Includes Southside site introduction, weather briefing, wing set-up, kiting, pre-flight check, and radio instruction when in the air.
The Southside is known for its early morning southerly winds. The ridge is 300′ high and clear of any obstacles. It accommodates students who want to practice kiting, slope launches, high-wind launches, and flying.
If conditions permit, groups can venture over to the Inspiration Point (Inspo). It’s a quick drive from the Southside to the top of launch and offers thermalling opportunities.
This is big mountain flying at its best. Beautiful views from above launch. See the famous Wasatch Range - the western edge of the Rocky Mountains.
The launch area at the Southside offers acres of kiting practice. Move closer to the compression zone and expect a 5-10 mph increase in wind. Test your skills by learning how to transition into the air.
Let us shuttle you from launch to launch and organize retrievals from the LZ.
Bring your wallet. You will be hungry. There are many convenience stores for coffee and snacks. Bathrooms are available enroute or at the launch.
Meet in the top parking lot near the bathrooms (Southside launch)
Address: 121100 N East, N Frontage Road, Draper, UT 84020
40.457985N,-111.901124W
Pilot introductions and flight experience. Site intro. Safety briefing. Gear check. Frequency setup. Sign waivers.
Determine the weather outlook for the morning and the day. All activities on the ground and in the air are dependent on the wind speed and direction.
Practice kiting in the lee of the wind before launching. Practice planning for the “compression zone” and “wing wake” from pilots in the air.
Club rules allow for 15-mintue blocks of airtime. Share the air. Launch and land out. Rinse and repeat. Dial back flying at after 10:00am as afternoon conditions set in.
Come and join the thrill and excitement of of flying the big mountains of the Wasatch Range.
