Wellington Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club
BARING HEAD SUBMISSION
East Harbour Regional Park - Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui
Submission on Draft Amendment from
Wellington Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club
Members of the Wellington Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club (WHGPC) are in general support of the draft amendment to the parks network plan but request that limited vehicle access be granted for the purposes of trasporting equipment and pilots to launch sites. We wish to suggest some guidelines and rules of access to Baring Head for the restricted activities of hang gliding and paragliding (sometimes also known as parapenting) as listed in the table of “Rules Applying to Activities” on page 11 of the Draft Amendment Plan).
Overview of Hang Gliding and Paragliding activity
There is a history of the Baring head escarpments being used for hang glider flights from early 1970’s through until the late 80’s, when permission to access the area was withdrawn by the then owner. This flying site was greatly valued and has since been a significant loss to the WHGPG Club.
In the past Baring Head has proven to be ideal for hang gliders and paragliders to ridge soar escarpment above the beach. Ideal conditions for flying at Baring Head are southerly winds between 8-20 knots (and not raining). If wind conditions remain consistent for soaring, it is possible to land the glider back on top of the terraces. If the wind drops then pilots will land down on the beach. In the past landing on the beach resulted in a hard walk carrying the glider on a track back up the escarpment.
There are no other suitable south facing flying sites offering such good gliding conditions within close proximity to Wellington that have the topography for a full range of flying, from beginning flights to advanced soaring. The gentle slopes behind the terraces can be used by beginners for flight training. There is only one other location in Wellington that is suitable for learners and flight training.
Restricted Activities
Currently hang gliding and paragliding is a permitted activity in the park. However, because gliders and associated equipment are heavy and bulky to carry for any distance this effectively excludes club members flying, unless limited vehicle use is either a permitted activity for hang gliding or paragliding, (or allowed under control of the park ranger). To utilise the park club members will need to transport equipment by vehicle to within close proximity of suitable launch and landing sites.
Club members have a long history of access and flying within regional parks including Whitireia Park, Mt Climie/Pakuratahi Forest and Queen Elizabeth Park. The club is accustomed to operating in areas where care and consideration for land owners and other users as it is imperative to maintain ongoing goodwill and continued access to the property. Members understand that such access would be conditional and we have included in this submission some suggested guidelines on vehicle use that club members could abide by; which have worked successfully in other regional parks in Wellington for at least thirty years of club flying activities.
It is proposed that vehicle use be restricted to flying related activities on recognised tracks along the terraces, to the escarpment and access to the eastern track from the terraces to the foot of the escarpment for collection of equipment, if pilots land on the beach.
It is usual for pilots to land as near as possible to convenient points of pick up, therefore it is preferable to land close to the eastern end of the escarpment, or alternatively to carry equipment to the foot of the eastern beach access (so that vehicles do not need to drive onto the ecologically sensitive beach areas).
Impact of Club proposed activities
Gliding activities have minimal impact on the area. Once vehicles have transported equipment they are parked and pilots will have less impact on the Park than most day walkers. Vehicle use will also be very low considering the limited number of days in a year when conditions are favourable. On average number of appropriate days during a year when weather conditions occur and pilots are ready to fly may only be (at an estimate) 15-25 times per year, therefore the amount of vehicle traffic involved with hang gliding and paragliding activities will have low impact on the park. It is usual club practice to try and minimise the number of vehicles entering such areas by carrying as many passengers and gliders in as few cars as possible and travel in convoy when possible to reduce the amount of vehicle movement along tracks.
Suggested guidelines park access and use of vehicles
-That the WHG&PG Club be granted access to a key to allow passageway through the park’s locked entrance gate. Over many years the club has been responsible for looking after key access for other regional parks and properties with restricted access.
That the WHG&PG Club be granted access to a key to allow passageway through the park’s locked entrance gate. Over many years the club has been responsible for looking after key access for other regional parks and properties with restricted access.-That vehicle access permitted expressly for the purpose of hang gliding & paragliding activities.
That vehicle access permitted expressly for the purpose of hang gliding & paragliding activities.-Club members are to actively monitor and restrict usage of vehicles to a minimum; drive to the conditions, restrict vehicle speed to minimize impact to the park and enjoyment of others using the park.
Club members are to actively monitor and restrict usage of vehicles to a minimum; drive to the conditions, restrict vehicle speed to minimize impact to the park and enjoyment of others using the park.Regulation of Hang Gliding and Paragliding
Under New Zealand legislation, to fly a hang glider or paraglider, it is compulsory to be a member of a club affiliated to the NZ Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association. Membership of a club includes public liability insurance organised through NZHG&PGA. The sport is well regulated and all flying activities are carried out in accordance with local club and national association rules and operating procedures. Gliders and equipment are routinely checked and issued with ‘Warrant of Fitness’ and the club has safety officers and experienced pilots appointed to monitor flying activities.
The attached pages contain a draft Safety and Emergency Plans for WHG&P Club members using the Baring Head Regional Park for gliding. This has been developed for the safe conduct of flying activities by members and would be used in conjunction with a site specific hazard identification and mitigation plan, which would be drawn up after a site inspection and prior to resuming any flying at Baring Head.
I do wish to be heard in support of this submission.
