Miller Canyon – paragliding startovačka
Startovačka Miller Canyon se nachází v Spojené státy ve výšce 1492 m n. m. Hlavní orientace startu je SV, V, JV; vhodný vítr je 0–8 m/s (max. poryv 11 m/s). Obtížnost: pokročilý.
Parametry startu
- Země
- Spojené státy
- Nadmořská výška
- 1492 m n. m.
- Orientace startu
- SV, V, JV
- Vhodný vítr
- 0–8 m/s
- Max. poryv
- 11 m/s
- Obtížnost
- pokročilý
Klíčové informace
Podmínky
Prevailing wind pattern is light SE in morning and 10-15 NW in afternoon. Perfect launch conditions are light SE winds. However, the launches are east of Miller Peak (~9500’) and Carr Peak (~9000’), leaving it in the lee of the mountains in prevailing afternoon winds. Often, thermals block the winds that have west in their names, and allow for safe launching. These OTB winds then allow for a g However, winds are often very shifty on launch due to this rotor and thermal activity. Generally, in the summer launches must occur early (10 to noon), as with any SE facing site, with afternoon winds that blow down. Major XC April through July. Late summer often capped off by over-development. Typically high to very high top of lift. Launch 1: SE cliff, 7600 MSL, 2900 above LZ. It has a clear 20+ foot long area to run- which then drops off into a cliff. Low or No-wind launches are fairly safe due to the running room and the cliff. Wind will blow vertically up the cliff face, so appropriate precautions are suggested. AWCL skills will likely be required for winds over 10-15 mph and it gets dangerous over 20mph. If it is soarable, do not expect to launch yourself. The SE launch is generally dangerous for paragliders. A pretty nasty rotor often sets up +15 feet above the ramp, twisting canopies just as you are leaving the ground. A bit shallow and is subject to crosswinds at end of launch, caution is required in southeast conditions. HG/PG. Launch owner: USFS. Insured through SAHGA. No phone or Facilities at Launches. Dry campground 2 miles from launch includes outhouses, fire pits. USFS fee for camping is $10 per night. Phone, beer, restrooms, pool tables (free on Saturday), etc at Nick’s Bar- ‘bout 100 yards south of LZ. Barmaid monitors the club frequency- so speak highly of the establishment during radio communications. Mini-mart, gas and restaurant right next to Nick’s. Emergency: 911 Cochise county sheriff's department; Sierra Vista hospital, 10 miles. In strong conditions the SE (cliff) launch requires good AWCL skills. Controlled airspace two mile radius around aerostat (tethered balloon) to the north. Do not fly north of Carr Canyon road east of Route 92. Huachuca army base. Check Phoenix sectional chart for details, or consult a local. Unpredictable, often powerful desert weather. Dust devils will flip gliders on occasion. Zeus will toss lightning at unsuspecting pilots holding bags of aluminum tubing. Occasional Hail. Some local pilots bite. Barbed wire fence on the south east corner, and along road on NE side. Stay clear of the cows (and associated material) if present. The sign post at the ‘Y’ in the road in the LZ is hard to see on some approaches. The Y is a tempting spot to land so pay attention. There are powerlines on three sides of the LZ but are pretty far away- arrive at LZ high to ensure avoiding. Expect turbulance over LZ if winds are from the SW.
Přístup a přistání
Launch 2: E slope, 7600' MSL, 1/4 mile hike out. SAHGA has a special use permit, key access. Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA. Room for 5 vehicles and 25 gliders right at launch. More if road is used.
Poplatky
Ratings: USHGA Membership required. H4/P3 - no questions asked. H3/P2 with CL, TURB, AWCL, FL appropriate experience, or lots of guts, also O.K. H2 if local sponsor and conditions are appropriate to skill level. This can be a nasty place to fly- so you owe it to yourself to fly this site ONLY with a local pilot, regardless of rating. Also in keeping with our agreement with the NFS, there is a locked gate a mile from launch. Club members have keys.
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.