Nul besoin d'avoir de "super conditions" pour faire un cross. Une aérologie de "journée classique", très
fréquente ici, permet des cross intéressants. Observez la carte en relief qui suit.
1 - repérez Buzet (vallée du site principal) au nord de l'Istrie. Remarquez la barrière rocheuse juste au
nord du village, qui se dirige vers le sud-est. Cette crête, exposée sud-ouest court sur environ 25 km.
C'est là qu'est situé le décollage principal : Raspadalica
Vous décollez vers 11h, (premiers thermiques) et suivez cette crête rocheuse en direction de la côte est...
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2 - see now the highest peak (snowy on the map) dominating east coast (Bay of Kvarner).
This is Ucka peak, highest point of a chain that follows the coast on about 20 km.
You arrive at the Mount Ucka, that provides generous thermal activity because of the fantastic
unlevel (1250 m). Then you follow the mountain chain to the south, on the facing west slopes...
3 - Now log the huge fields down to the chain. They will make a multitude of possible landing fields.
You get to the last heights of chain and gently go and land to the big fields in valley. You have just
made the "Little cross" : 45 km!
If you have enough height, you can try to go to the opposite way and return to Buzet. If you get it,
you just made the "Go and back" : 90 km!
And this is only one example, because there are several combinations of possible cross-country :
cross Istria from West to East, cross the Slovenian border, go towards Italy...
Here are 2 runs of my workmate Jozef. Look at the GPS tracks by clicking on the following links : | |
| | | |  Raspadalica |  | This is our main site. The take off is on the edge of the campground. Possibility to land
about 50m from the tents...
Direction: S, SW
Elevation: 380 m
Difficulties: tight (just a few meters), you need a good technique of inflation.
Landing: large field near the village of Buzet.
Potential: huge thermal potential, departure of cross to mount Ucka.
For who: for all levels, and for hang gliders because of huge fields for landing. |
| Zavoj |  | Another start, close to Raspadalica, on the same ridge.
Orientation: SW, O
Elevation: 340 m
Difficulties: tight, needs also a good technique for inflation.
Landing: large field near the village of Buzet.
Potentials: same thermal potential, cross to mount Ucka.
For who: for all levels, and for hang gliders (same landings). |
| Velimlun |  | Same valley, but opposite side, when the Northern wind dominates.
Orientation: NO
Elevation: 130 m
Difficulties: none, beautiful grassy slope, very good for lower-time pilots.
Landing: files near the village of Buzet.
Potential: soaring, thermal flights
For who: for all levels. |
| Ticarija |  | In the same valley, facing north to northwest.
Direction: N, NO.
Elevation: 270 m
Difficulties: wide take off, but power cables near landing.
Landing: old football field of Buzet.
Potential: soaring, thermal flights
For who: for all levels. |
| Mount Ucka |  | The highest peak of Istria, the biggest elevation, a wonderful view, fantastic flights, hang gliding ramp.
Orientation: O, NO.
Elevation: 1260 m
Difficulties: very steep start, for experienced pilots.
Landing: huge fields in the valley
Potential: soaring, cross to the south, to northwest (Buzet), or to the north (Slovenia)
For who: pilots with an excellent technique of take off, the perfect site for hang gliders. |
| Sedlo |  | On the chain of Mount Ucka, more South.
Orientation: O, NO.
Elevation: 1000 m
Difficulties: none, excellent for beginners.
Landing: huge fields in the valley.
Potential: soaring, cross to the south, to northwest (Buzet), or to the North (Slovenia).
possibility to land on the plateau, 200 m below.
For who: for all pilots. |
| Brgud |  | Another possible start on the chain of Mount Ucka, grassy regular slope.
Orientation: O, SO
Elevation: 670 m
Difficulties: none, excellent for fans of huge grassy take off.
Landing: same huge fields in the valley.
Potential: soaring, cross to the south or to the north (Buzet, Slovenia)
For who: for all pilots. |
| Kastelir |  | Thermal site towards the west coast, with view to the sea to 10 km.
Orientation: O, NO.
Elevation: 170 m
Difficulties: none, good for lower-time pilots.
Landing: no difficulties
Potential: soaring, cross departure to the east coast or to the north and northeast (Buzet, Italy, Slovenia)
For who: for all pilots, very good for lower-time pilots. |
| Tribalj |  | Out of Istria, closer to Risnjak National Park. A 15 km ridge, full of generous thermals even late
in the year (what I tested at the end of November 2011). And as a bonus, a fabulous view to the islands
of Bay of Kvarner... just fly'n dream!
Direction: SW
Elevation: 460 m
Difficulties: very easy take off, but presence of power cables on the right. Not possible for XC,
because of airport zone.
Landing: no difficulties, large grass field.
Potential: soaring and thermal site, runs of 15 km along the ridge, thermal training,
and for the fantastic vew !
For who: for all pilots, hang gliders too.
They are our main sites, but there are others that we use sometimes : Grobnik. Bjelopolje,
Ivancica, without forgetting Slovenia... |
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