Steinbach

Steinbach is a flatland winch-tow site in Germany at 440 m, open to east or west tow lines, and it's set up specifically with basic winch training in mind. Beginner instruction on the winch is only allowed outside the forest clearing that cuts through the field, and that clearing is why: a clear, obstacle-free tow path at least 60 m wide has to be guaranteed for training tows. Pilots already holding a limited or unlimited pilot's license can tow along the full length of the strip, not just the beginner section. One weather rule matters here — in crosswind conditions, the adjacent forest generates lee-side turbulence, and towing has to stop the moment that happens rather than pushing through it.

Local rules & hazards

In crosswind conditions, the adjacent forest produces lee-side turbulence — towing must stop as soon as that develops. Beginner winch training is restricted to the area outside the forest clearing, where a clear tow path of at least 60 m width is required.

Check conditions before you fly

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