Charlottenpolder NW – SO

Charlottenpolder is a winch-launch flatland site on open polder ground in Ostfriesland, at essentially sea level, with tow lines set up northwest–southeast and, in a light or calm wind, launches possible in almost any direction across the flat terrain. Wind turbines stand near the site, and pilots keep a healthy distance from them at all times — the lee side of the turbines produces a genuinely turbulent zone. Towing on the northwest–southeast line only starts when the wind sits within about 20° of 320° or 140°; an east–west tow run is also available, but only when there's no risk of the tow line or the pilot drifting toward the turbines under wind pressure — a possible line break always has to be planned for on both routes. Release height is capped at 760 m above ground, and any release above 450 m requires reliable radio contact between the towed pilot and the winch operator or launch marshal. The tow strip itself is only usable when the vegetation along it stays low, and every pilot is briefed on the site's specific conditions before flying.

Launch & conditions

Two tow routes: northwest–southeast, flown only when wind sits within about 20° of 320°/140°, and an east–west route usable when there's no risk of drift toward nearby wind turbines. Release height is capped at 760 m AGL; above 450 m, reliable radio contact is required between the towed pilot and winch operator.

Local rules & hazards

Wind turbines stand near the site — keep a healthy distance at all times, since their lee side produces a genuinely turbulent zone. A possible tow-line break always has to be planned for, and towing doesn't start if there's any risk of drift toward the turbines under wind pressure.

Check conditions before you fly

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