From Joe Greblo ( http://www.windsports.com ), 2006/12/21... It's generally too windy for paragliders in the Santa Ana's (Offshore flow) that we (hang gliders) fly it in. Most of the talented paraglider pilots that I know have flown it once or twice and gotten blown out way too many time to make them want to return. Problem is that it sits right at the mouth of a mountain pass between the Mojave Desert and the valleys closest to the sea. This puts it in the Venturi, so it is known as a very windy place to fly. During the more typical Santa Ana cycle of 3 days duration, our fastest hang gliders can often handle day 2 and day 3. Our single surface gliders are often limited to the 3rd day only as the winds are diminishing. This is around 18-22 mph, so it's not that windy. It's also generally very smooth since it's a dry, stable airmass. The site faces N to NE and gets both the venturi effect from the pass as well as compressing winds over the top. I use several indicators to determine whether or not it will be flyable for hang gliders and which ones. The Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF's) for both Palmdale Airport (KPMD) and Fox Field (KWJF). On these we're looking for winds from 360 deg to 050 deg. at less than 14 kts (for high performance wings) and 12 kts (for single surface pilots). You can count on the winds on launch being at least 10 mph faster than on the desert floor. The winds aloft forecast will tell us the forecast winds at 6,000 ft. and higher out there. This too is helpful to know as the stronger upper level winds have a bearing. The l/z is around 3,000 ft. and the launch is around 4500 ft. MSL. I'm sure if a paraglider pilot lived nearby, he'd get some good flying out of the site, but he'd have to learn how to pick the days. There are some important protocols to follow. Just a few, like which road is politically ok to use and where to land. It's ideal for top landing when it's not blowing too hard. Comments from Aaron Price - Paragliding Instructor: We've had some fun days out here and while it can be too windy at times typically it dies down in the evening and is perfect for some smooth flights. Look for a weaker Santa Ana day to fly here. A local told me that if there is fog in LA in the morning this site won't be flyable. This is a great site for teaching when a lot of other sites may be shut down due to North wind so let's all do our best to protect it! Some locals told me about an old training hill that they used when it was too windy to fly here, however this site about 15 miles West of here is now shut down. Instead there are a few public schools around with nice grassy fields. We go there to kite mid-day and then come back here 2-3 hours before sunset to get some flying in.

There are a number of potential take-offs though the main one is marked on the map. Other possibilities include a small flat hill out front and the side of the road to the East of launch. The best launch is up top though as there is lots of room to layout and hook in. It is a bit rocky but generally clear of plants and debris. Since it is a bit behind another lower hill the best flight plan is to fly straight out and climb up out front. Landing should ONLY be done where marked on the map. This is on Farina Dr (currently a dirt road) to the NW of launch. DO NOT land out front by flying over the entire subdivision this will jeopardize the site. Travelling West, along Ave S from Hwy 14 you will go about 1 mile before reaching an area that is free from housing with several dirt roads to the South. The problem is the road now has a divider so you will need to continue on a few hundred yards before being able to turn around and come back going East. Watch for the dirt road, on Google Earth it is called Farina Dr. It is, I think, the most obvious of the roads and the one closest to houses to the East. Once on this road about 100 yards up you will see a small pull out on the West side. This is where most HGs land. PGs may not be able to make it all the way here. Typically we can make the major intersection about another 100 yards further South on the road. To get to launch continue up this road as far as your vehicle will allow. The road is in pretty good shape 7/8 of the way there since it is an access road to all the power lines. In fact if you are bold I'm certain a 2WD with adequate clearance and power could make it to launch along this road (I got my Toyota Previa to the top). If you don't want to beat the hell out of your car then leave it at the base of a high transmission tower before a very steep grade. The walk is only another 5 minutes from here. *** IMPORTANT *** There is another road that goes up to launch from the East that goes through a housing sub-division. Do NOT use this, it will jeopardize our access to fly at this site. Locals have asked us to not use this road and to not fly out over their houses, please respect this. Don't fly out over the houses. Don't take the road up through the housing sub-division to get to launch. Don't fly out over the houses. Don't take the road up through the housing sub-division to get to launch.

Gets windy and thermic here during the day but a few hours before sunset nice glass-offs can set up.