Burgen Hauptstartplatz

Burgen Hauptstartplatz is the main launch in the shared Burgen flying area, on a north-facing hillside between Veldenz and Burgen, this one angled toward the northwest at about 450 m. It's a narrow forest-gap launch surrounded by tall trees, and pilots should expect strong turbulence at launch — and again just after take-off, while still inside the gap — whenever the wind isn't blowing squarely from the right direction. An upper launch nearby is reserved for hang glider pilots and overflies the launches below it at very low height right after take-off, so coordinating launch order with other pilots is essential. The shared landing field is large and free of obstacles, though a hill just in front of it creates dangerous turbulence in north winds. Maximum height above the launch is capped at 800 m, since Hahn Airport's Class D controlled airspace sits directly overhead. When a flight instructor is training a student solo here, reliable radio contact between them is required.

Launch & conditions

Main launch of the Burgen cluster, on a north-facing slope angled northwest at about 450 m; narrow forest-gap surrounded by tall trees, with strong turbulence at launch and just after take-off in anything but the right wind.

Getting there & local rules

An upper launch nearby is reserved for hang glider pilots and overflies the launches below it at very low height right after take-off — coordinate launch order with other pilots before you go.

Local rules & hazards

The shared landing field is large and obstacle-free, but a hill just in front of it produces dangerous turbulence in north wind. Maximum height above the launch is capped at 800 m because Hahn Airport's Class D controlled airspace sits directly overhead. When a flight instructor is training a student solo here, reliable radio contact between them is required.

Check conditions before you fly

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