Cullom

• Wind directionN (0°) → N (359°)
• Ideal speed2–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

Cullom is a FLATLAND STATIC-TOW / winch site on wide-open Illinois farmland (operated by the Reel Pilots since 1996, now used mostly by paragliders; Chicago Paragliding runs a school/tandem/PPG operation here). It is NOT a ridge or mountain launch, so it is effectively OMNIDIRECTIONAL: the tow line is simply aligned into whatever wind is blowing, which is why paraglidingEarth lists all eight octants as working. Wind DIRECTION is therefore not the limiting factor (any direction is fine as long as it is steady) — wind SPEED and smoothness are. Tow conventions: a pilot's first tows are done on a smooth, light-wind day with no thermals/turbulence, then progressively more active air. General PG tow window is roughly 2-15 mph with smooth, steady (non-gusty) flow; light cross or shifting wind for the tow vehicle is the main concern. Above ~15-18 mph it becomes unworkable for PG tow. Strong gusts, dust devils, or a shifting/gusty gradient are the principal hazards on flat farmland; mid-day thermal cycles produce the big XC days (site records: 8,500 ft AGL and 107 miles, both set May 1999). Best for XC = mid-day thermal window; best for basic/student tows = early morning or evening glass-off smooth air. ACCESS: private farmland, semi-restricted — not fully open, not strictly invitation-only; coordinate with the Reel Pilots / Chicago Paragliding for permission. NOTE: direction arc is set to full circle to reflect the tow-site nature; speed figures are general PG-tow guidance (medium confidence) since no club-published numeric wind spec was found.