Site Name: Silvermine Fence West
EMP Number/s: 15
Status: OPEN
License Type: Basic Under Supervision
Table Mountain Activity Card Required
Site Info:
Silvermine sites are rarely flown and are classified as ‘SENSITIVE REQUIRING SPECIAL MANAGEMENT’. The launches are in a pristine high-altitude area of protected vegetation. No dead vegetation can be removed. The access rules have been negotiated for very specific reasons and are to be obeyed at all costs. TMNP have given access to the area via the EASTERN road above the SILVERMINE DAM – the same road that hikers, dog walkers and cyclists use.
Access: ONLY USING A 4X4 VEHICLE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND RETRIEVE DRIVER or Hike ‘n Fly. Both sites are adjacent to the last remaining Black Eagle Nest in Peninsula and Raptor Research will close the area when this happens so please don’t Hike and Fly without checking launch status at gate first. Please don’t visit this area for any other reason than to fly. Ranger patrols are regular. Please fly with radios using SAHPA frequencies as TMNP may contact pilots to clear the area due to fire or medical emergencies requiring helicopters. No Smoking.
- Arrive at Gate to Silvermine Dam off Ou Kaapse Weg, state intentions to fly, enter and park
- Fill in PILOTS ENTRY REGISTER and INDEMNITY FORM – produce valid Activity Card and Pilots License
- Obtain key from Pay Booth and drive up to “Mountain Bike Parking” sign, turn right and proceed through boom.
- After locking the gate behind you follow the road till it steepens and engage 4×4 and proceed slowly for 20mins via hairpin bends and blind corners giving way to any pedestrian or cyclists. Proceed to the designated “Drop Off “points on Map. RETRIEVE DRIVER TO STAY WITH VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES AND BE IN RADIO CONTACT WITH PILOTS TILL LAUNCH HAS TAKEN PLACE. If “parawaiting” for conditions to improve then best to get driver to take vehicle back to Parking Area via same route and pilots walk back if no launch takes place. TMNP does not want more than 2 vehicles a day on that road – this was negotiated after the fires a few years ago and given that the Western approach under the Dam is NOT open.
- Return the gate key when exiting the Park.
The launches are breath-taking and spectacular – please help us to maintain our privilege of being the only members of the public allowed to drive into this area
Site rarely flown due to its 700m launch being blown out easily and cloud a problem. Access to site is via the “Drop Off” point and then a 20min walk Northwards via stony path along the edge of the escarpment.
Launch: The launch is at the foot of the area just where the path changes from level contouring to going upwards steeply. Launch above path with good ground handling. The launch is above a cliff and very steep gulley that pose severe implications for not getting the launch right first time
Landing: On glide you will reach Hout Bay beach and land in front of Dunes Restaurant. NO LANDING EXISTS except the beach. No Top Landing allowed.
Cautions: Complex wind systems.
Please be advised that the only nesting Black Eagle resident in TMNP has found a mate and is sitting on her eggs 80m down from summit beacon on Noordhoek Peak.This is the first time in 5 years!
Dr Lucia Rodriques and Dr Andrew Jenkins from Raptor Research have been studying this female for years and ask via the TMNP PG WC that they are advised beforehand regarding ANY Sigs to Kom runs or SW launch by contacting Pete Du Preez (+27 82 418 8868) so that they can monitor any increased stress levels in the eagle.
