Auf dem unteren Mergesfeld (Schleppgelände)

Auf dem unteren Mergesfeld is a winch-tow flying site in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, at around 200 m, working southeast or northwest wind. It's a flatland field, laid out for towing rather than a hill launch, set in open countryside that doubles as habitat for local birdlife. That shared use comes with a standing rule: pilots have to avoid low flights that disturb wildlife, with particular care around birds, and the restriction tightens further during the breeding season — roughly 1 April through 31 July — when any disturbance to nesting birds has to be avoided altogether. With two opposite wind directions to work with, the tow line can usually be set up for whichever way the wind is blowing, but the seasonal wildlife rule is the one constant pilots need to plan around here, especially through spring and early summer.

Local rules & hazards

Low flights that disturb wildlife, especially birds, must be avoided; during the breeding season (roughly 1 April – 31 July) any disturbance to birdlife must be avoided altogether.

Check conditions before you fly

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