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Dunlap is now open for PG flying again! The launch and landing areas are managed by the Dunlap Flight Club, administered by Russ and Connie Locke. There is a required $20 per year fee to cover the insurance for the launch and landing areas. To become a member please call or email them at: (559) 338 2621 (home)
559-341-2222 (Connie cell)
559-392-5567 (Russ cell)
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Note: Even if you have flown earlier in the year and paid your club dues, please be sure to let Connie know EVERY TIME you fly Dunlap. She is keeping statistics to help promote the sport in the valley and open new landing areas. We need to do everything we can to help her keep Dunlap open to free flight.
They have started putting together a website: http://dunlapflightpark.org.
Dunlap is flyable all year, and is soarable spring through fall. The launch is at 4600 MSL and the altitude difference is over 2000 feet. A high steep face looks southwest to the Dunlap valley, which in turn is bordered on the west by a range of low hills. Short cross-country flights, out-and-backs, triangles and rectangles are easily accessible within the valley. Longer cross-country flights are possible but are rare and challenging due to headwinds and weak lift in the hills to the southwest. Still, the longest are to the south or southwest, to the edge and along the San Joaquin valley, between 35 and 45 miles. Some have also gone northwest to Wonder Valley. The conditions in midsummer can be strong and violent, with turbulent conditions on launch and in the landing areas. You must use all appropriate safety gear, including helmet and reserve parachute. You must be an active USHGA member with Hang- or Para-3 rating. House thermals can be found in various places along the ridge, especially the spine just to the right of launch. Other hot spots are Delilah, about 1.5 miles north; and Granny’s Knob, directly across the valley from launch. Granny’s is in the lee of prevailing winds and can be dangerous in mid-day, mid-summer conditions. DirectionsDunlap is between three and four hours drive from the Bay Area. In the town of Fresno, CA, take the Jensen Avenue exit and turn east. Just before the town of Sanger, turn left on Bethel. Turn right on Highway 180 and continue eastward, past Squaw Valley and Clingan’s Junction. Turn right on Dunlap Road and continue to the town of Dunlap. The School is on the right, just before Millwood Rd, and is a good meeting place. Detailed directions. LaunchPlease arrange for a site introduction by a person knowledgeable with the area. You can find the Dunlap launch by following Millwood Road in Dunlap east, crossing Hwy 180, and following the signs toward Delilah Lookout. The coordinates are: N 36 45' 55.0" W 119 05' 54.4" The following rules are strictly enforced - failure to comply will close the site! - Smoking is not allowed at the launch or set up areas.
- No foul language at the launch or set up areas.
- No consumption of alcohol at the launch or set up areas.
Landing AreasPlease arrange for a site introduction by a person knowledgeable with the area. Russ and Connie have only recently acquired permission for the landing areas, so they remain sensitive and probationary. The primary LZ is the school, but only if there are no children present. While the soccer field is attractively green and level, it's also lower than the surrounding terrain so has greater potential for rotors. It is OK to put a windsock up in the field (usually it's placed somewhat near the playground), but be sure to remove it before you leave. If there are children at the school, the alternate LZ is by the construction yard (behind Memories Inn). It is also slightly closer to launch, so a good bailout if you won't make the school. Note that the terrain is uneven, sloped, and there are power lines along the side (as there are for most of the fields in the Dunlap valley). Also, there is a line of fenceposts through the LZ, although as of May 2006 there was no fence - only the posts.
If you land anywhere else within the Dunlap valley, please exit to the nearest road as soon as possible. Use a gate where possible, and crawl underneath a fence rather than climb over to avoid damage to the fence. You may land at the Dome only in the event of an emergency. Visual overview of LZs Where NOT to LandIf you have the option to land in the designated areas, please do so. Under no circumstances should you land at Dan Fleming’s property, the area previously known as the flight park, without his prior consent. If you find yourself low at last-chance hill (southeast of the flight park), Russ and Connie prefer that you land to the south of the hill. There are many fields in the valley which look like perfect LZs - assume that none of these are OK to land in unless Connie has told you otherwise. Other RulesPilots must use all appropriate safety gear, including helmet and reserve parachute.
Pilots must be active USHGA members with Hang- or Para-3 rating.
Pilots must comply with any rules on the landing area posted by the owner of the designated landing area. Pilots are responsible to ensure that people who come to launch with them also obey these rules. Infractions by friends, family, drivers, etc., of pilots will be dealt with as though the pilot was guilty of the infraction. Infractions to these rules may cause the pilot’s flying privileges to be revoked. CampingThere is an improved campground (tents and cabins) up on the ridge near launch called The Sequoia Highlands. Contact Bonnie or Pauline for more info: (559)336-9425
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