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THE MINGUS MOUNTAIN PARAGLIDER LAUNCH PROJECT
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Well, it's done. An amazing feet to say the least!!! I wasn't the first to spearhead this project but I feel good saying I followed through and there's no need to start it again....because IT'S DONE!!!! Special special thanks to Kris and Morgan....the dedication and humility was nothing short of life motivating and inspiring. Bruce, Bill, Sean.....and so on...THANK YOU, from me and the rest of the Pilots that will launch safely from there for generations to come.
THANK YOU
I will post pics soon.
Mingus Mountain Paragliding launch is proving slow and steady will get the job done.
Patience and Free flight go hand in hand. If you add perseverance, you end up with some sweet stuff, and not just the flying part. My progress with paragliding has always been slow but steady. I’ve learned to love it. At an AHGA meeting in 2003 here in PHX I asked if we could put a PG launch at the best mountain site we have in Arizona, Mingus Mountain. I wasn’t the first. Handfuls of the Nation’s top pilots had been frequenting Mingus over the last decade.
It’s one of the best flying sites in the American West, a classic convergence in Northern Arizona, a place a lot of us consider our Nations house thermal, It deserved a PG launch. Situated 26 miles from Sedona and 10 from Jerome it’s 2800 ft tall, 7800 ft ASL, and one of the worst places to launch a paraglider off. The HG record is 262 miles to Gallup NM, they have a sweet launch ramp and a long standing relationship with the Forest Service and Foundation for Free Flight there.
Most PG’s didn’t even attempt to launch it. Those of us that did had to have solid skills and a mastery focus on feeling our wings and subtle brake tension. This was not an easy task on a good day. So most times we would drive practically right by it to go fly lesser sites when the WX was perfect for Mingus. It bugged the crap outa me. Because of the challenge to get off safely we started to see more pilots launching not tuned in to the stability of their wings. The HG’s called them “entertaining launches.” They pull their lawn chairs up and give OOOOOHHS, WHOOOOAAAAs, and aaaahhs . Who could blame them, they were really entertaining launches to watch.
I remember as our club grew having to remind pilots in their complaints/on-line discussions about “the Mingus launch” that it wasn’t a launch and that’s why I needed their help. It was going to be an immense project to put it lightly. I have to admit that once I came to realize the scope of work I had my moments of doubt it would ever happen.
Slow and steady I forged ahead.
At that time there were three active paragliders and two of us were at the pilot meeting when I asked for permission. The hangliders were polite as they could be with as much Tequila as they drink at the meetings and they reminded me of the fact there were three of us, said they digged my enthusiasm, to keep flying safe, and one day it could be a reality.
Along the way I discovered a Sedona pilot named Morgan Stine had proposed the idea back in 1995. His experience as a general Engineering contractor and the fire that reignited in him made me lose all doubt it could happen. For 3 years plus the growing number of pilots thought we were doing nothing and expressed their frustration at times. They put in their hundo and were wondering where their launch was. They were just unaware of the work we were doing and the work they would be doing, not to mention money. But once we locked in the eight thousand dollar grant from The Foundation for Free Flight they were all at the next meeting.
One thing I know today is if you get a whole bunch of pilot’s permission to build a new launch on a mountain, it is absolutely amazing how many miracles we can pull off. Without getting it in the current contract it, which was ending in a month, it would never happen. So it was quickly named “The Mingus Mountain Existing North Hang Gliding Launch and Campground Renovation Project.”
Myself and a few HG’s had been working on this for 5 years, Morgan for 13. Now if it wasn’t done in 4 weeks it would never be. Here are some facts.
4 Days in we were standing next to damaged heavy equipment at least a day or two behind schedule. 8 Days in we were behind schedule enough to stop talking about it. Spirits remained high. Pilots were constantly showing up with everything from Diesel fuel to Bobcats. There was a surprising lack of concern for the budget. Wives and girlfriends were helping/doing everything. 10 days in the club was near broke and we were spending whatever money we raised as it came in. Tensions were underlying but the work kept getting done and spirits were high on site. More than a few were living at the site for weeks on end. A couple over a month. Morgan donated everything from Equipment to CAD drawings to endless hours doing everything. No less than $400,000 worth of heavy equipment on site at all times. We completed 20 Forest Service campgrounds to spec!!! Don’t even ask. We had to drill and liquid dynamite over 40 rocks. Serious heavy equipment was damaged. We had injuries. We went over budget to the tune of thousands.
Imported 985 tons of fill and ABC (1,990,000 pounds of material)Removed 150 tons of Rock (75 cubic yards or 300,000 pounds) Hand placed 75 tons of Rock to retain the soil for launch. We burned 800 gallons of diesel fuel. We logged 245 hours of loader/excavator time. We logged 400 hours of paid personnel. 1000 volunteer hours on site if not more. Countless off site.$75,000 dollar project easy. We spent $26,500 plus some did everything from pay $700 dollar invoices to show up with 120 gallons of donated diesel fuel.
