Nelson's Launch

Small clearing where the Ron Coleman trail from the valley meets the ridge trail overlooking west El Paso. Launch West. Note: The new Paragliding Earth does not allow enough precision to accurately place the location marker.

The terrain out front can present many hazards, due to the convoluted topography. Pilots must use caution and fly conservatively, avoid scratching and stay high above the gullies and canyons! When the wind is above 12 mph and more southerly than 240°, and particularly when thermals are present, anytime the pilot is at or below launch, there is a very real possibility of encountering turbulence strong enough to cause deflations, or sudden sink that can force the pilot into contact with terrain. When the wind is more southerly than 240°, do not fly south of launch until well above the ridge to the south, and always we ready to deal with a deflation.

There are power lines to the north, that turn south as they run down the slope to the west. Stay well away from them – always consider what could happen if you experience a deflation or have to throw your reserve above power lines.

Although it is flyable with winds from 220° to 300° (measured from the NWS station at Santa Theresa airport ), keep in mind that winds at launch will appear to be westerly even though they might be more southerly or northerly. Best winds are from 250° - 280° at 8 - 12 mph average.

Takeoff altitude: 1739m