Helicopter Hill
Blue
Credit: Michal Klajban
Basic Details
Takeoff GPS 43°08'27.1"S 171°43'45.6"E
Takeoff Altitude: 1256m
Landing GPS 43°08'35.1"S 171°44'25.9"E
Landing Zone altitude: 829m
The Hike
Distance / vertical gain: 5-6km / 450m elevation gain
Access: "Luge track" (Steeper, shorter): Turn off SH73 onto the Craigieburn Ski Field access road. Approximately 1 km from SH73 on the ski field access road you will see a walking track starting from here. There is enough room for 2-3 vehicles to park on the side of the track.
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or "Mistletoe track" (longer, nice steady hike): Park at Craigieburn Campsite (turnoff just prior to ski-field). Lots of parking and toilet.
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Follow either walking track to Lyndon Saddle then take the junction up to Helicopter Hill.
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The Takeoff
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Large flat tussock area at top for set-up.
​​Launch direction:
Once at the top of the hill take-off is NE through E to S facing. There is plenty of room.
The Flight
Helicopter Hill is an old site that was used before it became easier to access Cheeseman. Helicopter Hill is a thermic site (you can get thermals triggering from take-off). If you manage to thermal up from Helicopter Hill the flying advice is the same as for Cheeseman.
Be careful not to dive off on a glide towards Lake Pearson if you are low. SH73 passes through a gorge and there are no landing options.