URGENT NOTICE FROM AOPA TO ALL PILOTS FLYING IN THE BLOEMFONTEIN AREA BETWEEN JANUARY 6 AND 9

THE SOUTH African Air Force and the SA Police Services have advised the SACAA that a restriction on general aviation flying in the Bloemfontein area will be necessary during the period January 6 and 9.
During discussions with the SACCA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) pointed out that m...any pilots would be returning from their Cape holidays during that time and that they would be requiring fuel at Bloemfontein. AOPA also stressed that the weather pattern during that time of year was that of mid-afternoon thundershowers, especially so in the area to the north of Bloemfontein. AOPA has undertaken to advise its members and others to abide by the soon to be published NOTAM.

In a statement issued to World Airnews, AOPA said: “We ask that pilots read the NOTAM and obtain the security clearance as they had done during the FIFA World Cup before flying into Bloemfontein or Tempe during that period.

“Please note: there are no restrictions, you only require clearance, and only if you want to fly through the Bloemfontein area. Pilots are advised to route via Kimberley because there will be no restrictions or security requirements in that area.”

“The AOPA cell phone (082 794 1916 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 082 794 1916 end_of_the_skype_highlighting) will be manned 24 hours per day during this time. Members are free to contact us at any time in order to facilitate the process.
We also thank all our members in advance for their co-operation,” the statement said