The Ölüdeniz Pilot Community
Connect with hundreds of local and visiting pilots at one of the world's most welcoming flying sites.
A Global Community, One Mountain
Babadağ attracts paragliders from all over the world, and Ölüdeniz has developed one of the most welcoming and active flying communities anywhere. On a good summer morning the launch area is alive with pilots from Turkey, Germany, the UK, France, Russia, Australia, Japan — all drawn to the same mountain.
The community organises itself primarily through WhatsApp groups — weather reports go out every morning at 07:30, and the groups buzz with conditions updates and fly coordination throughout the day. Visiting pilots are always welcomed — just ask to be added to the groups when you arrive.
Pilot Communication Groups
Daily Weather & Fly Group
The main daily group used by local and visiting pilots. Morning weather reports, launch conditions, and fly coordination. Ask to be added when you arrive.
Babadağ XC Pilots
Cross-country specific group. Route sharing, retrieve coordination, XC task days, and competition discussion.
Acro Pilots Ölüdeniz
For pilots into aerobatics. Coordination for winch tows, synchro practice, and the annual acro event.
How to join: Visit us at the launch area or contact us by email and we will add you to the appropriate groups. All visitors with a valid licence are welcome.
Annual Events
May
Season Opener Flying Week
RecreationalGuided flying week to kick off the season. Open to all levels. Social barbecue evening on the beach.
June
SIV Clinic (Water)
TrainingAnnual open SIV clinic over the sea. Limited places — register early.
July
Babadağ XC Week
CompetitionInformal XC week with daily tasks from Babadağ. Not a formal competition — participation scoring only.
September
Ölüdeniz Acro Show
Show / EventAnnual acro demonstration and open flying event. Spectators welcome on the beach.
October
Season Closer Fly-In
RecreationalEnd-of-season gathering. Mass launch from 1700m, group photo, dinner in town.
Where Pilots Meet
Babadağ Launch (1200m)
08:30 daily
The main morning meeting point. Pilots gather before the first thermal flight. Weather debrief usually happens here.
Ölüdeniz Beach (Main Landing)
After flying
The social hub after morning flights. Many pilots have coffee and debrief at the landing area café.
Ölüdeniz Village — Pilot Café
Evenings
An informal pilot hangout in the village. Good place to meet locals, swap stories, and plan the next day.