Ahlen

Ahlen is a flatland winch-tow site that welcomes guest pilots warmly, with plenty of parking right on the tow field itself — just avoid lining up along the roads or farm tracks, since local agricultural traffic needs to keep moving. Stepped-tow launches run from either end of the strip: the west launch tows east and the east launch tows west, and both keep a 20° maximum crosswind angle from the south to stay clear of the road running along the north side. Watch for three wind turbines north of the tow route. A stretch of ground to the east is closed to overflight entirely to protect nesting marsh harriers. Every tow needs a reliable radio link between pilot and winch operator, an altimeter to judge release height, and at least 50 m of clearance from the road, both horizontally and vertically.

Launch & conditions

Stepped-tow launches run from either end — west launch tows east, east launch tows west — both keeping a maximum 20° crosswind angle from the south. A reliable radio link and an altimeter to judge release height are mandatory on every tow.

Getting there & local rules

Guest pilots are always welcome. Parking is available right on the tow field — don't line up along the roads or farm tracks, since local agricultural traffic needs them clear.

Local rules & hazards

Ground to the east of the site is closed to overflight to protect nesting marsh harriers. Watch for three wind turbines north of the tow route, and keep at least 50 m clearance from the road on either side of the strip.

Check conditions before you fly

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