Kaufmanns is located on a plateau above Soda Creek, offering a high vantage point relative to the Fraser River. When flying north, you can cross Highway 97 and either follow the river or head inland, flying over Gibraltar Mine, which is situated on higher terrain and is ideal for staying high on a regular day.
The site is occasionally used and mostly not logged. It features thermalling directly south from the launch, making it a potential hotspot for thermal flying. Cross-country flights are possible from this location. The land is presumably private, so you may need to ask for permission before flying. There are many landing options available on non-cultivated fields.
The launch site is a good, clean, steep natural slope with a cleared chute cut through the trees. The elevation at launch is 4000 feet above sea level, and the landing zone is at 1800 feet above sea level. The site is suitable for both hang gliding and paragliding, with ridge and thermal flying types available. The site has informal regulations and excellent cross-country potential, with flights up to 70 miles possible.
The best times to fly are in the spring and summer, with winter access being comparatively easy via ski-doo. The site has a good reputation among paragliding pilots and is known for its high flight potential. The landing zone is an open grassy field across from a private airfield on Kaufman’s Ranch, with a 45-minute turnaround to launch.
For more information or to contact local paragliding associations, you can reach out to the British Columbia PG + HG Association at [BCHPA Contact](http://www.bchpa.ca/contact-us.html) or Hill Billy Paragliding with Billy Goglin in Horsefly, BC. You can contact Billy at 1-778-373-6108 or via email at skydog@xplornet.com.
For a visual experience of flights in the area, you can check out these videos:
- [Flight Video 1](
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)
- [Flight Video 2](
Click to watch video
)
- [YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP0WLj0AP_qfOGo8yuMk3wA)
Please note that the road to the launch site can become very slippery in wet conditions, particularly in the spring. The landing zone is beside the airstrip and presents no problems. There is also a natural sparkling soda spring in the area, which is a closely guarded secret and considered a major northern spiritual experience.
For weather briefings and HAGAR notifications, you can contact FIC Advanced Weather Briefing at 1-866-WXBRIEF (1-866-992-7433) or 1-866-GOMETEO (1-866-466-3836) for French service. Local contacts include Michael Chapman (250-398-8516), Paul Couturier (250-398-7894), and Gary Nesbit (250-398-7682).
