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theodoresoegiharto

Gondola flying deep dive

Updated: Oct 28

A recording of a club talk from Jean Brossard and Ross Groom about their many years of experience flying at the Gondola & in and around the Heathcote Valley.


Topics discussed:

  • The Gondi site for newbies

  • What to be aware of when flying there

  • When is the best time to go

  • Why we should go to the better (often neglected) nearby sites.


This chat was mainly aimed at the newer lower airtime pilot looking to fly a paraglider in thermals.

The presentation clarified and debunked some of the stigma that is often associated with flying these sites.


Other high level talking points include:

  • Topology and "beta" for flying the Gondola in various conditions

  • Safety and being considerate of the Gondola infrastructure

  • Alternative and historical sites around the port hills

  • Affects on the Heathcote Valley when the wind direction changes or strengthens

  • XC opportunities that can start at the Gondola


Hopefully it'll give you some more insights to fly these amazing locations safely.


This talk was given to members of the Canterbury Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club (CHGPC) on 24 October 2024.





Diagrams displayed during the presentation:


High level view of the area

Zoomed in section of the immediate Gondola take-off

The effects of a Westerly on the Gondola site

Alternate sites to the west of the Gondola

Affects of the increasing NE in the valley


Alternate landing opportunities as the NE increases

















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