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Who we are
South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association
SAHPA is a non-profit, membership-based, national association that represents and advances the interests of recreational pilots that engage in Paragliding and Hang gliding (and powered versions thereof).
SAHPA is also a statutory body with an approval from the Civil Aviation Authority to oversee the operations of SAHPA members, ensure compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations and SAHPA Manual of Procedures, and report non-compliance to the regulator.
As a chapter of the Aero Club of South Africa, it is also affiliated to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
What we do
Our Mission
Protect
Protecting the interests of our pilots through stakeholder engagement and active participation in regulatory development.
Administer
Ensuring that all insurance and operational requirements are met so that our pilots may fly legally and safely.
Promote
Promoting the sport by engaging with the public to increase visibility and participation.
Stay safe
Accident Statistics
SAHPA maintains a register of all accidents, rescues and fatalities to assist with the identification of emerging trends which require corrective or preventative action. It also assists with identifying hazardous conditions, environment or behaviour which may lead to accidents.
Stay legal
Check your licence and ratings
Once you receive your licence card from CAA, you can access the CAA portal to check expiry and ratings. Select ‘Flight Crew Licence‘ on the next page.
Where to fly
Site Guide
The SAHPA Site Guide is a collection of knowledge of launch- and landing-sites around South Africa. This is partly based on Greg Hamerton’s Fresh Air Site Guide, and information is now updated by local pilots.
Stay curious
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why must I belong to SAHPA?
Civil Aviation Regulations, Part 94.06.2: “Any person operating a non-type certificated aircraft for aviation recreational purposes shall be a bona fide member of an applicable aviation recreation organisation designated by the Director in terms of Part 149 and abide by its constitution and code of conduct, if any.”
In other words, yes, any person (even a student) flying a paraglider, hang-glider (or powered versions thereof) are required to be SAHPA members.
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Must student pilots be SAHPA members?
Civil Aviation Regulations, Part 94.06.2: “Any person operating a non-type certificated aircraft for aviation recreational purposes shall be a bona fide member of an applicable aviation recreation organisation designated by the Director in terms of Part 149 and abide by its constitution and code of conduct, if any.”
In other words, yes, any person (even a student) flying a paraglider, hang-glider (or powered versions thereof) are required to be SAHPA members.