Red Bluff

Red Bluff is a RESTRICTED site.

Flying at Red Bluff requires site induction for all PG4/PG5 pilots by an endorsed PG5 (or above).
Please complete the induction form below.

Red Bluff is the closest flying site to Melbourne CBD, along the Beach Rd at Sandringham.

PG Rating: PG5 (PG4 Supervised), or requires endorsement for PG4/PG5 to fly unsupervised. (see below)

Launch:

· A large grassy area.

· GPS: -37.956584, 145.007426

· Altitude: 20m ASL

· Wind direction SSW - WSW

· Wind strength: 9 – 15 Kn

· Conditions of Entry: SAFA members only.

· Responsible clubs: Skyhigh

· Parking: just behind launch

Safety notes:

· A footpath/cyclist track is running across the launch area and the pilot needs to make sure distance from public is maintained

· To the back of launch there is a light pole.

· The launch is right in front of a busy road

· Powerlines are on the downwind side of the road.

· A fence is spanning the whole length of the launch area and needs to be cleared on take off.

· There is a bench on the S corner of launch.

· Flat top launch with a steep slope in front means a wind shadow on launch where the glider is laid out and needs to be taken into account on inflations.

Flying:

· It’s a coastal site in an urban environment. The beach below the ridge allows landing anywhere.

Safety notes:

· The launch is inside the Moorabbin RMZ. The use of VHF radio is mandatory. CTAF: 118.1

· Due to proximity to road and public flying should be done in front of the ridge and not above.

· The launch has a gully on each side. They create a venturi effect, which needs to be taken into account straight after launching.

· Due to proximity to road and public flying should be done in front of the ridge and not above.

· Distance to public needs to be maintained.

· The Red bluff lookout headland is causing mechanical turbulence in SSW wind and pilots should avoid flying any closer than the grassy lookout area to the N of it.

Landing areas:

· Top landing

· The beach, use the footpath to walk back to launch.

Safety notes:

Top landing:

· only if coming from the side and when distance to road is maintained, demarcation line being the footpath crossing the launch area.

· only when there is no public on launch.