Paragliding Mount Magazine, ARK

Mt. Magazine State Park in Arkansas offers a unique paragliding experience with a launch altitude of 2,517 feet and a landing zone (LZ) altitude of 545 feet. The launch site features a south-facing slope that transitions from a grassy, flat area to a steep incline, making it suitable for thermal flying and ridge soaring. The site record for distance is an impressive 209.3 km. The site is occasionally used and is rated as medium difficulty. Thermalling and cross-country (XC) flying are possible here. The launch area is marked in magenta, the glider setup area in blue, and parking in yellow. Pilots must meet specific requirements to fly at this site. Paragliders need a minimum rating of P3, while hang gliders require an H3 rating. The recommended wind limits for paragliders are a minimum of 0 mph, ideal at 7 mph, and a maximum of 15 mph, with gusts up to 5 mph. For hang gliders, the minimum is 3 mph, ideal at 10 mph, and a maximum of 20 mph, with gusts up to 5 mph. The ideal wind direction is 185 degrees, but directions between 165 and 205 degrees are also acceptable. The distance from the launch to the LZ is 2.1 miles, requiring a glide ratio of 5.6. Pilots should be cautious of environmental factors such as sudden thunderstorms and hazardous evening winds, which are common in the central U.S. All pilots must read the additional requirements for Arkansas sites. A minimum USHPA pilot rating of H3 or P3 is required, and these pilots must be accompanied by an advanced pilot (H4 or P4) until they have completed at least 10 flights and 5 hours of flight time at this site. Low-performing gliders may struggle to reach the LZ if significant sink is encountered, especially during midday thermal conditions. Evenings are generally the best time to fly for those unfamiliar with the site or using lower-performing gliders. Before flying, pilots must complete registration and release forms at the Visitor Center, provide proof of current USHPA membership, rating, and photo ID, and sign in daily. Tandem flight passengers must also register with the park. For paragliders, the primary hazard is the long glide to the LZ, which is over 2 miles with no bailout options. For hang gliders, the launch site is a slot through the trees with minimal clearance, and pilots must ensure spectators maintain the required clearance before launching. For more information, visit the [Buffalo Mountain Flyers Club](https://buffalomountainflyers.org/siteinfo/magazine/magazine.htm) and the [Ouachita Hang Gliding](http://www.ouachitahanggliding.com/Sites/Magazine/magazine.html) websites.