Panorama "PG Point"

Revision Date : March 26, 2025

Launch

34.7925  -94.9036    Talihina, OK

photo by Warren Puckett

photo by Scott Scallion

All pilots must read these requirements for Panorama.

P2 pilot qualifiers for flight:

1. Before flying Panorama for the first time, receive clearance for flight at that site by an USHPA instructor who is experienced flying the site.
2. The first 5 flights at each site must be made with guidance by a P4 or better pilot who is experienced flying the site.
3. Once OK'd, all subsequent flights must be made with guidance by a P3 or better pilot who is experienced flying the site.

H2 Pilots:

• H2 pilots are not allowed to fly Panorama.

P2 pilots - additional limitations for novice pilots:

1. Should fly only in smooth winds of 8 mph or less and gusty winds to 5 mph.
2. If foot launching, should launch only on slopes 2:1 to 7:1, where wind is within 25° of being straight up the slope.
3. Should maintain heading within 90° of directly into wind, and within 45° of directly into wind below 60' AGL.
4. Flight speed: Should not attempt to fly slowly when encountering lift but, instead, concentrate on maintaining attitude, heading, and airspeed. Slow flight might result in a stall, which could be hazardous within 500’ of any object.
5. Fly only in stable conditions such as morning, evening, or overcast days.

P3, P4, & P5 pilots:

• Before flying Panorama for the first time, receive site orientation by a P3 or better pilot experienced flying the site.

H3, H4, & H5 pilots:

• Before flying Panorama for the first time, receive site orientation by a H3 or better pilot experienced flying the site.

Notes – launch

Launch is approximately 11 miles northeast of Talihina, OK (here are some images of directions to launch and the LZ).  Go north on US highway 271 past Talimena State Park and turn on to the Talimena Scenic Drive (Hwy 1) and go about 4 miles to the launch entrance (a locked gate) on the north side of the highway.  Stay on the graveled road to launch.  Keep the road clear by parking on either side.  Overflow parking is not allowed outside the gated entrance but pilots and visitors may park at one of the many overlook areas that are a close drive to the gate.  Pilots at the LZ will do their best to give a lift back to launch!  BE CERTAIN TO READ THE NOTES BELOW FOR THE LZ!

photo by Rena Brown

PG

Be aware of large boulders near the perimeter of the launching slope.  Pilots should leave launch at trim speed (hands up) to reduce the likelihood of impacting ground obstacles.

Intermediate rated paragliding pilots (P3) should take note of the glide to the LZ from launch.  When a pilot is 100' lower than the base of the launch-cut, fly directly to LZ.  This is especially important if the pilot's glider is EN rated A or B.  It can be typical to be within a few hundred yards of the LZ and encounter tremendous sink and then bullet thermals coming of the edges of the LZ.

Top landing should only be done by P4 pilots.

Traversing the ridge east should only be done if a pilot is higher than launch.  There can be tremendous sink between the ridge and the LZ.

HG

This beautifully groomed launch is ideal for any hang glider pilot with good slope launch skills. Great opportunities for thermal flying are especially good on post frontal days. The 1.5 mile ridge facing east northeast frequently provides spectacular soaring flights at the end of the day.

PG Point launch

Panorama was developed in the 70's by Dave Morton with the help of other hang gliding pilots.  We are very thankful for the fruits of their hard and tireless work to make this magical site available to the ultralight community!

Dave Morton - photo by Ryan Mahoney

Dave Morton - photo by Warren Puckett

John Russell getting ready to go!

LZ

34.7949  -94.8880    Talihina, OK

Notes – LZ

Directions to launch and the LZ

The NFS has asked us to not drive past the gate into the LZ unless for an emergency or necessary maintenance.  For maintenance stay near the tree line, if possible, and do not drive down the center of the field.

Hang gliders have right of way in the LZ at all times.  PG pilots should always be on the lookout for hang gliders approaching the LZ.  Pilots should clear the center landing strip immediately after landing.

This is a HOT LZ.  The trees right around it release thermals during the day and getting down can be difficult sometimes, especially midday or when it's particularly hot.  There can also be 600-800 ft/min sink in the area outside the perimeter of the LZ so it is important to arrive at the LZ with altitude in case you need it.  When there is any wind in the LZ, you can expect rotor and turbulence, some of which can cause minor collapses in paragliders.

PG

In thermic conditions it is not uncommon to have a heat bubble over the entire landing area.  Unless you are an experienced (P4) pilot, do not attempt to land in the LZ during thermic conditions which, typically, is a clear day between 11AM and 4PM.  Do NOT use Big Ears on landing approaches to the LZ below 500ft.  They can go bad, and the pilot will be giving up any ability to actively control the wing.

HG

The Panorama LZ is surrounded by tall pine trees.  Although the field looks large it has significant challenges in addition to being a significant thermal generator.  The pilot should have developed restricted landing field skills before flying this site.  There is a gentle down slope from the southeast end of the field to the gate, with the NW and SE sides sloping down toward either tree line.  The best entrance is usually to pick a low corner of the field and attempt to land on the upslope toward the center.  Many of our pilots flying high performance gliders have found using a drogue chute when landing is a huge advantage.

Panorama LZ