Venice (The V)

Updated 12.18.24

The V is a gem of a hike and fly site in the Sevier Valley. Allowing launches from any wind direction throughout the year. Launch is about a 1,100 ft gain in elevation from the base  in just one mile, so be sure to carry water. Park your cars off to the side before the fence in the south landing zone or on the road shoulder in the north landing zone.

The V is primarily a morning site that works on light south wind or light eastern mountain drain. There is a general goat trail to the top, but you know you have reached the top when you see rockpile with a streamer. When in doubt, point upwards!

Due to the general morning flying nature of the site, pilots should be comfortable exercising nil wind forwards on a short launch runway. A stable and confident torpedo is a must! Make sure lines are clear before starting your launch. 

Smooth air is typically found in the mornings, but as the day heats up the air can become quite turbulent. Choose your flying windows accordingly and within your skill level. 

Although not one of our “big” mountain launches the same general guidelines apply here that apply to our higher peaks. Pilots may need to utilize high wind kiting techniques, perform a no wind forward, or a light wind dynamic reverse launch. Strong thermal conditions can be present during the peak season of March-October. Thermal activity may be present as early as 9:30am and continue well past 5:00pm. Active piloting, situational awareness, and receiving local pilot knowledge on site prior to flying is crucial and required.

 High altitude general flying information can be found HERE.

Quick Info

  • General Site Guidelines HERE   
  • Launch altitude at 6400 ft 
  • P2/P3 Required, See Individual Launches
    • 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
  • Wind Speed: See Individual Launches       
  • Membership in USHPA and CUASA. CUASA membership form HERE 
  • Primarily a morning/evening site

Launch

South Launch

P2 Required

Wind Direction: Ideal 160-220, OK 135-225

Wind Speed: Min 1, Ideal 6, Max 12, gusts to 3

Min Glide Ratio 2.4

West Launch

P2 Required

Wind Direction: OK 260-320, OK 25-325

Wind Speed: Min 0, Ideal 6, Max 12, gusts to 3

Min Glide Ratio 2.4

East Launch

P3 Required

Wind Direction: OK 60-120, Ideal 45-135

Wind Speed: Min 1, Ideal 6, Max 12, gusts to 3

Min Glide Ratio 2.4

Landing Zone

South LZ

Used for South, East, and West Launches. Do a walkthrough to note the fence and farming equipment. Do not land in the farm field if there are crops present. If no crops are present, you must avoid the sprinkler lines in the field.