Plowshare Peak

Overview

Spring and Fall provide the best opportunity to experience reasonably consistent cross country flights from this 2500 foot vertical  mountain.  Located at the west end of the Cuyama Valley, the NE facing launch is at 4000 feet above sea level (MSL), providing views of 8287 foot MSL Cerro Nordeste (Mount Abel) in the East, to Santa Maria and the Pacific Ocean in the West.  The wind generally blows from the NE in the morning and then will switch to the NW around noon (give or take an hour or two).  The 'common' routine is to launch into the NE wind just prior to the switch occurring, and then following the convergence east towards the town of New Cuyama.  The peaks of the mountain range get higher until you reach McPherson Peak, about 5600 feet MSL.  At this point you can head NE, and land in the town of New Cuyama for a 25 mile dogleg flight, or continue heading east and hope you get lucky.

As you head downrange, the crest fades further away from the flat (landable) part of the valley and the road.  This makes for an exciting stretch, especially when you are adjacent to some of the private property owners that strictly forbid landing (Spanish Ranch).  Generally you want to be above 6000 feet MSL.  Some days 7000 to 9000 feet MSL is common, making the run to McPherson fairly easy.  On rare days 12,000 to 14,000 feet MSL makes a 50 mile run to Pine Mt.. and Lockwood Valley Rd feasible.  Alternatively, if the mountain range is overly turbulent, you might try to fly down the center of the valley, or even get up on the Caliente's along the north side of the valley.  5100 foot Caliente Peak is a good jumping off point.  I have been above 10,000 feet MSL here.  Overall this site can be fickle, or it may open the entire Cuyama Valley to exploration.  Every spring the local pilots always look forward to the opening of the cross country season here.

Wind requirements

The main launch direction is to the NE. Ten to 15 mph usually will allow soaring flight in ridge lift with a few thermals thrown in.  When the wind backs down, the thermals can climb straight above the mountain.  Once the NW wind kicks in launching the backside can be done.  This, however can be very dangerous and should not be attempted by any but the most experienced pilots.  There is absolutely no place to land on the back side so you MUST get up, or head a couple of miles NW along the ridge and hope you can make it through the gap.  Severe turbulence from the rotor can be expected, at least one pilot is lucky to be alive after tumbling and destroying his glider.

On some days, morning flights in light smooth wind provide excellent opportunities for first time altitude flights by Novice pilots.  Of course these should only be done under proper supervision.

Site rules

This site is regularly flown by pilots from San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County.  Visiting pilots can obtain site introductions from these local pilots as to where the acceptable landing fields are, and which fields to avoid.

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.

Cautions

Do not land on Spanish Ranch property!  They WILL call the Sheriff.  You might also lose your equipment to them!  It is unfortunate they are such jerks, but they are.  (I'm being nice here!)

Sometimes the mountain can be very turbulent.  Often the thermals are missiles, very strong (1000 fpm) with small cores.  Tip your glider up on a wingtip for best results!

Launching the back side can be very dangerous.

When flying down range (East) the mountain gets a long way from the road.  There are only three roads that give access to areas near the base of the mountain over about a 15 mile stretch.  There are dirt roads to several other potential landing zones, however access is through locked gates.  This area is SPARSELY inhabited so expect hikes of many miles if you land back there!  The people are not always friendly, so make sure you know which roads give direct access to Hwy. 166 and land along them, or suffer the consequences.  These roads are Cottonwood Cyn Rd, which leads to Bates Campground, Wasioja Rd. which leads to locked gates, and Aliso Cyn Rd., which is not to far west of New Cuyama.

Access

Two wheel drive, 9 mile dirt road from Hwy. 166. Sometimes the ruts are deep so trucks are better than passenger cars.

Expectations

XC!

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