The Ruch Country Store sells RVHPA memberships just one mile from the main LZ on Highway 238 in Ruch, Oregon.

1. Join RVHPA at the Ruch Country Store

Located just one mile west of the main LZ on Hwy. 238, the Ruch Country Store is now offering RVHPA memberships. Stop by the store and go to the RVHPA membership kiosk located to the left of the door when you walk in. Everything you need to join is at the kiosk and, best of all, you pay at the store checkout with cash, credit, or debit and leave with your membership card/site pass and Woodrat Mountain Flying Site Guide.

The Ruch Country Store sells all levels of RVHPA memberships and is the only place to purchase RVHPA’s 7 Day Visiting Pilot Membership ($20).

This is the simplest and quickest way to join RVHPA. Please have your USHPA card available–you will need to enter your USHPA number on your RVHPA membership application. Get a map of the LZ & Ruch Country Store or a Google Map.

2. Join RVHPA online

Join online as an annual member and have your membership materials and site pass mailed to you (please allow 14 days minimum to receive materials by mail). Please use this option only if you will not be flying at Woodrat before your membership card arrives in the mail. Otherwise, please join at the Ruch Country Store where you can get your membership card upon purchase. The 3 Day Visiting Pilot Membership is not available online (in store only).

When you join RVHPA, you get a 2011 Membership Card that is your Woodrat Mountain site pass and a useful site guide full of information and maps.

The RVHPA Membership Packet

Every pilot joining RVHPA will receive an RVHPA Membership Packet. This includes the required membership card/site pass for flying at Woodrat Mountain as well as a 16-page Woodrat Mountain Flying Site Guide full of useful information and maps for flying at Woodrat.

Please take the time to read the site guide and be sure to have your membership card with you when flying at Woodrat. Display your membership card where it can be easily seen and be ready to present it when requested by RVHPA or local LZ landowners. All LZs near Woodrat Mountain now require pilots landing there to be current RVHPA and USHPA members.

More About RVHPA Membership

All pilots flying at Woodrat Mountain are now required to be current RVHPA members and have a valid USHPA pilot rating.

Please see our membership page for more information about membership levels and dues.

Our Club

RVHPA is an active community of hang glider and paraglider pilots in Southern Oregon and Northern California.  We maintain several amazing flying sites including Woodrat Mountain and The Whaleback. Membership dues help maintain our flying sites into the future. Please become part our club and fly with us!

Who Can Join

RVHPA membership is open to all USHPA members and is required for all pilots flying at the Woodrat Mountain flying site in Ruch, Oregon. Learn more about this requirement.

A Woodrat Mountain site pass is required to fly Woodrat.

Join RVHPA at the Ruch Country Store, one mile southwest of the LZ on Highway 238. Get your Woodrat Mountain site pass and everything you need from RVHPA in one stop. Click map to enlarge.

The newly completed Whaleback launch on its first day of use after construction, July 26, 2011. The black cinders of the old launch can be seen beneath the new launch.

With FFF support, the Rogue Valley Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association completed all planned work on The Whaleback Launch Improvement Project on July 27, 2011. Through six full days of heavy equipment work, we created a 160 foot wide launch that faces over 90 degrees of wind direction. The Klamath National Forest has been to the new launch to inspect the work and they are very pleased with the outcome, especially the erosion control walls we built on the uphill side of launch.

We accomplished everything we set out to do, however, we did have to adapt the design of the new launch to deal with the extraordinary amount of large boulders encountered during excavation. Because the boulders couldn’t be used to contour a smooth slope surface, we had to create a flat slope launch rather than a continuously sloped launch as we had envisioned.

After a week of use in varied wind conditions, we realize that we need to modify a portion of the new launch to create a continuously sloped launch option so that pilots without strong flat slope launch skills do not get hurt attempting a launch beyond their capabilities. Unfortunately, we have had one such injury already despite a proactive approach to introducing pilots to the new launch and its basic skill requirements.

