Schonungen Ost

Schonungen Ost is a winch and aerotow flatland site in Lower Franconia, Bavaria, launching from 325 m on east to south-east wind — one of two tow lanes sharing the same landing field near the village of Schonungen, the other running the opposite wind direction from slightly higher ground nearby. Flying here is quota-limited rather than open access: the site allows a maximum of 35 flying days a year and no more than 10 pilots on the field at once, a restriction tied to the bird-protection area bordering the tow ground, which pilots must not overfly at low altitude. The shared landing field is narrow and runs long rather than wide, with sections that sit across rather than along the wind line, so pilots need solid precision-landing technique before flying here — this isn't a forgiving beginner strip. Guest pilots get a site briefing before their first flight, and the tow lanes have obstacles close to the rope's path that ground crews actively manage.

Launch & conditions

Launch is by winch tow only, with the ground crew keeping visual contact with the pilot throughout — flying days are capped at 35 a year with no more than 10 pilots at once, so confirm availability before turning up.

Local rules & hazards

The site borders a protected bird habitat that must never be overflown at low altitude, and landings on the narrow, often crosswise strips call for confident precision-landing technique, particularly on approach from the south, which is restricted. Tow lanes pass close to trees and other obstacles, so ground crews keep the rope's path clear and can abort a tow if a hazard is approached.

Check conditions before you fly

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