Aerial Sports in Cyprus

Cyprus is an island in the Eastern Mediterranean. A United Nations monitored Green Line separates the Turkish north from the Greek south. Partition occurred in 1974 after decades of ethnic tension erupted into conflict in 1974. A Greek coup on the island provided Turkey with the pretext to invade and fighting followed. Since the end of the Cold War (and the collapse if the Berlin Wall) Cyprus remains the only divided nation in the world.

In the north the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) controls about 40% of the island’s territory. It is a country that is internationally isolated, being recognised only by Turkey. In the south the Greek Republic of Cyprus controls the rest of the island and is internationally accepted as the legitimate government of the island.

The island itself is unique in that in the summer months, it has it's own weather system. The Troodos mountains that span the centre of the island heat up and, because of the difference in temperature between the land and the sea, cause a sea breeze at almost all coastal sites. Experienced pilots can fly cross country trips across these mountains but is strongly recommended to find a locally experienced pilot as theses sites are very thermic.

Many of the launch sites are rocky and small, necessitating in very good reverse launch techniques. Some sites allow for top landing if you are very good, many don't, but most will have nice fields to land in. Generally, the Cypriot people are quite welcoming of our sport, but it is essential to avoid landing anywhere near livestock or farms and to ensure you're not going to be overflying or landing in any military areas. Similarly, if you are flying from the mountains, be aware of the location of the Green Line as crossing this can cause a serious diplomatic incident.