Table of contents
About the aerodrome
General about the location
The aerodrome is located in Amlikon (Identification LSPA) in Thurgau, Switzerland — a private place reserved exclusively for gliding. The runway is an approximately 1,100-meter-long grass slope directly on the Thur, west of Weinfelden and about 10 km east of Frauenfeld.
Flight operations and infrastructure
At the airport, mainly gliding is operated. Powered flight is only allowed for towing sailplanes or using a silent powered sailplane — other motorised aircraft are not permitted to land there. The vast majority of launches are made using high-performance winches, which minimises noise emissions for residents. Regular flight operations take place in suitable weather conditions on weekends from mid-March to mid-October; with good thermals also during the week. In addition, warehouses and courses are offered throughout the year.
Training and courses
Offers from the gliding group
The course is used for training in gliding by the resident gliding group Cumulus (SGC). Among other things, they offer:
– Gliding trial courses for those interested in gaining initial experience in gliding. – Regular training up to the gliding rating, with training on double-seaters, winch and towing launches and later solo phase – as far as capacities and weather conditions allow. Overland and route flight are also possible in principle. (The general training structure in gliding is based on the classic “step model” with basic training, solo flight, single-seater and cross-country flight.)
Table: Training offer and possible costs
| Offer / Course | Remarks | Costs (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Test course | First practical experiences in gliding | depending on the course duration and effort – please ask directly at the SGC |
| Youth / Holiday Camp (Learn to Fly) | Practice + Theory for Young People | depending on the camp – variable costs, request necessary |
| Basic training up to A/B/C exam (gliding Licence) | Multi-seater multi-seater, tow or winch, later solo | Depending on flight hours, towing/winch starts and membership of the association — price on request |
| Cross-country/en route training | for advanced pilots with relevant experience | variable — depending on effort and weather conditions |
Conditions for participation
General conditions
In principle, anyone interested in gliding can participate – especially for trial courses and youth camps. For regular training, membership of the SGC is common and a willingness to fly regularly and to undergo further theoretical and practical training.
Physical and legal requirements
Gliding requires physical and mental fitness, especially for competitions such as thermal or alpine gliding — good health and resilience are beneficial. Flight times and training are dependent on weather conditions and seasons, so participants should be flexible and weather-conscious. For young people, special regulations regarding age and consent of the parents can apply – the SGC provides more information.
Costs and fees
The specific costs depend heavily on the courses chosen, the number of towing or winch starts, flight hours and membership of the association. Official price lists are not published publicly by the SGC – interested parties should contact directly to receive an individual offer. In general, gliding is often more cost-effective than motorized flight, since the drive is missing during gliding and operation with a winch remains relatively favorable.
Contact
If you are interested or would like more information, reach the gliding group as follows:
- 📞 Telephone airfield: +41 71 651 13 13
- ✉️ Email: flugplatzleiter@cumulus-segelflug.ch