Information for visiting pilots

GPL Validation
In order to validate your non-South African glider pilot’s licence, the following documents must be given to the club Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) of his deputy:

• Copy of your Foreign Glider Pilots Licence
• Copy of your valid Medical Certificate (Class 4 or greater)
• Copy of your Radio Telephony Licence (Restricted or greater)
• One passport size identification photograph
• Application for South African Glider pilot form to be filled in.

If the above documents are in order, a validation and local familiarisation Flight can be undertaken with a Senior Instructor. Once you receive your licence validation, it is essential that you study the details of this document together with the aeronautical charts of the area, a composite of which is available in the Cape Gliding Club clubhouse at the airfield.

Airspace at Worcester
Worcester airfield (FAWC) is situated 10km inside the Cape Town TMA. Airspace in this portion of the TMA is uncontrolled up to FL85. A transponder is required to enter controlled airspace (between FL85 and FL195), and permission must FIRST be obtained from Cape Town Approach ATC on 119,7. On no account enter controlled airspace without proper permission having been granted by the ATC.

Outside the TMA airspace is uncontrolled up to FL145.

Radio frequencies

• All communications are in the English language
• Use 124.8 MHz below the TMA and anywhere below 1500 ft AGL,
• Outside the TMA ( and above 1500 ft AGL) use 126.5 MHz (within the Cape Province),
• Within 5 nM and 2000 ft AGL of any airfield use the airfield frequency (FAWC is 124.8), monitor traffic and announce your own position and intention,
• use 119.7 for the Cape Town controlled airspace,
• Chat frequency is 123.4 MHz.
• Before entering the active runway transmit that you are entering such.
• Special rules similar to these apply on the ridges. See our Cloudbase hereto or ask an instructor.

Local Weather Conditions
Most cross country flight is undertaken in thermal or ridge lift (or a combination), though convergence and wave also occur. Before attempting to fly across country, you must be briefed by an EXPERIENCED cross country pilot (this does not have to be an instructor).

Due to the mountain terrain which tends to be formed in lines, ridge lift is common at any time of year, though its position depends on the terrain in relation to the exact direction of the wind. Long distances can be accomplished in ridge lift. Winds are generally from the South East (a shallow, low-level wind) or North West (a wind which extends to great height), and both produce ridge lift. Northerly winds also produce lee-wave conditions. Take extreme care not to experience a sudden loss of visual contact with the terrain when flying in wave.

Thermal conditions can occur at any time of year, with any wind, but mainly between spring (September) and autumn (April). Thermal conditions are best on post-frontal days.

Convergence in the Worcester valley can occur during weather and wind changes and generally formed in lines.

Visitors to be aware of strong winds especially in a North Wester, severe wind sheer and rotor can occur on final approach. Pilots to approach high with sufficient excess speed to counteract loss of airspeed on approach.

Outlanding (field landings)
All visiting pilots are warned that the local Worcester – Robertson – Wolseley area is a VINE farming region, which limits the outlanding options. Other open areas are often covered with scrub and the terrain is very stony. There are NO outlanding options in the Hex river valley. Eastward at Swellendam and northward at Tulbach, the vines give way to wheat, where outlanding options are more plentiful. NEVER land in a vineyard, bush covered field or stoney area.

Circuit Pattern Procedures
All gliders must make a blind radio call to the general traffic on 124,8 to inform others that a glider is about to join the circuit 2 minutes before joining circuit. All glider circuits should be commenced at 1000 feet (above ground) / 330m / 1650’ AMSL, and should be on the Northern side of the airfield (this is the town side). This means a right hand circuit for RWY 33 and left hand circuit for RWY 15. Blind circuit calls to Worcester Traffic on 124,8 must be made when commencing downwind, base and finals; eg. “Worcester traffic, glider golf hotel bravo is joining left hand downwind runway 33”.

Costs
The club tariffs are subject to change at any time. The current tariffs are available in the clubhouse and start wagon, as well as here on this site. Cash or South African cheques only - no cards. Fees payable by visiting pilots must be made to the Duty Pilot in the start wagon at the launch point and must include:

• Daily Membership (includes daily membership to SSSA)
• Aerotow (per minute)
• Glider Hire (per minute)

Indemnity form to be filled in before flying.

Accommodation, car rentals and local tourism
Visitors may camp at the airfield for a small fee, where ablution facilities and a swimming pool are available. Limited hutted accommodation is available at the airfield from private members (to be arranged directly with members concerned). In the town of Worcester there are numerous guest houses and a hotel. Other guest houses exist in the surrounding countryside.

Check with the tourism information office:

Breede River Valley Tourism,
PO Box 91, Worcester 6849, South Africa.
Ph: +27 (0)23 347 6411
Fax: +27 (0)23 347 1115
e-mail: manager@breederivervalley.co.za

For general Western Cape tourism inquiries contact:

Western Cape Tourism Board
Private Bag X9108, cape Town 8000, South Africa
Ph: +27 (0)21 426 5639 or 47
Fax: +27 (0)21 426 5640

For accomodation enquiries visit:
www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/breederiver-attractions.htm