Microlighters

Can anyone tell me if a corridor similar to Pinedene (south of FAWK) exists between FAWK (Waterkloof) and FAWB (Wonderboom)?
If so, please be kind enough to furnish details, including:
1. Reporting Points on both sides (east and west)
2. Which ATC controls the corridor
3. Anything else of relevance

I see that the CTRs do not touch, leaving a corridor (124,800?) of about 1mile wide running east-west, but is this 'controlled' (by either FAWK or FAWB ATC)?? Also, I see it is over Pretoria north, so built up area!!

I am heading from Aeroden to Rhino Park on Sunday for breakfast and Pinedene seems a little bit of a dog's leg!


Many thanks,

John.com

Hi John
The Kroon guys fly this route often. Normally early morning when we route East, we fly on the Northern side and report to Wonderboom. They have no problem if it is before say 07h30 but later they might have Para jumping and then they don't like Trikes in this space.
On our return we fly South of the ridge and then report to Watekloof Control. 80% of the time there is no one in the tower so then we just broadcast blind our position and intentions.

Air Hog wrote:Hi John
The Kroon guys fly this route often. Normally early morning when we route East, we fly on the Northern side and report to Wonderboom. They have no problem if it is before say 07h30 but later they might have Para jumping and then they don't like Trikes in this space.
On our return we fly South of the ridge and then report to Watekloof Control. 80% of the time there is no one in the tower so then we just broadcast blind our position and intentions.

Awesome, thank you!

Air Hog wrote:Hi John
The Kroon guys fly this route often. Normally early morning when we route East, we fly on the Northern side and report to Wonderboom. They have no problem if it is before say 07h30 but later they might have Para jumping and then they don't like Trikes in this space.
On our return we fly South of the ridge and then report to Watekloof Control. 80% of the time there is no one in the tower so then we just broadcast blind our position and intentions.

Sorry, just two more questions:
1. What altitude are you maintaining when routing along the ridge (or just south or north of the ridge)? Are you below the ridge line?
2. With the area being fairly built up on both sides of the ridge, what is suggested insofar as MPL limitations in flying over built up areas are concerned?

Thanks again!

John.com

Sorry John
Only saw this this morning. We normaly maintain 6500, that is above the ridge.

Maybe you should check this out with CAA or consult with MISASA. In my book this is a no go for WCM. Build up area, no safe place to land in case of an emergency even at 6500ft and against the regulations. (working at WKLF as an ATC for many year this was not allowed, routing is/was via Pinedine or north of Wonderboom) John, email your tracks from AirNav Pro to CAA and get an answer

beter Safe than Sorry

cobra wrote:Maybe you should check this out with CAA or consult with MISASA. In my book this is a no go for WCM. Build up area, no safe place to land in case of an emergency even at 6500ft and against the regulations. (working at WKLF as an ATC for many year this was not allowed, routing is/was via Pinedine or north of Wonderboom) John, email your tracks from AirNav Pro to CAA and get an answer

beter Safe than Sorry

Thanks for the sound advice! I will do so and get CAA response.

John.com wrote:Thanks for the sound advice! I will do so and get CAA response.

just don't email your tracks

cobra wrote:

John.com wrote:Thanks for the sound advice! I will do so and get CAA response.

just don't email your tracks

Yaaa . . . . FAWB ATC put me at 5200ft, which is almost ridge height!!!

I was saying my silent prayers as I worked my way along the ridge, sizing up my emergency approaches to each of the parks and rugby fields along the way!!!

Cheers,

John.com

There are a number of good spots on top of the ridge - if ATC will give you the altitude to be able to use them...

John.com wrote:

cobra wrote:

John.com wrote:Thanks for the sound advice! I will do so and get CAA response.

just don't email your tracks

Yaaa . . . . FAWB ATC put me at 5200ft, which is almost ridge height!!!

I was saying my silent prayers as I worked my way along the ridge, sizing up my emergency approaches to each of the parks and rugby fields along the way!!!

Cheers,

John.com

Hi John, the ATC will generally give you a clearance regardless of PART 94 as it is not their work to know all regulations, except their Bible. It is the pilot's responsibility to adhere to the regulation which states that non-certified aircraft may not route over buildup areas, except for the purpose for take-off and landing or if unavoidable - or stated otherwise on the Authority to Fly.

In this case it is the pilot's responsibility and good airmanship to avoid such routing or inform the ATC that he/she will no be able to comply due to the regulations or routing conditions, in which case alternate routing will be issued or instructed to make a U-turn.

I have never taken that route, and probably never will. The only rugby field a know out there is LOFTUS