Chilhowee Mountain

• Wind directionWSW (250°) → WNW (290°)
• Ideal speed6–13 mph
• Upper limits≤ 16 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

West-facing site near Benton, TN (~2228 ft MSL), rated P3/H4. Per the Southern Para Pilots (USHPA-affiliated) club site guide, it is a narrow, steep slot launch with a long glide to the LZ. Because the launch is a tight slot, the working wind must be on-axis (straight W, ~270 deg); the ideal arc is therefore narrow (WSW-WNW). Any cross wind on launch is explicitly noted as problematic, so even modest off-axis components quickly make it unflyable, hence a conservative marginal arc. The area just before and in the LZ can be thermic in the late afternoon, so mid-morning to early afternoon (or smoother evening glass-off) is generally preferable to avoid LZ turbulence; the long glide to the LZ also demands sufficient height/penetration. Speed ranges are inferred (not published by the club): typical inland ridge/thermal values, with a lower ceiling given the slot launch and cross-wind sensitivity. P3/H4 rating implies intermediate-plus experience and likely club membership/sign-off for access.