Paragliding at the Gerlitzen Base
The Flying Experience
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.
What is exciting about this place?
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.
Is it beginner friendly?
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.
What are the local regulations?
You will need an austrian license or equivalent to fly here. This equals an IPPI 4
Know before you go
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
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Terrain
- Mountain
- Lake
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Pilot level
- Schooling
- Beginner
- Independent
- Expert
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Flying Style
- Acro
- Hike and Fly
- SIV
- Soaring
- Cross Country
- Schooling
- Tandem
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Best Season
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
What is the Climate like?
What is the temperature?
When is best to go fly here?
This is a summer place, you can fly when the gondola starts working in May or so, until it closes in September/ October.
How is the Weather?
What are the flying conditions?
It can be started in all directions except north. The house beard stands above the Berger settlement, often also over Pacheiner or pulpit. The Gerlitzen is a bit isolated, so quite large valley jumps must initially be completed for route flying, which makes it difficult to fly away early.
Route flight potential is to the north into the Nock area to Styria and to the west to Tschiernock. To the south, the sea and the city of Villach, to the east the Klagenfurt control zone restrict freedom of movement.
Attention: The FG is located below the TMA Klagenfurt which starts here at 300m/Gnd,
i.e. in the summit area max 2200müM otherwise max 6500ft ~1980müM
■ Detailed information on the website of the DGFC Ossiachersee .... www.dgfc-ossiachersee.at/
in particular, what is the use of the TRA? concerns, see the graphic at the back ---> Airspace West
Check today’s weather:
The Travel Experience
How to get there?
Nearest airport: Vienna International Airport
What to bring?
Check out our Packing List to find out what to bring on a paragliding trip. Apart from this list, the locals recommend you should bring the following:
Apart from this, the locals recommend you to bring some good vibes.
What to do on your day off?
Map coming soon!
Where do pilots stay?
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Useful Contacts at Gerlitzen Base
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Fly with a School, Instructor or Guide
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Austria
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