of a CFI.
• Similarly, mini-wing/parakite endorsements are not permiited to be undertaken at this site. There are other club sites suitable for learning – Moffats isn’t one of them

Before your first flight at Moffats, suitably rated pilots MUST

• Complete the self-assessment form. After completion the club Senior Safety Officer or his/her delegate will make contact to confirm that the experience, qualifications and endorsements described in your self-assessment meet site access requirements. You may not fly until then.
• After that and before your first flight at Moffats, all pilots must obtain a site briefing from a Moffats custodian – see our Contacts page
• Each time you fly you MUST check in using this Check In Page
• Radio carriage is mandatory – no exceptions. Carry and use a UHF radio, channel 14 – frequency 476.750 – tone squelch 97.4
• A Moffats custodian may restrict site access if rules are breached and you must comply with any such directive. 
• A Moffats custodian may communicate if they observe anything that they feel renders the site (or you) temporarily unsuitable for launching or landing and you would be well served to take on board any such recommendation
• Each pilot is solely responsible for assessing their own ability and conditions before deciding to fly. Custodians provide site information and enforce objective site rules – but do not assess pilot competence. Responsibility for your decision to fly rests with you, the pilot in command