02/11/12

Rated H/P2 depending on the particular launch site used. Soaring a maar is one of the world's best adventures as a maar can be flown with winds from most any direction. The bottom of the maar always has lighter winds so the LZ is a safe bailout in case of high winds at the rim. Getting blown over the back of the rim is not an issue except that pilots may get their gliders tangled in a mesquite bush.  The LZ is a 1/4 square mile grassy/weed area that is free of obstacles.

For directions to this site, go here. To learn all about what a maar is, go here.  Kilbourne Hole is one of just a few places in the world where the mineral Green Peridot (an olivine crystal) can be found.

Flyable with winds from the southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest but best from the southwest or west.  A PG or HG pilot with tremendous courage could launch from the west southwest rim of the maar but there would be a lot of turbulence right behind launch because the cliff is very sharp there.

Below, soaring high above the east rim of the maar.  The LZ is just visible to the left.

View of the east launch site from near the LZ (good for south, southwest, west, and northwest winds)

The east launch (in photo above) is the best because 1.) It is the highest part of the rim with the most lift and 2.) The prevailing winds are from the SW most of the year. The LZ is huge and clear to the west. This launch is good with winds from the southwest to the northwest.  It can even be flown with winds from the south but the soaring range is only about 75 yd. -- a good challenge as the pilot must be constantly turning back and fourth.  Vertical from launch to LZ is about 500'.  Top landing is possible anywhere around the rim as it is clear of obstacles and rotor.  This launch can be easily flown by P2's as it is the closest to the LZ and an easy sled ride.  The safest turn is to the right as it puts the LZ closer in case conditions are very weak.  Other launch sites around the rim (depending on wind direction) require more skill and are rated H/P2-3 with an instructor present.

Lee Boone kiting the Edel Saber wing at the east launch -- good kiters are always good pilots.  Learn how to kite well!

Pilots should stay back near the top of the rim which is the area of maximum lift.  If winds are less than 9 mph, plan on doing a sled ride as there is not enough lift to keep a pilot up.  Pilots do not want to land at the base of the rim (just above the basalt cliff) as there are boulders everywhere.  With moderate winds, it should be no problem to stay 100' over launch.  Winds of 14+ will take the pilot to at least 200' over launch.  It is a breathtaking to soar a maar as a pilot can safely explore the limits of the lift in either direction.  If you do this, be prepared to top land at any time as a 180 degree turn in the other direction may cause you to sink out if conditions are weak.

Instructor Had Robinson soaring Kilbourne Hole Maar -- looking south.  Launch is about a mile in the distance.

While soaring, the moment the pilot gets less than 25' below launch, MOVE out in front of the basalt cliff towards the LZ.  The bottom of the rim near the top of this cliff is strewn with boulders and rocks and is NOT a good landing area. Less experienced pilots should do a sled ride from launch to the LZ if ridge soaring conditions are weak or "iffy".  Remember: Immediately head for the LZ or side hill land if you see yourself dropping below launch while soaring.

Northwest launch looking southwest.  Robin Hastings is just getting ready to launch his hang glider -- the first to fly this maar.

Caution: Southwest of the east rim launch and at the base there is a small canyon just east and behind the basalt cliff.  If a pilot is ridge soaring the SW face of the east rim launch, the winds weaken, and he drops below launch, he should stay clear of this area as there is significant shadow/rotor behind the canyon at the base of the launch and he will quickly sink out.  In high wind conditions, there may be dangerous rotor.  Side hill landing, however, behind the canyon and at the base of launch is possible but there are boulders close by.  Landing in this area is an advanced skill.  A better and safer place to side hill land is more south of launch in weakening conditions.  A side hill landing in this area is fairly easy and much safer.  It is important for the pilot to always be aware of weakening conditions and be prepared to immediately side hill land or go to the LZ.

View of east launch from the south -- note the clear, open area!

The LZ is huge and benign but it is surrounded by mesquite.  It's a 30 minute drive to the bottom of Kilbourne on a rough and steep road (4 wheel drive only with low pressure in tires).  Pilots can always hike back to launch with their gear -- about 45 minutes.

View of the LZ from the bottom part of the east launch