Free Flight South Africa membership is designed for pilots, instructors and schools who want a clear, practical and compliant way to participate in free flight in South Africa.
FFSA supports paragliding, hang gliding and powered paragliding through site guidance, regulatory representation, landowner engagement, safety communication and structured support for professional pilots.
National Membership
National Membership is for recreational pilots who want to fly within a recognised free-flight framework and make use of FFSA-supported flying sites, guidance and member services.
South African Civil Aviation Regulation 94.06.2(1)(g) provides that the pilot-in-command of a paraglider may use a suitable area to launch, provided permission has been obtained from the owner of the site or the local authority having jurisdiction. For flight training or tandem operations, the launch site must be approved by the Director or by the organisation designated for that purpose under Part 149.
FFSA membership helps pilots meet this requirement in a practical way by giving members access to FFSA’s site information, site-use guidance and landowner-related arrangements where these have been established.
Membership does not remove the pilot’s responsibility to comply with the Civil Aviation Regulations, site rules, airspace requirements, local restrictions, weather conditions and any instructions from the landowner or site manager.
Benefits of National Membership
Third-Party Liability Cover
FFSA members are covered by FFSA’s third-party liability insurance for aviation accidents, subject to the terms, limits and exclusions of the applicable insurance policy.
This cover supports compliance with the third-party liability insurance requirement in section 8(5) of the Civil Aviation Act and provides protection where a pilot becomes legally liable to a third party arising from an aviation accident.
Members should note that third-party liability cover is not personal accident insurance, medical cover, equipment insurance, income protection or cover for unlawful operations. Cover applies only within the scope of the policy and requires members to operate lawfully, responsibly and in accordance with the Civil Aviation Regulations, FFSA procedures and applicable site rules.
Up-to-date Site Guide
Members receive access to the FFSA Site Guide, which provides practical information about recognised launch and landing areas, site rules, access arrangements, hazards, airspace considerations and local contacts where available.
Permission to Use Sites
Where FFSA has established permission, access arrangements or site-use protocols with landowners, local authorities or site managers, membership helps provide a controlled and accountable basis for members to use those sites.
This is important because SACAR Part 94 requires permission from the site owner or local authority before launching from a suitable area.
Representation in Regulatory Development
FFSA represents members in regulatory discussions affecting free-flight pilots, instructors, schools and related aviation stakeholders.
This includes engagement on rules, procedures, safety expectations, licensing matters and operational requirements that affect paragliding, hang gliding and powered paragliding.
Representation in Landowner-Related Issues
FFSA assists with site access and landowner-related matters where these affect members collectively.
This may include helping to clarify site rules, resolving access concerns, supporting responsible site use, and representing members where landowner relationships require a coordinated response.
Professional Membership
Professional Membership is for instructors who provide training, tandem operations or related free-flight services.
Professional members are expected to maintain higher standards of operational discipline, safety management, student care and regulatory compliance.
Professional Membership may include access to instructor-specific communication, operational guidance, renewal support, representation in regulatory matters and professional development activities.
Instructor Seminars
FFSA provides instructor seminars for professional members.
These seminars are intended to assist instructors with licence renewal requirements, regulatory updates, safety trends, instructional standards, site management issues and practical operational guidance.
Who Should Join?
National Membership is suitable for recreational pilots who want to fly under FFSA’s member framework and access FFSA-supported site guidance.
Professional Membership is suitable for instructors and professional pilots who need structured support for training, licence renewal, seminars and professional compliance.