Slope Flying Site

Description

The slope site is above the Spokane River.  It is not an official AMA site, but the property owner graciously allows us to use it.

If the wind is blowing from the West or Southwest at a good clip (10 mph or above) there is a good chance there will be someone up there around noon, most weekend days.  Come join us.

Directions

The quickest way to the slope is to take Argonne to Upriver Drive.  Turn east and proceed past the Hutton Settlement which will be on your left.  Just past it, Upriver Drive bends to the right and another road forks a little to the left and then goes straight up the hill toward the Arbor Crest Winery. Take that road.  It curves around to the top of the hill with the entry to the winery on the right.  Don't turn in there, continue on the main road another 150 yards.  On the left side of the road is a field with a well-worn path leading out over the crest of the hill.  Follow that out to the flying site.  It is about 150 yards from the road.  Expect to carry everything you'll need out to the flying site with you.  You won't want to walk back and forth too many times.

Flying Conditions

The site works when the wind is from the West to Southwest.  Floater gliders like Gentle ladies and HLG's can be flown with the wind blowing 3-5mph.  Wider wing span gliders and light foamies like Zagis can be flown at 5-10 mph.  Combat foamies and faster gliders like Sparrows or Fun-ones can be flown 10-15.  A brick can be flown at wind speeds above that and I think Steve Adams has done that.

Hazards

There is a large tree to the left of the main part of the slope that will grab your plane, but it's hard not to notice it.

Occasionally a full scale airplane will make an approach to Felts Field fairly closely over the hill.  As always, get out of the way of any full scale airplane.  It doesn't matter how, just do it.

Landing Zone

The landing area is at the top of the hill, or to the right (north) of where most flyers stand to fly.  The landing area has prairie grass and very small bushes with the occasional rock.  Actually a pretty nice landing area.  Scale planes can easily land there without damage.

Special Precautions

DO NOT SMOKE ON THE SITE!!!  We are guests on the site because we have not torn it up, burned it up, trashed it up or crashed into a farm house further to the north of the site.  If another person is out there who is smoking, PLEASE ask them not to do that.  Park as far off the road as possible.

[Ed. Note: The descriptions above were provided by Curt Nead.  Thanks, Curt]

This page was last changed on April 28, 2010