Paragliding Wasserkuppe Westhang

Located in Germany, this paragliding site is highly frequented and offers excellent opportunities for strong wind soaring and cross-country (XC) flights. The takeoff altitude is 923 meters with a height difference of 270 meters. The launch area is situated below the path, right at the edge of the vegetation. During midday, you can expect strong thermals, especially with westerly winds, making it perfect for ground handling in the mornings and evenings. A webcam on the roof of the flight school provides hourly updated images, which can be found on the Papillon Rhöner Drachen- und Gleitschirmflugschule website, offering a historical view of the day's conditions. Flight operations are only allowed with a flight director, and there is a start fee of 5.00 EUR. For more information, visit the Papillon Rhöner Drachen- und Gleitschirmflugschule Wasserkuppe website: [Wasserkuppe](http://www.wasserkuppe.com). For weather updates, you can call the weather phone at +49 (0)6654/696 or check the Meteomedia weather station Wasserkuppe. The Westhang launch site at the Fliegerdenkmal is one of the main flying hills for west winds. Pilots launch below the path, to the right of the vegetation boundary. The area between Pferdskopf and the clearing at Westhang is reserved for large gliders. Hang gliders and paragliders should use the slope area of Siebloser Horn, which generally offers better flying conditions. Be cautious of potential collisions with model aircraft. Ground handling exercises should not be conducted near their takeoff and landing areas but rather in the designated training area. During mixed flight operations, the launch site at Pferdskopf is recommended. Landing is on the delta landing field towards Sieblos/Tränkhof. A shuttle service is available on weekends from April to October. Midday conditions can become turbulent, with thermals breaking off the steep slope 200 meters before the launch site. The flat launch area can become lee-sided from thermals and terrain profile, making it unsuitable for inexperienced pilots when wind speeds and conditions become challenging (lee from about 15 km/h). Less experienced pilots should fly at Pferdskopf or practice ground handling. Access to the site is only via the club or flight school bus. Parking is available on the curve of the country road between Sieblos and Gersfeld. The Westhang launch site can also be reached on foot via the hiking trail from Wasserkuppe, with parking available at public lots around the Rhön-Info Center. For dining, pilots often land at Heckenwirt in the evening and gather there for a post-flight drink. Contact the flight director of the clubs or flight school for more information. The training slopes "Kleiner Westhang" and "Fliegerdenkmal" are ideal for practicing takeoff, steering, and landing due to their terrain. The obstacle-free plateau is perfect for ground handling training. The main launch site Westhang is used by both students for high-altitude flights and soaring and thermal pilots for entering the updraft. The Westhang is particularly interesting for flying in the afternoon due to its orientation and sunlight exposure. Pilots can often be seen soaring in dynamic ridge lift until sunset. Parking is free at the Papillon Flight Center or public parking lots at Wasserkuppe. With a club pass, access to the Abtsrodaer Kuppe parking lot is also possible. Takeoff is below the path, right at the vegetation boundary. Flights can head to the delta landing field or soar and climb the slope to the right of the clearing. PMR channel 1.1 is required from 100m above the launch. Be cautious of winch towing operations by gliders and avoid overflying the tow path. Landing is at the intersection before the pallet factory or the delta landing field near Sieblos. When top landing or ground handling, always keep the model aircraft runway clear. For more details, visit [RDG e.V.](https://rdg-ev.de/westhang-kleiner-westhang-fliegerdenkmal-w/). Watch a flight video here: [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-dMMCzLlgI).