Powered Paragliding & Paramotor: Flying ABQ

Scenes in the Desert

These are some examples from previous fly-ins or nearby areas. They are representative of the varied terrain and people likely to be encountered.

One of several special sites that makes the trip even more worthwhile...Cabezon

Jarrod takes in the sweet evening air.

Cloudy, cold but still a spectacle to behold.

Last year was my first encounter with "Lighter than Air"

Jerry & Michelle Daniele with myself in the middle.

The "Badlands" some of the most spectacular scenery to pass through an iris.

Powered Paragliding

the ABQ Grasslands

One of the most visually spectacular areas of the country is the colorful expanse of New Mexico's desert hills.

The Daniele's have carved out an oasis of PPG paradise just south of Albuquerque where nature's normal desert dust gives way to oh-so-launchable grass. 20 acres of it!

Far enough from the metropolis, it offers unlimited altitude and quick access to many scenic areas...all within 20 miles of launch. Other areas within a few hours drive offer even more spectacle for the foot-launched flier. There is a graphic overview of the entire area at the bottom of this article.

Watch out for balloons...this area is famous for it's "box" pattern of airflow which frequently allows balloonists to land where they started...not a normal occurrence for their craft. At least they're hard to miss!

There are no specific regulations regarding proximity but one sure way to make waves is to make the balloonist nervous. If they offer any gestures outside of waving, you're too close!

During Balloon Fiesta there is a healthy chunk of airspace where ALL aircraft and ultralights are prohibited. Given the amount of FAA presence at the event it would be incredible folly to violate this airspace...especially considering the security situation...everybody is a little jumpy.

The diagram below shows where to avoid and it's relationship to our flying sites. From the grasslands it's little concern unless you venturing up
north.

Airspace is unencumbered in the Grasslands launch area and pilots can legally climb as high as they want. Small airplanes will be flying into two nearby airports, typically between 800 and 1500 feet above the ground.

Please note that Jets are flying over the Grasslands as low as 2000' above the ground though. For those attending the Oct Fly-In, a Notam will be issued concerning our operation but that will only be for a two mile radius of the flying field and up to 2000' AGL (above ground level). That doesn't mean they won't use the airspace, only that they have the opportunity to know we're there.

Albuquerque International sports two rings of Class C airspace that is off limits to us. The outer ring starts at 6900' (about 1900' AGL) and the inner ring goes to the surface.

Flying from the 19th Ave site puts us barely outside the C airspace and so we must be careful if flying high. Also, while the balloon fiesta is ongoing, they put a 4 nautical mile ring of airspace off-limits (see graphic below).

This shows the 19th Ave LZ for both PPG and balloons, the Balloon Fiesta prohibited airspace and direction of the Grasslands. To the left of "Grasslands", just left of the number 589 is the ABQ VOR...a navigation aid used by airplane pilots. This is frequently a high traffic area as students practice maneuvering based on it's signals.

The Grasslands flight park is located near a highway and the normal precaution should be followed for flying over congested areas. One way to ensure the highway is considered congested is to fly low over it. Don't do that. The FAA is not out to "bust" anyone but if there is an accident caused by the distraction of a low flying PPG pilot it is likely the area will be considered congested and the pilot will be fined or worse.

Huge variability is possible but on average its in the 40's at night and upper 75-82 during the day. If the sun is out, a tank-top will be comfortable.

Gorgeous scenery abounds, luring pilots further afield then they may normally venture. It is easy to get into pretty remote areas where a retrieve by car would be difficult at best...it wouldn't happen quickly either. Cell phone coverage however is sometimes available even in these areas and having an FRS radio would be good. Let others know what frequency you'll be using.

The graphic below shows an overview of the area and the two primary flying sites. Many cross countries can be safely accomplished especially with the help of local planners. Jerry and Michelle are the most experienced as they run the school there (www.AmericanFlyerPPG.com) in addition to having flown there for years.

It's some of the most awesome flying around and with reasonable precautions will be safe as well. See ya over the Badlands!


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