Garlock | |
|---|---|
| Launch MSL | 4770 ft |
| Above LZ | 2850 ft |
| Glide to LZ | 5.5:1 |
| Rating/Skills | Skilled H3 to H4 in summer. H2 with supervision. |
| Wind Directions | SW,S,SE |
| Season | Best in Fall and Spring. Conditions can be very strong in Summer. Sled rides in Winter. |
| Restrictions | Nearby restricted airspace for XC flights. See a sectional chart. |
| 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 Garlock
Love2Glide of Hanggliding.org is a local pilot |
| Links/Video | Garlock Launch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlqKhAp8FvM
Garlock Landing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKj01LjeLsU Sectional Chart (use identifier IYK) http://skyvector.com/ |
| <googlemap lat="35.418976" lon="-117.850559" zoom="12">
35.418976, -117.850559, Launch 35.375485, -117.853724, 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.
