Little Black Mountain

little black 300' This is a very popular sight located right in suburban San Diego (Look for the hills to the east of La Jolla/Del Mar with the microwave towers on top--see picture ).  While it is not the most epic set-up, there are great flights to be had and it is an excellent place to practice your basics.  If flying early in the day, be aware of developing conditions, because this site is known for it's tight, punchy thermals.  Enjoy this site while you can, because suburbia is encroaching rapidly and this site won't be available forever 

Local Weather

Current Weather
Weather Trend (from Miramar MCAS)
   
Detailed Site Information
(interactive topographic map) 

Little Black Area Map

 AREA MAP

Horse Topographical Map

 TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

The 300  This is the most typically used launch site and is easily visible from the LZ.  It is only a short (but steep) hike to the lauch which faces W, but can work in moderate NW and SW conditions.  The area has lots of old carpet laid out and room for about three gliders to set-up.  There is ample room to get a running start before the slope steepens.

The 500  This launch is much smaller and slightly more southwest facing than the 300.  There is only room for one glider to lay-out and the slope at the launch is much more shallow than the 300, so let your glider fly on take off if you don't want to end up in the bushes.  Once you take-off, you can work the immediate area or fade right towards the gap before the 300.  Depending on the direction and speed, be aware of any venturis or rotors that might set-up.

The 800  This used to be a nice launch that you could drive up to, but it has been closed to cars (except for a chosen few) and is a pretty long walk.  One of the big challenges of Little Black is to launch low and bench up. 

The LZ  Little Black has a large LZ, but it is not without its own set of cautions.  The first being that it is a relatively "hot" area that is usually kicking off little thermals, so don't do anything crazy on your approach.  Additionally, the LZ slopes away from the hill, so it is easy to overshoot your intended spot and keep coasting a few feet above the ground.  Finally, if you start to overshoot the LZ, your options start getting limited, so set up your landing wisely.

driving directions
asaluk@scripps.edu