04/25/12

Rated H/P2  For directions to launch, contact the RGSA.  There are (3) launch areas that favor a particular wind direction.  Choose the one that has the air coming in the straightest.  PG pilots should be aware that the launch areas were pioneered by HG pilots and are not necessarily that good for PG per having a clean layout area, lack of rotor behind launch near the ground, and a long run area.  As PG pilots fly the site more, we will give more specifics as to the best areas to launch from.  Top landings are marginally possible.

Flyable with southwesterly to northerly winds.  It is primarily used when Dry Canyon will not work (when winds are northwest or
north).  It is safer than Dry Canyon for newer pilots as the LZ is an easy glide from launch.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Launching from the steep slopes and cliffs in the desert mountains requires expert kiting skills.  It is dangerous to inflate and then immediately turn before stabilizing your glider overhead for a few seconds or more.  Many pilots have damaged their equipment and been banged up attempting to launch in the often turbulent air that characterizes the jagged mountains we fly in the desert southwest.  You must have the skills to kite your glider overhead under complete control before attempting a launch, especially in strong air.  In addition, all pilots must master inflating their gliders with the A's in one hand and the C's or D's in the other.  You may have to de-power your glider at any moment and this is the only way you can safely do it while attempting a launch.  Pulling deep on the brakes does NOT de-power your glider!  In addition, you will not have time to go searching for the correct risers if things start to go wrong and you do not have the correct ones in your hands.  Jamming the brakes will only make things worse.  If you need training on how to do this, we can help.

The primary LZ is an enormous field about an 8:1 glide off to the west.  A sled run is typically 5 minutes in duration, but soaring flights do occur.  Directions to the LZ: From Hwy 70/54 go on Hwy 82 east towards Cloudcroft. Take a left at the blinking lights that mark Florida Avenue, and go north about a mile or so to Valley View Drive, about 100 yards before you reach the trees of the village. Go right about ¼ mile to where you can look over the barbed wire into the huge open field. Don’t drive into the field, though – it’s private property. Hazards: There is a power line running from northeast to southwest across the east edge of the field. 

View from the NW launch.  This launch is flat and would be rated "C" for PG launching in light winds as the run is short and slightly shadowed by the cliff face.

Per the image below, when winds are northwest or west, the area of max lift was not the north spine but was the south spine.  The sink over the canyon between the two spines was severe – as we would expect.  Elevation profiles of the PG track below clearly showed the lift patterns of the spines -- the south was much more robust.