Soccer Worldcup influence Paragliding Open
THABAZIMBI – The Thabazimbi Paragliding Open which was scheduled for 16 – 19 March 2009, is moved to 10 – 18 April 2009.
On 12 March an airspace restriction to any non-scheduled flights was issued, effective from 16-19 March 2009. The SAHPA (South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) committee and the organisers have tried to get special authority for the Thabazimbi Open airspace to be in place for 16 – 21 March, with no success.
Therefore airspace is restricted to any non-scheduled flights within 50Nm radius of JSV and Rustenburg/ Pilansburg PNV, Polokwane PVV – all World Cup Soccer Stadiums. (Loftus, Royal Bafokeng, Ellis Park, Soweto Soccer City)
This mean that the restricted airspace will end just to the back of the Thabazimbi take off area and will restrict flying in a southerly direction. The prevailing wind direction for Thabazimbi is north, so this will limit the possible tasks for the competition hugely.
The organisers of the Thabazimbi PG Open 2009 and SAHPA have therefore decided that it would be better to change the date of the competition to 10-18 April 2009. The good news is that the new dates will allow pilots 3 extra flying days in the competition and accommodate pilots with limited leave to participate in the competition over the long weekend.
The organisers apologise for any inconvenience, contact Walter Neser at 0765939849 for any further information. SAHPA kindly ask all pilots planning to fly in the restricted area 16-19 March to take note of the restriction.
Kindly remember to register for the competition at www.flythaba.com.