Life at the Field
Identifier 0E0
CTAF 122.9

Please become familiar with our procedures and rules (see below) when flying one of the Sundance Aviation aircraft.

You can find detailed information about the airport (including latitude and longitude and phone numbers etc.) at AIRNAV.COM

View a segment of the SECTIONAL CHART.

Because of the large number of gliders at the field we request that you assemble your glider at the west ramp and then tow it to the east ramp for launch. Please, no trailers on the east ramp.

Basic Operations

Moriarty currently has a single lighted runway 7200 feet in length. The runway designations are 26 and 08, with the prevailing Westerly winds making 26 the most commonly used. Normal traffic is left-handed for both runways. Figure 1 shows the two tall white cylindrical water towers which are located South of the field and serve as an initial point for most pilots. From there traffic usually proceeds toward mid-field, and turns east, downwind parallel to the runway. Be aware that gliders often make UNUSUAL patterns depending on conditions. It is perfectly acceptable to make mid-field crosswind legs.

The Moriarty airport pattern entry initial point is often the two towers.

After turning base to final, they land and roll to a stop near the turnout at intersection D. If a strong East wind is present instead of the usual West wind, then runway 08 is used. The presence of a strong North or South cross wind is uncommon, and would require an alternate landing plan based upon conditions at the time. If you are acting as Pilot in Command you are responsible for determining the best and safest approaches and landing patterns. The maps and pattern information are merely provided here for general familiarization. Please obtain an aeronautical chart of the area before you fly. To view a segment of the Sectional Chart click HERE.

Most aerotow flights begin at intersection D located in front of our facility. Normally tow pilots will fly Westerly (on West wind days) and make a gentle left-handed loop around the airport. Pilots normally release above 1200 feet AGL, in good lift, and within gliding distance of the traffic pattern entry on the South side of the field. We do not recommend releasing below this altitude, except in an emergency situation.

Renting an Aircraft as the Pilot in Command

Here are a few things to consider, when you come to rent a glider with us. We want you to have a safe, fun soaring experience. Sundance Aviation reserves the right to refuse to rent to customers at our sole discretion.

1. In order to rent one of our aircraft as pilot in command you must have a current FAA pilot certificate with glider rating, and a current biennial flight review signed off in your log book. You must have both your log book and certificate on your person, along with a signed copy of this form when you come to fly with us.
2. If you have not flown before with us, we will require that you complete checkout with a Sundance Aviation flight instructor. The number of flights required depends on the judgment of the instructor. After successful checkout, the instructor will sign your logbook authorizing you to fly as pilot in command of one of our aircraft. You will also need to fill out our renter’s agreement and sign it, before flying. If you would like, please request an extra long check ride. This gives you time to become more familiar with the area, and your instructor can show you the sites, make suggestions for where to prospect for thermals and wave.
3. The pilot in command is responsible for the safety of the aircraft from the time he or she checks it out until the time he or she ties it securely down, or else returns it to the hangar and puts it away. Never leave one of our aircraft unattended, as you are responsible for it.
4. The airport frequency is 122.9. If your aircraft is equipped with a radio, then you are requested to use it. If you rent a glider without a built in radio, please check with the office to obtain a loaner handheld transceiver, or bring your own.
5. Please note that this field is shared with power traffic, and on weekends glider traffic can be substantial.
6. The pilot in command is responsible to know and abide by all applicable FARs pertinent to his or her activities.
7. If you would like to fly to an altitude higher than 17,999 feet AMSL, please follow the FAA altitude-window request procedures and obtain FAA approval in advance of your flight. Otherwise, do not exceed the legal altitude limit.
8. Moriarty, NM is located at 6200 feet above sea level. Know your own limitations and do not fly higher than your physiology safely permits, even if it is legal.
9. Some of our aircraft have oxygen system on board. If you require oxygen for your flight, please let us know 24 hours in advance.
10. Please do not land on the taxiways as a matter of convenience. These taxiways may be used, if they are clear and if the main runway is not available due to other traffic.
11. You must always have your logbook and pilots license in your possession, and be prepared to present them each time before flying.
12. As pilot in command, you are responsible for the safety of the aircraft. You must complete a thorough pre-flight check of the aircraft prior to moving it. If you have any questions about the aircraft, get them answered before you fly. One of our staff will be pleased to assist you in a preflight positive control check upon the aircraft.