Gimpertshausen Ost

Gimpertshausen Ost is a winch-launch flatland site near Nuremberg in Bavaria, flying on westerly winds from around 492 m — the other half of a paired tow site with Gimpertshausen West, though training flights are not run from here; only the west launch is set up for students. A power line runs along the east side of the launch and landing area, and hang-glider pilots in particular are expected to keep clear of it both horizontally and vertically. Guest pilots always get a briefing from the site operator on local particulars before their first flight, and both the launch and landing areas are cordoned off during flying to keep bystanders clear. Tandem flights only go ahead when conditions and the pilots' experience together rule out a dangerous approach of the tow line to nearby obstacles, and the winch operator watches closely for a row of bushes and trees south of the tow route, aborting the tow if the line risks contact with them.

Launch & conditions

This is the non-training half of the paired Gimpertshausen tow site — only the west launch is set up for students. A power line runs along the east side of the launch/landing area; hang-glider pilots especially must keep clear of it both horizontally and vertically.

Local rules & hazards

A power line runs along the east side of the site — keep clear of it both horizontally and vertically, especially on hang gliders. Guest pilots get a briefing from the site operator before their first flight, and a row of bushes and trees south of the tow route means the winch operator watches closely for line contact, aborting the tow if needed.

Check conditions before you fly

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