MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 64/ 2010
02 FEBRUARY 2010


The City’s Health and Planning and Environment Portfolio Committees today considered a proposed aeronautical charter to be submitted to Council for approval. The process to develop the proposed charter was facilitated by City Health Services and endorsed by various aeronautical organisations. The charter has to be ultimately approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) who have the authority to ensure that all role players adhere to the charter. The SACAA will be required to implement and enforce the regulations.

City Health started a process in 2004 to control and reduce the noise impact that helicopters and light aircraft, using the lower airspace in Cape Town, have on residents. Various role players were consulted and took part in the drafting of a charter. However, residents in certain suburbs did not want any air traffic over their neighbourhoods at all and the process had to be reviewed.

In 2007, City Health’s Specialised Services: Noise Control Section was tasked to implement the process to develop a charter.

This charter, entitled a Proposed Interim Aeronautical Information Circular for Helicopter and Fixed Wing Light Aircraft Noise Abatement within the City of Cape Town Jurisdiction, has since been completed and the SACAA is currently consulting all role players to ensure their support.

To date, both Cape Town and Ysterplaat air traffic control centres have accepted the proposed charter. The SACAA Part 141 Aircraft Flight Inspection Office also had no objections. The SACAA Part 141 Helicopter Flight Inspection Office have however not yet given their support, as a query has been raised from Titan Aviation, who provide emergency services in the city.

Currently, the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre gives permission for aircraft to operate within municipal airspace under certain conditions, such as helicopter operations, external load operations or special use of airspace, subject to the following:

• 1,000 feet (304.8m): aircraft can operate at 1,000 feet over built-up areas, except for take-off and landing.

• 1,500 feet (457.2m): aircraft can operate at 1,500 feet over special nature reserves, national parks, world heritage sites, etc. as prescribed in the National Environmental Management Act, Act 57 of 2003; and any other statute. This is also the proposed height in the new charter to which aircraft or helicopters must climb before flying over the Cape Town Stadium.

It is also proposed in the charter that:

• Short flights from the Waterfront base must route coastwise, instead of via the Southern Suburbs.

• The standard safety prescriptions, as set out in the operational manuals of specific aircraft, should always take preference over this proposed charter.

• No flights will be allowed over Table Mountain or Constantia Nek.

• Compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations and other relevant regulatory publications must at all time be ensured and published restricted and prohibited areas must be avoided.

• Pilots must always ensure that two way radio communication is established with Ysterplaat air traffic control before entering this air space.

• The minimum altitude to be maintained over all areas is 1500 feet, except when taking off or landing at the Waterfront base.

• Sun Valley will be the only crossing route of the Peninsula from Fish Hoek to Noordhoek. A minimum of 3000 feet (915m) must be maintained there.

• Pilots may not descend into the Waterfront towards the Black River and container terminal, in the City Bowl area or close to Table Mountain.

• People who want to film Cape Town, or events like marathons or cycle tours, from helicopters, must apply to the Cape Town Film and Events Office, as well as the City’s Noise Control Office and Disaster Risk Management, preferably at least 10 days before the planned flight.

• These regulations will not apply to the South African Police Service, military operations or training for the South African Defence Force and emergency services.


END

ISSUED BY:
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
CITY OF CAPE TOWN


MEDIA QUERIES:
SHANNON MAREE
CITY HEALTH, SPECIALISED HEALTH SERVICES
TEL: 021 400 3781

WILFRED SOLOMONS-JOHANNES
MANAGER: SYSTEMS INTEGRATION & SPECIAL PROJECTS, DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT
CELL: 084 711 7709