Sunday Flying - SE Sites?

[charlieg]

I'm only able to fly Sunday this weekend, and the wind I see for all mid Atlantic sites is SE. With Fisher Road gone, the only possibilities I see are Pinnicles and Jacks. I can't find much information on Pinnicles except it's near Cumberland, which sounds easy to get to. Any insights? Who would I contact to find and fly Pinnicles if it's indeed still flyable, and likewise for Jacks?
Charlie

[Tamas]

Charlie,
also for me only the Sunday is free for flying this weekend,
but I have never heard about these sites. If you figure out something, and the weather is not going to be too thunder stormy, I would probably join you.

Tamas

[Spark]

Who would I contact to find and fly Pinnicles if it's indeed still flyable, and likewise for Jacks?
Charlie

Hey Charlie!

I recall that the launch was up for sale. Site might be closed. Jim Rowan would your point of contact. You might wanna PM him and find out if it is still open.

I flew Pinnacles in a PG one day (two flights) a few years ago with Shawn Ray. It is a shallow grassy launch - very PG friendly - but it is a bit of a glide to the main HG LZ and the intermediate options are a bit restricted, but entirely possible ... as is top-landing with appropriate skills. Based on my experience, I wouldn't fly it in much of a headwind or in mid-day thermic conditions (unless I was sure could soar and top land).

<a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1152 ... EOfw"><img src="http://thumb10.webshots.net/s/thumb1/4/ ... Ofw_th.jpg" alt="dscf0042"></a>

I flew it in light winds - no more than 5mph STFI, in bouyant air. I overflew the house just downwind of the HG LZ and met the owners, a very friendly couple.

<a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1152 ... FkGG"><img src="http://thumb10.webshots.net/s/thumb2/4/ ... kGG_th.jpg" alt="dscf0048"></a>

They invited me to land in their front yard and so I did, on my second flight.

Ben and LE also flew that day.
<a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1152 ... cIlR"><img src="http://thumb10.webshots.net/s/thumb4/4/ ... IlR_th.jpg" alt="dscf0051"></a>

All the photos of that day at http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/152145762IJSUUS

I've flown Jacks 8 days in a PG. You can lay out below the guard rail, but there is a major 'stick factor' and snag-potential - ask Ellis . I have had better luck with a reverse launch (with assistance and wind), or a forward launch from behind the rail. Both of those requires a step over the guard rail, which can be interesting ... don't snag yer speed bar .

<a href="http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1344 ... dDxC"><img src="http://thumb10.webshots.net/t/32/33/6/5 ... DxC_th.jpg" alt="dscf0014"></a>

Another option (that I've considered by haven't tried). is to stand in front of the rail and use a tarp to protect your lines ... forward or reverse.

Rich's Pipeline faces SE .