News
Airspace reminder
Friday, 23 February 2024
Hi all THPA members.
Hobart Tower have informed us that a paraglider was photographed flying near Carlton Beach within the Hobart Control Zone and the tower was not aware of the operation. This occurred on Saturday 10th Feb at approximately 2pm.
“Other than being an unauthorised operation in controlled airspace the concern is that the location is under/ in close proximity to the RNP AR approach for RWY30 arrivals and the non-jet SID for RWY12 departures so it presents a significant hazard to Hobart aircraft operations.”
Please contact brad.harris@thpa.org.au if you think you might have been that pilot.
We remind all pilots to familiarise themselves and comply with airspace restrictions, especially around Hobart and Launceston airports where traffic is expected and frequent. The Control Zone (CTR) means NO FLYING from THE SURFACE to 1500ft and extends 9nm (18.5km) from the runway centre (or near to).
Hobart VTC: https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/current/aipchart/vtc/Hobart_VTC_30NOV2023.pdf
Launceston VTC: https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/aip.asp?pg=60&vdate=30NOV2023§=VTC&ver=1
The committee is aware of two other illegal flights in recent weeks within Tasmanian National Parks but not at authorised sites. We have been unable to identify the pilot(s) involved. They were almost certainly visiting pilots who didn’t join THPA and are “going rogue”, which is disappointing in the extreme and potentially damaging to the reputation of the THPA and hang gliders/paragliders in general. Please report to the committee if you see unauthorised flying.
So please be mindful of airspace restrictions and remember the Control zones which extend to ground level around Controlled Airports. The only place within the CTR that we are allowed to fly is Single Hill within our Instrument area.
As far as my knowledge of it goes: 1. Ground handling (kiting) is permitted. 2. Getting lifted briefly can and could happen unintentionally. 3. Feet leaving the ground deliberately or for extended times is flying. Participating in 3 can get you in trouble and cast flying in a bad light on the current stage.
Don’t do 3… the Tower will be paying attention in CTR areas.
Thanks for your understanding.