One of the most visually spectacular areas of the
country is the colorful expanse of New Mexico's desert hills. The Daniele's have carved out an oasis of PPG
paradise just south of Albuquerque where nature's normal desert dust gives way
to oh-so-launchable grass. 20 acres of it! As of 2005 they have moved their
school, now called Paramotor City, to the Rio Puerco, about 30 miles west
of Albuquerque and have over 100 acres devoted to ultralight flying.
The Grasslands is far enough from metropolis that it offers
unlimited altitude and quick access to many scenic areas...all within 20 miles
of launch. Other sites are within a few hours drive offer even more spectacle for
the foot-launched flier. There is a graphic overview of the entire area at the
bottom of this article.
Watch out for balloons...this area is famous for
it's "box" pattern of airflow which frequently allows balloonists to
land where they started...not a normal occurrence for their craft. At least
they're hard to miss!
Flying Near Balloons
There are no specific regulations regarding
proximity but one sure way to make waves is to make the balloonist nervous. If
they offer any gestures outside of waving, you're too close!
During Balloon Fiesta
there is a healthy chunk of airspace where ALL aircraft and ultralights are
prohibited. Given the amount of FAA presence at the event it would be incredible
folly to violate this airspace...especially considering the security
situation...everybody is a little jumpy.
The diagram below shows
where to avoid and it's relationship to our flying sites. From the grasslands
it's little concern unless you venturing up
north.
Airspace
 Airspace is unencumbered in the Grasslands launch
area and pilots can legally climb as high as they want. Small airplanes will be
flying into two nearby airports, typically between 800 and 1500 feet above the
ground.
Please note that Jets are flying over the
Grasslands as low as 2000' above the ground though. For those attending the Oct
Fly-In, a Notam will be issued concerning our operation but that will only be
for a two mile radius of the flying field and up to 2000' AGL (above ground
level). That doesn't mean they won't use the airspace, only that they have the
opportunity to know we're there.
Albuquerque International sports two rings of
Class C airspace that is off limits to us. The outer ring starts at 6900' (about
1900' AGL) and the inner ring goes to the surface.
 Flying from the 19th Ave site puts us barely
outside the C airspace and so we must be careful if flying high. Also, while the
balloon fiesta is ongoing, they put a 4 nautical mile ring of airspace
off-limits (see graphic below).
The graphic at left shows the 19th Ave LZ for both PPG and balloons, the Balloon
Fiesta prohibited airspace and direction of the Grasslands. To the left of
"Grasslands", just left of the number 589 is the ABQ VOR...a
navigation aid used by airplane pilots. This is frequently a high traffic area
as students practice maneuvering based on it's signals.
The Grasslands flight park is located near a
highway and the normal precaution should be followed for flying over congested
areas. One way to ensure the highway is considered congested is to fly low over
it. Don't do that. The FAA is not out to "bust" anyone but if there is
an accident caused by the distraction of a low flying PPG pilot it is likely the
area will be considered congested and the pilot will be fined or worse.
Weather
Huge variability is possible but on average,
during October its
in the 40's at night and upper 70's during the day. If the sun is out, a
tank-top will be comfortable.
Virga is common and strong wind changes are
fairly common.
The Area
 Gorgeous scenery abounds, luring pilots further
afield then they may normally venture. It is easy to get into pretty remote
areas where a retrieve by car would be difficult at best...it wouldn't happen
quickly either. Cell phone coverage however is sometimes available even in these
areas and having an FRS radio would be good. Let others know what frequency
you'll be using.
The graphic below shows an overview of the area
and the two primary flying sites. Many cross countries can be safely
accomplished especially with the help of local planners. Jerry and Michelle are
the most experienced as they run the school there (www.AmericanFlyerPPG.com) in
addition to having flown there for years.
It's some of the most awesome flying around and
with reasonable precautions will be safe as well. See ya over the Badlands!
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Scenes in
the Desert
These are some examples from previous fly-ins or
nearby areas. They are representative of the varied terrain and people
likely to be encountered.
One of several special sites that makes the
trip even more worthwhile...Cabezon
Jarrod takes in the sweet evening air.
Cloudy, cold but still a spectacle to behold.
Last year was my first encounter with
"Lighter than Air"
Jerry & Michelle Daniele with myself in
the middle.
The "Badlands" some of the most
spectacular scenery to pass through an ir
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