Nicostarten

Nicostarten is a great, easy-to-launch site in Rogaland on Norway's south-west coast — suitable for all pilots. Approach is via a small farm road; parking arrangements depend on the farmer's equipment being idle, so ask if in doubt. Altitude ceiling is 3,500 ft ASL. Landings are on a specific field to the left of the takeoff, with strict conditions: land only on the tractor path and pack up ON the path — the surrounding grass is protected.

Launch & conditions

Great takeoff, suitable for all pilots.

Getting there & local rules

Drive the R13 towards Hjelmeland, past the intersection down towards Fister. Follow the road through a 180° turn and take off from the main road at the next sharp turn — a sign points towards 'Eggjabø'. Take the right after the first cattle guard. Park on the left side of the road in the area with some farming equipment — only ONE car allowed there, and only when the equipment is not in use (ask the farmer if in doubt). We are not allowed to drive closer to the takeoff. Walk down the road towards the farm, turn right up the field, walk towards the radio antenna, close the gate, follow the path — takeoff is behind the antenna. Landings: standard LZ is the field to the left of takeoff (not visible from launch, appears a few metres out in the air). The field has a tractor path down the middle — landing ONLY on the tractor path, and packing ONLY on the path.

Local rules & hazards

Altitude restriction: 3,500 ft ASL. Wind from NNW may create rotor. Watch for lenticulars towards the north — if you see any, do NOT fly. SW winds create turbulence at landing. Standard LZ has strict rules: land only on the tractor path, pack only on the path — contact the local club for confirmation on which field it is if in doubt.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Nicostarten, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Nicostarten with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.