02/11/12

Hwy 9 is our best towing area in the region.  We have the tacit approval of the New Mexico State Police to use the highway.  We must simply stay out of the way of motorists and behave ourselves.  The US Border Patrol generates the most traffic -- and we provide them endless entertainment!

The highway has an east-west straight run of over 15 miles with no obstructions in any direction.  The actual road is much longer -- over 55 miles -- but we don't need it.  It is easy for pilots to launch in modest crosswinds of up to 30 degrees, if necessary.   The prevailing winds in the summer are mostly east and WSW the rest of the year.  Pilots need to keep an eye on the barbed wire fence that parallels the highway on both sides and not land on it.  There are so few cars on the highway that it is always safest to land right in the middle of the road.  If you go cross country, try to stay near roads so as to minimize a possible hike through the desert.

Ace pilot, Lee Boone, setting up near the Border Patrol HQ.  Lee disappeared in the sky a short time later.  He thermalled away - going 20 miles northwest.  Ground crew had to chase his backside a long way...

Lee's skill at kiting is evident here -- perfect control on the ground means SAFETY in the air.

Pilots can tow up to about 10,000' MSL and set out cross-country in any direction but south.  (The US - Mexico border is a couple of miles south of the highway.  Landing there means a LONG hike out -- to the nearest border checkpoint with all of your gear....)  Most pilots should be able to hook thermals at 1,000' AGL but it's fun to have multiple tries by going higher.  Thermals will pop off the road continuously during the day but the really big ones happen every 15 -20 minutes or so.

The Border Patrol HQ is a safe and convenient place to park for visitors and pilots.  Tows are $25 each.  A year pass is $300.  Directions are below.  It is about 8.5 miles from exit 8 on I-10 to NM Highway 9 (the Columbus Highway).

Below is a blown-up image of the lower left of the above image.