History
The Newcastle region is one of the cradles of hang gliding, and boasts
a world champion and a glider manufacturing facility. The sport continues
to be strongly represented here.
Flying
Club members normally fly inland Saturdays and Sundays. Contact is on
UHF channel 6 repeater in Newcastle at 8.30 am on either morning. Normally
meet at the Freemans Waterhole 'round a bout' at 10.30 am. Check with an
inland SO.
There will usually be people flying coastal sites any time the wind is
on shore from the South through to the North East. Check with the coastal
SO.
Aerotow days are held several times a year at one of Gloucester,
Whitiingham and Gulgong airstrips.
Microlight (or Trike) flying is popular and powered harness flying is also
gaining popularity.
Sites
Main coastal site is Merewether, which is rated novice and works between
south and E-SE.
Inland sites flown are in the Wattagan mountains, Brokenback range and
Carrowbrook near Singleton.
Please contact a club member before flying any of the inland sites in
the Hunter Valley to ascertain access conditions and any special landing
instructions.
Club meetings
Visitors are welcomed. Meetings are normally held on the last Wednesday
of the month, at the South Newcastle Leagues Club in Selwyn Street Merewether.
Club members begin to gather in the restaurant and bar before moving into
the meeting room about 7.30pm.
Safety Mnemonic: Whats
The checklist prior to landing a hang glider:
Wind
Harness
Approach
Target
Speed
Links for Newcastle flyers
Surf
cameras and weather for Newcastle
to: Hang Gliding
Federation of Australia Competitions Committee