This safety improvement will cost an additional $2,500 and we are hoping to implement this work immediately while our contractor still has his heavy equipment nearby and before another busy weekend of flying is upon us. The FFF has funded 36% of the project’s total cost to this point. RVHPA is hopeful that FFF will consider funding this essential safety improvement for $2500, bringing FFF’s portion to 45% of the new total project cost. If we act immediately, we can have the work completed this week.

Assessment of Goals and Accomplishments

We accomplished and exceeded the six goals of the project with the one exception of #2:

Goal 1: Create a new W/SW facing launch. Accomplished: created over 90 degrees of launchable window, from NW to SSW.
Goal 2: Steepen and widen existing NW launch. Accomplished: Site constraints prevented simply widening and steepening the existing NW launch and instead necessitated the transformation to a flat slope launch. As such, running down the old NW slope to launch is currently not possible, however, flat slope launching this direction is possible.
Goal 3: Cover entire launch with wing-friendly gravel. Accomplished: excellent blanket of rounded lake bed gravel.
Goal 4: Expand set up area. Accomplished: Large layout area and additional space elsewhere to preflight gliders and set up.
Goal 5: Add 6 to 8 parking spaces plus turnaround. Accomplished: Six spaces created plus turnaround area.
Goal 6: Update old signage. Accomplished: New sign kiosk and site info signs.

Financial Report to Date

When RVHPA applied to FFF for a grant in February 2011, we estimated the total project cost at $13,094.50. RVHPA requested $5,500 from FFF representing 42% of the total estimated cost at that time. FFF approved this grant in April 2011.

In the intervening time, RVHPA raised another $1,970 for the project, including almost $1000 raised in a single day during construction when we realized we were going to encounter cost overruns. In total, RVHPA raised $15,064.50 ($6915 in contributions, $5500 from FFF, and $2649.50 as in-kind donations).

The final bill from the heavy equipment contractor is being submitted to RVHPA this week and by our tally, it will total at least $12,672. This final estimate should be quite accurate if not exact. Total project cost was $15,321.50. FFF’s $5,500 grant represents about 36% of the project total.

In the end, RVHPA completed all planned work with a $257 deficit.

Additional, Unplanned Work Required Immediately for Pilot Safety

The new launch has now been in use for one week and we have received a lot of feedback and have been able to see over 75 flat slope launches performed here–most good, some not as good. The margin for error is not very high and we have had one significant launch accident already. RVHPA has been very proactive on educating pilots about the changes in the launch style and ensuring that everyone knows how to properly set up and execute a flat slope launch here. It is currently the only way to safely launch here. We have posted signage on the launch, had mentors and instructors at the site over the weekend, and created a web page to brief pilots. Obviously, we cannot always be present to monitor the launch. We need to create an option for launching this world-class site that is not so demanding. We believe this can be done for $2500.

The Flat Slope Launch Problem

The problem is that flat slope launches are relatively uncommon, especially in our area, and pilots that are not well-practiced in flat slope launches  come here to fly. Because the natural slope of the mountainside is fairly low gradient here, there is not an excess vertical room off the lip of the launch to provide a comfortable margin for error. We cannot always have launch supervisors and instructors on hand as we did on the new launch’s opening weekend. Unfortunately, on the day before the grand opening weekend, a newer pilot unskilled in flat slope launching was the last to launch in light wind conditions and suffered broken ribs when he tumbled into the rocks below after a poorly executed launch. This incident is a red flag and we believe will not be the only such accident if we do not modify the new launch so that pilots can safely get off the hill without being required to execute a strong flat slope launch. Local paragliding instructor Kevin Lee assessed the new launch as a “high P3/P4″ launch. We need an intermediate level P3/H3 launch that is suited for P2/H2 pilots when under the guidance of an instructor or mentor.

