Conditions Optimales
Description
This site in Carinthia, Austria, is a regularly used alternative when the main launch site experiences strong east winds. The take-off point is located above a hotel settlement and can be reached by a 10-minute walk along the ridge from the main site. It accommodates 2 to 3 gliders at a time. Soaring and cross-country flights are possible here.
The region offers perfect transport connections and infrastructure, with favorable terrain and the Ossiachersee providing a 1400m altitude difference. This makes it ideal for stress-free leisure flying, safety training, and cross-country flights under favorable conditions. The proximity to Villach city and the landing site near Ossiachersee makes it suitable for pilots with families. The Gerlitzen area is also a popular skiing destination, with the cable car operating in winter.
Flights can be launched in all directions except north. The main thermal is located above the Berger settlement, and sometimes over Pacheiner or Kanzel. Due to its isolated position, significant valley crossings are required for cross-country flights, making early departures challenging. Cross-country potential exists northwards into the Nock Mountains and Styria, and westwards to Tschiernock. The lake and Villach city limit southern flights, while the Klagenfurt control zone restricts eastern flights. Controlled airspace begins at 2100m MSL above Gerlitzen, so be cautious of jets landing in Klagenfurt.
North winds can temporarily prevent flying, but weak north winds are often overridden by morning thermals. In winter, the summit often enjoys clear weather, but the flight path to the valley can be obstructed by a high fog layer around 800m MSL, which can close in quickly in the late afternoon. Approaching fronts from the west bring increasing winds noticeable one to two days in advance, making flying conditions marginal.
Westward take-offs are tricky due to the need to overfly a chairlift. Ensure sufficient altitude to avoid conflicts with the lift operators. The rounded summit allows for stress-free take-offs and top landings, but be cautious of changing wind directions and obstacles like antennas and lift cables during strong thermal conditions.
For walk and fly, start at the landing site in Annenheim. Follow the path to the Kanzelbahn valley station, then towards Ossiachberg, continuing on a forest path to Kanzel. Descend briefly to the chairlift station, then follow the hiking trail to the summit. This route can be frustrating due to the presence of three roads leading to the summit, but it offers scenic views.
East wind soaring works well with low wind strengths, but the soarable length is less than 100m. West wind soaring is for experts familiar with the mountain, as it often indicates weather changes with increasing winds. Strong winds are needed for west-side soaring due to the flat slope and obstacles. Model aircraft are common during soarable winds.
For more information on the Gerlitzen Kanzelbahn, visit www.bergfex.at/gerlitzen/. Operating times are regularly updated at www.gerlitzen.net under Infos/Betriebszeiten.
For pilot gatherings, contact the Kärntner Flugschule at the landing site in Annenheim, west shore of the lake. Phone: +43 4248 3400, Mobile: +43 676 34003400.
Accommodation options with excellent tourist infrastructure are available in both summer and winter. Visit www.da-lacht-das-herz.at/ and www.kaernten.at for more details.
For more information, visit: http://www.dgfc-ossiachersee.at/p/fluggebiet.html and http://service.it-wms.com/gerlitzen/index.html
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