Jabon

Jabon launches at 1,543 m in Venezuela and needs wind from the east through north to fly, a fairly specific window worth checking closely against the forecast before heading out. Takeoff itself is a concrete ramp right in front of the local school, with a dirt ramp nearby as a suitable alternative if you'd rather launch off natural ground. Getting there is a proper drive: take the highway from Barquisimeto toward Carora, turn south about 6 km before Carora toward Central La Pastora, continue roughly 40 km to a toll plaza, then turn southeast toward the mountain and the small town of Jabon itself. It's a bit of an expedition compared to a roadside launch, which tends to keep it quieter than sites with easier access. With wind from the east-to-north arc, the site supports thermalling, ridge soaring, cross-country and flatland-style flying for pilots willing to make the trip out.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is a concrete ramp right in front of the local school, with a suitable dirt ramp nearby as an alternative.

Getting there & local rules

From Barquisimeto, take the highway toward Carora, turn south about 6 km before Carora toward Central La Pastora, continue roughly 40 km to a toll plaza, then turn southeast toward the mountain and the town of Jabon.

Check conditions before you fly

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