SCPA & SBSA Discussion Board

Someone told me that everyone that flies in the mountains only goes up to thermal. Is that true? Where do people in SB go for nice big sled rides of at least 2000 ft? I also was informed that the costal ridge soaring is very inconsistent. Kind of disappointed. I came to get my P2 rating with the school here, and learn about the flying sites, but it sounds like you have to be a big thermal/xc flyer if you want to fit in here. Any comments? I just like smooth morning and evening flights.

Hi! You have come to the right place!! Sled rides are BEAUTIFUL in the morning and evening! Try flying the alternator at sunset.... The "golden ocean" is incredible. It is also a good time to practice light thermalling in an absolutely beautiful setting...

JimmyZ is right about some magical flights from our local sites. I've had many. However, watch out for the wind in the morning and late afternoon, as it will predominently blow over the back (which is why we usually fly in the middle of the day when it thermal blocks). This said, if you pick the right days, with no wind, you can get what you are looking for. I recommend you get the guidance of your instructor on when those days are, so you don't end up launching into a rotor, or trashy conditions, and get into trouble. You will then have a great stress-free time in the air. It's all about picking the right days. Good luck...
Skippy

erikpmort wrote:Someone told me that everyone that flies in the mountains only goes up to thermal. Is that true?

No Some only fly the smooth air at the ridge

erikpmort wrote:I came to get my P2 rating with the school here, and learn about the flying sites, and learn about the flying sites, but it sounds like you have to be a big thermal/xc flyer if you want to fit in here. Any comments?....

These are great questions to ask your school/instructor(s). After you get your P2 the Santa Barbara flying community is a very helpful group. But until you have your P2 you will be under close instruction from your instructor(s).

Welcome to the wonderful world of FLYING!

is anyone going out to fly tomorrow evening? if so please call me

435-760-4554

I have been flying for a long time, but where i fly we do not do the ratings system...i mostly paramotor.... i will have finished my p2 by tomorrow night

If you are in the Santa Barbara area you should definitely come to the Santa Barbara Soaring Association meeting this Thursday night, 7 pm, at Rusty's Pizza, in downtown Santa Barbara at Bath and Carrillo Streets. Talk to the locals and make some friends to fly with. There are great non-XC flights to be had from our mountains, and decades of knowledge to be gleaned from our seasoned pilots.

erikpmort wrote:is anyone going out to fly tomorrow evening? if so please call me
435-760-4554
I have been flying for a long time, but where i fly we do not do the ratings system...i mostly paramotor.... i will have finished my p2 by tomorrow night

Is your instructor going to take you up to the mountains as a sign off flight?..... I only ask because most fresh P2's have a mountain flight or 2 or for that matter 10 with their instructor present……

I only say that because in these mountains you need to have a flight plan to get to our LZ's

i have over 50 mountain flights in utah, and 20 hrs of motoring experience.

Gotcha,

Well... WELCOME TO SANTA BARBARA