We did an e-mail campaign. We raised over 10 k in numerous ways. Thanks again Matt, but don’t ever do that again! A couple pilots lent 8 thousand interest free and got it back within 2 months of the completion of the project. Some threw a lot of money into this without asking for it in return. WE FELT PERFECT CYCLES COMING IN AND DIDN’T FLY!! Front End Loaders slid in mud far too close and frequent to the cliff edge. We all shared everything. One night I was dozing off around one of the campfires I heard a newer pilot say “I heard a rumor once that PG’s and HG’s don’t get along, moments later their laughter awoke me. Long story short, the completed project is something we will all think of when asked “What have you done in this life?”
I can’t express how much gratitude I have for the hang gliders in our club. They are without a doubt some of the most humble, helpful, talented, sometimes downright ornery and funny group you could ever hope to have in your flying community. Not to mention when it comes to flying they just flat out kick ass. The older guys are prototype survivors and are known to bitch about their new camelback thingies always freezing on them before they get high. Local Dustin Martin has been known to fly 400+ miles and organize the Casa Comp……Some of them put in more hours than the PG’s on this project and said nothing of it. They should not need to look far for drivers for awhile. Biwingualism is becoming more popular here now.
An old big wave Hawaiin surfer once said that Surfing was more about the lifestyle and journey than it was surfing the actual wave. The beach parties, the making of the boards, the friends, the travels, the paddling out, the paddling in, the days you just went swimming,…and that catching that big wave was just the icing on the cake. And you must appreciate the entire journey to be a surfer and not just surfing. Helping to motivate and build this launch was some of the best training for flying I’ve ever done. I’ve enjoyed my hikes up, the hikes down, the driving, the fixing of my gear, the manuals of my instruments, the drive out to the lake to see if it’s drained enough for a beach area to tow from, all of it has never been so rewarding, not to mention the cores.
So get out there and get us all some new launches on some more kick Ass Mountains. And don’t forget, enjoy all the journey, you will fly better. The vision of a few and the volunteer efforts of many can do anything. Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember slow and steady will get the job done. And come fly the only grass launch in AZ anytime from early spring to Late Fall. Records await………
Special thanks to Morgan Stine and Kris Thompson whose exemplary and humble dedication made this all possible. Months later Morgan is still working to catch up with the work he delayed to do this project. Kris was the volunteer coordinator and co-project manager and also was a tradesman, equipment operator, crew foreman and wore many other hats and deserves special recognition for his efforts. Bruce Jones for the very technical work operating the excavator on the side of the mountain. Sam produced a ton of work along with some really good damage. Shawn Buckner was vital as well. Hal, Merle, Bill, Riss, Sean, Jerry, Joan’s Dad, Magic Mike, Glenn, Jim, the Aloha Hawaii crew, Russ and the Tucson crew, Tanner and the Flagstaff crew and so many more.
The entire group needs to pat themselves on the back for making it all work.
And of course a HUGE thank you to The Foundation for Free Flight for the Grant that we couldn’t have done without. We are already stocking the kitty so we can get you paid back so you can help others to preserve sites and this incredible sport.
Fly Far and Land Soft
AZChandler
www.desertwindparagliding.com
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Hello Free Flight Community!!!
The Arizona Hang Gliding Association needs your help. Mingus Mountain has been a historic and epic Hang gliding site since the beginning of Hang gliding and after years of persistence we have finally obtained permission from the Forest Service and powers that be to make it Biwingual!!!!! This is a HUGE undertaking to say the least and we need all the help we can get not only in manpower but financial aid as well.
MOTIVATING FACTORS:
MINGUS MOUNTAIN: 7800 ASL YEAR ROUND BIG AIR THERMAL XC MOUNTAIN SITE WITH XC ROUTES FROM THE NW TO EAST AND MORE DEPENDING ON WINDS ALOFT WITH NO SPECIAL FLYING RESTRICTIONS.
To give you an idea of how incredible a flying site this is and what’s possible I will start by saying that HANG GLIDERS HAVE FLOWN TO GALLUP NEW MEXICO FROM HERE! This is Arizona’s prime Cross Country flying site, with no PG launch!!
Located in the cool Pine trees 10 min directly above the historic mining town of Jerome Arizona, there is enough room to set up 30 Hang gliders and Paragliders by launch, an incredible amount of free camping at our USHPA members only campgrounds, an actual bathroom, and is one of those places you fly that is breathtaking to say the least.
Along with the fact that the historic town of Jerome, Once a thriving mining camp between the late-1880s and early 1950’s, is now a bustling artistic community with a population of about 450 and includes a modicum of artists, craft people, musicians, writers, hermits, bed and breakfast owners, museum caretakers, gift shop proprietors, is an enchanting town, a photographer's paradise, and well you know, an awesome place for the friends and family that don’t fly to go for the day after watching us launch.
