IMPORTANT NOTE - All information provided on this site is meant as a guide only for pilots rated PG2 and above. Whilst every care has been taken to provide accurate information, the details provided are not meant to encourage pilots to fly our sites unsupervised. Could all pilots please make contact with a local SA pilot (listed on the contacts page) prior to flying any of our sites. Our sites are precious and we do not want to lose them through ignorance. Your cooperation with this mandatory requirement is very much appreciated.
Snapper Point, Aldinga
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Site rating - PG4 (PG2 & PG3 with PG5/SO supervision); top landing PG4.
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Wind direction - N - NNW
ATTENTION - Near-vertical coastal cliffs, offering excellent soaring flight in light to moderate conditions. It is absolutely essential that PG2 pilots ensure that they have appropriate on-site supervision and actively seek advice from a senior pilot before flying at Snapper Rocks - just having a senior pilot present at the site is not enough. On-site supervision at Snapper Rocks will include the provision of active launch assistance to help the PG 2 pilot clear the fence if required. Top Landing - with caution for PG4 & PG5 only and be aware of rotor. Bottom landing - on beach. Site Hazards - beware of rocks on beach and new high fencing on top, making PG launches challenging. Site is very low, so please make your landing decisions early.
Directions
Map
Travelling from the North on Main South Road, turn right at the Aldinga roundabout (by the OTR garage) into Port Road. After a short distance, continue straight on at the roundabout into Port Road, which then becomes Quinliven Road. After approximately 2.3 kilometres, continue straight ahead at the roundabout, then on reaching the T junction at the end of the road, turn left onto the Esplanade. Proceed for approximately 450 metres (passing the first parking bay on the right) and park in the second parking bay on the right (opposite 86 Esplanade), where the launch site will be found within a short walk to the South. Enter 86 Esplanade, Aldinga into your sat nav.
Site Details
Snapper 1
Snapper 2
Snapper 3
This site offers some challenging coastal flying for experienced pilot. The launch area is a fairly narrow strip of grassland with a semi busy road directly behind (Snapper 2 image), then housing beyond. The main launch point for a Northerly breeze is over the high fence (Snapper 1 image). There is an alternative launch point if the wind swings more West (Snapper 2 image). Both these launch points can be seen in close up in the Snapper 3 image. Competent ground handling skills are essential to fly this site to avoid ending up on the road and to clear the high fence on launch. Please take note of the tide before launching to ensure a beach landing is possible, should the wind drop out.
HAZARD 1 (THE ROAD) - Care should be taken when launching in stronger winds to avoid being dragged onto the road.
HAZARD 2 (ROTOR) - There is considerable rotor near the ride in stronger winds, so care should be taken not to fly too deep when setting up for top landing. Please be aware of this and plan your flight before taking off.
HAZARD 3 (THE TIDE) - Please ensure there is sufficient beach to land on before launching.
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VISITING PILOTS - Please land on the beach if you are not experienced at top landings.