XC Routes
The XC potential here is high. The classic lines, the conditions you need and the rules once you leave the site.
Last updated 2026-09-01Babadağ sits at the western end of a range that runs along the coast. Climbing in thermals and heading inland or east for distance is possible. The XC potential here is high, but most of any route lies outside the defined flying site.
On this page
Conditions for XC
| Most productive months Thermals and distance |
May, June and October |
|---|---|
| Cloudbase Typical range |
2500 to 3500 m |
| On good days Climb ceiling |
Above 3000 m is possible |
| Starting point Local thermal |
The fixed source to the right of the 1700 takeoff |
| Launch time The window |
Mid morning, once thermals are working and before the breeze sharpens |
In July and August the air is very hot but stable, and the atmosphere suppresses vertical movement. The sea breeze also sharpens around midday. If distance is your goal, choose spring or autumn. Season guide
The classic routes
Two main lines are used here. The descriptions below give the general direction; you need to work out exact turnpoints and distances in your own plan.
| Route | The line |
|---|---|
| Northeast line | Across the Kemer valley to Mendos, then over the town of Kemer. Continuing east brings you to Akdağ, an obvious peak of around 3000 metres. From there you can soar the ridge north towards Denizli, or carry on east along the range towards Antalya. |
| Southeast line | Out over the village of Palamutköy, watching for the greenhouses there. Then Dumanlı Dağ, and from there east in the sea breeze convergence as far as the port of Kaş. |
Where the cool sea breeze meets the warmer air from inland, strong and steady lift can be found along the line of convergence. It is useful on the southeast route, but the line shifts through the day and you get sudden changes of direction at the boundary between the two air masses. Local weather
Flights flown from Babadağ
Pilots log their flights on XContest. The list below is filtered to flights that launched within five kilometres of Babadağ, so it shows what is actually being flown here: the lines, the distances and the time of year they were flown. Reading the tracks of the long flights is the fastest way to learn the route.
XContest Ölüdeniz Babadağ XC flights Every logged flight launched from Babadağ, with track logs, distances and dates. Filtered to a five kilometre radius around the takeoffs. See the flights xcontest.orgXContest is an independent contest site, not part of this guide. Filtering by date or by pilot needs an account there.
Leaving the flying site
The Fethiye Babadağ flying site is the area within 4.5 nautical miles of the centre point. Every XC route leaves that boundary. Outside it you must comply with the civil aviation rules published in the Turkish AIP and in the AICs. The Dalaman control zone lies to the north of Fethiye. Airspace
Preparation
- Airspace files. Load current files into your instrument and check the restrictions along your route before you fly.
- Landing options. Work out where you can land along the route. The terrain is mountainous and wooded, you cannot put down anywhere.
- Share your flight plan. Someone should know where you are going.
- Retrieve. Think about how you will get back if you land a long way out.
- Radio and phone. A radio is mandatory; keep your phone charged and carry a power bank.
- Flight registration. Open it before launch and remember to close it after you land.
For the full list see the XC checks section.
For thermals and cloudbase see local weather, and for the forecast on the day see forecast sources.
Route descriptions are compiled from open sources and give general direction only. Waypoint lists and exact turnpoints have not been added yet. If you want to share routes you have flown here, write via the contact page.