EAA AIRWEEK 2024

Having attended Oshkosh in 2023, I was looking forward to our own, miniature version in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

- Laura McDermid

THIS YEAR THE EAA combined their annual convention with the Aeroclub Airweek, which meant that I was privy to the organizing. Rob Jonkers, chairman of the Aeroclub, and his efficient team, had the unenviable task of coordinating and managing this process.

In order to literally get this event off the ground, Rob had been crossing t’s and dotting i’s with the likes of the CAA, the local police and the fire department, as well as the critical role-players in Middelburg and at FAMB.

Back at EAA headquarters, chairman Neil Bowden, was instrumental in sourcing promotional materials, sound systems, printers, gazebos and other paraphernalia needed for the event.

On Friday afternoon, Nigel Musgrave’s familiar voice guided ZU-MJB safely onto runway 32. Marshals on quad bikes were on hand to show us where to park, and we got straight to the task of locating the tent provided by Camp Tent Hire, which was to be our home for the weekend.

As the sun slid below the horizon, it bathed 50 aircraft of various shapes and sizes, plus a handful of cars and trailers, in a soft orange glow. Smoke wafted through the campsite, reminding everyone that it was time to braai.

As with most gatherings where passions are shared, friends were catching up over ice-cold beers, regaling one another with flying exploits.

The following morning, I was awakened by the angry buzzing of wasps.