Sicevo is situated in the South East of Serbia. Its flying site extends 80 km to the North, 40 km to the South, 70 km to the East and 15 km to the West from take-offs.

North direction extends along Timok’s valley to the City of Zajecar. The highest hills here have the altitude of 1000 m ASL and the valley slopes down from 350 m to 150 m. Where landing place in Zajecar is located.
East direction begins with Sicevo Gorge and is 10 km long. The biggest river in this area, Nisava flows through the gorge, along the highway Nis – Sofia. Sicevo Gorge is a natural reserve and a spectacular part of the river Nišava valley lying at the end of the final slopes of Mt. Svrljiske Planine and Mt. Suva Planina.
Further towards the East, there is Bela Palanka’s valley, and further more there is Pirot’s valley, with altitudes of 250 – 400 m ASL.
North of Nisava, there is Svrljig’s mountain range. Its ridge is 20 km long with altitudes in between 1000 and 1360 m ASL. In 10 km to the South of Nisava, towards SE, we have a mountain range of Suva Planina which is 25 km long and has the highest peak of 1810 m ASL.
Altitude lower than 1500 m isn’t recommended to the pilots crossing the gorge. On the way one can find good thermals with normal lift of 3 – 6 m/s, often up to 10 m/s. There are 3 landing places in this area, all near the highway Nis – Sofia.
South direction begins with east part of Nis’ valley, 12 km long at 200 m ASL, and then the route leads across the mountain Selicevica with the highest peak of 1000 m ASL. This terrain is mostly covered with forest. Later the surface goes down to 220 – 250 m ASL. In the first half of this direction, one must pay attention to the net of power lines. Landing place here is a sports airport Leskovac with an altitude of 220 m ASL, located 40 km from the take-off.
West direction is limited to 15 km from take off because first of all there is an airport near the town and second reason is, that E wind is not good for flying in Sicevo region.

Flying season lasts the whole year but not every day is flyable. It depends on weather and winds for example as it was mentioned before in case of E wind it is not recommended to fly. The high season is summer and July is the best month for flying in Sicevo. In spring the thermals are normally stronger specially in April but it varies from year to year. Recently we have observed some changes in global weather affecting our flying site usual conditions. Autumn is good for flying too specially October with nice smooth thermals.

In the area that is usually used for tasks, low clouds can appear during the precipitation, and in the morning above afforested areas. Task can be set more than 100 km but average is about 70 km. Waves can occur only in case of strong S wind at 15 – 20 km to the South of the take-off. There are no background and valley winds. In July thermals usually appear at 11:00 a.m. and last until 18:00, sometimes up to 19:00. The best part of the day is from 14.00 to 18.00. Residual lift is possible in the late afternoon, mostly above rocks and inhabited places. Known turbulence areas are located at the northern side of Suva planina during S wind (approximately in 10 – 15 km to the South of take-off). Also there is a possibility of turbulence above the take-off during E and NE wind which are stronger than 4 m/s. Maximum recommended wind speed for task flying is 6 m/s on take-off with strokes up to 9 m/s, for all wind directions except NE for which maximum is 4 m/s.

Two of the take off launch grounds are located near the village of Sicevo. The road to the take offs is a bituminous one, and there is a small part of cobble and dirty road, as well.There is also a take off at Niska Banja but only for North wind direction.

Main take-offs

Relej - 1020 m ASL N 43˚ 21.406 E 22˚ 05.436 (43.35677, 22.0906)
The launch ground has got S, SSE, SW, WSW exposure. Its height above valley is 550-700 m. It is covered with grass and stones, with the slope of 20º - 30º. The ground is spacious - enough for simultaneous taking-off of 150 pilots. No power lines, no cables or any other hazards. There is a helicopter landing place 100 m from take-off and a lot of space for parking official and visitors’ cars. There is shadow under the sun shelters and wood. The organizers also provide water.

Fakir - 950 m ASL N 43˚ 21.660 E 22˚ 05.750 (43.361, 22.09583)
The launch ground has got W, NW, N, NE exposure. Its height above valley is 400 m. The slope is 20º - 30º and covered with grass. The ground is large enough for simultaneous taking-off of 20 pilots. Helicopter landing place is 440 m away from take-off. The shadow can be easily found. The water is provided


Niska Banja - 550 m ASL N 43˚ 17.113 E 22˚ 00.554 (43.28522, 22.00923)
The launch ground has got N, NE, W, NW exposure. Its height above valley is 350 m. The slope is 15º - 20º and covered with grass. Big enough for simultaneous taking-off for 10 pilots. No power lines, no cables or other hazards. The helicopter landing place is 700 m away from take-off. there is plenty of space for parking official and visitors’ cars. Water and sun shelters are provided.