[IdeFly]

From what I understand, Shaw Butte was a very popular flying site in the early days of hang gliding. In the early and mid-70's, it was common to see lots o' gliders in the skies above north Phoenix. Although flying this site never stopped completely, it saw some pretty sparse years. I am personally happy to report new-found enthusiasm for this classic urban site.
I just transitioned from my beloved falcon to a younger and sexier bird. I've flown her six times at "the Butte" just since last Monday. ( What was I doing those other two days that was so damned important ? ) I owe a world of gratitude to a handful of local pilots who have not only helped greatly as I learned to fly, but who have also become really good friends. I've even been fortunate enough to fly here recently with a pretty decent pilot. Dustin Martin is back wintering here in Phx and has joined me for 5 of my last 7 flights. He seems to have gotten the hang of it, so-to-speak, so I'm trying to do what he does.
If you need to fly this winter, come on down to Arizona. We have mountain sites flyable year-round and a few guys out towing in the desert, too. ( Forget about all that bad s*** that you heard about us - we're really not that bad. )

[Fred Wilson]

Sheesh. I thought the flying had stopped cause of all the rocks in the LZ. Scary stuff or what comin in over that.
Only place in my entire life where the flying rule is to wear hockey shins. "Wear em or don't bother coming."

Mind you, that was 5 or so years ago, snowbirding in Scottsdale..
Has the club since gone out and rock picked a landing strip?
One days work with the club crew all chipping in and that LZ would be ace.

Thassa the only way I would ever fly there again. Convenience or not.

South Side is such a good site, plus the view of all the jets landing at what has to be the most busy airport in the You Hess of hey is so, so cool. Just mesmerizing!