Kris Ericksen
President
Wellington Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club Inc
PO Box 9824
Marion Square
Wellington 6141
Ph 02 11 16 45 58
skf@paradise.net.nz
SAFTEY PLAN
1.1. Introduction
This Safety Plan has been developed by the WHGPC to foster and encourage:
· diligence in practicing safety.
· a consistent approach to safety.
· the education of it’s club members in the safe conduct of club activities at Baring Head.
1.2. Safety Plan
Every person is responsible for the safety of themselves and each other.
At all times all participants should take all reasonable steps to minimise risk and be aware of their responsibilities for themselves and others participating in flying activities.
All pilots are to makes themselves aware of known or likely safety concerns relating to:
(a)access to flying sites
access to flying sites(b)road/track and weather conditions
road/track and weather conditions(c)stock and other farm animal hazards
stock and other farm animal hazards(d)flying conditions, flying hazards.
flying conditions, flying hazards.Establish methods of communication with the Land Owner or their designated contact person to ensure that any out-of-the-ordinary safety concerns or information about those safety concerns and any related instructions by the landowners or managers can be conveyed to club members prior to accessing the site.
Identify and assess all risks on the day and plan to avoid or minimize their impact on safety.
1.3. Potential Hazards and Solutions at Baring Head
Vehicles- Off road driving should only be undertaken by those experienced and confident in doing so. If conditions warrant their use, use 4x4 vehicles only. Use only road legal vehicles; keep speeds appropriate for current road/track/weather conditions. Give way to other users.
Stock- Give stock a wide berth and always leave gates as found.
Plants- Avoid nettles, blackberry, gorse etc.
Cold- Carry warm clothing at all times of the year.
Falls- Treat all farm tracks and launch sites with upmost care and respect.
Fire- Never light fires, and be cautious with any type of potential ignition. Report fires to emergency services immediately.
1.4 General Good Practices
If you have a First Aid Kit keep them stocked and carry them on all visits to flying sites.
Communication- carry mobiles, radios and a list of key emergency contacts (listed on the attached Emergency Plan). Remain in good contact with others flying/driving on the day and ensure everyone is accounted for at the end of the day.
.
EMERGENCY PLAN
Below are the procedures for you, the pilot or driver, to carry out in the case of an emergency.
§Each situation is unique, but these instructions should help you to act appropriately and quickly in an emergency.
Each situation is unique, but these instructions should help you to act appropriately and quickly in an emergency.Your own safety must come first.
§You cannot help in an emergency if you are injured yourself.
You cannot help in an emergency if you are injured yourself.Contact Information and Phone NumbersOrganisationContactTelephone
ContactTelephoneEmergency ServicesPolice / Ambulance / Fire111
Police / Ambulance / Fire111Police StationWanuiomata04 4390500
Wanuiomata04 4390500HG Safety OfficerGrant Tatham027 6363491 06 3797322 hm
Grant Tatham027 6363491 06 3797322 hmPG Safety OfficerLaurie Ross021464930 04 2359640 hm
Laurie Ross021464930 04 2359640 hmHospitalWellington04 3855999
Wellington04 3855999Fire BrigadeSeaview Firestation04 5688657
Seaview Firestation04 5688657GWRCPark Ranger04 5264133
Park Ranger04 5264133Procedure in the case of a missing person
All pilots should assume responsibility for ensuring all other pilots have landed safely and have retrieval transport. If a pilot has not landed in the designated landing area or “reported in”, then the pilot is assumed to be a missing person and the procedures below will commence. Likewise, ensure that all drivers have safely departed from launch sites/ access road.
1.Pilot/driver missing after you have landed?
Pilot/driver missing after you have landed?·Ask other available pilots if missing person was seen landing/driving safely?
Ask other available pilots if missing person was seen landing/driving safely?·Ascertain last known position / sighting / radio call of missing person.
Ascertain last known position / sighting / radio call of missing person.·Call missing person on radio and cell phone.
Call missing person on radio and cell phone.·Check the missing persons vehicle.
Check the missing persons vehicle.·Send vehicle(s) on search along probable flight path/ access road (with radios and cell phones).
Send vehicle(s) on search along probable flight path/ access road (with radios and cell phones).·Contact all other pilots and question thoroughly about last sighting of missing person.
Contact all other pilots and question thoroughly about last sighting of missing person.The above actions should all be initiated within 30 minutes of a person missing. The vehicle search will probably take some time, so it is important to maintain regular contact with the searchers.
2.If the above actions are unsuccessful then contact the local police station and initiate formal Search & Rescue procedures at least one hour before sunset.
If the above actions are unsuccessful then contact the local police station and initiate formal Search & Rescue procedures at least one hour before sunset. The police will need to know the following information:
§Full name of missing person.
Full name of missing person.§Last known position.
Last known position.§Predicted flight path/ route (give police a map/chart with the intended flight/ route drawn on it).
Predicted flight path/ route (give police a map/chart with the intended flight/ route drawn on it).§Glider/vehicle description (type and colour).
Glider/vehicle description (type and colour).§Clothing worn by pilot/ driver.
Clothing worn by pilot/ driver.§Emergency equipment carried (food / water / radio / cell phone)…
Emergency equipment carried (food / water / radio / cell phone)…§Search areas already covered / actions already taken.
Search areas already covered / actions already taken. §Next of kin details
Next of kin detailsNote: Pilots and drivers may be called upon to assist in searching for a missing person. Please help out in the event that this happens.
