Divis is a UHPC members-only site. The site is owned by National Trust and the UHPC has been granted access for paragliding as a licensed activity. The licence is applicable only to UHPC members.
Located within Belfast TMA Class D restricted airspace, Divis is an easterly-facing ridge site offering beautiful views across Belfast and, on clear days, to the distant Mournes. Flying for UHPC members is restricted to ridge soaring within the designated area, with no cross-country flights permitted beyond the boundaries. Launch is at 1000ft above sea level.
Location: Irish Grid Reference J281755
Wind Directions: East, 040 – 120 degrees (optimal at 100)
Suitable for: Hang gliding and paragliding
Pilot Rating: BHPA Pilot qualification with a minimum of 50 hours of flying experience
Airspace: Class D from the surface. The site is entirely within Belfast TMA Class D restricted airspace. Flying is only allowed when ‘Divis – Designated Area 5’ is activated to 2000ft by UHPC members, following procedures in the Letter of Agreement.
Access Information
- Road Access: Access via Lyle Hill in Newtownabbey or the B38 from Belfast. From the parking area, it is a 3km walk to the launch.
- Parking: Use the designated car park across from the access road.
Site Access
- Path to Launch: Walk towards the masts. A few hundred meters before reaching the first mast, take the black plastic path on the right to reach the launch areas.
Site Rules and Requirements
- National Trust Requirements:
- UHPC members must notify the National Trust, ideally the day before flying is to take place, on 02890825434 or belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk. As a courtesy, call in at the HQ/Cafe on the way up to let them now you are on site.
- UHPC Airspace Activation: UHPC members must activate ‘Divis – Designated Area 5’ to 2000ft by following the procedures outlined in the Letter of Agreement. Refer to the Designated Areas Map for specific boundaries.
Hazards
- Pylons and Power Cables: The front of the site is ringed by pylons with power lines, and there are no suitable bottom landing areas directly below launch.
- Slope Landing: In case of an emergency, slope landing on the hill may be possible, but the ground is uneven.
- Masts Behind Launch: Two large masts are located behind the launch area. While they should not pose a direct issue, keep them in mind as part of the site’s hazards.
- Qualification Restrictions: Due to the site’s hazards and airspace restrictions, only qualified pilots are permitted, and coordination with ATC is required.
Launch and Landing Zones
- Launch: The launch area is smooth and rounded, typically presenting no challenges for takeoff.
- Bottom Landing Zone: There are no suitable bottom landing options.
- Top Landing Zone: The top landing area is located behind the launch site.
Air Traffic Control Restrictions
- Restricted Airspace: The site is entirely within Belfast TMA Class D restricted airspace. Flying is only permitted when ‘Divis – Designated Area 5’ is activated to 2000ft by UHPC members. Follow the procedure in the Letter of Agreement, and refer to the Designated Areas Map for specific boundaries.
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