16-19 March - no fly zone 50 NM from stadiums

[Morph]

They did a similar exercise last year in the Western Cape. We too had a visit from the SAAF and they positioned police at various airfields. If I remmember correctly the weather was lousy so not much flying could be done. But they were quite happy for us to submit a flight plan, routing out to Saldanha for example. We actually didn't have any major issues. I can imagine that a training school would suffer though.

As far as whether we fly into Controlled airspace I would say apart from one specific Gyro who does a lot of photography, not. We do route via Ysterplaat and Langebaan regularly and as mentioned they don't require a transponder. FACT is definately out of bounds

[Stephan van Tonder]

SO guys - where are the other local microlight flight schools - Alex - our Misasa chairman - Centurion flight school - Microland - everbody happy with simply not flying that week or is somebody doing something?. Andy wants to know if you guys are going to fly or sit back for the week. Or do you guys know and have you gotten permission for the week already. Can't say that microlight adventures is happy about this - where do we complain officially?

[Tumbleweed]

You got 2 choices;

Close up shop for a week and take a holiday;

Or go fly around the country.

I week of the year to get out of JHB, should make it compulsary.

[Trikenut]

What will happen if you just fly anyway?

They will come and force you to the ground. How, I don't know.

If this is like all the other training sessions, we must all lodge flight plans to really flood their system.

Gripens and Rooifalks!!!!
I have am going to be at AFB Ysterplaat soon and I'll chat to the okes I know there about it! If they arrest me... Call andy!
Yup, Ricky's trike has a transponder!! I know that Andre has one on his Cobra ZU-TCT.
Ciao
Ross

[African Grey]

Just chatted to the Colonel dealing with the authorisations SHE was great.

I have just emailed off the details she asked for, I have asked her if that format is acceptable

The Colonel will issue authorisation for each A/C for the full period (16th - 19th Mar)
No flight plans needed unless flying into controleld airspace
No Transponder Needed

I will forward the format A.S.A.P. to this forum, Aeroclub and MISASA if she is ok with it, along with her Name, email address and Cell Number if you have any queries.

It will be painless and should only need the following
Aircraft type
Aircraft Registration
Pilot Details
Area fo intended operation
Times of intended operation

Regards
Russell

[Gyronaut]

Good for you Russell !!

Sometimes we aviators run away with things before we know the facts! Just goes to show, things are seldom as they seem!
Great news and its nice to hear some positive input for a change!



Hats off to Ma'am Colonel too!
Thats the attitude!!

[Wargames]

Thanks Russel,

This is really great news. I think it is a nightmare for them as well with all the paperwork.

Regards,

[Stephan van Tonder]

At last sanity prevails. What hacks me off is that they proclaim a no-fly zone with no consultation or communication and then only after come with the answers they should have given beforehand.

[Gyronaut]

Stephan, I can't tell where you are from your profile...

What I can tell you is that we had a visit at Fisantekraal from the SAP and we were informed that provided we got the necessary clearance we would be allowed to fly, subject to some prior information about who we were and where we were flying etc. Makes sense from a security point of view...hardly going to pull a 'twin towers' in a microlight!?

One of the advantages of being attached to an active flying club/school is that this kind of information is generally distributed in a positive manner between all concerned.

Aerosport (Louis van Wyk) has never had an issue with this potential restriction and he conveyed as much to me.

Rgds

Len

[African Grey]

Hi all again.

After chatting to Colonel DeVilliers this afternoon and emailing a very simple spreadsheet with our details for the period, I received the following this evening.
I asked if more details were required from us and Colonel DeVilliers seems happy with the simple format

"Russel,
This is great stuff!!!! A spreadsheet like that will really make my life easier as well. Highly appreciated if you can spread the news, and if you have any contact with members from the soaring society, please spread the news amongst them as well, if possible. I seem to be struggling to get hold of anybody from that environment.
Thanks again for the great effort!"

See Spreadsheet attached: Hopefully (at least for this aviation sector)....fill in the details....receive your authorisation numbers via email....

Col Elma de Villiers Office: (012) 312 2883 Cell: 083 307 1075 e-mail: wtr@mweb.co.za

Guys, The Colonel is helluva helpful,,,...honestly it was no great thing, just a different approach.

Rather than guns blazing and grounding aircraft....think of how we would have accepted CAA's Ramp Inspection if their Inspectors set up an info stand at a fly-in to advise us of what docs were needed and were able to print what we were short of.......on site....!

Regards
Russell

[Stephan van Tonder]

Spreadsheet mailed off - let's see what happens.

[kb]

Guys, I am posting this from a work point of view, not a recreational flying point.

We had (at Rand), a very informative presentation from Colonel E. De Villiers on tuesday this week.
Yes, it is a pain in the bum, but it has to be done, both for 2010, and Confed Cup. Next week, is a trial run, there are 2 local games happening, and the are using them as test's.
All our A/C's, and pilots have been pre-approved. That took a few hours. painless.
Last night, at about 21.00, I emailed Colonel, for my "approval codes" for 2 flights I am doing next week.
By 08.00 this morning, I have a reply, approved, code given etc etc.

Yes, it is a issue if you don't have a transponder, and there are plenty fields within the 50 NM radius that will be affected.
Would it not be worth getting hold of Colonel, collectively as your various Clubs / airfields, and see what pre permissions you need. I do understand that the transponder issue is ONLY for controlled airspace.

Yes, it's a pain, but it has to be done.
Well done to the SAAF for very good planning, and briefing. Lets see how it works out.


kb

[bluesmancoops]

There is a certain trike at morningstar with a transponder [/quote]

where did THE pilot find place to put it ..... next to the fire extinguisher

[Stephan van Tonder]

KB - no issue with the lack of transponder as long as you stay out of controlled airspace.

[andreb]

I am doing PPL training at Aviators Paradise. I am flying every day this week and we have to submit plans and get authorisation for each flight. The system seems to be painful, but it is actually simple, effective and well run. You submit flight plan (on phone), get ref number, once in air contact Jhb Info and quote ref number, they give you squawk code, at end of flight you cancel flight plan.

All this is not an issue. What I have an issue with is that at one stage we had 7 policemen and 2 air force personnel sitting watching another pilot, then me do touch and goes for hours. They were there when I left and will probably be there for the whole week. They arrived in THREE police vehicles which were parked there the whole day. Now why do we require 7 police officers and wasted resources parked all day, when they could be better used patrolling and fighting crime? I can go on and on, but I will leave it with that question....then they wonder why we pack up and leave this beautiful country!