Cliff Soaring in Cornwall

Soaring from sea cliffs has its own special delights, as I discovered during a holiday in Cornwall, UK in April 1997.

Above: St Agnes Head

Sea and spring flowers provide a perfect backdrop for flying.

Above: coast near Newquay

Cornwall has coastal sites suitable for every wind direction.

With a small model, you can do a bit of walking as well.

Other attractions include Trinity Lighthouse and Goonhilly Earth Station

Photo at right was taken at Lizard Point, Englands Southern-most tip.

Top Five Cliff Soaring Tips

1. Know your model

Be totally confident with your model before you even think of cliff soaring.

 

A smallish manoeuvrable model with good handling characteristics is ideal. You may have to land in some pretty difficult spots so ailerons are essential.

 

A small model is easier to carry around, so you can enjoy some hiking as well as flying.

 

2. Get a good map

OS 50,000 series are fine, showing just sufficient detail yet covering a reasonable area. Four maps cover the whole of Cornwall.

 

3. Know the "real wind"

Cliffs have a habit of apparently "bending" the real wind direction. Only launch if the wind is straight on the cliff. Watch the gulls - are they really soaring or just riding turbulence? Look at the clouds and listen to the weather forecast for extra clues.

 

4. Work out your landing approach before you launch

The last thing you want is to discover a vertical cliff behind you as well as in front... Often your landing area will be restricted and careful planning is important. Take a look around before launching.

 

5. Use common sense

Keep a look out for other modellers and never switch on without announcing yourself first. Observe the country code and National Trust by-laws. If in doubt, don't launch.