New Jack City - West Ridge – paragliding startovačka
Startovačka New Jack City - West Ridge se nachází v Spojené státy ve výšce 1218 m n. m. Hlavní orientace startu je SV, V, J, JZ; vhodný vítr je 0–8 m/s (max. poryv 11 m/s). Obtížnost: pokročilý.
Parametry startu
- Země
- Spojené státy
- Nadmořská výška
- 1218 m n. m.
- Orientace startu
- SV, V, J, JZ
- Vhodný vítr
- 0–8 m/s
- Max. poryv
- 11 m/s
- Obtížnost
- pokročilý
Klíčové informace
Podmínky
From the center of New Jack City, by the outhouse and main camping area, look West and you will see an old decommissioned road heading West over the ridge. Hike up there, it's about 120m of vertical gain, so about 10 - 20 minute hike depending on how fast you are. At the top is a post and a relatively flat area. Last time I was here I tried to kick out any small plants and cacti and get rid of The West launch *MAY* be suitable for hang gliders, but good luck getting it up there. I don't hang glide so I don't know what details you are looking for, but I would guess that it goes nicely when it's on. You can launch either East or West. East is not so good, very turbulent and I would recommend checking out the East Ridge if winds are from the East. Launching West is where the best flying is to be had but I've yet to soar it, just one short sled ride. I found the winds died down drastically about 20m down even though it felt perfect at take-off. West Launch: This is probably the money shot for flying in this area, with a 100 m cliff face, directed SW and a reasonably long soaring face when the stars align it could be great. I have not experience more then a sled ride here, as mentioned above the conditions were not great the last time I tried with wind dying down quickly below launch. East Launch: This is the first flight I tried in the area. I made two attempts, the first one I headed South after launch and ended up landing on the side of some rocks :( The next one I flew North along the ridge and cut out in front of a big rock formation and cruised that until I got over the main camping area and landed there. I would say this direction is not advisable and probably not soarable but by perhaps the most experienced of pilots in just right conditions (if at all). When I get a real soaring session out of the West launch it will probably bump it up about 1 or 2 stars. Until then I will leave it as is. Here's a video of a short flight along the West Ridge with a lap or two soaring: https://youtu.be/noYJgIXSnqA Watch for high winds aloft. Just 20 feet up and the wind had double on me and I was parked and trying to get aerodynamic to maintain my position. I would recommend flying in the late afternoon as things are calming down so you don't get stuck in anything. The wind is a little bit gusty as well which is to be expected from the desert.
Přístup a přistání
I always come up through Lucerne valley, taking Barstow Rd North. From the turn-off it's about 17 miles, you will hit a high point on the road there and the turn-off to New Jack City is just a couple of miles after that. Take a left at the turn-off onto a dirt/sand road, there will be a small structure that is fenced off with signs about a high pressure gas main. Just follow the signs and the most well trodden trails East until you get into the New Jack City Bowl, then trend South towards parking/camping. You can also get here by going South from Barstow, however I have never done this so can't tell you what that's like. I come from LA and GMaps says it is faster to go all the way to Barstow and then travel South but I'm not convinced.
Odkazy
Startovačky v okolí
Údaje jsou orientační (zdroje: XContest, paraglidingearth.com, paragliding-mapa.cz). Před letem vždy ověř aktuální podmínky, vzdušný prostor a souhlas správce startovačky. Více na živé mapě.