The Solution: Re-contour a Portion of the New Launch

The solution is to modify a portion of the new launch so create a continuously sloping grade suited for run-down-the-hill style launching. To do this, we would bring in an additional eight dump truck loads of gravel and a bulldozer for contouring work. We would smooth the top of the new launch slope onto the old NW facing launch slope (where the old black cinders can still be seen in the photos). This would essentially recreate the old NW launch but it would be elevated several vertical feet above its former height, giving pilots more room to run and safely clear the shallow hillside than they had before the new launch was built. Pilots could launch NW without needing to perform a flat slope launch. This should create a portion of the launch that is suited for intermediate pilots and, when conditions are appropriate, for novice pilots with a mentor or instructor present.  We would not modify the remainder of launch, only the most commonly used NW facing portion. As such, launching other directions would still require flat slope launch technique.

The cost of this additional work is estimated at $2,500.

Time is Critical

Time is critical here: we need to create a continuously sloped launch before another inadequately skilled pilot gets hurt attempting a flat slope launch. There will be a lot of pilot traffic at The Whaleback now that the new launch is reopened. A cross country league meet is taking place in less than three weeks. Further, some of the heavy equipment needed to do this work is still located near the site and we can save a few hundreds dollars by calling it back ASAP rather than waiting until it has been hauled off to another job site elsewhere.

Photo & Photo Illustration of Proposed Work

Top photo: the new Whaleback launch at its NW face, showing the steep slope dropping off the flat slope to meet the old black launch slope below. Bottom photo: Rough photo illustration of a filled and re-contoured continuously sloped launch.

Additional Photos

The old Whaleback launch as it existed from 1994 to July 2011.

The newly completed Whaleback launch on its first day of use after construction, July 26, 2011. The new launch faces NW to SSW, allowing launching in a 90 degree window of wind direction. Due to site limitations and the extraordinary amount of boulders encountered, we were able to build this as a flat slope launch.

The new Whaleback launch on its first day of use after construction, July 27, 2011.

RVHPA completed Phase 2 of The Whaleback Site Improvement Project in July 2011. This phase completely reconstructed the launch to create a much larger launch area with a greater degree of options for wind directions, expand the parking area to accommodate six vehicles with a turnaround, and create a new sign kiosk. The new launch has 160 feet of launchable slope face that allows launching in NNW to SSW winds.

Remember to Evaluate Your Skills and Conditions

Please keep in mind that The Whaleback is an inland high desert flying site and that conditions can change rapidly and can be very strong and turbulent. Be sure your skills are up to the conditions you will encounter. If you are unsure, do not launch. The Whaleback is a minimum P3/H3 site and requires flat slope launch skills. All P2/H2 pilots are must fly with guidance of an experienced mentor and only when conditions are appropriate. Flying XC here is demanding and is recommended for experienced XC pilots only with a thorough briefing of the challenges of the XC routes. Read the site guide thoroughly before flying and get a site intro from an experienced pilot.

Parking at the New Whaleback Launch

The parking area has been expanded to fit six vehicles. Be sure to carpool efficiently to launch. Please park head-in at the designated parking area on the left when you arrive. Park tightly to create room for others. Please do not parallel park because this will greatly reduce available space for others. The wide area on the downhill side of the parking area is to be kept unobstructed as a vehicle turnaround. Please do not drive across the launch area and do not park in the layout area on the south end of the launch.

Launching the New Whaleback Launch

The new launch is quite different than the previous Whaleback launch and is different from most other launches in the area. In short, the launch is now a relatively flat slope with a fairly steep drop off at the lip and requires the skills and techniques of flat slope launching.  Paraglider pilots should lay out their wings well back from the lip of launch, kite their wing overhead, and when ready, run hard to ensure the wing is fully loaded before stepping off the lip. Flat slope launching requires that the wing be fully loaded and ready to fly prior to stepping off the flat slope and on to the drop off–the wing should fly off the top of the launch without the pilot running down the steep slope below. This is the proper and safe way to launch a paraglider at Whaleback.

Photo 1: Pilot Rick Ray preparing to launch the new Whaleback launch. Pilots should lay their wings out as shown on the flat slope toward the rear of the launch area.

Photo 2: Pilot Rick Ray kiting his wing overhead in preparation to launch. Notice his position on the flat portion of the launch with enough room to turn and run, fully loading the wing prior to reaching the lip and steep slope.

