Heavener

Revision Date: Jan 4, 2024

Launch & LZ info Southwest & South Southeast

The south southeast launch is CLOSED until further notice (new landowner requested closure)

Audra Gately ready to go!

Notes – general

Best known for a cryptic stone found outside the city, Heavener was home to the 1977 National Hang Gliding Meet.  The stone is located in the Heavener Runestone Park and is believed to have its origins from the early Vikings who traveled to this area.  The Heavener flying sites were developed early in the 70's by Bruce & Roy Mahoney and other hang gliding pilots.  We are very thankful for the fruits of their difficult and tireless work to make them available to the ultralight community.

Heavener has two grassy slope launches which are located on private land (non-tribal) that is along the ridge above Heavener and face primarily SW and SSE.

Visitors will need to contact the site coordinator, Britton Shaw, for detailed information on accessing this site.  Hang gliding and paragliding pilots must pass through the park when traveling to launch.  Following the speed limit signs through the park is imperative!  A steep ascent over a jutting rock formation must be made after leaving the park. Before and after reaching the second gate a significant patch of clay must be crossed.  In or after rainy weather a 4 wheel drive vehicle may be required to get to the launches.  Both launches offer thermal flying and ridge soaring opportunities.  The southwest launch is positioned on a mile long ridge and the south facing ridge extends 5 miles east of the launch.

If there are plans to have anything or anyone present at the launch areas after dark, notify the Park Manger: Amanda Garcia (918) 983-2013.  The Park closes at dark and you will not be able to get in or out.

Southwest launch

34.8923  -94.5738    Heavener, Oklahoma

All pilots must read: Additional requirements for Oklahoma sites

Notes – Southwest launch

Please note that there is no shade at launch.  Be prepared!  Summer days can be very hot.

PG

Launching when wind is crossing at stronger velocity from the northwest, rotor is created at the headwall.   It is not uncommon for pilots to fail to reach the headwall and be forced down into the trees.

HG

This launch offers the best roll-off launch BMF has to offer. When launching in stronger winds it is recommended that HG pilots move further down the hill as two to four steps may be all that is required to get airborne.

Southwest launch

Southwest LZ

34.8901  -94.5857    Heavener, Oklahoma

Notes  – Southwest LZ

Visitors will need to contact the site coordinator, Britton Shaw, for detailed information on accessing the LZ which is on private property behind a locked gate.

PG

Pilots need to be on the lookout for cows and manure pies in the LZ when setting up to land.  Remember: it is better to hit a pie square than spin your paraglider 20' from the ground.  Many pilots have been seriously injured avoiding obstacles in the LZ that, otherwise, might have resulted in a minor bruise or cut.

HG

The Southwest LZ is a cattle pasture as mentioned above. Cattle are not the only obstacle one may encounter when entering the field.  Tall grass may be present, scattered trees, and a barb wire fence traversing the western boundary of the field.  Newer pilots making a southwest final will need to lower their altitude to just above the trees on the northeast corner of the field.

Southwest LZ

South Southeast launch (CLOSED until further notice per new landowner request)

34.8838  -94.5597    Heavener, OK

All pilots must read: Additional requirements for Oklahoma sites

Notes – South Southeast launch

Britton Shaw and others have noted the presence of wave rotor from the Kiamichi, Rich, & Black Fork Mountains.  When winds aloft are high this rotor and accompanying turbulence can collapse a paraglider.  If the pilot is near the ground, he could be in trouble.  When soaring the ridge, pilots must always be alert to unexplained turbulence and an increase in wind velocity.  If so, land immediately.

PG

Do not attempt to fly from the Southwest launch to the South Southeast launch along the ridge unless you stay above the ridge.  Pilots have gone into the trees because there are no LZ's available between the 2 launch sites.

HG

Good slope launch skills are required.  The main landing field slopes to the south and is not the best place to land a hang glider.  Pilots should explore the landing zones before attempting to launch here.

South Southeast launch

Soaring along east of launch along the ridge

South Southeast LZ

34.8730  -94.5554    Heavener, OK

Notes – South Southeast LZ

Visitors will need to contact the site coordinator, Britton Shaw, for detailed information on accessing the LZ which is on private property behind a locked gate (needs to be verified).  The nearest public road is Hwy 128.

The LZ is surrounded by barbwire fencing that can be difficult to see until the last moment.

PG

[none]

HG

Hang gliders will not be able to reach the southwest LZ  from the southeast launch unless positive altitude can be achieved before flying in that direction.  An alternate landing field is located southwest of the main LZ and can be located at the following coordinates: 34.8745°, -94.5747°.  Hang glider pilots are advised to visit the southeast LZ  before flying.

View of LZ from near launch