| Location: | About 10 miles east of Sonoita; 70 miles southeast of Tucson. |
| Season: | Year-round. |
| Conditions: | SSW to WSW winds 15-25. Typically flown in moderately strong frontal conditions. |
| Hazards: |
- Flown in strong conditions, so penetration upwind to the LZs is an issue. In particular, single-surface glider pilots need to ensure they are flying within their wing's capabilities.
- Glider setup is directly in the launch conditions, so good setup technique is a must to prevent glider damage.
- Dehydration and heat exhaustion are a real hazard during hot weather. Hike up is 1/4 mile, 200 foot vertical. Bring plenty of water.
- Lots of aggressive desert vegetation, particularly agave (century plants). Very unpleasant to land in.
- Rain or virga in the desert can produce strong gust fronts and microbursts. Watch for overdevelopment or lines of moving dust.
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| Ratings/Requirements: | None. Suggested H2. |
| Radio: | SAHGA club frequency is 151.925 (USHGA Ch. 2) |
| Launch: | Southwest-facing walk-up from parking on US Forest Service land, about 6500 feet MSL. Takes winds ssw (200) through w (270) up to about 25 mph, depending on pilot's experience level. |
| Launch directions: | Visitors please see the listed site contacts below for information. Club members see http://www.sahga.com/members/sites.html |
| Launch access: | Very rough 4WD from LZ to parking, then walk-up 1/4 mile, 200' vertical. |
| LZ: | Very large field, about 5500 MSL. BLM (leased by Sands Ranch). |
| LZ directions: | Visitors please see the listed site contacts below for information. Club members see http://www.sahga.com/members/sites.html |
| LZ access: | State highway to 2wd dirt road. |
| Parking: | Plenty |
| Facilities: | None. |
| Contacts: |
Eric Smith, Arizona Airfoils, SAHGA Flight Director and HG Instructor, Tucson (520) 790-3507
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| Emergency: | 911 Pima County Sheriff's Department. |
