Mt. Magazine

• Wind directionSSE (165°) → SSW (205°)
• Ideal speed5–12 mph
• Upper limits≤ 15 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

South-facing launch in Mount Magazine State Park (highest point in Arkansas), managed by Buffalo Mountain Flyers (BMF), the USHPA chapter. Club site guide gives explicit numbers: ideal wind 185 deg (due south), acceptable arc 165-205 deg. Paraglider speeds: ideal ~7 mph, max usable 15 mph, with a very conservative 5 mph gust limit (HG max ~20 mph, same 5 mph gust limit). On light-and-variable days the wind need not be southerly. Evenings are generally best, especially for pilots unfamiliar with the site or lower-performing gliders. HAZARDS: severe sink cycles in midday thermal conditions; long glide to the LZ over the Petit Jean Valley with no bailout options for paragliders; hazardous evening winds; pop-up thunderstorms common to central US; dense trees at launch (tight clearance for HG). Good foot-launch skills required. PG landings easier on east or west final approaches. RATING/ACCESS: State of Arkansas requires P3/H3 minimum; new P3/H3 must fly with a P4/H4 advanced pilot for first 10 flights / 5+ hours. Pre-registration at the Visitor Center before first annual flight plus daily sign-in mandatory. Arkansas mandates a $1,000,000 liability policy (USHPA default is only $500,000, so pilots must buy the higher limit). Marginal arc (135-225) is inferred edge of the SE/SW octants beyond the club's stated 165-205 acceptable range.