Cosmos

• Wind directionN (0°) → N (359°)
• Ideal speed3–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

Cosmos is a FLATLAND TOW site (winch/platform-launch off 2-mile sections of obstruction-free rural roads near Lake Lillian, central MN), NOT a ridge or mountain launch — run by SDI Paragliding Academy (Neil Sirrine), and home of the Midwest "Corn Alps" PG competition. Because the truck tows into wind down whichever road aligns, the site works with wind FROM essentially any direction (all octants listed), so direction is not the constraint — wind SPEED and smoothness are. Tow flying wants light, steady wind with a low gust factor: best in calm-to-light morning or evening glass-off, or light steady thermic flow. Towing is shut down by strong or gusty wind (rule-of-thumb cutoff ~15 mph base / ~18 mph gusts; gust spread well above base ends operations regardless of speed). Hazards: powerlines and trees define the usable road sections; flat farmland means landout options are good but no ridge lift, so flights are thermal/XC after release. No on-site weather station; pilots brief winds at the truck. Access via SDI (instruction, certified tow techs, reserve repacks) — you fly here by arrangement with the tow operator, not casual self-launch. Numbers are general tow-flying guidance, not a published club site guide.