AERO CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA'S AIRWEEK AT MIDDLEBURG

Once again, the annual AeCSA weekend fly-in staged at Middleburg airfield over three days Friday 3 to Sunday 5 March was an outstanding success. I drove to Middelburg on Friday morning and by 10h30 my tent office was set up so that I could report directly from this very important aviation event.

- ATHOL FRANZ

With the exception parachuting, representatives from almost all the sections of of the Aero Club of South Africa (AeCSA) attended the two-day event. As in the past Richardt Lovett's amazing hangar was the centre of all activity with a talk by the Bateleurs on the Friday evening and a prize giving on the Saturday evening. The overall organisation was exceptional with several fast-food outlets and a well-stocked pub where the drinks were kept cold on ice, which was welcome during the heat of both days.

As always Nigel Musgrave managed the safety of this event and we are pleased to report that there were no issues of transgressions. Nigel has recently been awarded International FAI judge status for his safety officer work at the South African Power Flying Association's (SAPFA) World Precision Rally Championships held in Brits late last year. At the Aero Club awards staged at Rand airport on 25 November 2022, Nigel was awarded a special trophy in recognition of his considerable aviation safety work that he does within Sport and Recreational aviation.

Air traffic control was superbly managed by Benji Phukubje and Kulani Hlungwani. On the Friday afternoon Mark Howse (glider pilot) was winched into the air by the local Middleburg stationary winch and once he had achieved plenty of lift under the developing cumulous clouds, I understand he travelled around 350 kilometres before returning to the airfield.