Whitwell, TN
| Wind Direction | E SE | |
|---|---|---|
| AGL | 1450 | |
| Glide | 4.5 | |
| Ridge | 10 Miles | |
| XC Record | None to date | |
| Pilot Rating | PG = P3 (P2 with instructor) HG = H4 |
|
| Site Location | Mt Olive Road, Whitwell, TN | |
| Launch GPS | 35.20473, -85.53947 | |
| Main LZ | 35.19067, -85.52948 |
|
| Bailout LZ | None | |
| Number of Flights per Year | 80 Estimated | |
| Additonal Notes | Long Glide | |
| CAUTION | DO NOT fly it in strong W to SW as the valley flow will tend to be South and VERY turbulent. | |
Beautiful ridge and valley with lots of thermal generation. There are many DNL areas in the valley, if you intend to XC you must know where they are and be repectful. The best DNL list is maintained on the Tennessee Tree Toppers website
Launch
The winds in the valley are often much stronger and more southerly than at launch. Be sure to check the wind sock in the LZ. When in doubt, go south (right) after launching and follow the ridge south to get significantly up wind of the LZ before heading out even for a sled-ride. To achieve maximum glide, leave the ridge and go straight out into the valley at trim speed and let the valley cross winds push you north toward the LZ
Primary Landing Zone
The listed LZ is Castles which is tree lined so beware of roter on stronger days. There is no good parking at the LZ so most vehicles should be left at the launch. The primary HG LZ is Church which is north of Castles and is not to be used by PG pilots. If you get blown north and can not make it up wind to Castles, be aware that the entire area around the Church LZ is DNL, including the LZ itself on Sunday's
To Launch
Take I-24 just outside Chattanooga
1. Head northwest on I-24 W
2. Take exit 155 to merge onto TN-28 N toward Jasper/Dunlap 12.0 mi
3. Turn left onto S Main St 0.8 mi
4. Slight left onto TN-108 N/TN-108 Scenic N/Cumberland Dr Continue to follow TN-108 N/TN-108 Scenic N 5.0 mi
5. Turn left onto Hicks Ln 0.2 mi
6. Continue onto Mt Olive 3.8 mi
7. Turn left
From LZ to Launch
1. Head northeast on S Main St 0.3 mi
2. Turn left to stay on S Main St 0.8 mi
3. Slight left onto TN-108 N/TN-108 Scenic N/Cumberland Dr Continue to follow TN-108 N/TN-108 Scenic N 5.0 mi
4. Turn left onto Hicks Ln 0.2 mi
5. Continue onto Mt Olive 3.8 mi
6. Turn left 0.1 mi
Important
There is a Tennesse Tree Toppers grass HG ramp launch just north (left) of this site.
DO NOT launch from this site as it is very dangerous for paragliders.
Be careful when launching as hang gliders from the other launch cross close in and there are often gliders running the ridge. It is advisable to blow a whistle before launching and when approaching the HG launch area. Also do not fly back and forth in front of the HG launch.
Just south of launch the ridge becomes a sheer cliff which is very productive for soaring. Just north of the HG launch is a gas line right of way which is an excellent thermal point.
Emergency Landing Zone
Pilots must ensure they will make the primary LZ as there is NO BAIL OUT.
Radios
Some form of radio communication is required to fly Whitwell PG. A 2 meter radio is preferred, but a GFS family band is acceptable however, they do not get good reception in the valley.
There is a great little Mexican Resteraunt in town with reasonably priced 64oz Dos Equis, and some really good mexican food too...
El Metate
14007 Tennessee 28
Whitwell, TN 37397-5134