Schleppgelände Haßloch

Schleppgelände Haßloch is a small glider airfield on the edge of Germany's Südpfalz region, and it has earned a reputation as an excellent thermal and cross-country launch point for paraglider pilots — several flights here have covered 50 km, and a few have pushed past 100 km. Unlike a hill or ridge site, you get airborne by aerotow, which means this is not a beginner's first flying day: German B-license theory and a valid tow certificate are required before you can be towed up. Because it's a working glider airfield, pilots share the sky with sailplanes and must follow the duty flight leader's instructions at all times, stay clear of the airfield traffic pattern, and watch closely for gliders on approach. Crossing the tow line or the nearby model-aircraft area is only allowed at a minimum of 500 m above ground, or with the flight leader's explicit go-ahead.

Launch & conditions

Launch is by winch tow rather than a hill or ridge take-off, sharing the airfield with active glider traffic.

Getting there & local rules

Parking is behind the clubhouse — not to the west of it.

Local rules & hazards

Pilots need B-license theory and a valid tow certificate before flying here. Follow the duty flight leader's instructions at all times, keep clear of the airfield's traffic pattern, and only cross the tow route or the nearby model-aircraft area at a minimum of 500 m above ground, or with the flight leader's approval.

Check conditions before you fly

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