Braunsbach – Zottishofen West

Braunsbach – Zottishofen West is a winch-launch flatland site at about 459 m flown in westerly wind, run beside a row of wind turbines that shape most of the site's safety rules. Every pilot needs a documented briefing from the operator before flying here, and towing only happens when wind direction and strength allow a safe launch and a safe distance from the turbines can be held throughout the tow and after release — towing stops altogether whenever turbine-driven turbulence looks likely to be a safety risk, per findings from a national safety-body investigation into wind-turbine turbulence. A no-fly zone sits nearby and must never be entered, towed into, or risked by tow-rope drift; it can only be crossed at more than 500 m above ground. A 50 m clearance, horizontal and vertical, applies to a local road throughout every flight, and farm vehicles and hikers or cyclists using the tow path get priority — towing pauses for them. Flying stops completely from 1 March to 15 April each year for bird protection, and a nearby valley may not be overflown before 15 August except above 300 m AGL. Controlled airspace lies to the south, so VFR rules apply.

Local rules & hazards

A no-fly zone near the site must never be entered or towed into — it may only be crossed above 500 m AGL — and towing stops whenever turbulence around the neighbouring wind turbines looks likely to be a safety risk, with a safe clearance from the turbines required throughout every tow and after release. A 50 m clearance to a nearby road applies throughout each flight. Flying is suspended entirely from 1 March to 15 April each year for bird protection, and a nearby valley may not be overflown before 15 August except above 300 m AGL; controlled airspace lies to the south, so VFR rules apply.

Check conditions before you fly

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