Agave Hill

There is some turbulence at the launch face and in front but it is benign. There is no cliff or major obstacles either in front or behind launch which means it's easy to bail in case you need or want to. The area in front of launch generally has good lift if the winds are coming in over 12 mph. Soaring is possible with as little 5-6 mph if you launch at just the right part of the cycle (at the beginning). To get to the top of the mountains, see 'Soaring the Triangle' below. Do not fly north and enter the the canyon from Agave because you may encounter much stronger winds near the Mundy's Gap vortex. However, the house thermal is at the north end of the hill just north of Agave Hill (see image below). Do NOT fly behind launch unless you are certain the winds aloft are less than 15 (PG only). Top landing at Agave is possible but difficult because of the danger of being sucked into Mundy's Gap. In general, you want to stay out in front of Agave and to the south of the canyon. These areas are safe from the effects of the vortex at the Gap. Skilled pilots can attempt top landings if they check the winds behind launch.

Be certain to check winds aloft. If it's over 20 mph at 9K', do not fly (PG) as you can get blown over the top which would be an adventure. Remember: This is the desert and air during mid day can be challenging. Less experienced pilots should stick to the early AM or late PM. Laminar air is almost always present late in the day and dreamboat soaring in the Franklins occurs at that time. Thermals are gigantic here, as in the Owens Valley, so always check the weather or with us before flying.

The Franklin Mountains present some of the most exciting and challenging flying in the United States. Because of direct exposure to the west with no other mountain ranges out front, the range has unparalleled ridge soaring. The presence of cool wet irrigated farm land five miles to the west causes a constant release of big thermals that drift into the mountains. Powerful thermals combined with ridge lift make this the amazing site that it is. It is rated H/P3 or H/P2 with an instructor present. Make sure you have a GPS -- you must always know your speed over the ground. At slow speeds you may be going forward or backward -- make sure you know which. It is flyable with winds from 240° to 330°. Best launch are winds from 250° - 270° at 12 mph for PG. The same air is barely adequate for HG and requires tighter turns in front of launch. PG pilots may encounter much higher winds above launch and experience difficulty penetrating forward if the jet stream is anywhere near.

All pilots must register with the Park authorities before flying in the Park. (Go here for the permit application and print it out using Adobe Reader.) Before you arrive, complete the permit application and make sure you make copies of these three items: USHPA membership card, proof of medical insurance, and drivers license. You can mail the permit application and copies of the required documents to the Tom Mays Unit (address is here) or hand them to the Ranger on duty when you enter the Park. If you cannot find a Ranger, it is temporary -- please wait or call the Park HQ. You are not permitted to fly in the Park unless you have medical insurance. Pilots must be currently rated USHPA members with at least an H/P3 rating. We recommend that you have the CL (cliff launch) & TUR (turbulence) ratings.

Once you have registered, you only need to notify a Park Ranger on duty or call HQ that you will be flying that day. Ask the Ranger for the gate combo when you check in or you may be locked in if you land after the Park closes. If you are flying alone (no other pilots and no one accompanying you), you must contact the Ranger after you have safely landed. Get his cell phone number so you can call him when you land if it is after hours. If you cannot find any staff or you cannot reach the Ranger on his cell phone, then call the Park Superintendent, Cesar Mendez at 915-539-0558 and tell him you are OK. Please do not call him unless you have to -- we do not want to be a nuisance. If there is an accident call 911 and then call the Superintendent.

Pilots must pay a use fee to enter the Park ($4/person) and, if staying past closing, an $8 fee to get the gate combo so you can drive out. If you park outside the Park, you do not have to pay the $8 fee but it's a long walk. Pilots must fly in a safe manner, protect the safety of other visitors, and preserve the Park's cultural and ecological resources. For questions/info call Franklin Mountains State Park at 915-566-6441. We do not recommend visiting pilots flying the site without a guide. Check with us or the RGSA. It can be a challenging site. Note: Failure to obey the rules can result in arrest and fines.

Takeoff altitude: 1622m