Mingus Mountain is simply an awesome place to fly, and hopefully soon to be an awesome place for Paragliders to fly, if we can raise the funds. So please help us with however much you can.
Thanks and in the mean time Fly Far and Land Soft.
Donations can be made via pay pal on our club site ahga.org
or mailed to (please write Mingus in memo)
AHGA at P.O. Box 39013 Phoenix, AZ. 85069
Some of us have been working on this project for years. Morgan Stine first submitted a proposal to the Forest Service back in 1991. When I brought the idea up to the local club 6 years ago they were all for it except for the fact that it was a huge undertaking for the two paragliders that came to the meetings. The AHGA club wasn't what it is today. So after years of work, trials, tribulations, plans, drawings, proposals, submittals, politics, and just plain old persistence, some of us have managed to get the approvals and HAVE THE DATES FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE LOCKED!!!!!!!!!!
July 23rd to August 3rd.
All the work for the launch AND the campground must be completed so we need your help. The weekends are when we need you most so grab a shovel and come on up. We also need between 4 and 5 thousand yet raised by the completion of the work so please pitch in what you can. Every bit counts.
I will be posting pictures and there will soon be a write up here soon about this historical world class Hang Gliding site that is soon to become a much more biwingual Flying site.
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Mingus Mountain
Description
Location: Cottonwood, Jerome.
Usage: Foot Launched: Hang Gliders, Paragliders, Rigid Wings.
Season: All year, but best from Spring to early Fall.
Requirements: Hang 3,P3 key access during Winter.
Records: HG Gallup NM (186 Miles) PG TBD
Affiliation: Arizona Hang Glider Association.
Radio info: USHGA standard business band frequencies, 2M Ham with proper license.
Land ownership: Launch is owned by U.S. Forrest Service. LZ is private land.
Other use: Sightseers and campers near launch, Mountain Bike and hiking trail.
Emergency: Cottonwood, about 45 mins. drive.
Maintenance: Arizona Hang Glider Association.
Launches: Two cliff launches at 7,800' ASL can get rowdy in strong winds. During best season, launching should be in the early afternoon, before winds switch West.
Winds: SE from 0 to 25 MPH. Wire crew needed for winds over 15 MPH.
Driving directions: Take state route 89A either north from Prescott Valley or south from Jerome to top of mountain. Follow exit to Mingus Recreational Area where a packed-dirt road begins. Follow on dirt past meadow, small lake, church camp and campground. Take a left at the campground to go to launch.
Road conditions: 2WD dirt road in fair condition, 20 MPH speed limit must be respected.
Parking: 20 to 25 vehicles. More space at campground.
Facilities: One bathroom at launch. USHPA only camping available at campground near/at launch.
Setup area: Max. 30 gliders. More space between trees.
Hazards: Frequent rotor on launch ramp: this is typically a morning site. Launching in afternoon is uncommon and can be very hazardous. Visitors should contact local pilots for detailed information.
Launches: Two cliff launches at 7,800' ASL can get rowdy in strong winds. During best season, launching should be in the early afternoon, before winds switch West.
Winds: SE from 0 to 25 MPH. Wire crew needed for winds over 15 MPH.
Type of flying: Ridge soaring rare, but possible. This is one of Arizona's prime cross-country flying sites with routes into mostly Northwest to East directions depending on winds aloft.
Restrictions: No special flying restrictions.
Hazards: A few radio towers behind launch. During monsoon season, violent thunderstorms may be present or may develop very quickly.
Landing:
Landings have recently changed at this site. Please see local pilots for updated info.
Cottonwood Airport: For detailed airport info, please see http://www.airnav.com/airport/P52 Use caution when landing at airport premises.
Sedona airport: Please check with local hang glider pilots for the current Sedona Airport HG landing protocol.
Bailout
Old dump: LZ at 3,800' ASL about 200' by 400'. Slight down slope from South to North. Approaches are typically from S->N and W<->E. Break-down area is on far east edge of LZ.
Driving directions: Drive to Cottonwood airport, stay on pavement past airport, go past cattle guard where road turns to dirt. Continue another two-thirds of a mile to LZ entrance on right. Have the locked-gate combination handy.
Road conditions: Gravel, 2WD.
Parking: Far east and north ends of LZ but leave room for overshooting gliders.
Facilities: Several in Cottonwood.
Hazards: Half mile from Cottonwood airport, look for small airplanes in the air. Several large rocks, steep drop-off on south end of LZ. Use good approach pattern to clear three small knolls about 100' high on west and north sides.
Contacts
Contact Hal Hayden, Jerry Dalen or Myself or any AHGA official for more info.
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