SAFA Skysailor Magazine

17 September | October 2023 SKY SAILOR When to fly Weather permitting, Mystic Hill can be flown at any time of year. Under the right conditions the breeze will begin to ‘come up the face’ from as early as 8am. From mid-spring onwards, thermals can be strong and rough in the middle of the day (between 12 and 3pm), making it safer and more enjoyable to launch in the morning or later in the afternoon. Many excellent XC flight have been achieved after launching as late as 5:30pm and ‘twilight sleddies’ are a popular way to close the day. By March, the conditions have usually mellowed, offering good launch and thermalling con- ditions throughout the day. A weather station is located on launch which can be used as guidance for when the site is flyable. Readings can be viewed at http:// freeflightwx.com/mystic/1hour.php . Access and launch The launch area carpark may be accessed via the Mystic Lane boom-gate and a 15-minute drive up through the Mystic MTB Park (2WD friendly). To drive within the Park, a driver must have completed the Mystic Park Driver Induction which then allows access through the boomgate. Details on how to complete the induction can be found on the NEVHGC website and by enquiring with the club. The alternative is to join other pilots car-pooling at the LZ. You may also enter Mystic Park on foot for the purpose of hike-&-fly and there is a popular (one hour-ish) walking track up Emily Spur from the LZ. Located adjacent to the launch carpark, the launch itself comprises a 60m wide artificial grass surface in a wide slot between the trees. In the right conditions, it is among the safest launches in the region, offering opportunities for pilots of all levels to develop their skills. The site is rated as PG4/HG Intermediate. PG2 and PG3 may fly if supervised by PG4, and HG Sup may fly if supervised by HG Intermediate. If you are flying here for the first time, it is advised you seek a brief from a site-ex- perienced pilot. On flyable days, pilots will usually gather at the LZ from early morning to organise ride-shares, supervision for low-hour pilots, and make plans for the day. Newcomers are always welcome to introduce themselves and will likely be able to learn something of what the site can offer. Specifically, the landing paddock cannot be seen from launch, so it is a good idea to survey the landing paddock first and then, on the drive up, stop as you round Huggins Lookout from where you can see both launch and landing. Club members are active on social media to organise the flying. Visitors are welcome to join a Telegram chat group by following the link in the club website. Flight The site offers calm sleddies from first thing in the morning, with a straight-forward glide Photos: Courtesy Roger Turner Spotlight on flying sites – Mystic, Bright, Victoria