Pleinmont North

Pleinmont North sits on Guernsey's coast in the Channel Islands, launching at just 49 m into a narrow, north-facing wind window (roughly 340° to 020°) that makes this a fussy site about wind direction. It's tightly regulated Class A airspace: flying requires prior permission from the airport, membership in the local club, and Guernsey residency — visiting pilots need to fly alongside a member and register with the airport around two weeks ahead of time. A 60 m ceiling above takeoff and a no-cross-country rule keep flights close to the ridge. Landing options include the base of the hill, or Portelet and Rocquaine beaches, though beach landings are seasonally and time restricted, genuinely difficult, and best attempted only with local guidance. Top-landing back at launch is possible but tight given the limited space, and there's also a top-landing option in the camping fields behind the trees on the ridge — though rotor off those trees on the eastern side needs respect both at launch and on any landing close to them.

Launch & conditions

The takeoff window runs roughly 340° to 020° — a narrow, north-facing slot, so wind direction has to be close to right before committing.

Local rules & hazards

This is Class A airspace: flying needs prior permission from the airport, membership in the local paragliding club and Guernsey residency — visitors fly with a member and pre-register with the airport about two weeks ahead. Maximum altitude is 60 m above takeoff, cross-country flying isn't allowed, and trees to the east can throw rotor across the launch until you're well above them.

Check conditions before you fly

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