Flying over airfields with glider winch launches or parachute operations – not a good idea

Airfields are generally easily recognizable landmarks in visual flight. However, they are only suitable as reference points to a limited extent—especially when gliders are being launched by winch or parachute. There is a considerable risk of collision here, both for overflying aircraft and for gliders taking off.

The situation is particularly critical for gliders taking off from a winch:

• Visibility of the sky is severely restricted before and during takeoff.
• During a steep winch launch, there is virtually no horizontal visibility to the front, only limited visibility to the sides, and no visibility to the rear.
• The direction and speed are largely fixed, making evasive action practically impossible.
• A warning chain via the launch director and winch operator is often too slow in the event of sudden incoming traffic.

This creates a particularly dangerous situation when aircraft fly over the airfield at low altitude or fly through the traffic pattern in an uncoordinated manner.

Communication increases safety

An essential safety factor is timely radio contact with the relevant airfield. By actively listening in and reporting your own position, you can better assess the traffic situation. Anyone who wants to fly over an airfield in the vicinity should therefore:

• tune into the airfield frequency in good time,
• follow the radio traffic attentively,
• report your position if necessary,
• imagine the position of the other aircraft in your mind every time you hear a report.

Maintain a safe distance

Since winch launches are usually not announced on the airport frequency, the airport area, including turns, should never be flown over at an altitude below 600 m / 2000 ft AGL. It is even better to fly around airfields—especially those known to have winch and parachute operations—at a generous distance. This is because intensive traffic in the traffic pattern is also to be expected. Forward thinking, consistent observation of the airspace, and clear communication are the key factors in flight safety.