Heppendorf Ahe 2

Heppendorf Ahe 2 is the second of two winch-tow flatland launches on this German site near Elsdorf, flying from about 74 m on a north-easterly wind. Tow-line safety is treated carefully here: barriers or warning signs go up at launch, at the far end of the tow line, and anywhere farm tracks cross it, with course marshals adding extra protection when the situation calls for it. Should a vehicle or person still get close to the tow line while towing is underway, the tow is aborted immediately to keep pilots and bystanders safe. Flying here operates under a specific road-use exemption issued by the local town, and a launch director must be present any time the site is active. The operators also keep an annual flight log recording how many launches took place, which the regional nature conservation authority can request to see.

Launch & conditions

This is the second of two launches on the Heppendorf Ahe winch site; a launch director must be present whenever flying is happening.

Local rules & hazards

Barriers or warning signs go up at launch, the end of the tow line, and any crossing farm tracks during flight operations, with course marshals added when needed. Towing stops immediately if a vehicle or person approaches the line.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Heppendorf Ahe 2, 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 Heppendorf Ahe 2 with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.