Lentersheim Weststart

Lentersheim Weststart is the west-facing counterpart to the nearby Oststart tow lane in Middle Franconia, Bavaria, launching from 450 m on west wind along the same working farm and recreation path. Agricultural traffic and walkers keep priority here too — towing stops the instant anyone approaches the strip, and the site is best avoided altogether on main harvest days. As on its sister lane, only pilots with genuine tow experience take part, a rule applied especially strictly to tandem paragliding flights, since the rope must stay clear of fixed obstacles the whole way down. The same white-tailed eagle protection zone sits just north of the tow line and stays off-limits below 500 m AGL. Winch sessions here are also announced to the nearby Unterschwaningen microlight airfield beforehand, and every pilot is briefed on its circuit pattern, which stays strictly off the flight path.

Launch & conditions

Only pilots with real tow experience fly here, especially for tandem flights, with briefed safety spotters posted at both ends of the tow path during every session. Winch operations are announced to the nearby Unterschwaningen microlight airfield beforehand, and its circuit pattern stays off-limits.

Local rules & hazards

Agricultural and foot traffic on the path has priority — towing stops the moment anyone approaches, and the strip is best avoided on main harvest days. The white-tailed eagle protection zone north of the tow line may not be overflown below 500 m AGL, and only experienced tow pilots take part here, particularly for tandem flights.

Check conditions before you fly

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