Loja norte

Loja Norte is the north-facing counterpart to Loja Levante, launching from about 1,020 m with a takeoff area suited to a single wing at a time — expect a tight ramp rather than a wide-open field. In light north or northwest wind, the breeze wrapping around the cliffs to the right of launch gives reliable lift, which is what draws local pilots here on the right days. There is a cable line running in front of the takeoff, and pilots need to be aware of it on launch and account for it on the glide out — it is cleared without trouble by pilots flying a normal approach line down to landing. The site works best in thermic conditions and suits pilots comfortable judging a compact launch and a known obstacle on the flight path rather than a fully open ramp. Landing is in Loja itself, the same town served by the nearby Levante launch, so pilots already familiar with that landing zone will recognize the approach. As with any site featuring wires near the ramp, a careful pre-flight look at the cable's exact position is worth the extra minute.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff room is tight — sized for one wing at a time — with a cable line running in front of the ramp that pilots clear on a normal glide to landing; worth confirming its exact position before launch.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Loja norte, 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 Loja norte with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.