BajaNomad - Solar Ultra Light to Baja

Solar Ultra Light to Baja

Sweatpeas - 10-17-2016 at 05:35 PM

I have a solar ultra aircraft (Sunseeker) named the Vacanora I want to fly into central Baja in the month of December. Any recommendations?

woody with a view - 10-17-2016 at 05:45 PM

As long as you drive it in nobody cares. Just watchout for those clandestine cartel strips. Prolly don't want to hang around those.

Sweatpeas - 10-17-2016 at 05:49 PM

in TJ right now but flying in from my ranch in AZ

ehall - 10-17-2016 at 07:07 PM

Interesting. Got any pictures?

Sweatpeas - 10-18-2016 at 07:23 AM

Well trying to post pictures on here is doesn't seem to be my forte. Google.

AKgringo - 10-18-2016 at 08:32 AM

I was trying not to be a troll, but I can't help myself!

Welcome to the forum, but I think that Sweet peas would have been a more pleasant image for your username than Sweat peas.

As for a recommendation, don't fly your solar plane at night. Have a great trip!

shari - 10-18-2016 at 09:09 AM

OOOh something new...cool...if you want to fly into Bahia Asuncion we would be happy to come out to the strip to pick you up and can lend you a vehicle while you are here too...December is real nice here.

ehall - 10-18-2016 at 09:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Sweatpeas

Well trying to post pictures on here is doesn't seem to be my forte. Google.

You need to use a picture hosting site. Photobucket, flikr, etc.

David K - 10-18-2016 at 09:19 AM

As an ultralight, you probably don't need a 3,000 ft. runway? What do you require for landing and take off? How about wind limits?
Best of luck and we will be following your adventure with interest!
www.vivabaja.com

4x4abc - 10-18-2016 at 09:33 AM

looks like it needs a paved runway
http://www.solar-flight.com/gallery/

takeoff
https://vimeo.com/92499008

[Edited on 10-18-2016 by 4x4abc]

Sweatpeas - 10-18-2016 at 09:48 AM

Wow Shari, I am overwhelmed by your generosity. As the budget is very limited, it would be great to take advantage of this.

David K - 10-18-2016 at 10:34 AM

There are some very long and rugged distances between the few paved runways in Baja. They all don't have permits to allow landings, either...
Please confirm, but I think these are the paved airports, some may be in poor condition:

Tijuana
Mexicali
Ensenada
San Felipe
San Quintin, military strip.
El Rosario
Santa Ynez
Bahia de los Angeles
Punta Prieta
Punta San Francisquito
Guerrero Negro
Isla Cedros
Bahia Tortugas
San Ignacio
Palo Verde (Santa Rosalia)
Loreto
Ciudad Constitucion
La Paz
Punta Pescadero
Los Cabos Int'l.
Cabo San Lucas

Sweatpeas - 10-18-2016 at 11:16 AM

David, Thanks for the list. Paved strip is not a necessity but wind is a huge factor.

Don't leave home without it

bajaguy - 10-18-2016 at 11:36 AM

Suggest you carry a SPOT

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100

sancho - 10-18-2016 at 11:41 AM

Was at Muertos Bay, SE of La Paz back in the day, 3 ultralights
landed, with support vehicle, came out of AZ., what a total blast
that would be, crusing the entire Cortez Baja coast

David K - 10-18-2016 at 11:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Sweatpeas

David, Thanks for the list. Paved strip is not a necessity but wind is a huge factor.

I recommend joining Bush Pilots International for the latest data.

Alm - 10-18-2016 at 12:17 PM

Bush pilots in normal "gas" planes prefer PLB to SPOT. Though any distress communication is better than nothing.

mtgoat666 - 10-18-2016 at 12:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Sweatpeas

David, Thanks for the list. Paved strip is not a necessity but wind is a huge factor.

In baja the wind blows hard more often than not. Sometime its daily thermals, other times it just blows round the clock. It will be windy, suggest you fly a plane that can take off or land in wind.

Sweatpeas - 10-18-2016 at 12:44 PM

You need a pilot's license to fly a plane. Not so for an ultra light craft.

Russ - 10-18-2016 at 01:14 PM

Punta Chivato has a nice dirt strip and so does Mulege ... But ... winds here can be strong after 10 am.

Sweatpeas - 10-18-2016 at 06:08 PM

Yes a tracking and emergency device is a must!

