Anthony and I went to LMFP 5/3-9. They have a rule where if you're a H2 with less than 10 launches off their ramp, you have to be assisted by an instructor to launch. On 5/6, I had 5 successful training hill flights to prove to them I could takeoff, fly, and land a hang glider. On 5/7, I had 1 perfect morning sled run from the radial ramp. That evening an instructor, C.J. allowed me to launch from the radial ramp into 12 mph straight in. Conditions soon glassed off, and the flood plain/valley went magic. I boated about for 1.5 hrs then landed due to sunset. (The ridge was actually soar-able till after 11pm under moonlight!) On 5/8, a 2nd instructor, Phil wouldn't allow me to launch into a soar-able cycle. I launched, scratched then sledded out to land.
Anthony had about a 2-1/2 hr soaring flight on 5/7 then a 30 min flight on 5/8. He could've flown longer on 5/8, but the gaggle instinct with the local pilots at LMFP is strong. They all launched late and together making the sky more congested than the Beltway on a Thursday afternoon, and my bro likes to avoid rush hour...
Site notes:
When the wind is out of the NW, there is considerable turbulence off the foothills above the LZ; speed is essential, so plan to dump altitude on your DBF. On W days, there is a huge toilet bowl style rotor that forms just to the S of the pro shop that can get unaware pilots into trouble.
One PG pilot, Brian Patrick Morris was launching like a beast off the radial ramp. It was incredibly impressive to watch.
LMFP Flight Report 5/3-9
Moderator: CHGPA BOD