UTECH LZ (Kingston/Mona) with bail-out (#1 map)

Launch: drive-up from Papine.
Note: the launch is short and steep, and the site is NOT a beginner's site. For visiting pilots, we recommend intermediate skill levels because of a restricted landing field. Confidence in reverse launching is an asset!

Landing: several potential LZs in 1 km distance (glide ratio 4:1). Our preferred LZ is the sporting oval of UTECH. This LZ can normally be made in a 'sled ride' and if not there is a 'bail-out'. (Be aware of the power line at the N border of the LZ!)

Retrieval: 10 min on asphalt road from bottom to top.

Launch: drive-up, 2 km W of Malvern, 15 km N of Treasure Beach. Marl road to site accessible with normal vehicles. Gentle slope next to road, suitable for beginners. Good thermaling site with XC potential! Launchable from SE to W.

Landing: 200 ft asl at the bottom of the hill on cattle land. Farmers are generally very co-operative. (Special thanks to Mr. F. Dunkley for offering his meadows as LZ. Note: when top landing make sure NOT to land on vegetable plots of local farmers!)

Retrieval: 15 min on direct narrow asphalt road from bottom to top.

New Malvern, St. Elizabeth (aka John Crow Hill)

2,000ft ASL, vertical: 1,800 ft in vicinity of Malvern and Treasure Beach, south coast. Easy site with ample landing space, XC for beginners, beach in 15 km distance, friendly country people.
(click on picture below for video footage)

Skyline, Kingston

Our 'house site' in Jamaica is located in Kingston, above Hope Estate next to the viewpoint on Skyline Drive, a mountain ridge 1,500 ft ASL. This launch is on the lee side of the 7,500 ft high Blue Mountains and usually well sheltered from easterly trade winds. Due to the lush vegetation, thermals tend to be soft (2-4 m/s) most of the time. The site offers all year round flying with some XC potential on good days! Due to high humidity levels in the tropics, cloud base tends to be low between 3,000 and 4,000 ft ASL.

Pen Hill - Kirkvine, Manchester

2,600 ft ASL, vertical: 1,300 ft - in the cool hills of Manchester. This is a new site which needs further exploration. (click on picture below for video footage!)

Pen Hill launch ((#5 map)

Launch: 2,600 ft ASL, drive-up with heavy 4x4, facing S-SE, can be exposed to strong trade winds.

Landing: various landing options at the bottom of the hill at 1,300ft ASL. In light wind Kirkvine Sports Club best option. Careful with high tension wires spanning across 200 ft below launch!.

Retrieval: 30min on bad road

Spur Tree, Manchester

2,100 ft ASL, vertical: 1,000 ft - this is a new site which needs further exploration.
(click on picture below for video footage!)

Launch: 2,100 ft ASL, drive-up with heavy 4x4 only, facing SW; site is not flyable on days with E trade winds.

Landing: huge landing at the bottom of the hill (not visible from launch) at 1,000ft ASL.

Retrieval: 20min with 4x4

Spur Tree launch ((#4 map)