AKgringo - 10-20-2016 at 06:00 PM

I watched the video's that 4x4 provided the link to, you truly will be a couple of 'peas in a pod'! I assume your load on board is very limited, so will you have a support vehicle traveling with you?

Looks like a hell of an adventure!

Sweatpeas - 10-20-2016 at 06:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I watched the video's that 4x4 provided the link to, you truly will be a couple of 'peas in a pod'! I assume your load on board is very limited, so will you have a support vehicle traveling with you?

Looks like a hell of an adventure!

Good Evening Akgringo. Just me flying in the "pod". Working out support logistics now. Shari in Central Baja was nice enough to offer a free pick up and a car to use once I arrive so check on that.

AKgringo - 10-20-2016 at 07:00 PM

My tentative plan is to spend November exploring central Baja, but I will look for updates from you, and if I am still south of the border in December, maybe our paths can cross!

Your safety question thread seems to have taken on a life of it's own, so I will give my dos centavos here. I have spent more time in mainland Mexico over the years than Baja, but I feel more at ease on the peninsula these days.

There are places I won't spend any time, but you are not going to reach them in your ultralight. Weather and terrain are the only threats I would spend a lot of time thinking about. By the way, December can be surprisingly cold if you are away from the coast at a higher elevation.

Your unique mode of transportation will probably open conversations with some locals (speak any Spanish?) my dog used to make introductions for me!

I hope your plans come together, and you have the (good) trip of a lifetime!

Sweatpeas - 10-21-2016 at 02:05 PM

You got it Akgringo. Thanks for your input.

shari - 10-21-2016 at 02:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Sweatpeas

Yes a tracking and emergency device is a must!

U2U me if you want to add me to your emergency device...we have family and friends all up and down the peninsula who can help out in an emergency and we would be happy to help you with travel plans...sounds like short hops are the answer to arrive places before the afternoon breezes kick in.

Sweatpeas - 10-21-2016 at 03:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by shari

Quote: Originally posted by Sweatpeas

Yes a tracking and emergency device is a must!

Has anyone ever told you that your wonderful?

Alm - 10-21-2016 at 03:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

... safety question thread seems to have taken on a life of it's own,

Inevitable to happen when the direction hasn't been defined.

mtgoat666 - 10-21-2016 at 03:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Sweatpeas

You need a pilot's license to fly a plane. Not so for an ultra light craft.

What regulations are in place to protect people down below? None?

motoged - 10-21-2016 at 03:59 PM

Looks like sweatpee is flying one of these.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcWSI03NKo0

....oh....the guy says they catch on fire in the rain.....

[Edited on 10-22-2016 by motoged]

Sweatpeas - 10-21-2016 at 03:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by Sweatpeas

You need a pilot's license to fly a plane. Not so for an ultra light craft.

What regulations are in place to protect people down below? None?

Yes

Sweatpeas - 10-21-2016 at 04:18 PM

Some seem concerned for my safety as well. If the craft goes down, I'll just jump out a few feet before it makes impact.

motoged - 10-21-2016 at 04:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Sweatpeas

.... If the craft goes down, I'll just jump out a few feet before it makes impact.

Sweatpeas - 10-22-2016 at 08:00 PM

I have seen it wok several times in the cartoons

motoged - 10-22-2016 at 10:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Sweatpeas

I have seen it wok several times in the cartoons

Now you're cooking...

AKgringo - 10-22-2016 at 10:48 PM

I believe I could tread air briefly for Jessica Rabbit....at least until I look down, then drop like a rock!

Sweatpeas - 10-23-2016 at 08:20 PM

Change of plans. I have decided to glue a bunch of goose feathers to some homemade arm wings I made out of aluminum. I am gonna need a running start. Rollerblades perhaps?

motoged - 10-24-2016 at 06:45 AM

Not a real surprise.....

Sweatpeas - 10-24-2016 at 07:42 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

Not a real surprise.....

Due to weight restrictions, I'm not going to be able to take you in the baby carrier this time.

motoged - 10-24-2016 at 08:21 AM

Sweatpee,
No problem....saves me from jumping out seconds before the crash...tuck and roll, eh !

Sweatpeas - 10-24-2016 at 08:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

Sweatpee,
No problem....saves me from jumping out seconds before the crash...tuck and roll, eh !

Ged, in case of emergency, never forget you have that maneuver in your back pocket.