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.
Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de SA Flyer Magazine.
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Esta historia es de la edición April 2024 de SA Flyer Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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PIPISTREL'S ELECTRO VELIS
THE FUTURE IS HERE!
LIVING THE DREAM-HEADING OFFSHORE
I dearly miss the mountains of the Western Cape, but I'm soon reminded that my \"office\" offers one of the best views, regardless of where I happen to be located on this planet. Today is no different, as ocean, clouds, and sunrise all conspire to produce a breathtaking vista while we settle down in the rhythmic gallop of the big Sikorsky.
CANADIAN C152 spin
Jim’s Note: The SACAA seem to have lost all but the newest and oldest accident reports. This is not a bad thing because I have found Canadian reports are excellent and have selected this one, because it deals with issues very relevant to South Africa – particularly density altitude, spinning, and post maintenance test flight
SPECIAL RULES AREA CHARTS
Imagine a chart that doesn’t rely on batteries that unexpectedly let you down. Imagine one that covers a large area in detail, yet that weighs a few grams.
FLIES ON THE CEILING
Allow me for a moment to explore one of the great mysteries of aviation with a subject that has been around ever since Immelman rolled his Fokker rightway up at the top of a loop over the shell-holed killing fields of World War 1.
INTERESTING AVIATORS I HAVE MET
I remember back in 1960 being in Nairobi West (where Wilson Airport is situated) standing with my mother watching a train pass by, filled with refugees from the Belgian Congo. The train was full, with many of the people dressed in pyjamas, or whatever they could find to wear in their haste to leave.
EVACUATOR
I have had a lot of fun during this past few years of flying. I have sneaked a Twin Otter out of Algeria, over Libya, to Tripoli and thence, across the Mediterranean, to the historic twinkling jewel box of Malta, at night.
WHY AIR POWER IS KEY in the Ukraine War
There is evidence that with 'borrowed' F-16s and the recent arrival of French Mirage 2000s, improved Ukrainian air superiority may be the deciding factor that brings the Russians to the peace talks table.
JANUARY 2025
The new year is off to a good start with 15 aircraft having been registered.
FLYING AROUND THE KZN AIRFIELDS
In less time than it takes to drive from one side of Johannesburg to the other, you can fly to beautiful KZN to experience amazing scenery and some fantastic airfields and hospitality.
