Rampa do Pai de Cobra

Rampa do Pai de Cobra sits on a plateau in Brazil, where lines of 100 to 300-meter hills and consistently dry conditions make for some of the best long cross-country flying in the region — the current record here sits around 160 km, set in winter. The takeoff itself is a recently leveled, freshly grass-seeded 40x40 meter pad, with west and southeast launches planned pending environmental approval. It's less than a kilometer from the BR-122 highway. The surrounding farmland is well connected by dirt and paved roads, and because the hill sits in the middle of flat terrain, there are plenty of landing options in every direction. Weather here is reliably sunny outside the December-to-February rainy season, which is what makes the long XC records possible. One property owner behind the takeoff, downwind of the hill, doesn't welcome visitors on his land — it's the exception rather than the rule, since most locals are extremely welcoming — but climb out and fly away from launch and you'll likely pass over his property anyway, so watch for thermal gusts and don't get blown backward into the rotor there.

Launch & conditions

The takeoff is a recently leveled, freshly grass-seeded 40x40 meter pad, less than a kilometer from the BR-122 highway. West and southeast launches are planned, pending environmental approval.

Getting there & local rules

Less than 1 km from the BR-122 highway, with farm roads (dirt and paved) connecting the area.

Local rules & hazards

One property owner behind the takeoff, downwind of the hill, doesn't welcome visitors on his land — it's the exception rather than the norm, since most locals are extremely welcoming, but if you climb out and get away you'll likely fly past his property anyway, so be careful with thermal gusts and don't get blown backward into the rotor there.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Rampa do Pai de Cobra, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Rampa do Pai de Cobra with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.