Hang Gliding Training at Torrey Pines

Hang Glider Training Hill at Torrey Pines

There is a training hill behind the Gliderport property itself that was actually constructed for hang glider training with a west facing slope. However, because this was built on USCD property, it is not part of the current City-owned Gliderport and it is not currently available for use.

This photo was taken on November 28th, 2008 and it shows the entire Gliderport property and surrounding area.

This blow up diagrams the Gliderport property (approximate) and the locations of the sailplane runway and the training hill.

The following photo (courtesy Bill Armstrong) shows the training hill up close. The hill itself faces west (this photo was taken with the camera pointed east).

While this training hill is on UCSD property, it might be possible to work with the University to allow it to be once again used for its intended purpose of training new hang glider students. This effort would benefit from the cooperation of both local USHPA Directors (Bob Kuczewski and Brad Hall) as well as both local clubs (Torrey Hawks and SDHGPA). A proposal to use the hill could be presented to UCSD along with a plan for a UCSD hang gliding club and proper instruction.

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• July 11, 2010, Willy Armstrong (Bill) showed a brief on his project to win a training use of the eastern bunny hill; rumor was that Bill Bennett had the bunny hill built (not confirmed). The flight park would benefit if a hang glider training bunny hill was operated at the east end of the gliderport; the university, city, and the operaitons at the concession at the gliderport would benefit by training beginners at the bunny hill.