Klingenäcker – Obergröningen

Klingenäcker, near Obergröningen, is a flatland winch-tow site at around 510 m that works with east or west wind depending on the day. It shares its airspace with model aircraft flying, so tow launches run on coordinated radio communication between the winch director and the model-flying director, with every launch announced before it happens. Wind at release height is capped at 2 m/s whenever it's blowing from the east, southeast, southwest or south, which keeps the tow-line parachute from drifting too far if the line ever breaks — and pilots are briefed on exactly where and how high to release the remaining line if that happens. A pond to the south, near the Westerloher Wald, should either be avoided entirely or crossed no lower than 150 m above the ground, and outlandings there are best avoided. Two roads run close by and both need a 50 m clearance. Watch for a machine shed and overhead power line at the west end of the field when landing there.

Launch & conditions

East or west-facing winch-tow launch at about 510 m; the site shares airspace with model aircraft, so tows run on coordinated radio calls with a model-flying director and every launch is announced in advance.

Getting there & local rules

Keep at least 50 m clear of the L1080 and L1158 roads on either side of the site.

Local rules & hazards

Wind at release height must stay under 2 m/s in east, southeast, southwest or south wind, to limit tow-line drift if the line breaks — pilots are briefed on where to release the remaining line if that happens. Avoid overflying the pond south of the site near the Westerloher Wald, or cross it no lower than 150 m AGL; avoid outlanding there. Watch for a machine shed and an overhead power line at the west end of the field on landing.

Check conditions before you fly

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