Sloping in Frankfort, Kentucky
Posted by Dave Smith on Sep 2, 2002, 10:55
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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.
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| Chris DSing a Wizard at the Frankfort slope. Photo: Ken Marks |
Frankfort, KY
Slope
Discovered by Dave Smith of the
Bluegrass Soaring Society.
We have discovered a good slope
here in the Frankfort, KY area that generates some major lift. It is in the
500-600' range in terms of height and is quite extensive. It is quite flyable in
anything form 5+ mph winds (S, SW or SE) for the bigger ships. The landing area
is all grass (at least 10+ acres). The only disadvantage is that the slope is
tree covered, so combat is a no-no, because recovery would become a little
involved (though not impossible). Randy Elkins and Gordy of LASS have flown it
and have likened it to Parker Mt. in So. Cal. in terms of lift. Will keep you or
anyone else interested informed regards conditions if you would like to fly
there sometime.
Local
Pilots
Aj akbhat1@pop.uky.edu BSS, KY
The slope is situated on
state-owned property located behind the state forensic labs in Frankfort. To get
there from Cincinnati, take1-75 South to I-64 West. Take I-64 West and make your
exit at EXIT #58 which is US 60 and head in towards Frankfort (i.e. go right)
and then make a left on the East-West connector (about 2 lights, at the
intersection of US 60 and US 421), and go about 1.5 miles downhill and turn left
(this is the first possible left that you can make). Look for the Forensic Labs
on the left (corner of the intersection) that are housed in a modern looking
building that resembles the Titanic due to the numerous smoke stacks sticking
out of the roof. Drive up the road till it dead-ends into some construction and
make a right angle turn and head to the parking area behind the
building.
You can park your vehicle
in the paved lot, and just head up the gentle grade in the general direction of
the communicationtower. Once on top of the ridge, follow the path left (about
200-250 meters) till you come to an area that has a distinct clearing and you
can look out over this fantastic but rugged slope. The landing area is to the
rear and is mostly grassy (at least 10 acres) with one main area of trees and
some very thorny bushes (the thorns are an inch or longer, so avoid this area at
all costs).
The slope is best flown when the
winds are from the South or Southwest. My first outing with my 60" EPP Blue Max,
was a great success, wind out of the south at about 10-15 mph. Toss the plane
out and watch that baby climb almost vertically up and out. The best lift is to
the right of the launch area, heading out towards the communication tower.
Surprisingly, the lift zone prevails to at least an eighth of a mile out
(extending out over the fields at the bottom of the slope). There is decent
thermal activity in this area, as evidenced by the sudden lulls that we
experienced, accompanied by major lift. Buzzards and other feathered friends are
also abundant in this area, and are good indicators of lift. The drawback of
this slope is its ruggedness, while its finer points include a reasonably large
grassy landing area. It is probably not wise to fly too close to tree level,
especially at the lower elevations of the slope except in good lift conditions,
otherwise it is quite a long trek down to recover the downed plane. Combat
maneuvers at this slope could also be hazardous to both you and your plane, for
the very same reason. Buzz has suggested using the fields at the bottom as an
emergency landing area in case recovery becomes impossible.... a most excellent
idea. The fields appear to be accessible by road, and I'm sure we can get
permission to do this when it becomes necessary. All in all, an excellent slope
that can be flown by all. So gentlemen if you have anything reasonably rugged
and flyable, come on out and enjoy.
For even more info on this site check out:
http://louisvillesoaring.org/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=2#frankfort
Thanks to Ben Wilson!
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