What is this?

The starthelyek.hu platform is a closed system primarily used for maintaining records of Hungarian paragliding launch sites and managing daily flight registrations. Access is restricted to pilots legally flying in Hungary, the competent authorities responsible for authorizing and supervising launch sites, and the operators and owners of those sites. External registration is not possible. Pilot accounts are created automatically based on declarations submitted through the SIRESZ and HFFA systems. Accounts for authorities and other non-pilot users can be created manually by members of the Launch Site Joint Committee (SVB).

What is it for?

The system is being developed to achieve the following goals:

1. An up-to-date and official source of information about the current status of our launch sites

   Members of the Launch Site Joint Committee (SVB), together with launch site operators, maintain and update the database, ensuring that the information available here is authoritative and comes directly from the source. Pilots visiting launch sites may also submit reports and observations, which become publicly visible after approval by the SVB (for example, noting where vegetation is beginning to overgrow the launch area).

   
2. Extending the existing Google Maps launch site map with new features

   Our goal is to make all currently valid information available through the system's Google Maps-based map interface in the familiar format (hiking paths, parking areas, landing zones, power lines, restricted areas, emergency landing fields, etc.). Information displayed on the map can be customized and filtered (e.g. by type, status, or wind direction) and is supplemented with additional data such as suitable wind directions and typical thermal trigger locations.

   
3. Integration with useful websites and apps

   The system integrates with several external websites and applications (and the list continues to grow): Holfuy, XContest, and Windy.

4. Unified and centralized daily registration platform

   An increasing number of launch sites require advance online registration or daily check-in before flying. In some cases, this is accompanied by participant limits, or is required because of them. Previously, separate accounts had to be created for sites such as Csobánc and Szársomlyó, while other sites like Orond also required registration despite not having a dedicated platform, often forcing pilots to use Facebook instead, which is far from ideal from a regulatory perspective.

   A shared system not only makes life easier for pilots but also enables a number of "smart" features. For example, if a pilot checks in at Szársomlyó, there is a good chance they will not fly from Csobánc on the same day. If they have registered for both sites, their reserved slot at Csobánc can be released automatically and offered to another pilot from the waiting list.

   Plans also include QR-code-based daily check-in at launch sites, allowing the entire process to be completed in just a few seconds.

   
5. Enforcing launch site usage requirements

   Registration for a launch site may be subject to several conditions, including:

   • holding valid pilot qualifications and maintaining annual registration with an approved organization (SIRESZ or HFFA)
   • membership in organizations holding the required nature conservation permits (for example, payment of the Szársomlyó supporter membership fee)
   • restricted periods (e.g. the bird nesting season at Csobánc)
   • participant limits
   • personal acceptance of launch site regulations and required declarations
   The system manages and verifies these requirements automatically, ensuring that registered pilots comply with all applicable conditions. Through integration with the official HFFA and SIRESZ registration systems, there is no longer any need to send weekly pilot lists to authorities, as authorized personnel can access the required information directly within the system.

6. Coordinated airspace and DropZone information and requests

   The Airspace section provides information about Class G airspaces relevant to free-flying pilots, as well as participating DropZone airspaces. No login is required to access this information.

   A coordinated airspace request interface has also been implemented, allowing pilots to submit requests for next-day coordinated airspace to coordinators authorized by HungaroControl. These coordinators can then request activation of the relevant airspaces. The system automatically notifies all applicants both when an airspace request has been submitted and when the airspace becomes active. An API developed by NetBriefing has also been integrated, providing more accurate information (such as airspace deactivation times) with lower latency.

   
7. Flight records

   Pilots using XContest can import their flights into the system, allowing them to view all of their flights in a single searchable and filterable interface. The system can also generate formats suitable for both paper and electronic flight logbooks, along with various useful statistics.

   Statistics can be shared with friends or instructors, allowing them to gain insight into a pilot's progress and current skill level with a single click.

   
8. Long-term ideas and plans
   • Nationwide REBISZ database - incidents and accidents could be reported and queried (anonymously), including association with specific launch sites
   • Involving additional DropZones and military airspaces in the cooperation program
   • ...

How much will it cost?

The system is free to use and will remain free.