Flying Season & Conditions

During the cooler season, Oct to February, the prevailing winds blow from the E in the morning and change to NW in the evening. We usually fly Tower Hill which offers two launches, one for the morning and one for the evening.

During the hot season, March to May, the winds predominately blow from the West, NW. Due to the strong conditions, the flying usually takes place from 10am to sunset for experienced pilots and after 3pm for the less experienced. Still, it is quite possible to spend several hours in the air launching this late in the day.

The launches are usually done in strong breeze (between 15 to 30 kmh). Therefore, it is essential to have solid ground handling, reverse launch and canopy immobilization technique. For pilots who are rusty, we have a perfect kiting field to brush up on your ground handling. The LZ area in Shelar is also suitable for ground handling practice.

Since most of the flying is done in some wind, it is essential to have a properly fitted speed system and the experience to use it. Also... keep an eye for areas with compression or venturi effect where your ground speed is reduced to zero (or less) and there is a chance of drifting over the back, into the rotor area.

The designated LZs are usually open, ample in size and have no obstructions. Everywhere you look, you will almost always find a smoke stack rising somewhre in the distance. This comes very handy when flying XC or landing in a field without a windsock. If you land next to villages, do expect stray low power and phone lines in the vicinity. For safe landing make a few circles over the landing area and find out about the wind direction by judging your wind drift.

Safety

When flying in 3rd world countries, having an accident is far more dangerous than in countries with functional rescue systems like ambulances and helicopter. Therefore, we encourage all visiting pilots to be extra conservative, both on the ground and in the air. Leave your ultra-light harness at home and bring a fully protected harness (back/side pro), fitted with a recently refreshed reserve. Also... leave your hot wing at home. Any modern DHV/LTF 1/1-2 or EN-A/EN-B glider will serve you perfectly well for all your flying needs here. The partial checklist below might prove useful:

• Speed system - a must
• Light gloves - (motorcycle type - warmer if you plan to fly the Himalaya)
• Back/side protection
• Reserve, recently packed
• Safe wings
• Radio/GPS
• Local SIM card for your mobile phone (about 7 Euro) - photo and passport copy needed
• Comfortable backpack - Some launches are only accessible by foot
• Orange construction ribbon - streamer

Emergency Phones

Do not expect any rescue system to work properly, so have other pilots around, who can arrange a transport to a hospital themselves. Helicopters and Ambulances might not have enough fuel, if there are any. Phones might not work.