Pine Mtn. has to be one of the most exciting cross country (XC) sites in the USA. The window of opportunity is relatively short, Summer and early Fall provide the best opportunity to experience consistent conditions from this 7000 foot MSL mountain. Located north of Ojai on highway 33, the S facing launch provides views of the Pacific Ocean 25 miles away. The cycles usually begin by noon time. The landing zone (LZ) in front of launch is a dry, winding, creek bed a few miles to the SW. It is a poor place to land, at best, so you only fly here with the intention of going XC. The back side of the mountain is very steep, and there are many flat, open places to land. Of course this means you must get above the top of the ridge to reach these enticing LZ's. This is one aspect that makes Pine exciting!
In general, if you can clear the tree tops, you can safely go over the back, which means you only need to gain a couple of hundred feet. Of course you need to take the wind conditions into account. If the wind is strong, you will want more altitude to safely avoid the rotor and heavy sink. The thermals can be very nice here, I have gotten above 13,000 feet, at launch, on more than one occasion!
This mountain exists in a geologically diverse place, which makes for varied scenery. Because it is a fairly high mountain (launch is just under 7000 feet MSL), it is capable of producing its own weather, while being influenced by the large regions surrounding it. Launch is roughly 25 miles north of some beaches of Southern CA. Twenty five miles to the north is the Central Valley and 30 miles to the east is the western tip of the Mojave Desert. XC flight can be made to the NW, N, NE, E, SE and S. The Easterly directions generally provide the longest flights, 100 milers are made every year, and currently upto around 190 miles!
The main launch direction is to the S. Because your intention should be to get up and over the back, calm or down slope winds should be avoided, however very light thermal conditions usually allows you to fly. Maximum winds are whatever you feel comfortable with, taking into consideration the direction and your ability. I have launched in 25 mph and done fine, and launched in 15-20 and wished I stayed on the ground! It is a fairly unpredictable site sometimes and is prone to over development once in a while.
There is N side launch at about 5500 feet that is occasionally flown during the off season. It is a fairly flat slope launch and is hard to find without someone pointing it out. Next year I will try and obtain GPS coordinates for it.
This site is regularly flown by pilots from San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County and Southern CA. Visiting pilots can obtain site introductions from these local pilots. This site is basically out in the middle of nowhere, and is not usually flown during the week. It is recommended for hang 4's with cross country experience only.
This site is located in Los Padres National Forest. A Forest use pass, obtained from the Forest Service should be obtained. This is a new thing (1997) and the rangers are giving out warnings now (1998). From what I understand the fine is less than the $30 annual fee, and is applied to the fee, so do what makes sense to you. (We have never been approached by anyone about this pass).
At times the mountain can get angry and kick you in the butt.
Blown launches occur here every year. Use a strong, high altitude launch technique.
Use extreme caution when flying across the 'Badlands' after going over the back. There is only one place to land and it is called 50-50 because you only have a 50% chance of surviving! It is about half way across in the creek bed of a deep ravine next to the only road through to Lockwood Valley. Usually if you are above 9000 feet you can make it on a glide.
There is a lot of remote territory to the W, N, S, and E so use care not to get low in a place with no retrieval, or you will be hating life.
Always fly with a friend and a radio! This is NOT the place to learn how to fly cross country! I would recommend learning in the Owens Valley before learning here!
Two wheel drive, 5 mile single lane road from Hwy. 33, at the very top of the pass (Pine Mountain Recreation Area). Sometimes the potholes are deep so trucks are better than passenger cars. There is nice camping within walking distance of launch. Access Hwy. 33 from Hwy. 166 in the North or Hwy. 101 in the South.
Awesome XC!
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