Dettelbach – Süd

Dettelbach – Süd is a winch-launch flatland site in Lower Franconia, Bavaria, set up for pilots working with northeasterly to easterly wind. At around 300 m above sea level, it's a classic tow-launch ground rather than a mountain takeoff, which makes it a common choice for training flights and currency laps rather than cross-country soaring. The site sits close to the Main river valley near Sommerach and Kitzingen, an area with several protected wetland and riverbank habitats, so pilots need to plan landing options with the surrounding nature reserves in mind. Because it's a winch field, flights typically top out lower than mountain sites, and conditions are shaped more by the flat farmland terrain than by ridge or thermal lift. As with any towed launch, a winch operator and clear communication are part of the setup — this isn't a site to fly solo without the local club's briefing.

Launch & conditions

Winch (tow) launch on flat ground, best suited to NE–E wind; no natural takeoff ridge, so the field depends on the tow line and a spotter maintaining sight contact with the winch.

Getting there & local rules

Located in the Main valley area near Sommerach and Kitzingen in Lower Franconia; park only in designated areas — informal roadside parking is not permitted.

Local rules & hazards

Flying is not allowed from December through February, and daily flying must end an hour before sunset. Crossing the Main valley itself requires staying at least 300 m above ground for bird protection, and landing is banned inside the Sommerach and Mainaue nature reserves — pilots should plan an alternative landing field well clear of those areas.

Check conditions before you fly

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