Site: Palomar
Where: Palomar Main LZ (Pala Roberts Ranch - 15450 California 76 Pauma Valley, CA 92061) (map)
Meeting in Main LZ around 11 for BBQ set-up and dropping off supplies. Then driving to launch around 12:00. However, we do not feel like there is a rush to get into the air unless you are an XC hound trying to go someplace. See forecast below.
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For those that have not been to Palomar in the past year, we have greatly improved the site with the Pala Tribe: We now have two great launches, Main Launch has also been improved with steeper HG launch windows to the SW and West; an improved large bail-out LZ; and a great large LZ down in the valley that is PG and HG friendly with a long run-out into the wind that is easily landable even with an ATOs.
(Full Annual Membership or Visiting Pilot membership is valid for this event. However Visiting Pilots will not receive gate codes & must fly with Full Annual Members for access)
Pala Roberts Ranch, 15450 California 76 Pauma Valley, CA 92061 ( 33.323150, -116.99440000 )
Review the Palomar Site Guide as there have been updates over the past few months.
Park in Designated Pilot Parking areas per the Site Guide. Do not park in front of or block the Roberts Ranch Building Roll-Up Doors or Shade Structure. Parked cars in Main Pala LZ, Palomar Main Launch, and Smiley Launch must display the SDHGPA Member Vehicle ID/ Gate Pass.
Carpool to both launches from the Main LZ to minimize cars on launch. Max 4 vehicles may be at Upper Smiley Launch. Main Launch is preferred for both HG & PG pilots.
When parking at main launch, park in designated parking area and fill the most NW slots available. Try to keep top landing approach path free of cars.
Active Launch Windows: Use mountain etiquette and do not setup in the Active Launch Windows. Only enter the Launch Windows with your gear if and when you are ready and intending to launch. If in Launch Windows or Top landing Approach areas, be cautious and aware of flight activities in all directions. |
More and Complete Site Info:
SDHGPA Site Guide: http://www.sdhgpa.com/sites-guide.html
Palomar Site guide: http://www.sdhgpa.com/palomar.html
Main Course will be provided by the club however it is primarily a potluck; so plan to bring an appetizer, side dish, salad, or dessert to share. Please also bring any drinks you might want. BYOB
Jody & Doug have volunteered to coordinate the BBQ but they need help from others with: set up and break down. Also, if you have tables or a grill that you would be willing to bring, that would be great. Ideally, we would like these things coordinated by mid day on Friday so that everything runs as smooth as possible on Saturday.
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This weekend looks like a couple of great days for flying. Weather will be clear and warm.
The forecast on Sat is for West wind possibly up to 15 mph between 1 and 4 then backing off into the evening.. Lift at 600 fpm will get to 6,000'+. Deeper Back on Palomar and the other mountains, there will be a convergence. Lift at 1,000 fpm will get over 12,000'.
We expect Saturday to be very similar to Friday, only a bit less wind. We do not expect there should be a rush to get into the air on Sat. Charlie reported the Friday to be very good. He waited to launch until 3:30 due to strong winds earlier and flew till 5:40 getting to 7.5K out over the valley. He reported that it was hard to get down. Larry and Author launched an hour later not liking the winds till 4:30. Charlie reported that they were still in the air and above the towers as of 6:30.
On Sunday, we expect a cooling trend will reduce the soaring conditions and increase the Westerly push for Sunday. Palomar will have 12 mph Westerly wind. Lift at 500 fpm will get to 5,000'. Again there will be a convergence in the East County, but it might be a little too far East for a Laguna launch. In the afternoon wind will be West at 14 mph. Lift at 700 fpm will get to 11,000'. Palomar or Horse will both work and look very good if the winds stay at bay.
Bill H. & Steve R