St Andre is a well-known flying site, having been used for international paragliding and hang gliding events for years. It is renowned for its strong thermals and good cross country potential, with routes to the north to Dormillouse, Briancon, Allos etc, and south to Col de Bleyne. The main (SW) launch tends to blow out for paragliders when conditions get really thermic and the valley breezes get strong, so cross country-seekers need to aim to be on launch for 11:30 to 13:00, ready for the sun to begin pulling thermals up the SW face. For those seeking gentler conditions, there are E and SE-facing launches for morning flights, and evening flying until sunset from the SW launch can be very rewarding. There is a good road to top, but it is often snowed in during the winter (Dec to Mar). Note: St Andre is not an FFVL flying site. Aerogliss administer the site, and ask that all visiting pilots contact them before flying. (Their base is in next to the lakeside landing field. Contact details given below).

The main launch SW is relatively steep, and thermic from around midday. The wind on take-off can be strong, particularly later on when the valley winds become established. When the thermic activity dies down again, very pleasant evening soaring is often available until it gets dark. South, East launches are easy, very large. between the village and the lake, it's not really difficult to find it! Moriez campsite: Smaller than the lakeside landing, but nearer the SW takeoff and without the complications of converging valley winds. Beware of an electric line running the length of the field. La Mure - Sailplane emergency field This is now available to pilots. Perfect for HG pilots especially in switchy conditions. Often nil wind at ground level. Find it in the air following the river away from the lake. You will see a railway bridge across the river about 1.5km East of St Andre. The HUGE grassy fields with a windsock mark the LZ. I will post landing area photos soon. From the north cross Sisteron, Digne les Bains and stop in Saint Andre, near the lac. From Marseille: take the highway to Sisteron and go out in 'Les M�es'. Follow Digne les Bains and Saint Andre. 2h St Andre is about 2 hours drive NW of Nice along the Route Napoleon. There is a good road (The C30) up to Le Chalvet take-off from the NW side of the town, but this is often snowed in from December to March. For parking, there is a lay-by close to the S take-off, and places for several cars at the end of the road beneath the South-West launch. The Lakeside landing area / Aerogliss HQ is reached by taking the road to Nice out of St Andre, and turning left by the supermarket. This link takes you to a local map up to take off and intro about the site: http://flystandre.com/flyi... Groups and schools have to contact Aerogliss before coming. +33 492891130 or divers@aerogliss.com Groups and schools have to contact Aerogliss before coming. +33 492891130 or divers@aerogliss.com

Lake landing can be turbulent in a rather strong N or NW meteo wind (Mistral). In fact, by light Mistral, no troubles by starting from the SW launch, but when conditions are getting only windy,we oftenly catch a microwave. with a light North, it is flyable too (North launch), but no real interest. Wind info (alos on FFVL frequency): http://www.balisemeteo.com... http://www.balisemeteo.com... For full access to all the Saint Andre weather including wind speed on launch etc on a single page visit: http://flystandre.com/webc...