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2009 EAA Convention - routing by air

It is less than two weeks to go to the EAA’s annual convention and fly-in. No doubt you are all planning your flights to Bethlehem and your attendance of the activities in which you are interested. Remember, this is a fun event to enjoy and LEARN new aviation skills and tricks. Your organising committee have moved heaven and earth to make this the best convention ever!

There may exist some confusion about the air space and its management due to last minute changes being made by the air show organisers, but please do not let this put you off attending. Personally, I DO think that the proposals made on AvCom are excessive. Remember that AvCom is NOT anything more than a chat group, so until you see the AIP Supplements and NOTAMS published, the chat recommendation is not mandatory, recommended or even safe! You remain PILOT IN COMMAND of your aircraft at all times!

The following document has recommendations and warnings to assist in making your flight to FABM as safe as possible. Please read through it. Included is a Google Earth snapshot of the FABM airfield to help orientate yourselves. The airfield is straight forward to use.

Remember: you are all flying under VFR, so see and avoid is paramount to your flight safety. Please keep a good lookout for other airborne traffic at all times.

Briefings and indemnity form:

VFR Routings to FABM

From the North:

  • Routing from Heilbron to Petrus Steyn(R26) direct to Danielsrus(15nm’s) to Tweelingkop(10nm’s) expect routing to the Northern edge of Loch Lamond Dam(5nm’s) which will be in the vicinity of Bohlokhong Town.
  • Routing from Linley (30nm’s) next to R76 towards Bloukop (15nm’s) to 10nm’s from FABM, Expect routing to Loch Lamond Agr research Station(5nm’s).
  • Routing from Reitz/Petsana direct to Danielsrus(15nm’s) to tweelingkop(10nm’s) Expect routing to northern sedge of Loch Lamond Dam (5nm’s) next to Bohlokhong Town (crossing of R26 and railway line).
  • Routing from Warden(WDV) 40nm’s follow R714 to Kransfontein (14nm’s) to South abeam of Sherbrook(10nm’s) from Sherbrook expect routing to North-Eastern side of Soulspoort Dam.

From the East:

  • Routing from Harismith(HS) 40 nm’s to Kestell(20nm’s) follow N5 to 10nm mark (Crossing of Liebenbergrivier and N5 South abeam of Langberg) Expect routing to Saulspoort Dam (either North or South of Dam) or Routing to Southern tip of Loch Athlone.

From the South:

Route from Clarens(15nm’s) on R711 to Dihlabeng Rural(5nm’s). Expect routing to Southern Tip of Loch Atlhone.

Routing from Ficksburg(FB) 40nm’s to Fouriesburg(24nm’s) along R26 to abeam of Retiefsnek(10nm’s) Expect joining at the Western side of Gerrands Dam (5nm’s)

From the West:

  • Route from Senekal to Paul Roux (25nm’s) along N5(East bound) to Meyerskop (10nm’s) routing to 5nm mark along N5 to the Western side of Gerrands Dam for joining.

ATC will be on duty from 10h00 to17h00 (local) on Friday and from 08h00 to 17h00 (local) on Saturday. Also ATC Johannesburg has requested that Flight Plans be filed. No charge will be made, this is just to try and provide a smoother service for pilots flying into Bethlehem. Please contact Riaan Olivier (082 441 2477) who will be the show ATC, if you need any further info.

NOTAM and AIP Supplement info

Always check for latest info before flight!

Temporary Airspace:

Also see AIP Supplement S042/09 for airspace details.

ATC hours of service have been amended:

(C2024/09 NOTAMN
A)FABM B)0908280800 C)0908281500
E)REF S042/09: AMEND ATC HR OF SER 28 AUG 0800-1500
F)GND G)3000FT AGL)

I look forward to seeing all of you at the best convention ever.

Best wishes,

Neville

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