Zeltingen – Rachtig

Zeltingen–Rachtig is a well-used east-facing site in the Mosel valley, popular whenever the wind sits in the east and especially rewarding for evening soaring flights. Landings happen at Kloster Machern, on the strip of ground between the road and the Mosel river; the meadow is long, which makes it a relatively forgiving landing field, but the pattern itself must never be flown out over the river — height is bled off well back from the water, keeping as much distance as possible from the road running alongside. Guest flying is restricted at weekends, and access to the launch is via an unpaved track with limited parking. Cross-country pilots should note that Hahn Airport sits nearby, along with several other airfields and military airfields in the wider area, all worth factoring into route planning. Training flights need a second instructor stationed at the landing field with reliable radio contact to the student, and a landing point is marked out on the ground for them to aim at.

Launch & conditions

A well-used, frequently visited launch above the Mosel; landings happen at Kloster Machern between the road and the river.

Getting there & local rules

Access to the launch is via an unpaved track with limited parking. Guest flying is restricted at weekends.

Local rules & hazards

The landing pattern must never be flown out over the Mosel — height is bled off well back from the river, keeping as much distance as possible from the road alongside it. Cross-country pilots should note that Hahn Airport, plus several other airfields and military airfields, sit in the wider area. Training flights need a second instructor at the landing field with radio contact to the student, and a landing point is marked out for them.

Check conditions before you fly

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