Paragliding -HG Talcott Mt., CT

Talcott Mountain is a three-mile-long ridge in central Connecticut’s Metacomet Range, with an elevation of 950’ MSL / 700’ AGL at its highest point. It offers stunning views of rural Simsbury and Avon. Most of the mountain is a state park featuring several hiking trails and the famous Heublein Tower. The park attracts many hikers and sightseers who are often curious about hang gliding. Talcott provides good ridge and thermal soaring opportunities. However, cross-country flying is challenging due to the proximity of Bradley Airport and the Windsor Locks Class C airspace. To fly at Talcott, you need: - A site orientation from a senior club member for your first flight. - Current USHPA membership. - H3 rating. H2 pilots may fly with the approval and direct supervision of an observer. - CL & AWCL endorsements, or the supervision of an observer. Paragliding is strictly prohibited at Talcott due to the sheer cliff launch and tree canopy directly over the launch area. Unauthorized attempts have not ended well. Talcott Mountain State Park is located along Rt 185 in Simsbury, CT. The meeting place is the original LZ adjacent to the state police shooting range at 100 Nod Rd in Simsbury (coordinates: 41.837621, -72.807518). Leave a few vehicles there and carpool to the state park entrance on Summit Ridge Drive, 2.3 miles away. Park in the grass on the side of the road (coordinates: 41.839334, -72.792231). The hike to the launch site is a ¼ mile / 20-minute hike up the main hiking trail, which is often busy with hikers. Be considerate and avoid hitting hikers with your glider. Sometimes, hikers may offer to help carry your equipment. In winter, the gate at the park entrance will be closed, adding an additional ¼ mile to the hike in the snow. Launch Coordinates: 41.835006, -72.798066 Elevation: 800’ MSL / 650’ AGL Direction: 290° Ideal Wind: 270-310@10-12, soarable in 260-320. Launching in winds over 15mph or with a gust factor over 8mph is not recommended. Proficient cliff launching skills are essential, and a wire crew is required for all but light conditions. The launch area protrudes from the rest of the cliff, creating rotor if there is any crosswind component. Crosswind launches are not recommended. Wait for a good launch window. Crowds often gather to watch and ask questions. While interaction with the public is encouraged, do not let it distract you from conducting safe preflight procedures. Spectators must stay back at the tree line during launches. Airspace and Flight Restrictions: Talcott is located 9 miles SW of Bradley International Airport and falls under the outer shelf of the Windsor Locks Class C airspace. The floor of the airspace is 2100’ MSL (1200’ above launch altitude). Hang glider flight into the Class C airspace is strictly prohibited. Be familiar with the parameters of the Class C airspace and do not exceed 2100’ MSL unless you have flown out from underneath the Class C shelf. Be vigilant for low-flying commercial aircraft. Simsbury Airport, a small Class G airport, is 6 miles north of Talcott. Be vigilant for low-flying small aircraft. Landing on the polo field north of the original LZ is strictly prohibited unless there is a true emergency. For more information, visit the club's page: [Connecticut Hang Gliding Association](http://www.ct-hanggliding.org/sites.htm) and [Talcott Mountain](https://www.ct-hanggliding.org/talcott). Watch a flight video here: [YouTube Video]( ).