General Guidelines for Flying in Central Utah
CUASA is dedicated to promoting and preserving safe, responsible free flight in Central Utah. We support visiting and local pilots with site-specific knowledge and community-based resources.
Flying in Central Utah presents unique challenges due to its high-desert environment, rapidly changing weather, and mountain terrain. Most of our sites are thermal-driven mountain launches that require advanced preparation, sound judgment, and appropriate skill levels.
Before flying any site, pilots must:
- Carefully review that site’s individual guide and risk factors.
- Ensure they have the skills and rating required for mountain thermal flying.
- Fly with the right equipment and be physically prepared for the altitude and terrain.
Special considerations for our region include:
- Bringing adequate hydration and flying with extra water.
- Using supplemental oxygen for high-altitude flights.
- Being prepared for strong thermals, sharp weather changes, and unforgiving terrain.
- Maintaining excellent situational awareness in remote backcountry environments.
Central Utah offers incredible flying — from glassy evening descents to world-class XC — but it demands respect, preparation, and humility from every pilot.
Additional Info
- Radio Freq: 145.555
Thermal Flying in Central Utah
The mountains of Central Utah are known for producing strong thermals, dynamic lift, and turbulence. Pilots unfamiliar with high-desert mountain conditions should approach mid-day flying with caution. Early morning or evening flights are strongly recommended as a safer introduction to these sites.
We encourage all pilots to consult with local flyers for up-to-date guidance on conditions and timing. Many risks can be avoided simply by checking in before heading to launch.
Skill Requirements
Thermal flying in this region demands both technical proficiency and deep situational awareness. Pilots should be confident in:
- Ground handling with a connected feel for their glider
- Understanding how regional weather patterns align with forecast models
- Launching efficiently within short thermal windows
- Executing forward launches in no-wind conditions
- Dynamic reverse launches on shallow slopes
- Kiting in gusty or variable winds
Launch Timing Considerations
Launch technique and timing should be chosen based on thermal strength and safety. In many cases, launching during a light or zero-wind cycle between thermals offers a safer and more controlled option. Other times, launching directly into a building thermal may be preferable, provided the pilot has sufficient skill and terrain clearance.
It’s common for pilots inexperienced with forward or light-wind launches to wait for “the wind” (the thermal) to cycle in, only to be overwhelmed by a stronger-than-expected pulse once their glider is overhead. Local instruction or mentoring can help bridge this knowledge gap and improve outcomes.
Daily Conditions
Thermal activity can begin as early as 9:30 AM and persist past 5:00 PM. Pilots must plan for:
- Increased altitude to maintain terrain clearance
- Conservative glide paths to avoid airspace and sink zones
- Persistent lift, sink, and turbulent conditions throughout the flight window
Active piloting, continual situational awareness, and thoughtful flight planning are critical. Receiving a site briefing and feedback from local pilots is not only encouraged — it’s expected.
Ground Handling & Safety
Ground handling is not allowed on launch or in landing zones. Pilots should practice kiting in large, open, grassy areas during early mornings or late evenings when wind conditions are stable with minimal gust variation.
Emergency Considerations
Several sites involve hike-up launches, which may delay emergency response. Pilots must prepare accordingly by staying well within their operating limitations, using good judgment, and carrying essential safety equipment. Minimizing risk is crucial for both paragliding and hang gliding in our desert and high-desert terrain.
Site Briefings and General Guidelines
All pilots are expected to review the published site guides and general guidelines before arriving at any launch. These documents provide important details on conditions, terrain, airspace, and risk factors specific to each location.
However, printed or online resources do not replace the value of an in-person, site-specific briefing. CUASA strongly recommends that visiting pilots receive an on-site briefing from a local instructor or a qualified pilot with direct experience at the site.
This is especially important for mountain thermal sites, hike-up launches, and areas with complex terrain or variable wind behavior. A personal briefing ensures that all pilots fly with a current and accurate understanding of launch conditions, airspace limitations, and best practices.
When in doubt — ask. Local knowledge is one of your most valuable safety tools.
Membership Requirements
All pilots and passengers participating in hang gliding, paragliding, or mini-wing activities in Central Utah must hold current memberships with both CUASA and USHPA.
By law, all operations must comply with FAR Part 103 regulations (or Part 91 when applicable). Pilots are also expected to follow the general safety protocols and best practices established by USHPA.
General Safety
Flying in Central Utah requires preparation for a high-desert climate, mountainous terrain, and limited infrastructure at launch and landing zones. The following safety protocols are essential for all pilots.
Equipment Requirements
- All pilots must fly with current, airworthy equipment appropriate to their skill level.
- Gliders and reserve parachutes must match the pilot’s total flying weight (all-up weight).
- Helmets must be worn during all flights.
- Reserve parachutes are required for all flights.
- Kiting is not permitted on launches or in landing zones due to space limitations.
Launch Protocol
- Pre-flight checks and hooking into your glider must be done off launch in designated setup areas.
- Do not clip in or conduct pre-flight checks on launch itself.
- Walk up to launch ready and prepared to fly.
Three-Strike Rule
If you attempt to launch and fail three times, please step aside, rosette your wing, and take at least five minutes to reassess before trying again. This helps preserve launch safety and flow, even if no other pilots are waiting.
Forward Launch Etiquette
Our mountain launches often require a strong, committed forward (torpedo) launch. If you are not confident with forward launching, and cannot launch after five minutes of waiting for a cycle, please allow other pilots who are ready to proceed ahead of you. Conditions can change rapidly, and holding up the launch can cause others to miss their safe window.