Hohenneuffen West

Hohenneuffen West is a genuinely challenging launch — the ground drops away steeply into rock right after the run-up — and a narrow lift band means guest pilots are only allowed to fly here on weekdays. A-licence training flights aren't permitted at all, and tandem launches are restricted to briefed, experienced tandem pilots flying in clean conditions; no spectators are allowed in the launch area during a start. The site sits under Stuttgart's Class C/D controlled airspace, with the ceiling around 4,500 ft MSL (roughly 640 m above launch) — climbing above that needs height clearance, a working radio and an unrestricted pilot licence. Because the launch borders protected nature reserves, pilots are expected to reach at least 300 m above ground quickly after takeoff and to avoid flying low over the nearby rock faces. Reach the launch and landing areas on foot only — vehicles must stay on public parking areas near Hohenneuffen castle.

Launch & conditions

The ground drops steeply into rock right after the run-up, so this is not a launch to learn on — A-licence training flights aren't permitted. Tandem launches are restricted to briefed, experienced tandem pilots in clean conditions, and no spectators are allowed in the launch area during a start. Guest pilots can only fly here on weekdays, since the lift band is narrow.

Getting there & local rules

Reach the launch and landing areas on foot only, via the existing paths near Hohenneuffen castle — vehicles must stay on public parking areas.

Local rules & hazards

The site lies beneath Stuttgart's controlled airspace, so climbing above roughly 4,500 ft MSL requires an unrestricted pilot licence, a working radio, and height clearance via the glider ATIS frequency. Because the launch borders protected nature reserves, pilots are asked to reach at least 300 m above ground quickly after takeoff and to avoid flying low over the nearby rock faces.

Check conditions before you fly

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