Fairmont Resort

Overview: Fairmont Resort is the scene of many client-funded events. Parking is available on the back oval, but call ahead because it is often used for archery, which could lead to embarassing consequences.

Getting there: It's just south-east of Leura in the Blue Mountains, marked by the circle in the centre of the map. (Yes, that is an NRMA map...)

The most scenic approach is to come up the Jameson valley. Watch out for Richmond control zone to the north.

Finding it: Here's the Fairmont from the south. The resort is in the centre of the photograph, the most noticeable feature being the golf course. The easy way to find the resort is to look for a golf course running north-west/south east near the edge of the cliffs.

Cliffs & Slopes: The cliffs and slopes can be tricky. This view from the west shows how the land rolls off significantly before it gets to the cliff. No, this picture has not been stretched; the cliffs really are that steep!

Recon: The golf course is snaking north-west/south-east. The helicopter landing site is the field immediately to the west of the golf course. In the photograph, the landing site is just above the altimeter.

Landing site: Here's the helicopter landing site. On the left is a climbing/abseiling park which consists of telegraph poles, cables and ropes. There are also some poles on the approach path but were not cabled up on this occasion. So watch out!

Approach: Remember the way the land slopes off before the cliff. This approach turned out to be too high.

Landing: The landing site is grass, but watch out for the slopes and a kids' playground underneath the tree on the right hand side of the photograph.

Parking: Park wherever you can find a flat spot, but try to keep room for other helicopters to land. The restaurant is just behind the helicopter from this angle. For more details about the resort, see the Peppers Web Site.

Takeoff: If there's a hot wind from the north, you'll have an uphill takeoff, buildings in the way,and limited power. We used the entire length of the field and followed the curve around the buildings. If you are lucky, the staff come out and wave you goodbye from the balcony under the gabled roof. (Just above the right hand side of the instrument panel.)

Going home: The trip home is spectacular. Please observe the Blue Mountains Fly Neighbourly Zone.