Flying Sites

! ! ! PLEASE CHECK THIS INFORMATION REGARDING PARAGLIDING IN MADEIRA ISLAND BEFORE FLYING ! ! !

MAIN TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS

TAKEOFF: Arco da Calheta (Rochao) {770m}
LANDING: Madalena do Mar {0m}
NOTES: Usable with either East or West wind at the area of flight. Usually there's thermal conditions. Best takeoff for XC in Madeira.

TAKEOFF: Canhas {470m}
LANDING: Madalena do Mar {0m}
NOTES: Usable with moderated west wind and up to the south direction. Takeoff is directly above the landing and so it's nicer for starters. It's usually a dynamic kind of flight but also might have thermal development.

TAKEOFF: Funchal (Chao da Lagoa) {1440m}
LANDING: Funchal bay beach {0m}
NOTES: Spectacular flight over the city, starting at the mountains. Must be flown early in the morning (between 10.00h - 11.00h) due to the usual development of clouds above 800m high. Subject to stronger northern quadrant winds. Although these limitations, it's a usual flying place. The flying characteristic varies from a glide flight to good thermal flying.

TAKEOFF: Funchal (Ponta da Cruz / Falésia / Centromar) {30m}
LANDING: Praia Formosa {0m}but top-landing possible for experienced pilots
NOTES: Easy going ridge soaring but requires some pilot experience. There's sharp edges on the ridge wall and the pilot will be very low on the ridge in case there's not enough lift. Therefore it requires good turn and landing control because you'll need it if you don't gain height. Frequent meeting point for local pilots.