Haeckel Hill is one the most accessible and popular flying sites in Whitehorse. Cross-Country flights in excess of 100 km have been made from here. In Spring 2015, AYPH received funding from Lotteries Yukon to redevelop the launch. We contoured the slope, and brought in top soil and sod. The result is amazing! This project could only have been possible with support from Lotteries Yukon, Sodbusters “The Sod Farm”, Yukon Energy, City of Whitehorse and our tireless volunteers: AYPH pilots, family and friends.
The launch prior to the work being done
The launch before the work was done. Note the dips, and brush in the way.
Efforts were made to use home equipment to clear some of the buck-brush
Haeckel Hill was used for a Canadian TV Series – Canada Over the Edge – with one episode featuring paragliding.
The AYPH club invested in a handheld brush-cutter. This however left stems with spikes behind which caught on lines.
Yukon College was able to offer a chain-saw course at Haeckel Hill. The instructor is also a paragliding pilot.
Members of the AYPH came to help with the clean-up of the cleared area at the Haeckel Hill Landing Zone.
Attempts were made to improve the launch using lawnmowers.
This damage was made to the landing zone by someone getting stuck with their 4×4. This was the impetus to starting the improvement project.
The landing zone with the damage done by a 4×4 and some heavy equipment. This led to the proposal to improve the safety of the site.
The landing zone with the damage done by a 4×4 and some heavy equipment. This led to the proposal to improve the safety of the site.
The launch prior to the work being done. Notice the brush and dips in terrain.
Attempts were made to improve the launch using lawnmowers and brush cutters.
Attempts were made to improve the launch using lawnmowers and brush cutters.
A Sod test – a year before we went with complete Sod covering.
Doing a sod test
Coates Contracting contouring the launch with the D4.
Coates Contracting contouring the launch with the D4.
Launch following the contouring done by Coates Contracting.
Coates Contracting contouring the launch with the D4.
AYPH President consulting with dozer operator.
Seeding the launch after the topsoil had been spread by Coates Contracting.
The new access which allows access to the launch without driving on it.
The repaired landing zone. Easy work for a Dozer.
The landing zone
Loading up with Sod at Sodbusters Sod Farm.
Loading up with Sod at Sodbusters Sod Farm.
Loading up with Sod at Sodbusters Sod Farm.
Ray from Sodbusters giving advice on laying sod.
Laying Sod
Laying Sod
Checking the new sod
Laying Sod in the rain.
Laying Sod in the rain.
Laying Sod in the rain.
Laying Sod
Ray from Sodbusters giving the Sod some fertilizer.
Laying Sod
Enjoying the new launch
Laying sod in progress
Celebrating the new launch
The new launch. Notice the contrast between the land on the left and the sod on the right.
This paragliding site falls within controlled airspace. It is mandatory to contact the airport control tower prior to launching. State number of pilots, maximum altitude and duration of flying.
Airport Control Tower
• tower Freq. 118.3 Phone: 867-667-8426
Site Requirements
• Current HPAC membership (HPAC.ca)
Cross Country Requirements:
• HAGAR certification
• Air-band radio
Haeckel Hill Map
Special Thanks to the persons, companies and organizations that have made this project possible.
