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Description
The Brotherhood launch site is situated on the crest of the Santa Ynez mountains above Santa Barbara, at approximately 3700 feet MSL. This site features a short grassy slope that faces both north and south, though the north-facing launch is generally cleaner and more frequently used. The south-facing launch is rarely utilized and is typically only an option when the Eliminator site is unlaunchable.
Launching from the north side requires immediate altitude gain to avoid unretrievable terrain. Pilots must dive through a gap about 100 feet below and a couple of hundred yards east of the launch to reach the south side of the mountain. Losing more than 40 feet before reaching the gap can result in a challenging wilderness experience. Once over the back, pilots typically encounter moderate rotor conditions until they reach the area near the Eliminator launch.
An alternative launch site, Back of the Rack, is located about a mile east of the Brotherhood. This site offers two launch options: one facing southeast with more setup room but some brushy obstructions, and another facing east that is obstruction-free but requires launching from the side of a narrow road. Both launches lead into a canyon and require a long glide over unlandable terrain before reaching the landing zones (LZs).
Landing for these launches is at Parma Park, the same LZ used for the Eliminator site. The area is accessible via a paved public road, making it convenient for any vehicle.
While the site is unregulated, Parma Park should be considered at least an intermediate LZ. Due to the potential challenges, it is recommended that pilots first fly under the guidance of a local and possess solid intermediate or advanced skill levels.
The Brotherhood site is best suited for moderate north to northwest winds, while Back of the Rack is preferable in conditions that are too easterly for the Eliminator.
For more information, visit the Topa Flyers Hang Gliding Club site guide: [Topa Flyers Site Guide](https://topaflyers.com/site_guide/siteguide.html#brotherhood).
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