Uelhof Nordost

Uelhof Nordost is the north-easterly launch of a German winch-tow flatland site, flown from around 375 m and best on a north-easterly wind. Flight operations here are seasonally restricted to protect local wildlife: between 1 April and 30 June, nothing gets going before 10:00. This particular launch isn't set up for hang-glider winch training — that only happens at the Südwest launch nearby — and paraglider student pilots need to have finished at least basic-level training and be comfortable flying controlled turns before training here. Because it's a winch site, the path crossing the tow line has to be closed off and watched by a course marshal, and towing stops immediately if anyone or any vehicle approaches. In wind from the north, expect a lee effect off the trees, and pilots need to keep a safe distance from the neighbouring farm buildings. The Cologne Class C airspace sits just to the west, so every pilot flying here should already know where its boundary is. Step-towing is not permitted.

Launch & conditions

This is the north-easterly launch of the Uelhof winch site — not set up for hang-glider winch training, which only happens at the Südwest launch.

Local rules & hazards

Flight operations are restricted between 1 April and 30 June: nothing before 10:00, to protect local wildlife. Student pilots need at least basic-level training and controlled-turn ability before training here. The path crossing the tow line must be closed and watched by a course marshal, towing halts immediately if people or vehicles approach, and step-towing is not permitted. Watch for a lee effect off the trees in northerly wind, keep clear of the neighbouring farm buildings, and note the Cologne Class C airspace just to the west.

Check conditions before you fly

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