04/25/12

Windy Point, Ruidoso, NM  33.396142° -105.764624° 1,950' AGL launch 9,987' MSL Rated H/P3

For Google Earth users, a KMZ of the HG launch is available here, the PG launch here, and the LZ here.

This first class thermalling site is the work of Ruidoso hang gliding pilot Riker Davis (H5).  We are especially thankful for his work in making sure a safe LZ is available and for pioneering this wonderful place for us to fly.

The site is on Hwy. 532, the road to Ski Apache. It faces east and can be flown with winds anywhere from northeast to southeast. It is best in the AM on days that start clear, but cumulus cloud development is inevitable later in the morning. Some of the best days are those with no wind forecast, when you expect light and variable conditions. As the east facing terrain heats up, upslope thermal cycles provide light to soarable lift. Lift can get very strong with cloud development. During the “rainy season” in July and August it can OD early and the window to fly and land can be before 10AM. Other times of year with light and variable conditions it can be flyable all day.

Below, Riker Davis about to launch from Windy Point.

HG launch is right off the edge of the Windy Point scenic overlook. Space is available for only 4 or 5 steps so at least 8 mph wind is needed for a safe launch. PG pilots should use the upper (safest) launch as it gives plenty of space and time to find a thermal and go up. This is a (15) minute hike through pleasant mountain meadows. The ambitious may also launch just above the HG launch area if the winds are 7-8 or more. There are a few trees to steer through here, but enough wind velocity makes it very doable.

The LZ, which is on Mescalero land, is visible from the HG launch but not from the PG upper launch. The LZ is a grassy meadow between the two fishing “lakes” in the canyon, an easy glide below. It is high at 8,200 ft but is plenty big for safe landings by both HG and PG pilots. Pilots must be members of the Rio Grande Soaring Association or accompanied by a member. The Mescalero Apache Indian Tribe graciously allows pilots to land at their campground. However, it is closed October through April, so if one attempts flying in the winter, you will expect to walk out almost a mile to the locked gate and safety is compromised for easy retrieval.  Please contact the RGSA if you are interested in flying the site.

View east from the upper PG launch.  Note the moisture in the air -- it will be an hour or less and there will be towering cumulus clouds everywhere.

View looking up from launch.  Sierra Blanca (L) and Lookout Mountain (R) are visible in the background.  The entire launch area is thick grass.  Tired pilots can easily take a nap and relax here....

Another view straight down the upper PG launch run.  A pilot can run forever downhill in light winds but it's important to turn right and get out in front as there is a lot sink straight out from launch.

Riker on his way up to cloud-base

View looking back up to the HG launch area from the LZ.  Please note the clouds forming just a little while after the above photos were taken.  Pilots should land when they become towering as the lift under them is very strong.  I experienced 1,000'+/min lift at just 10AM in the morning out in front.