Arco da Calheta
📍 Madeira , Calheta · Nearest city: Arco da Calheta (1 km)
24 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 439 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
32.70820, -17.14150Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 02:13 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Marginal conditions, cloud base ~1204 m, wind 14 km/h.
base ~1204m · wind 14 km/hMarginal conditions, cloud base ~643 m, wind 13 km/h.
base ~643m · wind 13 km/hFlyable day, decent conditions, cloud base ~287 m, wind 11 km/h, precipitation 1.2 mm.
base ~287m · wind 11 km/h · precip 1.2mmComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
🌬 Daily wind (next days)
Daily summary (10m wind). Full hour × altitude chart is being added progressively.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 0 | Low |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.00 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.81 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Takeoff description
The best and most beautiful take-off on Madeira concerning XC-flights, altitude gain, Acro, SIV, around 300 days per year good flying conditions perfect gras ramp, all pg-flight-records on the south side of Madeira were flown from here, no high voltage cables, no trees, and wide wind range to take off without obstacles and no cloudbase below, easy toplanding, a dream for pilots!
Rules and notes
authorisation from the owner necessary, flight book registration on take-off with IPPI or equivalent card & valid insurance
Pilot comments
Private site with possibility for camping, toillete, WLAN, Barbeque, Tables and Benches available for dayly barbeques and partys
Nearby sites
Canhas (20) · Arco da Calheta - Rochao (24) · Rabacal (Madeira) (26) · Pico Gordo (25) · Paul da Serra Cristo Rei (27) · Paul da Serra Juncal (28)