Fürstenberg Nord Startplatz

Fürstenberg Nord is a north-facing launch near Donaueschingen at about 830 m, right next to its sister site Fürstenberg Nordost. Like Nordost, it sits inside the satellite zone of the local radio mandatory zone (RMZ), so flying here is subject to airspace conditions set by the regional aviation authority that the operating club has to meet. The site holder bans launching whenever the grass is tall, since it makes a clean run-up impossible. Because the two Fürstenberg launches sit right beside each other, they coordinate operations — using a launch marshal or radio contact — whenever both are active at the same time, to avoid pilots crossing paths in the air. Pilots in the area are asked to keep access roads and forestry tracks clear for farm and forestry traffic, and to respect the surrounding landowners' fields and crops.

Launch & conditions

North-facing launch at about 830 m; the site holder bans launching whenever the grass is tall, since a clean run-up isn't possible then.

Getting there & local rules

Keep access roads and forestry tracks clear for farm and forestry traffic, and respect the surrounding landowners' fields.

Local rules & hazards

The launch sits in the satellite zone of a radio mandatory zone, so flying is subject to conditions from the regional aviation authority. Keep at least 50 m clearance, horizontally and vertically, from nearby roads. Because the neighbouring Fürstenberg Nordost launch sits right next to this one, the two coordinate — with a marshal or radio — whenever both are flying at the same time.

Check conditions before you fly

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