Signals

Signal Hill, or Signals as it is known, must be one of the most scenic flying sites in the world. Located on the Altantic seaboard in Cape Town, the site gives you fantastic views of Table Mountain, the Mother City and the 12 Apostles running south along the seaboard. In good conditions, you can get to 4500 feet ASL, and fly along the coast for about 25 kms over some spectacular terrain.

As it is in the middle of a major city, the site is not for novice pilots. Landing options are restricted, with the best option being an 8:1 glide from take off. Miscalculating the conditions would put you in a tight spot. Having said that, this site can produce some of the smoothest soaring conditions around. Wonderful laminar flow off the ocean, combined with spectacular views in all directions make this a special place.

This time the conditions were too southerly, so we were stuck to the ridge itself and couldn't get up onto Lion's Head and Table Mountain, but the soaring was still good and the views even better. Looking forward to more flights here as the westerlies pick up into winter.

Signal Hill and Lion's Head from over the landing field

On the ridge, with Lion's Head and Table Mountain in the background.

Table Mountain

Downtown Cape Town and the harbour.

Gliding over Sea Point, in front of the ridge, with Table Bay in the background.

The glide to landing (blue arrow) and the site of the 2010 Soccer World Cup stadium (red arrow). Robben Island is in the top left of the picture.