Hönningen Startplatz Süd

Hönningen Startplatz Süd is a south-facing hill launch in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, at about 380 m, and every pilot flying here needs a briefing before their first launch — this is stated as a firm requirement, not a suggestion. The takeoff runs through a cleared lane, and it carries a real hazard familiar to lane launches: crosswind generates rotor turbulence, so launching should only happen with the wind running straight down the lane. The launch area itself can only be reached on foot rather than by vehicle. Tandem flights are permitted only on paragliders, never on hang gliders, and even then only with specific approval and a briefing from the site operator beforehand. Because the site has particular quirks — the lane launch, the turbulence risk, and how the wind behaves here — every pilot is briefed on those specifics by the operator before flying, not just newcomers to paragliding generally.

Launch & conditions

Launch through a cleared lane — only launch with wind straight down the lane, since crosswind generates rotor turbulence. The launch area is reached on foot only.

Local rules & hazards

A briefing from the site operator is required for every pilot before their first flight here, covering the lane launch, turbulence risk and local wind behavior. Tandem flights are permitted only on paragliders, and only with specific prior approval and briefing from the site operator.

Check conditions before you fly

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