Best Conditions
Description
This launch site is chosen when the cloud base is too low for a summit launch. The take-off is located in a forest clearing with limited space, suitable only for experienced pilots. Pay attention to wind direction as the launch site may be in the lee.
Frequently used, mostly for soaring. Good cross-country flights are possible from here if airspace clearance over Gerlitzen is granted (e.g., by Feldkirchen Airport).
Region: Carinthia - Austria. Site record: 84.0 km. More information: [Gerlitzen](http://service.it-wms.com/gerlitzen/index.html)
Flights can be launched in all directions except north. The house thermal is over the Berger settlement, often also over Pacheiner or Kanzel. Gerlitzen is somewhat isolated, requiring significant valley crossings for cross-country flights, making early departures challenging.
Cross-country potential exists north into the Nock Mountains up to Styria and west to Tschiernock. To the south, the lake and the city of Villach, and to the east, the Klagenfurt control zone restrict movement. Controlled airspace starts above the Gerlitzen summit at 2100m MSL, so be cautious of incoming jets to KLU.
Difficulty: North wind can occasionally prevent flying. On sunny days, weak north winds are usually overridden by thermals by late morning—observe cycles closely. In winter, the summit often has beautiful weather, but the flight path to the valley can be cut off by a high fog layer around 800m MSL, which can close in quickly in the late afternoon.
When a front approaches from the west, increasing west winds can be felt one to two days before the front arrives. Flying may still be possible, but the margin between "just possible" and "no longer possible" is narrow.
Westward take-off is problematic due to the need to fly over the chairlift—do not fly too low as the operators dislike "tea bags" hanging from the cables.
The rounded summit allows stress-free take-offs and top landings, but in strong thermal conditions, wind direction can change quickly—be cautious of antennas and lift cables when top landing.
Walk and Fly: Starting point: Annenheim landing site. Directions: From the landing site to the Kanzelbahn valley station, follow the path towards Ossiachberg, continue on a forest path to Kanzel. A short descent to the chairlift station, then follow the hiking trail to the summit. It may be frustrating as three roads lead to the summit or nearly there, but the scenery is beautiful. Often done in "reverse direction" during questionable weather when the Kanzelbahn has closed and launching with the glider is not possible despite waiting.
Soaring conditions: East wind soaring works well with low wind speeds, but the flyable length is less than 100m. West wind soaring is for experts and those familiar with the mountain: West wind usually means "weather change" with rapidly increasing wind. Soaring on the west side works only with strong winds due to the flat slope and obstructed wind direction. Many model aircraft pilots are also present during soarable winds.
Useful Information:
Cable Car: Gerlitzen Kanzelbahn. More info: [Gerlitzen Kanzelbahn](http://www.gerlitzen.net)
A-9520 Annenheim. Tel. (04248) 2722. Operating times can be checked at the website, which is regularly updated.
Pilot Meeting Point: Kärntner Flugschule. At the landing site in Annenheim, west shore of the lake. Landline: +43 4248 3400. Mobile: +43 676 34003400.
Accommodation: Excellent tourist infrastructure in both summer and winter. [Da Lacht Das Herz](http://www.da-lacht-das-herz.at/), [Kärnten](http://www.kaernten.at/)
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