Purpose
SAHPA supports a wide range of recreational flying events organised by recognised clubs. These events play an important role in promoting pilot development, safety, participation, and the growth of free flight in South Africa.
This policy establishes the principles governing SAHPA’s recognition and sponsorship of organised events.
A competition is one category of organised event. Not all events are competitions, and the requirements applicable to an event will depend on its nature, scale, and applicable legislation.
Financial sponsorship under this policy is intended to support the safe and successful conduct of eligible events. Sponsorship does not constitute regulatory approval and does not relieve organisers of their legal responsibilities.
Event Categories
SAHPA recognises a variety of organised recreational flying events, including but not limited to:
- FAI Category 1 competitions
- FAI Category 2 competitions
- Pre-World Cup competitions
- National competitions
- Provincial competitions
- Club competitions
- Fly-ins
- Skills camps and coaching events
- Club social flying events
- Cross-country camps
- Record attempts
- Demonstration events
- Other organised recreational flying activities
Each category of event may have different planning, approval and documentation requirements.
Responsibilities of Event Organisers
The organiser of an event is responsible for ensuring that the event is conducted safely and in compliance with all applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.
Depending on the nature, size and location of the event, organisers should consider whether the following legislation applies:
Civil Aviation Regulations
All organised flying activities must comply with the applicable provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, the Civil Aviation Regulations and the associated Technical Standards. Depending on the event, this may include matters such as airspace coordination, temporary airspace arrangements, operating rules, licensing, aircraft requirements and other aviation approvals.
Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA)
The Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010 (Act 2 of 2010), establishes a national framework for managing safety and security at sports and recreational events. Depending on the size, nature and risk profile of an event, organisers may be required to engage with the relevant local authority and safety planning structures.
Regulations Relating to Health and Safety at Events
The Regulations Relating to Health and Safety at Events, made under the National Health Act, prescribe minimum public health measures for certain events. Depending on the nature of the event, organisers may need to make provision for matters such as sanitation, potable water, waste management, food safety and medical services.
Other Requirements
Organisers may also be required to obtain:
- municipal approvals or permits;
- landowner permission;
- environmental approvals where applicable;
- appropriate third-party liability insurance; and
- any other approvals required by law.
The applicability of these requirements depends on the characteristics of the event and is not determined by whether the event is competitive or non-competitive.
SAHPA may provide guidance on aviation-related matters within its role as an Approved Recreation Organisation. However, SAHPA has no authority to exempt an organiser from compliance with any Act of Parliament, regulation or other legal requirement.
SAHPA Event Recognition
Where appropriate, organisers may request SAHPA recognition for an event.
Recognition may include:
- publication on the SAHPA calendar;
- assistance with aviation coordination;
- support for FAI or CIVL registrations where applicable;
- eligibility for sponsorship under this policy; and
- administrative support appropriate to the nature of the event.
Recognition does not constitute approval by the South African Civil Aviation Authority or any other government authority.
Sponsorship
SAHPA may provide financial sponsorship for recognised events that promote the objectives of the Association and contribute to the development of free flight in South Africa.
Current sponsorship levels are:
| Event | Sponsorship |
|---|---|
| Paragliding World Cup | R50,000 |
| Pre-Paragliding World Cup | R20,000 |
| FAI-recognised competition with more than 60 competitors | R10,000 |
| FAI-recognised competition with more than 40 competitors | R5,000 |
| Fly-away event or skills camp with more than 60 participants | R10,000 |
The Executive Committee may review these amounts from time to time.
Eligible Expenditure
SAHPA sponsorship is intended primarily to support safety-related expenditure. Eligible expenses may include:
- paramedic services;
- ambulance services;
- medical support;
- rescue services;
- other safety-related costs approved by the Executive Committee.
Sponsorship is generally not intended to fund operational expenses, prizes, entertainment, hospitality or commercial activities.
Sponsorship Conditions
To qualify for sponsorship:
- the organising club must be recognised by SAHPA;
- the event must support the objectives of SAHPA;
- participants must hold valid SAHPA membership where applicable;
- pilots must hold the licences, ratings or recognised IPPI qualifications required by law;
- all applicable statutory approvals and permissions must have been obtained;
- the organiser must comply with all applicable legislation and regulations;
- the event must be conducted in accordance with accepted safety practices.
The Executive Committee reserves the right to decline sponsorship where these requirements have not been satisfied.
Payment of Sponsorship
Sponsorship will normally be paid after completion of the event.
Payment is subject to:
- submission of supplier invoices or proof of expenditure;
- confirmation that the event was conducted successfully;
- confirmation that sponsorship conditions were met.
The Executive Committee may require additional supporting documentation before payment is authorised.
Competition Documentation
Competitions requiring SAHPA endorsement or international recognition may require additional documentation.
Depending on the competition, organisers may be required to submit:
- event application;
- SAHPA reservation request;
- CAMU or FUA application;
- SACAA approvals where applicable;
- FAI Category 2 registration;
- CIVL sanction applications;
- project plan;
- budget;
- safety plan;
- emergency response arrangements;
- municipal approvals;
- proof of insurance;
- other documentation reasonably required by SAHPA.
Specific documentation requirements will depend on the nature of the competition.
Interpretation
Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted as exempting an organiser from compliance with any applicable legislation.
In particular, organisers should satisfy themselves that their event complies with:
- the Civil Aviation Act, Civil Aviation Regulations and associated Technical Standards;
- the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010 (Act 2 of 2010), where applicable;
- the Regulations Relating to Health and Safety at Events, where applicable; and
- any other national, provincial or municipal legislation applicable to the event.
SAHPA exercises its oversight responsibilities as an Approved Recreation Organisation under Part 149 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. SAHPA does not have authority to waive or exempt compliance with any statutory or regulatory requirement.