PTAR 2023 - BATTLE OF THE BEASTS

Spanning an impressive 86 years, the Presidents Trophy Air Race (PTAR) remains one of the most prestigious annual events in Southern Africa

THIS YEAR SAW Rob Jonkers handing over his Race Director’s cap to young Iaan Myburgh, who ushered in some changes to the 2023 format.

The objective of the race over two days is to measure the pilot and navigator’s skills as they attempt to improve their allocated handicap speed over a set course.

The much-loved route plotting element was reintroduced, and the exact distance was withheld. This encouraged each team to fly at their maximum potential, thus minimizing the possibility of artificially manipulating the aircraft’s speed and getting an unfairly favourable handicap sped.

Two speeds are considered for determining the aircraft’s final handicap speed, namely the 3D speed (the speed calculated in 3-dimensional space under ‘perfect’ conditions) and the handicap speed (speed that factors in the characteristics of the actual course). Test flights to determine the 3-D speed of each individual aircraft are carried out the day before the competition.

This speed, together with the speed as determined by the aircraft manufacturer as well as the average speed of any past PTARs, are all considered.

There were 28 entrants this year, a fraction of that seen in the heyday of general aviation, but an accurate reflection of the financial constraints that many people face due to South Africa’s economic climate.

Fortunately, that didn’t dampen the excitement; the crews were in fine fettle on Day 1 as they took off in clear blue winter skies from Runway 32 at Middelburg Airfield (FAMB).