Esselbach NW

Esselbach NW is the northwest-facing counterpart to the southeast tow strip nearby, sharing the same coordination agreement that keeps its winch operations compatible with the neighbouring Altfeld airfield. The same 1.5 km no-fly zone around Altfeld applies here whenever the airfield's own traffic is active, and pilots launching from this strip need to stay well clear of it. The current trial period restricts flying to the shortened route between the marked launch and landing areas rather than the site's full extent. FLARM stays switched on for every tow, and the strip keeps its distance from the A3 motorway running close by. As with its southeast twin, this is a site run on careful coordination with powered air traffic, not open flying.

Launch & conditions

The current trial period restricts flying to the shortened route between the marked launch and landing areas, same as its southeast counterpart.

Getting there & local rules

The same coordination agreement with the nearby Altfeld airfield applies here, including its 1.5 km no-fly zone when the airfield's own traffic is active.

Local rules & hazards

The 1.5 km no-fly zone around the nearby Altfeld airfield applies here too whenever its own traffic is active — pilots from this strip need to stay well clear. FLARM stays on for every tow, and the strip keeps its distance from the adjacent A3 motorway.

Check conditions before you fly

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