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This is an exploratory mission for
property in Phoenix. Not that I'm actually going to do anything, I mean
I've been talking about this for years. But here I am on a very short
hop and just had to check out one of the free flight sites. I'm familiar
with many of the motor sites and any place I'm interested in will have
to let me launch from.
Being close to soaring is unique and it's just a gorgeous place to be
here at the top of South Mountain overlooking the sprawling lights of
Phoenix and burbs. Adding to the show is an impressive line of lightning
happy storms. So I had to get some time-lapse pictures to go along with
the regular land panoramas that I've been snapping.
This is a beautiful area if you don't need green. That's one color
that has a short half-life but it's there. Don't force it, though,
watering a lawn can cost hundreds per month.
I'm told that South Mountain park is one of, if not the, largest city
park in the country. I'm not surprised, it's huge. But the coolest part
is having a free flight launch site here. Drive up to boot.
The site is small but well manicured gravel. It looks like there's
basically one launch at a time and you'd want to be reasonably adept at
ground handling. Hungry rocks await the fumble footed just off the
groomed portion. Wires are strategically placed behind the launch to
catch those who run afoul of strong winds. I'll fly with some
conservative locals before I tackle this one. Topping things off is a
parking lot full of curious spectators. Don't screw it up, either, or
the site could be in jeopardy. No pressure, really, none at all.
I have no idea where the LZ's are although I saw some nice looking
candidates. Top landing would be sporty but looks doable in the right
conditions. Don't crash on the road. Overall, it's beautiful site with a
basically easy launch and I'm glad the
AHGA maintains it. If I come here I'll certainly support their
effort.
 
1. I'd hate to be standing in those
places. On another occasion I saw a green glow burst forth as a power
transformer gave up its ghost. 2) The Idaho Street launch gets lit up by
this one. 3) Looking south down the barrel of the free flight launch.
It's smooth and small. Screwing it up won't kill you but you'll leave
blood behind. And don't get blown back--much nastiness awaits that
unfortunate soul. 4. The view from lot six. A panorama that goes from
looking due west on the left to looking due east on the right. You can
see a new house is going up and would be my eastern neighbor. It doesn't
do justice to the views.
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1. The drive up South
Mountain is curvy but smooth. New pavement is adorned with guardrail
protection from the more gnarly drop offs. Too bad about some holes
punched through--reminders to watch thy speed lest gravity rise up and
smite thee.
2. Jim Eskildsen snapped
this pilot launching from the morning. Too bad I missed that session, he
talked of pilots getting smooth (for the area) ridge lift flights before
the upslope died off. 3.
Don't be fooled by the panoramic distortion—it isn't very big. Lovers
launch, I'll call it. This photo spans from due east on the left to due
south on the right. |
