Updated 12.18.24

12 Minute is a 450 foot vert – 4 wheel drive drive up (or hike) site . The west side is a P2/H2 site that is welcoming to newer pilots, while the east side is P3/H3 soaring ridge requiring more advanced skills and judgement. As with all of our sites, mountain flying and weather knowledge is a must. If you are unsure if it is safe to fly, ask a local!

DO NOT FLY in a North Wind; very dangerous rotor is produced that may not be felt until you are in the air.

Since launch is located on top of the hill, strong kiting skills may be required. Launching in high winds is not recommended due to the possibility of blow-back behind the hill into rotor.

It is generally not recommended flying here during the mid-day hours due to strong thermic conditions in combination with close proximity to the ground.

High altitude general flying information can be found HERE.

Pilots please note this site does not have a true parking area, and cars must be left on the road shoulder. Please do not congest the road and carpool when possible.

Quick Info

General Site Guidelines HERE
Launch altitude at 5737 ft
P2 Required for West, P3 for East
- Skills needed but not limited to high wind launching, high wind kiting, no wind launching, active piloting in turbulence, high altitude launching, high altitude landing, descent techniques, thermalling, and ridge soaring
Wind Direction: See Individual launches Below
Wind Speeds: See Individual Launches Below

Min Glide Ratio: See Individual Launches
Membership in USHPA and CUASA. CUASA membership form HERE

Launch

West Launch

P2 Rating Required

Wind Direction: Ideal 240-280, OK 220-300

Wind Speed: Min 0, Ideal 6, Max 12, gusts to 5

Min Glide Ratio 4.4

Due to the small area of the launch, it is recommended that spectators stay down in the LZ.

Lower West Launch

P2 Rating Required

Wind Direction: Ideal 260-280, OK 220-280

Wind Speed: Min 0, Ideal 6, Max 12, gusts to 5

Min Glide Ratio 5.5

Due to the small area of the launch, it is recommended that spectators stay down in the LZ.

East Launch

P3 Rating Required: Steep drop off immediately after launch and landing in a restricted space along a road.

Wind Direction: Ideal 80-105, OK 50-115

Wind Speed: Min 3, Ideal 6, Max 12, Gust to 5

Due to the small area of the launch, it is recommended that spectators stay down in the LZ.

Landing Zone

South LZ

There is a warm springs fed grassy LZ on the west side. Please do a walk-through of the LZ prior to flying. Take note of the power lines, swamps, and groves of wing eating Russian olive trees that should be avoided. Of course, give the powerlines plenty of room and don’t land close to them.

At times this LZ may have hazards present including cattle and/or swampy ground. Please assess the LZ prior to flying and take action to avoid livestock, landing as far away as possible from them, and landing in swamp areas.

North LZ

The east side landing zone is the road along the alfalfa field. The farmer has given us permission, but doesn’t like us tromping on his crops. It is recommended to do a walkthrough of the LZ to note any potential hazards.