Low fluing over the Bronkhorstspruit Dam

[lefssa]

I have done research on this subject for about 10 days now and this is my conclusion.

It is in fact not illegal to fly low over the Bronkhost spruit dam as long as the following is adhered to.

1. You must be within gliding range of the shore. (There is no minimum altitude over water.)
2. You may not over fly a gathering of people. (I presume that could be 2 or more people in a boat. Rather don’t over fly anyone.)
3. You may not be a nuisance to people. (Don’t do continues flights, fly once over then move off.) Don’t fly low over anyone as this could be taken as dangerous flying.

Be safe and reasonable and fly at a minimum of say 300ft. You will then not be breaking the law and will not be a nuisance to anyone.

The Bronkhost spruit dam is not a “proclaimed” nature reserve. The list of reserves with height restrictions are listed below. There are no other reserves with height restrictions, other than the ones listed below. This info comes from Ronnie Mothusi, who is on the airspaces committee at CAA.

The list below are the proclaimed nation parks.

Bontebok
Golden Gate Highlands
Groenkloof
Kalahari Gemsbok
Kruger
Mountain Zebra
Richtersveld
Tankwa Karoo
Tsitsikamma
West Coast
Wilderness
Camdeboo
Karoo
Table Mountain
Vaalbos
Mokala
Addo Elephant
Augrabies Falls
Agulhas
Mapungubwe
Namaqua
Marakele


The list below are world heritage sits.


Fossil Hominid Sites: Taung Skull Fossil - Core
Fossil Hominid Sites: Makapan Valley (Core)
The Cape Floral Region: Robben Ysland (Core)
Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park
Richtersveld Cultural&Botanical Landscape (Buffer)
Richtersveld Cultural & Botanical Landscape (Core)
Richtersveld Cultural&Botanical Landscape (Buffer)
Richtersveld Cultural&Botanical Landscape (Buffer)
Taung Skull Fossil Site (Buffer zone)
Fossil Hominid Sites: Makapan Valley (Buffer)
Fossil Hominid Sites: Sterkfontein
The Drakensberg Park / Okhahlamba Park

These are the only areas with height restrictions other than the ones in air law i.e. FAR, FAP etc. or what is shown on aviation maps.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: PROTECTED AREAS ACT

This is the act that everyone refers to. The act was pushed through parliament without consulting the CAA. The CAA is presently opposing this act and hopes to have it repealed shortly. Remember that this act still only applies to the areas listed above.

[Rudix]

Thanks for the feedback Lefssa, interesting!

I fly from Rhino and Bronkies often features in my flight plans, recently I have avoided the area but I miss my early morning patrols. I will stick to the rules and fly there again, and yes, I do enjoy flying low over the water, avoiding people.

Fly safe,
Rudi

[nicow]

Thanks for the info ,I now have a few more "game farms" to fly over-and now it will be legal!!!

[Nkwazi]

Low FLUING is especially dangerous in winter, results in terrible FLU