Slope soaring in Connecticut
Posted by Dennis Phalen on Aug 26, 2002, 18:55
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These are locations we have had the privilege to fly. Some may have access restrictions.
Check with local flyers for information.
Connecticut Slope Flying Sites
New Haven, CT
Thanks to Dennis Phalen
Greetings,
Winter is here, I transitioned from autumn to the coldest season on the slope in New Haven harbor. Lighthouse Point Park has a rocky shore just North of the boat launch ramp. The pathway is about 10 ft above sea level and a hill rises behind it. Sloping from this tree dotted path is good when the wind is out of the NW at 15-20. Today it was out of the NNW but still OK.
This is a really poor slope, but it's only nine miles from my home. Of course there's water only 20-30 ft away and the shore is as solid rock as the rest of the area here. Be prepared to get a plane out of a tree if you go there, wingtips brush the branches all the time and sometimes stay in contact until you free them. I have a longish pole made from downed saplings lying at the base of the tallest tree on the slope if you need it.
As its not a great slope I wouldn't expect a DAW warbird to fly well there, but then no one around here has one of those either! I have flown heavy HLG and Wings there. Having the hill behind opens the lift area beyond what the lower slope provides, you can get a plane right overhead or even behind the path. Once up you'll see that you can put the plane pretty far to the north end of the slope but you can still see it thru the trees!
We'll probably have more of these NW winds. When you go there, pull into the first parking lot on the right. As you go towards the ramp you'll see a path going around to the right, or you can just take the short walk through the woods/brush over the small hill. The slope next to the ramp will work with a W wind, go father for a NW. Pick a spot that lets you launch and fly, depending on the wind direction. You'll be alone, turning a lot but sloping! There's lots of brush to hit for landings but the path will work too. Have fun, call me before you go[email for number]! http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/image.aspS=11&T=1&X=1689&Y= 11421&Z=18&W=1
Colebrook, CT
There is also a group that flies at a dam in Colebrook, CT. A group of power fliers uses a N/S facing dam that is 200 ft on the dry side, 200 ft on the water side. One member has tried DS'ing there with some reward using a JW. http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/image.asp?S=14&T=1&X=206&Y= 1453&Z=18&W=1
Willimantic, CT
A couple of weeks ago I was at a dam next to Windham airport near Willimantic. A Zig zag of dams more than a mile long and maybe 30-45 ft high has multiple wind opportunities. The airport, with paved runway is RIGHT next door, there is no tower and not much activity but it could get dicey[I didn't send you]. http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/image.asp?S=12&T=1&X=918&Y= 5781&Z=18&W=1
Dennis
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