Nelson's Launch

• Wind directionSW (230°) → WNW (290°)
• Ideal speed5–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 13 mph base · gusts ≤ 18

Nelson's Launch, Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso TX (RGSA chapter site). West/SW-facing hike-and-fly PG site (20-40 min hike from Ron Coleman trailhead; HG possible but very tough to carry). Ideal direction 230-290 deg synoptic, best 250-280; winds always tend southwesterly at launch regardless of winds aloft. AVOID winds more southerly than 240 deg - causes turbulence/deflations off the base of N Mt Franklin. Ideal speed ~8-12 mph (10 mph sweet spot); do not launch below 4-5 mph. Max usable ~12-13 mph at launch; venturi can pluck you above 10-12 mph; keep winds aloft at 7-8k MSL under ~20 mph. Gusts should stay 5 mph or under. HAZARDS: launch is snaggy/broken-line prone; venturi/compression at launch; significant rotor just ~15 ft back from the slope transition in winds over 10-12 mph; 'death-air rotor' and nearly-invisible power lines in the eastern valley and near trailhead parking; heavy hiker traffic at launch. Rule of thumb: measure wind at top of Transmountain Rd picnic area - if over 12 mph go to Agave instead; Nelson's is the lighter-wind alternative to Lee's/Agave. BEST TIME: late afternoon/evening for laminar 'dreamboat' air (glassy in winter); mid-day spring can be spicy/thermic. ACCESS: P3 minimum, current USHPA membership required, register with park before/after flying, reserve + speed bar mandatory, visiting pilots should fly with a local guide.