Trucetti – Giaveno

Trucetti above Giaveno is a Piedmont plains-flying site in the hills west of Turin, with a spacious grassy launch that takes both NE and SE depending on the day. It works best for local plains flying: if the takeoff is overshadowed by clouds, thermals thin out fast and it's usually more productive to shift to nearby Piosasco. From here you can fly around the Sacra di San Michele monastery, but do so with care — the valley breeze and downdrafts near the monastery can be strong, so scout the conditions properly first. On a good day, get some height above launch and enjoy a scenic run over the Avigliana lakes.

Launch & conditions

Big grassy takeoff at 977 m, coordinates N45.07620 E7.34753, usable on both NE and SE depending on wind direction.

Getting there & local rules

From Turin: motorway or regional highway to Avigliana, follow signs to the Avigliana lakes, then the road between the lakes towards Giaveno. In Giaveno turn right at the first traffic lights. You'll pass the Giaveno landing on the way, just before the first steep curve into the mountain. Continue up to the Chiapero district; at the sharp left curve just after the town hall, stop and follow the small path all the way to launch. Off-road vehicles can also reach launch via a right turn just before.

Local rules & hazards

Do not fly towards Turin past the Rivoli suburb — the Turin Caselle airport CTR (GND–1500 ft) starts there, and the upper CTR (1500 ft AGL – FL085) begins right above the launch itself. Expect high glider and general/ultralight aviation traffic in the area. Do not fly in föhn wind. Thunderstorms can build very fast on unstable days. Watch for strong valley breeze in Val di Susa, especially in June and July.

Check conditions before you fly

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