Operations Manual

Purpose and Status

The SAHPA Operations Manual defines the governance framework, authority structures, and binding operational rules under which recreational hang gliding and paragliding are conducted in South Africa under the auspices of the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA).

The Operations Manual:

• establishes binding rules and obligations applicable to SAHPA members, clubs, instructors, schools, event organisers, and officials;
• defines roles, authority, and limits of delegation within SAHPA;
• provides interpretive guidance to support consistent and consistent application of rules;
• aligns SAHPA governance with applicable South African legislation and Civil Aviation Regulations.

This document is a formal governance instrument. It is not a handbook and does not describe step-by-step operational procedures.

Relationship to Other SAHPA Documents

The Operations Manual must be read in conjunction with the SAHPA Manual of Procedures (MOP).

• The Operations Manual defines who has authority, what is permitted or prohibited, and what rules apply.
• The Manual of Procedures defines how tasks are performed, including processes, workflows, checklists, and forms.

Where operational detail is required, the Operations Manual references the relevant section of the MOP without duplicating procedural content.

In the event of any conflict:

• binding Rules prevail over Guidance material; and
• the Operations Manual prevails over procedural or advisory documents.

Legal and Regulatory Context

SAHPA is recognised as an Approved Recreational Aviation Organisation (ARO) in terms of Part 149 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations.

The Operations Manual has been drafted with explicit regard to the applicable legal and regulatory framework, including but not limited to:

• the Civil Aviation Act;
• the South African Civil Aviation Regulations and Civil Aviation Technical Standards;
• environmental and protected area legislation;
• principles of lawful, reasonable, and procedurally fair administrative action.

Nothing in this Manual replaces or limits the authority of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

Structure of the Manual

The Operations Manual is published in Parts for ease of reference.

Each Part follows a consistent internal structure:

• Guidance material, which is explanatory and non-binding; and
• Rules, which are mandatory and enforceable.

Each Rule is uniquely numbered and independently referencable.

Version Control

Document Name	SAHPA Operations Manual
Document Owner	SAHPA Accountable Manager
Stakeholders consulted	SAHPA Members
Approval by	SAHPA Committee
Approval Date	TBA
Effective Date	TBA
Previous Version
Current Version	0.7 DRAFT FOR INTERNAL REVIEW

This website reflects the current approved version of the SAHPA Operations Manual. Amendments are incorporated directly into the relevant Parts and recorded in the official change log.

Parts of the Operations Manual

• Part 1 – Interpretation and Governance
• Part 2 – Code of Conduct and Just Culture
• Part 3 – Medical Fitness
• Part 4 – Flight Authorisation
• Part 5 – Flight Operations
• Part 6 – Airworthiness
• Part 7 – Radios
• Part 8 – Hazards, Incidents and Accidents
• Part 9 – Rescue Operations
• Part 10 – Accident Investigations
• Part 11 – Site Management
• Part 12 – Clubs
• Part 13 – Schools
• Part 14 – Advocacy
• Part 15 – Sponsorship
• Part 16 – Competitions & Events
• Part 17 – Safety Culture, Discipline and Corrective Action
• Part 18 – Discipline, Reporting, and Public Interest Protection
• Part 19 – Communication
• Part 20 – Use of SAHPA Name and Branding
• Part 21 – Information Governance, Privacy and Access to Information
• Part 22 – Insurance
• Part 23 – Licensing
• Part 24 – Membership

Addendums and Annexes

The following Addendums form part of the SAHPA Operations Manual and provide standardised templates, declarations, and supporting instruments:

• Addendum A – Sample Land Use Agreement
• Annex A1 – Commercial Activity Consent (One-Page)
• Addendum B – Site Rules Template
• Addendum C – Site Risk / Hazard Register Template
• Addendum D – Event Organiser Declaration and Sign-Off
• Addendum E – Event Organiser Checklist
• Addendum F – Ground Crew Declaration and Acknowledgement
• Addendum G – Medical Fitness Declaration

Access and Downloads

Select a Part or Addendum above to view its full content.

A consolidated PDF version of the SAHPA Operations Manual may be downloaded here:

Interpretation and Enquiries

Questions regarding the interpretation or application of the SAHPA Operations Manual may be directed to SAHPA through the official communication channels published on the SAHPA website.

Informal guidance, historical practice, or local custom does not override the published Rules of this Manual.