Halbeswig

Halbeswig is a northwest-facing launch in the Sauerland, built on a former quarry spoil heap, and it only operates outside the quarry's working hours — Saturdays from noon, plus Sundays and public holidays. The terrain here is demanding enough that pilots must identify a launch-abort line before running: past that point you commit to a controlled flight, before it you abort the launch rather than push through. That same difficulty is why training flights aren't allowed here yet — the rules require two years of operational experience on the site before instruction can even be considered, pending a review of how flying has gone. In practice, this makes Halbeswig a site for pilots who already know what they're doing, not a place to learn the ropes. Check the quarry's schedule carefully before heading up — flying during working hours simply isn't an option.

Launch & conditions

Demanding terrain requires identifying a launch-abort line before running — commit to a controlled flight past it, or abort the launch before it.

Getting there & local rules

Flying is only permitted outside the quarry's working hours: Saturdays from noon, plus Sundays and public holidays.

Local rules & hazards

Training flights aren't allowed here yet — the rules require two years of operational experience on the site before instruction can be reconsidered. This is a site for pilots who already know what they're doing.

Check conditions before you fly

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