Rainbow Valley - West Patterson
📍 Arizona , Maricopa County · Nearest city: Buckeye (26 km)
11 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 300 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
33.18890, -112.41600Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 0 | Low |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.00 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.38 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
Four launch sites allow always towing into wind, regardless of what the current wind direction is. This means that the site is flyable year-round, as long as it's not too windy, or raining (which it rarely does in Arizona) If you come fly with the Arizona Tow Group, then winch fees will be $40 per day, tow count unlimited.
Rules and notes
Sky Harbor class B airspace to the North. Luke Air Force Base has a jet corridor active on weekdays. Rainbow Valley is a training ground for many General Aviation pilots, so expect to be sharing the airspace with many airplanes--who often will be below you.
Pilot comments
The AZ Tow Group is out towing basically every weekend, and even some weekdays. Guest pilots are welcomed with open arms and strongly encouraged to come out, but a familiarity with the particulars of tow launching is required. You should, at a bare minimum, be comfortable with forward launching on tow in nil winds. It's even better if you can reverse launch on tow with a 45 degree crosswind, as this is a common situation. Mid-day conditions in spring and summer can be demanding, so good kiting skills are expected.
Nearby sites
Rainbow Valley - East Patterson (11) · Rainbow Valley - South Bullard (3) · Rainbow Valley - North Bullard (20) · South mountain (17) · Shaw Butte (12) · Houser Rd - Towing (47)