The South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) functions as the national, non-profit body representing recreational pilots who fly paragliders, hang gliders, paramotors and paratrikes across South Africa. As an Aviation Recreation Organisation approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), SAHPA provides governance, safety oversight and support to ensure pilots fly legally and with safety at the forefront. The organisation is also a chapter of the Aero Club of South Africa and is internationally affiliated to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which helps South African competitors and visiting pilots participate in events abroad with recognised credentials.

SAHPA’s core mission focuses on Protecting, Administering and Promoting the sport. As part of protecting pilots’ interests, the association engages with stakeholders and applies governance, risk and compliance principles to its operations. Administering involves ensuring regulatory, insurance and operational requirements are met so that pilots can fly with the minimum bureaucracy while remaining within Civil Aviation Regulations. Promotion encompasses supporting clubs to foster safe flying communities and engaging the public to stimulate participation across disciplines and regions.

From the customer experience perspective, SAHPA operates as a membership-based body that emphasises safety and compliance. Membership is widely required for those who participate in Hang Gliding and Paragliding activities, including visiting foreign pilots who enter the country. SAHPA also offers Third Party Liability Aviation Insurance as a mandatory component of membership, which helps landowners and pilots manage liability for injuries or property damage. It is important to note that the insurance policy covers third-party liability but does not include life or medical cover for the pilot or personal equipment. This aligns with the Civil Aviation Act’s requirements and standard industry practices.

Training and licensing are central to SAHPA’s role, though the organisation itself does not operate flight schools directly. Rather, SAHPA confirms that all prospective pilots complete a comprehensive training programme through an approved school (operating under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations) before obtaining a National Pilot’s Licence (NPL) from the CAA. Instructors at registered schools must be SAHPA members, and schools are overseen for adherence to approved syllabi and regulatory standards, with governance aimed at ensuring safety and accountability throughout training and licensing processes.

SAHPA’s safety framework is comprehensive. It maintains an Accident and Incident Register and operates a Safety Management System that collects and analyses data to identify trends and areas for preventative action. Regular safety reviews are held, and recommendations may trigger changes to operating procedures or even considerations for regulatory updates. This proactive safety culture contributes to a more predictable and responsible environment for participants, clubs and venues nationwide.

The organisation offers practical resources for pilots and clubs, including a Site Guide—a community-curated repository of launch and landing sites across the country. This guide draws on established references and is continually updated by local pilots, helping navigators find suitable venues while considering local conditions and safety considerations. For those seeking information on governance, regulatory updates, and training developments, SAHPA publishes governance packs, general notices and press releases to keep the community informed.

Typical customer interactions with SAHPA include membership enquiries, checking licence status and ratings via the Civil Aviation Authority portal, and accessing site and safety information through SAHPA’s online portals. The organisation also provides contact details for administrative inquiries, with office hours noted as weekday mornings from 08:00 to 13:00, and a dedicated team handling member services, governance matters, and committee communications. The SAHPA office and committee structure support ongoing oversight of the sport, with sub-committees addressing specific issues such as training standards, safety, search and rescue, and accident investigation.

Practical tips for customers planning to engage with SAHPA or participate in paragliding, hang gliding, paramotoring or paratriking in South Africa include:

• Ensure membership in SAHPA is current and align it with the required Third Party Liability Aviation Insurance to meet Civil Aviation Act obligations.
• Complete training through an approved school before pursuing a National Pilot’s Licence (NPL) with the CAA, and verify that instructors are SAHPA members.
• Consult the SAHPA Site Guide for launch and landing site information and stay updated on governance and safety notices through official SAHPA channels.
• utilise the SAHPA portal to verify licences and ratings against the CAA records, and review accident and safety data to inform personal risk assessments.
• Be mindful of safety procedures and reporting requirements in the event of incidents, recognising SAHPA’s role in accident investigation and safety reviews.

SAHPA serves pilots and clubs across South Africa, offering governance, safety and insurance frameworks that underpin recreational aviation activities while supporting international recognition and participation in events through its CAA oversight and global affiliations.