Missoula Hang Gliders Get OK to Fly from Mt. Sentinel

By Jessica Mayrer, 6-28-07

Missoula hang gliders are celebrating University of Montana president George Dennison’s decision to lift a ban that kept them from launching off Mount Sentinel since last fall. 

The gliders, a trademark sight over Missoula for more than 30 years, plan to hit the skies early next week, said Karl Hallman, safety officer for the Missoula Hang Glider’s Association.

“That was a cool deal,” Hallman said. “I was quite surprised.”

UM and the Forest Service pulled the plug on hang gliding from Mount Sentinel after two close calls between commercial airliners and gliders triggered safety concerns from Missoula Air Traffic Control.  Gliders greeted the ban angrily, and locals voiced unhappiness over losing the familiar sight. 

Because the university owns the land on top of Mount Sentinel the gliders use for takeoff, UM was concerned over financial liability if an accident were to take place, Hallman said.  But UM evaluated the situation and found no financial responsibility on their part.

The Forest Service is now taking a cue from the university and opening the Crazy Canyon Road to gliders for the first time since last year.  The flyers now have the green light for takeoff. 

Each member of the United States Hang Gliding Association carries a one million dollar insurance policy, and they are now adding coverage to sooth UM’s fears, Hallman said.

Lisa Tate, regional Director of the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association says the public’s response and Dennison’s decision reflects the intelligence of the Missoula community.

“I am extremely pleased with the university’s decision,” Tate said.  “I really want to commend the university for continuing to support hang gliding.”

The gliders will work with Missoula Air Traffic Control to ensure continued safety and build a better relationship, Tate says, citing core hang gliding values of personal responsibility and safety.

Officials at the air traffic control tower nor at the tower’s parent company were available for comment Thursday.

“It’s very important for the hang gliding community to work with the tower,” Tate said.

To celebrate, the gliders hope to hold a flying festival this fall. The festival will include competitions, and Hallman says proceeds from the event will be donated to charity.

“We’re back on the hill and yee ha,” Hallman said.