Schonungen West 600m

Schonungen West 600m is a winch and aerotow flatland site in Lower Franconia, Bavaria, launching from 350 m and flown on west winds — the westward counterpart to a second tow lane on the same ground that handles the opposite wind direction. As at its sister lane, flying is capped rather than open: the site permits a maximum of 35 flying days a year with no more than 10 pilots on the ground at once, a limit set to protect the neighbouring bird-protection area, which must never be overflown at low altitude. Both tow lanes share the same landing field, a narrow, long strip with sections that lie across the wind rather than along it, so pilots need reliable precision-landing skills before flying here. New visitors get a site briefing on their first day, and the tow lanes run close enough to trees and other obstacles that the ground crew actively manages the rope's clearance during every tow.

Launch & conditions

Launch is by winch tow only on west wind, with the ground crew in constant visual contact — flying days are capped at 35 a year with no more than 10 pilots at once, so confirm availability before you go.

Local rules & hazards

The shared landing field borders a protected bird habitat that must not be overflown at low altitude, and its narrow, partly crosswise strips call for confident precision-landing technique — approach from the south is restricted here too. Tow lanes run close to trees and similar obstacles, so the ground crew keeps the rope's path clear and will abort a tow rather than risk contact.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Schonungen West 600m, 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 West 600m with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.