DESCRIPTION

The AZ Tow Group is out towing basically every weekend, and even some weekdays. Guest pilots are welcomed with open arms and strongly encouraged to come out, but a familiarity with the particulars of tow launching is required. You should, at a bare minimum, be comfortable with forward launching on tow in nil winds. It's even better if you can reverse launch on tow with a 45 degree crosswind, as this is a common situation. Mid-day conditions in spring and summer can be demanding, so good kiting skills are expected.

ACTIVITIES

- paragliding
- winch
- flatland
- thermals
- xc

weather

Extreme heat in summer. Violent afternoon thunderstorms in September.

access

From central Phoenix take the I-10 to Estrella Parkway. Head South until you get to Willis Road. Turn right. Go to Rainbow Valley Road. Turn left. Drive several miles until you get to Riggs Road. From there, you must make a determination about wind direction, because that will tell you which launch site is active. Most likely sites will be Riggs and Bullard or else Patterson and Bullard.

regulation

Sky Harbor class B airspace to the North. Luke Air Force Base has a jet corridor active on weekdays. Rainbow Valley is a training ground for many General Aviation pilots, so expect to be sharing the airspace with many airplanes--who often will be below you.