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. Get directions >

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 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. Head West to gain height, because i fthere’s insuffcient lift you will make the beach, whereas heading East 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 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:

  • 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 suitability of your experience, qualifications and endorsements. You may not fly until you are confirmed
• Before your first flight, you must obtain a site briefing on launch from an authorised Moffats briefing officer <insert list>
• 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
• Authorised Moffats custodians control this site and have the authority to immediately ground any pilot they consider to be flying recklessly or dangerously. You must comply with any directive given to you by one of these authorised personnel – for your own safety and to avoid loss of the site