Orientation HG Launch: Faces 90 degrees at 5,165' MSL. (1,574m)

Orientation PG Launch: Faces 90 degrees at 5,155' MSL. (1,573m)

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HG Type: New HG ramp was constructed but was pulled into the adjacent parking area by vandals, several supports were broken and the ramp is not currently usable.

PG Type: Cleared natural landscape.

GPS Coordinates: 33.9825°, -111.7984°, Google Maps

Winds: Light to moderate surface winds are preferred as this is a thermal site. ESE, S, ENE. HG 5-15 mph. PG. 5-15 mph. Gust differential 5 mph in 5 seconds.

Driving Directions: From the town of Carefree, take North Cave Creek Road and continue on it as it turns into Seven Springs Road. Turn right on E State Hwy 562 which dead ends at FAA flight radar dome next to launch.

Road Conditions: Rough dirt and paved roads lead to launch.

Parking: Areas for parking up to 10 cars away from launch.

Facilities: None.

Set-up Area HG: SW of launch.

Set-up Area PG: South of launch.

Hazards: PG launch area is in discussion for improvements. Current area has very minimal pitch so ideal conditions, a strong launch and good feel for the glider is required. Some lift or neutral glide is required for paragliders to make primary LZ, so a thorough understanding of conditions is required. Flying toward LZ when not gaining altitude at launch elevation is required due to conditions and needed glide.

 

Keep site briefing and situational awareness in mind at all times and give extra safety margin due to desert conditions. Sufficient clearance from observatory, air traffic radar dome and terrain is needed.Conditions can change rapidly in the desert. Please be an active pilot. Do not have final glide/approach to landing zone over water or parked cars adjacent to LZ. Clear the LZ immediately. Dust devils are year round here and they show up with no notice or invitation. Pack up immediately. 

 

Desert terrain and weather are extremely unforgiving on unprepared pilots, outdated equipment and pilots not giving extra margin of safety within their operating limitations. Adequate preparation, a sufficient understanding of desert weather forecasting and a local on-site briefing is required. Desert heat is oppressive (100°-115° F) May through September. Dehydration is a real possibility even during winter months, and those not used to hiking in these conditions can succumb to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Give yourself an extra margin for error due to the terrain and weather conditions. 

All pilots must read the General Site Guidelines prior to arrival.

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Flying

Type: Desert thermal conditions. Dust devils are year round. Typical blue thermals: high pressure, sharp edged. It is a rare treat to have consistent ridge soaring conditions at Humboldt. When we do, it is usually early morning or at the end of the day and usually in winter. Stay clear of terrain and avoid "scratching" at all times. Be especially mindful of the gusts.

 

Restrictions: Controlled airspace exists approximately 13-16 miles to the south & SW. Please refer to “know before you go” section on this website.

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Special Note on Thermal Flying:

Thermal conditions create a demand for pilots to not only have solid ground handling skills with a connected feel to their glider, but also a thorough understanding of how the local weather conditions play into the forecast models in order to be sufficiently prepared for a short launch window that demands certain launch techniques. Proficiency in high-wind-with-gusts kiting, no-wind forwards and light-wind dynamic reverse launches on shallow slopes are crucial for many of our sites and conditions.

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Please be aware that strength of conditions will determine if it is better to a.) launch between the thermal cycle, when speeds are zero or light, to then fly away into the next thermal approaching the hill with ample clearance from the terrain, or b.) pull glider up and launch glider directly into the thermal cycle blowing into launch.

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Many times launching during a zero- or light-wind cycle between the stronger thermals is not only a safer window, but a better plan to capitalize on the launch cycles as well as the flight plan.

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It was common to see many pilots "waiting for the wind" (which is the thermal) to cycle through launch because they are not comfortable and/or proficient with forward and light wind launch techniques, only to experience a stronger cycle than anticipated once their glider was overhead.

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Pilots most accustomed to launching in prevailing winds, onshore winds and lighter thermal ridge lift need local, and perhaps local professional, expertise and guidance to gain the needed insight to fly our sites safely.

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HG and PG Designated Landing Zones