Sonderlandeplatz Laucha

Sonderlandeplatz Laucha is a German winch and flatland site that can also be flown as a slope-soaring spot on the west face in west to south-west wind, with about 130 m of height difference between the site and the valley below. It's a special-use airfield open to all air sports, which means paraglider and hang-glider pilots share the sky with other aircraft using runway 090/270 — that mixed traffic calls for real attentiveness and a working knowledge of the local airfield rules. Winching is available on-site, and top-landing at the field is possible too; the slope itself sees regular flying from both flexible and rigid-wing hang gliders as well. Guests are welcome under a day-membership arrangement costing €5. A club member must be present keeping the start list before anyone is allowed to launch off the slope, so check in with whoever's running the list before flying.

Launch & conditions

Slope soaring works the west face in west to south-west wind; a club member must be present keeping the start list before anyone can launch off the slope.

Local rules & hazards

This is a special-use airfield with mixed traffic — paraglider and hang-glider pilots share the sky with other aircraft using runway 090/270, which calls for real attentiveness and knowledge of the local airfield rules.

Check conditions before you fly

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