Petrès

Petrès is a small, thermal and soaring site near Valencia at around 198 m, reached by a short but steep hike that requires using your hands in places. Several launch options are available depending on conditions. The single most important thing to know before flying here: cables cross parts of the flying area, some of them very hard to spot from the air, so scouting them from the ground with someone who already flies the site is essential on your first visit — don't attempt it solo without that local knowledge. The airspace above sits under a class D ceiling at 600 m, so check the current restrictions before you fly, and insurance is a requirement here, not optional. Wind works from south-southwest through south to south-southeast. Landing is in the large red field just north of the roundabout, with a wind indicator on a mound in the middle of it. This is a well-used but somewhat improvised site close to a city, so staying out of gardens, never overflying houses or the horse paddock nearby, and generally being considerate of the neighbors is what keeps it available to fly at all.

Launch & conditions

Various launch spots are available; reaching them is a short but steep hike that requires using your hands in places.

Local rules & hazards

Cables cross parts of the flying area and some are very hard to spot from the air — scout them from the ground with a local pilot before your first flight here. The airspace above sits under a class D ceiling at 600 m, so check current restrictions before flying, and insurance is required. Stay out of gardens and never overfly houses or the horse paddock nearby — that's what keeps this site available to fly.

Check conditions before you fly

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