demande de réouverture des sites de vol d'AL HAOUZ

Paragliding and hang-gliding pilots have been visiting Morocco for over 20years, and in recent years in ever increasing numbers. Gradually, the number of Moroccan pilots has also increased, to the extent that two years ago a federation for free flight was created under the department of sport at a governmental and national level. Several frequented sites including both Aguergour and Ait Ourir have even been officially recognised and sanctioned by the Civil Aviation Authority as official venues for paragliding.
Aguergour is arguably the best paragliding site in Morocco. It was even featured in XC mag's guide to the best sites in the world. Over recent years, hostels and hotels have grown and developed organically to the extent that many locals now rely on paragliding to feed their families. Without doubt, paragliding can be said to have had a hugely positive cultural and economic impact on this rural area of Morocco.
Despite the continued legality of flying at Aguergour and Ait Ourir, I understand that on several occasions pilots have been met with harassment by police and officials, and that on January 15th 3 visiting French pilots were apprehended in the landing field at Aguergour by police and were told to leave the region and not to fly at Aguergour. Meanwhile, other flying sites across Morocco have suffered no such impact.
I also understand that police action is being authorised by the Governor of Al Haouz who has, until now, provided no reason whatsoever for this action.

The situation has of course left visiting pilots and local pilots alike, feeling totally frustrated. The effect on local families is much worse. The devastating socio-economic impact of this unilateral local government action cannot be over-estimated. Paragliding represents something entirely positive to this region.

Please resume normal permissions for paragliding to carry on at Aguergour and Ait Ourir with immediate effect. Thank you.