Hochblauen Startplatz Ost

Hochblauen Startplatz Ost is a demanding launch in the southern Black Forest at about 1,153 m, flown mainly in easterly wind, with a long glide down to the landing field and few emergency landing options along the way — thermals make the flight considerably easier when they're working. Flying here needs real experience: A-license pilots must be club members and receive a specific briefing for this launch beyond the general one, and visiting B-license pilots may only fly when a club briefing person is present on site. The site also sits close to controlled airspace — Basel's Class D airspace begins just west of the Hochblauen at 5,500 ft MSL, so pilots need to watch their altitude and track. Landings at the nearby cemetery are not permitted. Nature conservation rules add a seasonal layer: birds of prey nesting near the East launch can trigger a restriction or closure of that specific launch during the breeding season, from mid-March to mid-May.

Local rules & hazards

This is a demanding launch that requires real flying experience and sufficient technical skill: A-license pilots need a specific additional briefing for this site, and B-license guests may only fly when a club briefing person is on site. Basel's Class D airspace begins at 5,500 ft MSL just west of the Hochblauen, landings at the nearby cemetery are prohibited, and the East launch can be restricted or closed by the nature authority during bird-of-prey breeding season (mid-March to mid-May).

Check conditions before you fly

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