UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!
Avenue S | |
|---|---|
| Launch MSL | 4520 ft |
| Above LZ | 1455 ft |
| Glide to LZ | 6:1 |
| Rating/Skills | Hang 3 or Hang 2 with some experience or instructor presence |
| Wind Directions | NE |
| Season | Best in Fall and Winter. Ridge soarable in 10+ mph, occasionally thermals will provide some altitude gain. |
| Restrictions | Palmdale Class D airspace out in front, but pretty far out. Not an issue unless you go NE to about 5th West and the 14. Airspace goes from ground to 5000'. |
| Radio Frequencies | None established - use a radio for safety. |
| Site Type | Desert mountain. Slope launch. |
| Fees | None |
| Contact | Joe Greblo (Windsports.com) conducts trips to Avenue S
PilotGuy of Hanggliding.org is also a local pilot |
| Links/Video |
Sectional Chart (use identifier PMD) http://skyvector.com/ |
| <googlemap lat="34.530590" lon="-118.148665" zoom="15">
34.530590, -118.148665, Launch 34.549839, -118.157860, LZ </googlemap> | |
Overview
Garlock is a desert mountain site just south of Ridgecrest, CA for local soaring and XC flights. XC flights to Trona and into the Owens Valley are common from the spring through the fall. Launch is a rocky slope and access is via 4x4. LZ is a dry lake bed just off a paved road.
Launch
The road to launch requres a vehicle with good ground clearance. A 4x4 is required towards the top of the road for the last 1/2 mile. There are two launches at Garlock, an upper and a lower. The upper launch is most suitable for light SE winds. The lower launch is more suitable for stronger winds, S and SW winds, and is steeper.
LZ
Dry lake bed just off Garlock road. There are power lines to the south side of the LZ. No permanent wind sock.
Geography/Meteorology
High desert/mountains. Summer highs in the LZ can be over 100 deg F and thermals can be strong with high climbs, so be prepared for cold at altitude. Winds typically increase throughout the day in the summer, and are often strongest towards sunset. It gets cold in the winter. In the spring and fall cool nights and warm days are the norm.
Hazards and Risk Mitigation
Switchy desert winds and dust devils during launch and landing. Low flying/fast military aircraft are common in the area. Increasing winds throughout the day. Desert survival in the event of a mishap/crash. Snakes/scorpions/spiders at launch and in LZ. Remote are with poor cell coverage.
Fly within your skill level and go to the site with an experienced pilot. Use a radio and a GPS. Keep your eyes open for air traffic. Be prepared for desert survival, even on the drive up! Fly with plenty of water, and have supplies for a night in the desert. Remember it can get cool at night! Don't stick your hands where you cant see, and watch where you step!
Clubs/Owners/Manager
None
Site Records
Unknown. Flights have gone to Bishop and beyond.
Overview Ridge soaring site best in Winter and Santa Anna conditions. Occasional thermals. Good site for H3 pilots and supervised H2.
Launch MSL: 4,450 Launch AGL: 1,350 LZ MSL: 3,100 Launch Faces: NE Conditions: Launchable from NNE-ENE, NE is best. 10 mph NE is about the minimum for soaring. Rating: Hang 3 or Hang 2 with some experience or instructor presence. Season: Fall through Spring (Santa Ana conditions are best). Contact Info: No official contact information, but the Sylmar club often flies this site. Vehicles: 4x4 required to get to the top.
The road to launch is good until the last part where a 4x4 is required to continue.
Site Concerns and Restrictions
This is a sensitive site, and is used at the pleasure of the nearby land owners. Please respect the agreement that we have with landowners and:
Do NOT drive up the paved road through the neighborhood. Do NOT overfly or land near/in the neighborhood.
Use ONLY the powerline road to get to the top. Use ONLY the Ave. S landing area. Failure to comply will result in loss of the site!!!!
Safety Concerns High tension power lines to the West. Lower hill to the left and in front of launch can cause turbulence if you go left immediately after launch.
Strong winds are common for mid day Santa Anna winds - beginners beware!
Often heavy hang glider/paraglider traffic when flyable - keep your eyes open and clear your turns!
Airspace: Palmdale Class D airspace out in front, but pretty far out. Not an issue unless you go NE to about 5th West and the 14. Airspace goes from ground to 5000'.
Coordinates: Launch: N34°33.277' W118°09.524' LZ: N34°31.875' W118°08.868' Driving Directions: Take Hwy 14 North to the Antelope Valley. Get off at Avenue S and go West. Go over the aquaduct, and just past the houses on the right, turn left. Then go immediately right along the pipeline. (This pipeline is being buried, so it may not exist soon.) Go west until you get to a dirt road going south. Take that road for a few hundred yards and you will see wind streamers. The LZ is there. The dirt road you arrived on goes to launch.