South africa Paragliding Sites

Just over the crest of the Franschhoek Pass, there is a parking area on the left of the road. A fence runs towards the cliffs from the car park, and the launch is at the end of this fence, a few metres into the nature reserve. # Franschhoek Paragliding Site Protocols *Compiled by: Mias de Klerk (Gr B Inst) contributions and reviewed by Barry Pedderson (Gr B&C Instr), Fanie Badenhorst (Gr B&C Inst) WJ and Ria Moothilal.* **Based on the assessment as detailed below, the following important site protocols are required information for flying at the Franschhoek pass soaring site** Given the events of the 9th May 2021 at the SACAA registered Franschhoek pass soaring site between residents of Fransche Hoek Agricultural Estate and paragliding pilots who landed in the estate, a recommendation is made to add the following protocols to the existing site information as published in the 1st edition SITE GUIDE by Greg Hamerton in 1999: due to the sensitivity and scarcity of safe landing options at the bottom of the Franschhoek pass soaring site, pilots intending to fly from the site need to at a minimum have good spot landing abilities to safely attempt flying here. All pilots intending to use the site for soaring activities shall familiarise themselves with the site protocols and landing locations before launching. It is important to note that all the locations mentioned here are used at the pilot’s own risk and no one can be held liable for his/her decision to fly. **Launch:** Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (33°54'12.4"S 19°09'27.0"E) **Description** The take off site is located inside the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and using the launch area requires a permit that can be purchased at the entrance of the reserve at the top of Franschhoek pass. A yearly pass option is also available for frequent visitors. The launch is a 150m hike along a maintained trail. Please remain on the demarcated trails when accessing the launch area. Site visitors are expected to adhere to the nature reserve’s rules and be cooperative with reserve staff and management when using the site. The launch area is directly to the east of a memorial consisting of a pile of stones, a plague and a wind streamer. The area is natural fynbos and care should be taken not to damage flora growing around the launch area. The area is only big enough for one glider to be fully laid out for launch. The launch is uneven and rocky and care should be taken to familiarize oneself with the obstacles and terrain before attempting to launch. Top landing is possible but requires landing in the existing road or trails or on the upper (Eastern) end of the launch area. Landing in the undisturbed fynbos must be avoided. **Wind** NW-W-SW **Altitude** 780m asl, airspace ceiling 7500ftALT **Cautions** The launch area is in a venturi and can get strong on warm sunny days towards mid-day. There are some hairy rocky outcrops south-west of the launch that can also cause turbulence in stronger conditions. The launch surface is natural vegetation and care should be taken to check lines before launching. ## Landing: Fynbos area (33°54'26.9"S 19°07'52.5"E) **Description** The Fynbos LZ is on the northern side of the street that leads up to the Fransche Hoek agricultural estate in an empty plot with some fynbos vegetation with several footpaths. The plot is due for development and might not be usable in the near future. The LZ starts from the estate boundary wall on the eastern side and continues at a gentle slope approximately 220m to big blue gum trees and tennis courts on the western end. The area is approximately 50m wide at the narrowest end. It is bordered by residential buildings on either side and a few street lamps on the south western side of the street bordering the area. **Wind** W - SW, E - NE. Due to the somewhat sheltered LZ a wind shadow can be expected. **Altitude** 340m asl **Cautions** An early decision to comfortably make the glide to the landing area is necessary to prevent emergency landings. The property bordering the area to the east and north-east, known as the Fransche hoek Agricultural Estate is a sensitive area described below. “Learn to understand your glide ratio in different headwinds and the type of conditions you can stay up in. If you are not sure about any of those rather don't fly or get comfortable learning those elsewhere where landing options are plentiful.” - quote The built up area west of the Fynbos LZ is a regular trigger for thermals. This combined with the high likelihood of windshadow conditions should be prepared for when setting up for landing. ## Chamonix pasture (33°54'20.1"S 19°07'59.0"E) **Description** Chamonix pasture LZ is on the southern boundary of Chamonix Estate approximately 200m north of the Fynbos LZ. The area is approximately 300m long in a NNE to SSW orientation and 100m wide. The area is surrounded by tall trees on all four sides with a wooden fence running across the Western end of the field. There are two irrigation pipes sticking out the ground in the landing area. The LZ can only be accessed through the Estate entrance on Uitkyk street. Prior arrangement with the security must be made for vehicles to access the estate. It is recommended pilots walk the 1 km in a north-westerly direction to the entrance gate for recovery. **Wind** W - SW, E - NE. Wind shadow is very likely. **Altitude** 330m asl **Cautions** An early decision to comfortably make the glide to the landing area is necessary to prevent emergency landings. The property bordering the area to the east and north-east, known as the Fransche Hoek Agricultural Estate is a sensitive area described below. “Learn to understand your glide ratio in different headwinds and the type of conditions you can stay up in. If you are not sure about any of those rather don't fly or get comfortable learning those elsewhere where landing options are plentiful.” - quote Wind shadow and Katabatic wind often occurs in the landing field. A windsock is highly recommended. **Sensitive area:** Fransche hoek agricultural Estate Residents of the Fransche Hoek Agricultural Estate have requested that low level thermalling over any houses - and landing in - the estate be avoided unless it is an emergency situation. The designated emergency landing area is indicated on the attached diagram. An emergency landing in the estate will require an incident report be submitted and proof of licensing and a permit be presented. ## Emergency landing (33°54'27.4"S 19°08'16.6"E) **Description** The emergency landing area inside the estate is an undeveloped stand that has previously been cleared. It borders a tarred street on the south-easter end and slopes moderately with a north-westerly aspect. The area is covered in rocks and returning fynbos vegetation. The lower north-western half of the plot has thick fynbos vegetation. Pilots should once they’ve packed their gear walk up to the tarred road and in a south-westerly direction to the gate. **Caution** Fransche Hoek Agricultural Estate residents have reacted very disapprovingly of paragliders flying over houses at a low altitude and landing in the estate. Thermalling at a low altitude and landing in the estate should therefore be avoided. An early decision to comfortably make the glide to the landing area is necessary to prevent emergency landings. “Learn to understand your glide ratio in different headwinds and the type of conditions you can stay up in. If you are not sure about any of those rather don't fly or get comfortable learning those elsewhere where landing options are plentiful.” - quote The house with tennis courts is a highly sensitive area. Flying over the house should be avoided when setting up for landing at either of the LZ’s. Pilots who decide to fly should factor this into planning their approach to the LZ’s. Site liaison: Mias de Klerk - 0827585845, mias@winelandsparagliding.co.za Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve website: https://montrochellehiking.co.za/ SAHPA website: https://www.sahpa.co.za/ Altitude 757m

Altitude 1693m

Now the hotel is called 'Wilderness Beach Hotel'; TO is in between/ in front of buildings Altitude 29m

Cliff Launch (North).200m East of Platteklip Gorge. Altitude 1060m