Sofala is a private-land takeoff with a public landing zone, about 10km East of Sofala itself. This site has been flown very rarely by club members in the past years.

SAFA Site Appraisal

The following information is directly from the official SAFA Site appraisal and registration form for 2022.

Site name, Location and Emergency Contact

Sofala, on Razorback Road, approximately 10km East of Sofala, co-ordinates to be confirmed.

Call 000. Bathurst Hospital 02 6330 5311, Lithgow Hospital 02 6350 2300

Acceptable Winds and Hazards

Launch

• South
• Wind strengths less than 10 knots for both hang gliders and paragliders.

Hazards

• Grassy slope with scattered trees, fence through upper part of launch area.

Landing areas

Hazards: Numerous rocks and thistles in the landing zone.

Primary: Directly below launch, next to Turon river.

Alternate: N/A

Top landing: N/A

X-C: Good potential to the North.

Required rating for site and additional conditions

Hang Gliders

Restricted certificate conditions: <10 knots with SO supervision in ideal conditions.

Intermediate certificate conditions: <10 knots with duty pilot supervision.

Advanced certificate conditions: < 15 knots.

Paragliders

PG2 and PG3 certificate conditions: 0-10 knots with SO supervision.

PG4 certificate conditions: 0-10 knots with duty pilot supervision.

PG5 certificate conditions: <10 knots.

Additional Hazards - Special conditions - briefing requirements

• Rarely flown. Set up in front of fence.
• Wind direction in the LZ is usually 90 degrees to launch direction, from either East or West.
• There are minimal landing options in the valley to the West until the town of Sofala.