Many feathers Paragliding School Launch

• Wind directionSSW (195°) → SW (235°)
• Ideal speed3–8 mph
• Upper limits≤ 8 mph base · gusts ≤ 12

SW-facing ridge launch near Mt. Aeneas (Checkerboard) in the Flathead Valley, MT, served by Many Feathers Paragliding School and the Flathead Valley Soaring Association (FVSA). FVSA site guide gives explicit numbers: ideal wind FROM ~200-220 deg (SW), min 0 / ideal 6 / max ~8 mph at launch — this is a light-wind thermal/mountain launch, not a strong-wind ridge site. The SE/S/W/NW octants from paraglidingEarth represent the broader workable/marginal arc; cross/over-the-back from N-NE is dangerous (miles of trees, no out-landing fields). Hazards: venturi and rotor on the eastern shoulder, summit compression, and rotor behind launch; strong winds aloft create over-the-back danger; mid-day lift/sink can exceed 400 fpm. Summer (Jun-Aug) brings turbulent, unstable thermals. Best in the morning or for an evening glass-off; P2 pilots should avoid launching 11am-4pm. Access: P3+/H3+ may fly independently; P2/H2 need 3 observed flights with a P3+/site observer; all first-timers need a local site intro. Note the school's quoted training-launch elevation (~3225 ft) differs from the Checkerboard summit (~6425 ft) in the FVSA guide; numbers above are from the FVSA Checkerboard entry, the documented launch at these coordinates. Gust ceiling (~12 mph) is inferred, not explicitly published.