But with significant restrictions......

Hurray, Mori Point is open again!!  Mori Point is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and is a protected wildlife space.  Although it’s not the greatest PG site around, I have very fond memories of what used to be the “training hill” where I originally learned to fly (in 1996) under the skillful guidance of Hansa Rejmanek, the then-fledgling instructor with Airtime of San Francisco. 

The site has been closed for a long time due to environmental concerns but, thanks to the efforts of a few determined pilots (principally David Sondergeld), Mori Point is open again, albeit with substantial restrictions compared with the site we remember.  The purpose of this article is 1) to introduce the site to those who are new to flying since it closed, 2) to provide a preliminary site description, including the new restrictions, and 3) to describe the new procedures required of pilots who want to fly there.  

Basic Site Facts

Location- Mori Point, Pacifica

MSL- 320’ Launch/LZ (hill top).

150’ Primary LZ (plateau).

10’ Secondary LZ (beach).

Type- Coastal hill and ridge

Good Wind- WSW – NNW (soarable mostly in the winter)

Minimum Rating- P2 (Site Intro Required). Good landing skills in restricted space is highly recommended.

Sticker- Required (currently in preparation – available from the Site Administrator in the near future. 

Restrictions

BAPA has obtained a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service for the activity of Paragliding at this site. The GGNRA established rules and boundaries for paragliding activities at Mori Point. The permit does not include hang gliding, motorized power, or commercial activities and tandem flying is not permitted. Launching and landing within the GGNRA space is permitted only at designated areas. Hiking is permitted only on designated trails. Dogs must be on a leash.  

Mori Point Site Checklist

All pilots must be current members of USHPA or have proof of insurance comparable to USHPA’s coverage. A site introduction is required before you fly. A BAPA site sticker will be issued at the introduction. Contact a BAPA Site Administrator - Dan Byrne  (650) 359-9001 (www.sfbapa.org).  

Special Conditions to be aware of

Wind speed and direction can change in a short period of time. Look for white caps on the ocean. This is a good indicator that the wind is too strong to fly. Check the wind direction as you fly and before you land. Do not land downwind.

Rotors are the severe turbulence found on the lee side of a ridge, spine, trees, or other formation. Rotors change location according to the wind direction.

Shear turbulence is created when two air masses moving in different directions meet. Do not fly in strong shears.

Fog can develop quickly creating poor visibility.  

Site boundaries

Do not fly low over the houses. Landing is permitted only atop the Mori Pt. plateau directly below launch; top landing back at launch; or at the beach north of Mori Point. Do not hike or land in designated protected wildlife areas. 

Other hazards to be aware of

• There is very little beach below much of the cliff around the perimeter of the primary landing zone.

• The ocean is extremely cold and often has large waves. Landing in the water can be fatal.
• There are concrete foundation walls next to the primary landing zone.
• During the winter and spring months there are often large puddles next to the primary landing zone.
• There are power lines that run along the north side of Old County Rd. (dirt road).
• There are remnants of an old storm drain pipe on the beach north of Mori Point (secondary landing zone).
• The airspace is limited and only two gliders are permitted to fly at the same time.
• There is no way out of the beach cove to the south of the primary LZ so landing on the beach (if there is one) in that cove is not an option. 

Equipment all pilots should have

• Certified glider in good condition.
• Harness with quick release buckles.
• Helmet, boots, and gloves.
• Hook knife.

In an emergency:

Pacifica Fire & Police- 911 or (650) 738-7314

National Parks dispatch- (415) 561-5505 

A special thanks goes to David Sondergeld who has worked hard to secure this permit to reopen flying at this site. 

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

415-602-7847 cell

650-756-4530 home 

Here is a picture of the site that was used in Dave's proposal when we applied for a permit to use the site for Paragliding. As with any site MAKE SURE you are given a proper site intro and be respectful of all neighborhoods ajoining the site, the flora and fauna living there and  completley observe the site regulations.

Map of the Mori Point site used during the proposal stage.