This a popular spot for paragliding due to its easy accessibility by gondola and the beautiful views of Lake Ossiach.

Different TOs available: 'Gipfel' (=TOP) at 1900m and 'Kanzelhöhe' at 1000m

Perfect transport connections and infrastructure, orthographically favorable terrain and the Ossiachersee in connection with 1400m height difference make this area the first choice for stress-free pleasure flying, for safety training with the local acropilot Xandi Meschuh X-ART xandi.me, and in favorable conditions for cross country flying.

Due to the extensive tourist possibilities in summer and winter, the proximity of the city of Villach, and the landing site in the immediate vicinity of Lake Ossiachersee ideal for a flying trip. The Gerlitzen is also a popular ski area, so the track is also available in winter.

Soaring, huge height difference for acro, soar by the trees, low cloud days are stunning, lots of cool people to hang with, and great pilot base camp at the Fliegerbase.

The Gerlitzen is a great place to get some flying hours in as a beginner. Make sure you are well informed about the do’s and don’ts and you can spend all day going up by gondola and flying down long high altitude flights. Depending on the day you can even soar or thermal, especially in the high season.

You will need an austrian license or equivalent to fly here. This equals an IPPI 4

Never fly with strong west wind, or when there is no visibility of the landing zone due to low clouds, In case of emergency: There is an excellent hospital in Villach. The emergency number is 112


North wind temporarily prevents flying, in sunny weather, weak north is usually superimposed in the course of the morning by the beginning thermals - in this case, observe the cycles closely.

In winter, the weather is often most beautiful at the Gerlitzen summit, the flight route into the valley is sometimes cut off by a high fog ceiling at about 800m MSL. This "pull-in" can possibly take place quite quickly in the late afternoon!
With front lift from the west, the stronger west wind can already be felt at the summit one to two days before the front passage. Flying may still be possible, but the line between "just yet" and "no longer now" is then quickly crossed.

The start to the west is a bit problematic, because the chairlift has to be flown over at some point: PLEASE not too deep - the pulpit - operators do not like "tea bags" hanging on the rope at all!

Airspace
In the Gerlitzen area, it is allowed to fly at a maximum of 1,981m (FL65/6500ft MSL) or 300m above ground. After that, the airspace D begins. This means that it is allowed to turn up to a maximum of 2,200m in the summit area.
Ritg south, from about pulpit height, this restriction no longer exists (> see photo)

Landing Zones
Different LZs requiring different approaches in order to permit safe landing!
> get info at LZ