It is a low coastal site at 270' ASL and one of many headlands that interrupt the endless string of sandy beaches along the eastern seaboard. It has a low topography varying between sheer cliff, shallow slope, cusp shaped bowls and level beach. The skill requirements to fly this site start at the student level and so it is here where many solo flights over past years have ushered-in several generations of pilots. I learnt to fly at Merewether under the tuition of a brilliant instructor. Since then my teacher has largely been the explorations and gradual understanding of this site's diverse character.
The Speed Run: approach over the tree canopy and match the descending gradient of the track leading to launch.
The down slope to launch maintains the speed as you fly over the take-off and out into open airspace as the hill drops away..
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Top landing at Merewether is a skill never perfected. During identical conditions successive approaches will feel different. The LZ is small with a shallow down slope, the back corner is in wind shadow and there is some turbulence at the edges. As little as a few degrees change in wind direction transforms everything into a completely different ball game. A lot of hardware and some body parts have succummed to its nuances when the site is not treated with respect and caution. A healthy regard for the site will keep you in the minority.
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Often it is safer to run-out the landing rather than tempt fate by slowing down with the nose-high during the flare.
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Merewether is a complete site that nutures all levels of skill from student through to the advanced.
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