Meduno

Meduno launches at 983 m in the Friuli hills near Pordenone, a thermal and cross-country site reached by paved road, which is straightforward but can get busy on popular flying days — traffic on the approach road is worth expecting on weekends. Top landing back near launch is possible, and hang glider pilots have a dedicated ramp available in addition to the paragliding take-off. Wind from the south, south-west or west is what the site needs. The one rule that matters most for cross-country pilots is airspace, not weather: routes need to respect the Aviano CTR (the controlled airspace around Aviano air base), so check current airspace charts before planning any XC line out of this launch. The landing zone even has a bar and toilet nearby when they happen to be open, a small comfort after a flight. Between the paved access, the dedicated hang-glider ramp and the nearby amenities, Meduno is a convenient, well-used site — provided XC pilots plan their route around Aviano's controlled airspace rather than through it.

Launch & conditions

Top landing is possible near launch; a dedicated ramp is available for hang gliders.

Getting there & local rules

Paved road from Meduno; expect traffic on the approach on busy flying days or weekends. A bar and toilet are near the landing zone when open.

Local rules & hazards

Cross-country routes must respect the Aviano CTR (controlled airspace around Aviano air base) — check current airspace charts before planning an XC line.

Check conditions before you fly

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