Winds

Speeds (All Launches):

• PG: 0-15mph, ideal 7mph, gust factor 5mph

• MW: 0-15mph, ideal 7mph, gust factor 5mph

• HG: 0-25mph, ideal 12mph, gust factor 5mph

Directions (degrees):

• North Launch: Ideal: 45-90, OK: 360-135

• Mid Launch: Ideal: 55-100, OK: 45-100

• South Launch: Ideal: 55-100, OK: 45-145

Site Requirements

1. You must be an USHPA & RMHPA member.

2. Complete the Jeffco Waiver ANNUALLY.

3. Complete a site briefing from a designated sponsor (all pilots) & the Sponsorship Program (less than P4/H4).

We fly with permission of Colorado School of Mines and by Jefferson County. We are required to restrict flying at Lookout to qualified pilots. We’ll do everything we can to help qualified pilots enjoy this great flying site as much as we do!

Safety

• "Nothing good ever happens on a strong south day." -Ancient Lookout Proverb

• Always fly with a radio.

• Avoid flying close to the terrain. Lookout has much more turbulence near terrain compared to other sites and has a history of terrain induced incidents that can be avoided.

• When you are below the second road crossing, you should head out to the LZ rather than scratching low looking for lift.

• Avoid flying deep behind the hill. You can be pinned in the wind and blown over the back.

• Monitor windsocks to understand changing wind conditions.

• Avoid getting low in the South Bowl. It produces strong turbulence and is directly in the lee during N conditions.

• Avoid getting pinned in the wind low over Windy Gap.

• Avoid flying in the venturi of Clear Creek Canyon. You can be pinned in the wind.

• A Hang Glider wing generally obstructs the pilot's view of the sky above. Respect this when flying above Hang Gliders.

• Hang Gliders can dive fast. If a paraglider thinks they may have a landing conflict with a hang glider, the paraglider should try to stay up, let the hang glider dive to land first.

• Understand density altitude and how it affects launch and landing characteristics (HA endorsement required). 

• Do not fly alone. 

• Monitor ALL windsocks for a more thorough picture of the current winds. 

• After landing, clear yourself and gear from the landing area.

Airspace

• Lookout is in class G airspace up to 700’ above the surface, above 700’ it is Class E airspace.

• Lookout is directly to the west of Denver’s Class B Airspace. The nearest layer of Denver’s Class B airspace is 7 NM to the east from 8,000-12,000’ MSL.

• The proximity of Lookout to the major metropolitan area of Denver means there is a high potential for VFR traffic, to include helicopters, to fly in close proximity—we must see and avoid—360s may be useful to help make you more visible to other aircraft.

Special Notes

• The entire front range is on the lee side of the Rocky Mountains and we depend on anabatic mountain flow to make a bubble of east wind we can fly in. You must understand how to use our wind tools and don't get caught in west winds coming down the mountains. Flying in the Lee explains these hazards and how to mitigate the risks.

• The front range has thunderstorms very often during flying season. Not only are they dangerous when you can see them, they can produce gust fronts that can travel 100 miles!

• High winds aloft can also cause problems as they get turbulent over the Rockies and then rotor into our flying altitudes. Look for winds <20mph at 14,000' and not too crazy at 18,000'. A strong inversion can keep it safer - learn to read a Skew-T!

Main LZ Issues

• Highway 93 with power lines and a large metal highway sign adjacent to the LZ.

• Trees and homes on top of a mesa S of the LZ.

• The deep ditch separating the larger east and smaller west landing areas.

• Hang glider activity.

Main LZ Wind Considerations

• E - Generally sinky due to down-sloping terrain. Come in high.

• N - Generally lifty due to up-sloping terrain. Come in low.

• S - Turbulent and sinky due to the terrain and houses S of the LZ. Come in high.

• W - Uncommon. Sometimes pilots will land facing W late in the evening in light catabatic conditions.

Miniwings

• Lookout is normally thermic mid-day, the best miniwing flying occurs mornings and evenings when the thermals have subsided leaving smooth air.

• You should be heading to the Main LZ prior to dropping below rock pile near the mountain's base.

• Be aware of large ditch and trees prior to Main LZ.

• Smallest recommended wing to make LZ: 12m.

Video Intros

The pilot/sponsorship requirements in these videos are outdated. Please refer to the written Site Guite above for current requirements.

Site Overview