Ever wonder where the next generation of pilots takes flight? It might just be here at Hármashatárhegyi vitorlázórepülőtér. This airfield is one of Budapest’s dedicated spots for sport aviation.
Located in the II. district of Budapest Hármashatárhegyi vitorlázórepülőtér sits on the border of Kővár and the historic Pesthidegkút-Hársakalja. It gets its name from the neighboring Hármashatár-hegy. This mountain is more well-known to locals than Kővár-hegy.
The area around Hármashatárhegyi vitorlázórepülőtér is a popular tourist spot. Many hikers include the airfield in their route. Only daytime visual flights are allowed here. Hármashatárhegyi vitorlázórepülőtér is not a public airfield. Motorized aircraft can only take off on runway 31. They must turn right at 50 meters and ascend to the right-hand school circuit. Motorized aircraft are not allowed to fly circuits here.
When landing on runway 13 the fourth turn must be completed at 250 meters. Landings on runway 31 are only permitted from the left circuit. Gliders can only fly left circuits when taking off on runway 13. Right-hand circuits are for runway 31. Motorized aircraft are not allowed to take off from runway 13. Strong gliding paragliding and kite movements are possible here. However no training with motorized aircraft is allowed. The airfield can only be used with permission. This excludes aircraft in emergency situations.
On runway 31 there is a 1.5 degree slope down to the middle. Cross slope is 2.5 degrees in the 030 direction. Airspace is limited due to BUD TMA. The airfield is run by the Műegyetemi Sportrepülő Egyesület.
In June 2014 the National Transport Authority revoked the operating license for Hármashatárhegyi vitorlázórepülőtér. In the spring of 2019 the airfield regained its operating license after litigation. Following restoration it is now operational again.
Hármashatárhegyi vitorlázórepülőtér boasts an ideal location with excellent air currents. It has likely seen every Hungarian-designed glider. Sheep once maintained its green grass. Many pilots from Malév and today’s airlines began their careers here. Its name is synonymous with Hungarian gliding. A sports flying club founded over a century ago established and popularized it in Hungary.
The Műegyetemi Sportrepülő Egyesület recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Former and current members instructors and students celebrated the anniversary with meetings and exhibitions.
The Trianon peace treaty banned military aviation and aircraft production in Hungary. So gliding remained for those wanting to learn to fly. The Műegyetemi Sportrepülő Egyesület or Emese was formed in the autumn of 1921. It happened during the country’s most hopeless situation. It relied on the selfless work and enthusiasm of its members without financial means.
The founding university students and aviation industry experts aimed to establish gliding. They wanted to design and build light motorless machines. Of course pilot training was also a goal.
The Hármashatárhegyi vitorlázórepülőtér base was built a few years later. This was after Lajos Rotter identified excellent slope-flying air currents here. He was a legendary pilot world record holder and design engineer. Today a statue commemorates him on the hill. Soon hangars and smaller service buildings appeared. While gliding started and thrived elsewhere Hármashatárhegy became a concept. It is a vital part of Hungarian sports aviation history. Its proximity to the city is a major advantage. The green hills and the city create a unique panorama. Fliers can enjoy this view immediately after takeoff.
Even today the spirit of innovation and dedication thrives at Hármashatárhegyi vitorlázórepülőtér. It stands as a testament to the enduring allure of flight. This airfield is a place where dreams take wing.