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Location:

45 minutes south of Tucson, in the west side of the Santa Rita Mountains

Season:

Year-round, gets hot during the summer (it is Arizona, after all).

Conditions:

West through northwest winds. An afternoon site with great evening glass-offs.

Hazards:

  • Desert flying is hazardous in hot weather. Inexperienced pilots should limit flights to evenings and MUST fly under the guidance of a local pilot. Regardless of your experience level DO NOT attempt to fly this site for the first time without a local guide!
  • A southwest wind aloft will feel straight in on launch, but will produce a fierce rotor blowing over the ridge along the flight path to the LZ.
  • Rain or virga in the desert produces gust fronts and microbursts. Watch for overdevelopment or lines of moving dust.
  • Desert vegetation has teeth and eats the wings of the unwary or careless.

Ratings / Requirements:

H3, H2 with instructor or local guide. USHGA site insurance, membership required.

Radio:

SAHGA club frequency is 151.925 (USHGA Ch. 2)

Launch:

About 1.5 miles east of front LZ in the back of the canyon. About 5700 MSL, or 1300 above LZ.

Launch Direction:

Visitors please see the listed site contacts for information.

Launch Access:

Rough 4wd forest road.

Launch Parking:

Very limited, must park in the narrow road so it's essential to coordinate.

LZ:

The Meadows LZ, the usual HG rally point and the "over-the-back" destination. Huge fenced flat field with gate access next to paved Forest Road 62, about 4900 MSL. BLM land.

LZ Directions:

Visitors please see the listed site contacts for information.

LZ Access:

Paved two-lane road.

LZ Parking:

In the LZ or along paved F.R. 62. Plenty of room. Please close the gate after passing through!

Bailout:

Fairly large field about 4400 MSL. Slight downhill slope to the northwest, the preferred landing direction. Arizona State Trust land under SAHGA group activity permit.

Bailout Directions:

Visitors please see the listed site contacts for information.

Bailout Access:

Rough but usable 2wd dirt road on State Trust land.

Bailout Parking:

Along road near LZ.

Facilities:

None.

Emergency:

911 Pima County Sheriff's Department; St. Mary's hospital, 10 miles north Rt 19 to Rt 10, take Congress St. Exit, west on Congress until it turns north into Silverbell, 0.5 mi. north.