Photo 3: Pilot Rick Ray just off the new launch. Notice that he is airborne without needing to run down the launch slope. This was a successfully executed flat slope launch and exemplifies how paraglider pilots should be launching at The Whaleback.

Photo 4: Pilot Rick Ray flying away from the new Whaleback launch.

Panoramic View of the New Launch

Panoramic view of the new Whaleback launch, July 27, 2011.

Be Safe!

Have fun, be safe, and fly high.

Rancher and landowner Tim Hunter has specifically requested that no pilots land in any of the Hunter Ranch fields on these days due to sensitive cattle operations that require the free and uninterrupted use of all the ranch’s fields.

Please see the map below. All fields shown in red are closed to landing on April 19-21. This include the entire Hunter Ranch and the new adjacent Belau LZ.

Any pilot landing in these fields during the closure will face revocation of landing privileges in these fields for the remainder of 2011.

Use of the Hunter LZ is a critically sensitive issue at this time. Any violation of this simple request by the owners could have a disastrous impact on the continued use of the fields by all pilots.

LZ fields closed to landing on April 19, 20, and 21, 2011.

Starthistle Registration Fees for 2011

Already a member:
$30 Starthistle registration includes BBQ.

10 Day Membership:
$30 Starthistle registration includes BBQ.
$15 for 10 Day Visiting Pilot Membership.
$45 total.

1 Year Visitor Membership:
$30 Starthistle registration includes BBQ.
$30 for Visiting Pilot Annual Membership.
$60 total. (returning for Rat Race or to fly Woodrat again in 2011? get this Visiting Pilot Annual Membership and you are set!)

$10 for additional meals.
$20 t-shirts.

RVHPA
PO Box 1292
Medford, OR 97501

RVHPA Membership Form (PDF)

We will mail you your Woodrat Mountain site pass and site guide. Please allow 14 to 21 days to receive these materials. If you plan on flying at Woodrat Mountain sooner than that, please join in person at the Ruch Country Store, one mile southwest of the Woodrat LZ on Highway 238.

If this is an error, please return to the sign up page and re-enter your membership.

You can also join RVHPA in a few quick moments at the Ruch Country Store, one mile west of the Woodrat LZ on Highway 238 in Ruch, Oregon. You can sign up, pay, and leave the store with your Woodrat Mountain site pass and a printed site guide–no waiting for the site pass in the mail.

Please attach your Woodrat Mountain site pass to your gear bag or other visible location while you are at Woodrat.

Your Site Pass and Membership Materials Will Be Mailed

We will be sending you a Woodrat Mountain site pass and printed site guide.

Please allow at least 14 days to receive your membership materials in the mail. We’ll send them out to you as soon as we can but we’re pilots too and we might be out flying, so please be patient. Contact RVHPA if you have not received your membership materials within 21 days. If you end up coming to fly at Woodrat before receiving your site pass, please bring a printed copy of your payment confirmation email from PayPal.

Once you receive your membership packet, please be sure to write your name and USHPA number on the Woodrat Mountain site pass and attach the pass to your gear bag or other visible location while you are at Woodrat Mountain. Please read the site guide and be familiar with the site rules.

Join Us Online

You may also want to join RVHPA’s Yahoo! Group. This online forum is one of our club’s primary communication tools and is very useful for arranging folks to fly with, getting a site intro, asking a question, or just discussing flying in our area. We also have an RVHPA Facebook page where you can share photos and connect with other pilots.

Have Friends Who Need to Join?

If you have friends who will be joining RVHPA, let them know that they can join in a few quick moments at the Ruch Country Store, one mile west of the Woodrat LZ on Highway 238 in Ruch, Oregon. They will be able to sign up, pay, and leave the store with their Woodrat Mountain site pass and a printed site guide–no waiting for the site pass in the mail. Temporary 7 Day Memberships are also available at the Ruch Country Store.

Welcome!

Thanks for joining and welcome to the club,
RVHPA club officers & members