Skydive Westerwald

Skydive Westerwald is located in Breitscheid, 50km southeast of Cologne. The dropzone is open on weekends and three to four times a year for "jump-weeks". Sometimes the operation is relocated to Ailertchen, which is in the neighbourhood of Breitscheid. Check the calendar on the website before driving there, to make sure you go to the right place.

Breitscheid provides everthing a skydiver needs and wants. First of all nice people. Manifest works fine, and packing can be done indoor or outdoor, whatever you prefer. There is no rigging loft, but several riggers are in the club, so you will get assistance with your gear if you need it. There is no lounge, but a restaurant is at the airport. Showers and rooms for sleeping are provided and camping is allowed.

The Pilatus Porter almost always climbs up to 3800 metres. Though the dropzone is lying exactly under the Cologne inbound routing for IFR traffic, there are no problems with ATC. On a typical day you will find RW and Freefliers at Breitscheid, and sometimes even Birds are there. Whatever kind of jumper you are, you will find someone who likes to jump with you. The landing area is huge without obstacles. Don't fly south of the runway, this part is reserved for gliders, which do their part for co-operation.

Ticket prices are fair, and can be reduced by buying block-tickets.

The only Con is a midday-break between 12 and 2:30, which is held for noise abatement. This is very common in Germany, but there are still some dropzones which don't have it.

Overall I can say I like it, and although it is 110km away from my home, it is now my home drop-zone.