DESCRIPTION

A superb place to go for scenic flying high above the vineyards. Thermal and soaring. A superb place to go for scenic flying high above the vineyards, rounded off with a mellow luncheon and wine in the quaint 'Alpine' town. Flyable days here are often before a weak cold-front, with a pre-frontal NW wind. Be aware that the wind is likely to increase rapidly during the day, often peaking at about 1:30 p.m. After 4pm it often weakens. At sunset the wind dies, and can blow downhill at the base of the pass

ACTIVITIES

- paragliding
- hike
- soaring
- thermals
- xc

weather

�Do not use the area directly in front of the upper car park to launch - there is unpredictable turbulence as you cross the road, coupled with heavy traffic. �The pass is situated at the end of a long valley, so it is only flyable in very light wind due to the channelling effect of the valley sides. Keep a close eye on wind-signals near the mouth of the valley during your flight. Some unlucky pilots have been blown over the back here into the rotor. Watch the signals - clouds, smoke, water on the dams, trees and other pilots. As you climb higher, fly further forwards into the valley. �There is often a strong wind-gradient - as you climb up you fly into stronger winds. �The area around the launch site is a strong venturi when the wind increases. I don't advise top-landing in strong winds.

access

Drive towards Paarl on the N1. Take the R44 turnoff to Wellington/Klapmuts/Franschhoek and turn immediately right (under the bridge). After crossing a 4-way intersection, take the 2nd road left, towards Franschhoek. Follow the signboards. Once you have driven through the town, you'll reach a T-junction, where you turn left to head up the pass to Villiersdorp. The landing field is on your left as you begin to climb the pass. At the top of the pass, turn left into a gravel viewsite road and park near the fence.

regulation

PERMISSION: Mont Rochelle Conservancy look after the reserve, and an inspector does come to the site to check on permits from time to time. There is a yearly site fee, payable before flying. Contact the clubs to get the necessary paperwork. Please be careful of causing fires and make every effort not to cause erosion on the launch site.