Conditions Optimales
Description
Located just 5 minutes from downtown Tucson, Arizona, this paragliding site is primarily used during the winter season, though it can be flown year-round when southerly winds are available. The site is occasionally used for soaring, especially with about 15 mph south wind (frontal). Thermalling is possible in spring, summer, and fall.
This site has specific requirements and restrictions due to its location in a busy city park and under the outer ring of the Tucson International Airport class 'C' airspace. Pilots must be rated USHGA members (HG or PG), members of SAHGA (temporary memberships available), and qualified to safely fly the site (H3/P3, or have a SAHGA H4/P4 sponsor). Additionally, pilots must sign a liability release required by the City of Tucson and carry an ID card provided by SAHGA.
Hazards include the small ridge soaring site, requiring careful observance of ridge rules when multiple HG/PG are airborne. The ceiling is 4200 feet MSL, and pilots must avoid entering controlled airspace. The area is also congested with VFR airspace, particularly on weekdays, and pilots should watch for helicopters and other general aviation aircraft. The primary LZ is a large city-owned vacant lot immediately east of the mountain, but it is not suitable if the wind turns west. A secondary LZ is available south of the launch across the highway, adjacent to a drainage ditch for west wind landings.
Launch 1 is a SE asphalt ramp at about 2500' MSL, suitable for HG and advanced PG. Launch 2 is from the top of the mountain (hike up, about 300' vertical) and is suitable for both HG and PG.
Parking is available in a large asphalt parking area, and there are no facilities on-site. Setup is done in the parking lot, with gliders walked to the launches.
For more information, contact the Southern Arizona Hang Glider Association (SAHGA) via their [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/sahgpa/) or [website](https://www.sahga.com/). You can also view a video of the site [here](https://www.facebook.com/sahgpa/videos/1422257911180328).
For specific site contacts:
- Eric Smith, Arizona Airfoils, HG Instructor and SAHGA HG Flight Director, Tucson (520) 790-3507
- Aaron Cromer, SAHGA PG Flight Director, Tucson (520) 490-3333
In case of emergency, dial 911. The nearest hospital is St. Mary's Hospital, located 1 mile away.
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