Coopers ('Thermal Rise')

Coopers, also known as 'Thermal Rise', is one of the most popular flying sites in British Columbia — a large, rounded, grassy mountain launch above the Freedom Flight Park LZ near Lumby, east of Vernon. Elevation is around 3,450 ft ASL; launch orientations cover E, NE, SE and S, and the site works as ridge, thermal and training. Every visiting pilot must first stop at Freedom Flight Park to sign the Lumby Air Force Waiver — you're then given directions to launch. All pilots need at least 10 hours of airtime and 20 foot-launches (or fly under a certified instructor's supervision) before flying Coopers.

Launch & conditions

Elevation 3,450 ft ASL. Launches E, NE, SE and S — large rounded grassy clearing overlooking the Freedom Flight Park LZ. Suitable for hang gliders and paragliders; ridge, thermal and training use.

Getting there & local rules

20 minutes east of Vernon on Highway 6. Turn north at the main intersection in Lumby and drive 2 km north to Freedom Flight Park. Stop there to sign the Lumby Air Force Waiver — you'll be given directions to launch. Landing: Freedom Flight Park LZ, elevation 1,635 ft ASL.

Local rules & hazards

Pilots need a minimum of 10 hours airtime and 20 foot-launches, or be under a certified instructor's supervision. Sign the club waiver at Freedom Flight Park before you fly. Absolutely no commercial use of the site without written club authorisation. Site sits inside CYA 122(A)(H) special-use airspace (ceiling 6,200 ft ASL) — above 6,200 ft, be aware of commercial jets on fuel-saving GPS approaches into Kelowna (Canada's 10th busiest airport) potentially arriving from a long way out. File your HAGAR notification and weather briefing before flying. Aircraft radio 123.4 MHz, club 145.500 MHz.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Coopers ('Thermal Rise'), read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Coopers ('Thermal Rise') with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.