Parapente Pfannenstiel Hochwacht

The launch site near Restaurant Hochwacht is situated at approximately 800 meters and is considered easy. It is rarely used and typically offers short flights. The best conditions for soaring and gliding flights are during winter, autumn, and spring, especially with strong Bise winds. The launch can be made either towards N-NW or NO. The Pfannenstiel area is a well-known Bise flying region, located close to Zurich. In winter, pilots start next to the Restaurant Hochwacht. During summer, to avoid trampling the grass, it is recommended to use the official lower launch site. From the upper launch site, strong Bise winds allow flights along the hill towards Zurich. With weaker Bise or from the lower launch site, gaining altitude is more challenging. Light Bise conditions enable pilots to soar with birds from the upper launch site, with thermals typically found to the east (right from the launch site). There are ample landing options on field paths and meadows if needed. If the wind is not strong enough, launching from the lower site can be tight. The upper site offers a straightforward descent down a hill step. Wind from NO or NW can cause significant turbulence due to trees after leaving the lower launch site. Pilots must be aware of the airspace restrictions in the CTR Zurich 2, CTR Dübendorf, and TMA Zurich: - Temporary D to ground during southern approaches. - Glider zone Bachtel West (1700m). - Reduced cloud clearance in glider zones: 50m vertical and 100m horizontal, with visibility remaining at 5km or 8km. Permanent glider zones are active from April 1 to October 31, outside military flight times from sunrise to sunset. Refer to the glider map for geographical details. Adhering to altitude restrictions is mandatory (southern approach): 1700m (see glider map). Parking should be at the landing site (Fischerstrasse, Egg), not on the narrow road to Pfannenstiel. The landing area is agricultural land, so land at the edge or on the footpath crossing the field. Pack up at the edge, either by the footpath or Fischerstrasse. Be cautious: if the wind is not directly from the north, severe collapses can occur after launching from the lower site. For more information, visit: - [Hochwacht Pfannenstiel](http://www.hochwacht-pfannenstiel.ch/site/home.aspx) - [Weather Camera](http://www.hochwacht-pfannenstiel.ch/site/kamera.aspx) - [Flight Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H2mL5Ir_9E)