Voss offers excellent flying, but terrain, gondola cables, settlements and shared airspace require careful decisions and respect for local rules.
¶ Gondola and ski-lift clearance
Voss Gondola and the ski lifts at Voss Resort and Myrkdalen have cables, towers and wires that pose collision and turbulence hazards.
- Keep at least 50 m vertical and horizontal clearance from gondola and lift cables and towers.
- When approaching Vangen from Hanguren, cross the gondola cable with ample height. Be alert for turbulence in the lee of Hangurstoppen in northerly or easterly winds.
¶ Secure loose equipment and ski flying
When flying above settlements, roads or people, secure equipment against falling:
- Use retaining straps on both skis, secured so the skis remain attached if a binding releases.
- For lockable touring bindings, lock the front binding in walk mode and lock the heel binding.
- Secure phones, cameras and action cameras to poles with a strong lanyard or strap.
The western side of the main landing area at Kulturhuset/Prestegardslandet is regularly used by the air ambulance and other helicopters.
- Give helicopters priority and remain clear when one is airborne or landing/taking off.
- Avoid the helicopter area and choose another landing: farther east on Prestegardslandet, the sandy beach south of Lake Vangsvatnet, or Ringheim outside the growing season.
¶ Landing areas that must not be used
To protect neighbours and landowners, do not land at:
- Mølstertunet: The grassy terrace with the protected museum and cultivated land.
- Bavallen ski jump: The bottom of the jump is not an approved landing area and may be hazardous.
- Ringheim during the growing season: The field is closed while grass is being grown for hay; it may be used in autumn and winter.
¶ Airspace and Bømoen airfield
- The stated normal ceiling below controlled airspace over Voss is 2,286 m ASL (7,500 ft). Always check current status at luftrom.info.
- Bømoen (ENBM) is an active air-sports airfield used by parachutists, gliders and powered aircraft. Keep clear of its traffic circuit and air-sports/drop zone.
- Check NOTAMs and current restrictions through IPPC or HemsWX before flying.
¶ Wind and Lake Vangsvatnet
- Easterly winds can cause rotor and severe turbulence at Vangen and Minigolfen. Watch ripples on the lake to assess local wind direction and strength.
- From May to August, a westerly/south-westerly sea breeze often develops in the afternoon and may strengthen or turn quickly. Strong southerly winds may not show clearly on the lake, so do not rely on ripples as your only wind indicator.
- Enable Volandoo live tracking before launch so other pilots and retrieval drivers can see your location.