Category Archives: NewsLetter
EAA Sun and Fun 2022 Rally
EAA Sun and Fun 2022 Rally by Rob Jonkers
This year’s EAA Sun and Fun flying event is the 7th in the series of rally events held yearly in support of the EAA, although previous events has followed the Adventure rally format, in recent years some level of accuracy of maintaining track has also been part of the route. This year, it was decided to have a route that was a more formal ANR type (Air Navigation Race). This type of rally is the newest type of rally to be found as part of the FAI events series.
In an ANR, there are only two objectives, the first being on-time at the start and finish gates, each second early or late attracts 3 penalty points. The second objective is to remain inside the corridor which in this case is 1 nm wide any excursion outside the corridor also attracts 3 penalty points per second being outside the corridor. For the Brits ANR it was decided not to measure the start & finish gate timing due to the busy airspace for the day.
The route is normally fairly short at 25 nm, and for the route planned it was to start south east of the field, route over Brits town and find a way through the scenic Crocodile river valley to end north west of the field.
The Route
There were 8 entrant teams, and briefing commenced at 9 am, where the teams after briefing got on with plotting their routes and could fly at their own pace. As they returned, logger downloads commenced and scoring could be done.
Best for the day were the team of Bert v Jaarsveld & Lance Holland flying a Bushcat ZU-FEW, in fact an excellent platform to fly this type of rally being slow enough for observation and being able to keep the turns fairly tight. In second place Bryan Nicolau and Roger Ford in their Bathawk ZU-IGI – another good observation aircraft. In third place Roger Bozolli and Dean Nicolau in the Piper Arrow ZS-KFM.
Teams plotting their routes – discussing their strategies, Caroline Koll, Byron Kirkland, Sean Cronin and Roger Ford
Roger Bozolli and Dean Nicolau with intense concentration
Hilton Wolff and Milan Daniz plotting their route
The Winning Track
Prize giving was held at the evening braai together with the EAA awards, unfortunately the floating trophy was not available, and will be handed over at an appropriate date. This trophy is the Sling (previously The Airplane Factory) Sun and Fun rally trophy awarded annually.
The Google Earth Live track screen, the yellow track being the best of the day, and the purple track with some wandering around the course
The Track shown of Route 2 – a clockwise route
2021 Middelburg Speed Rally
The Aircraft Unlimited Middelburg Speed Navigation Rally – 27 April 2021 by Rob Jonkers
The South African Power Flying Association held a very successful Speed Rally at the Aero Club Centenary Airweek at Middelburg, and is our 2nd event in the third season. It was decided to hold this Speed Rally on Freedom day as the date of choice in keeping with the Centenary celebrations of the Aero Club that featured most of the Recreational Aviation Sections over the four days. Monday turned out to be a relatively quiet day, where we could have rather rescheduled the rally, but was too late to make any changes.
There were 20 racers that entered, some stalwarts could not join due to other long weekend commitments, giving us as organisers a cue that we need to be very choosy to pick dates that are not in conflict with other activities. The weather outlook look to be virtually pristine, with little wind, thus could not have wished for better.
With some arrivals on Monday, we had Mauritz carry out a number of test flights to establish a handicap speed, as there were a number of new entrants, who in fact had joined to be able to practice for the up and coming PTAR. The afternoon initial briefing started at 18h30, with Rob Jonkers who took to the stage and provided a briefing on what to expect for the next day in terms of the planned route, how many turnpoints, distance, departure and arrivals protocol, and a weather outlook. After this Jonty did his signature event promotion of handing out race numbers, where after the club caterer provided a nice dinner spread, before retiring for the evening.
Tuesday morning dawned with beautiful weather, the hot air balloons were up and about traversing the field taking advantage of the wind currents. The briefing was held at 08h00 am and was concluded at around 08h30, where everybody dispersed first for a group photo and then to park their aircraft and prepare for the scrutineers. The route for the day was intended to be a scenic one in a similar area as the previous Witbank event north of Loskop dam, although part of the route went closer to the eastern hills before returning to cross the 20/20 gravel runway.
With all the competitors off towards the northwest, the route had a mix of easy and challenging turnpoints, especially TP10 which was the last turn point before the home run – which by the way was the same last turn point used in the 2019 event. The finish was relatively close, only one competitor having got lost somewhat, one having great difficulty in keeping track, and three aircraft following each other having all mad the same mistake…. Will teach them not to follow the aircraft in front.
After all teams having returned and safe on the ground, the scoring team got to work to analyse the results. This time there were no major scoring issues, and the results were available for the prize giving at 2PM. The prizes are organised into 3 categories, Overall, Handicap, Accuracy, where teams that have featured in the top three in one category, don’t feature in the other categories, ensuring that all have a fair chance at winning a trophy. These scores are also added to the leader board in this manner. The following table shows the top placings.
The following are the individual handicap and accuracy results.
Many thanks to the Middelburg Aero Club for hosting this fantastic event, supporting with logistics and great meals available throughout the day, Nigel Musgrave as the Safety Officer, Dirk and Louna de Vos doing the scoring, Chester Chandler on handicapping, Marc Robinson with his team from Century Avionics for Avionic Scrutineering, Chareen Shillaw for Aircraft Scrutineering, Liz, Clarissa, Leonie, Louna for handing out competition papers to the crews, Mauritz for Test Flights and starting, Bernhard & Adrian as ground marshalls and starting, we for sure had a stronger crew as compared to Witbank earlier this year. Thanks also extended to Santjie White of the ARCC who always watches over us.
Also thanks to our sponsors, Aircraft Unlimited being our signature Speed Rally Brand Sponsor, Flightline Weekly for sponsoring the race numbers, and our team sponsors, Prompt Roofing, Fast Flame Laser cutting, Century Avionics, Beegle Micro trackers, JB Switchgear.
Our next Speed Rally event will be in Secunda on the 28th of August 2021
Click on a photo below to enlarge
Hercules C130 aka “Flossie”
Hercules C130 Flossie aka “Flossie”
A while back, whilst we were running a series on SAAF aircraft, the question arose as to how the Hercules C130 got the nickname ‘Flossie’. Well, here we have it courtesy of Jan Marais from Who’s Who in the SAAF.
Here is the story of where the name “FLOSSIE” came from.
Not many years after the arrival of the C130B’s onto the SAAF register, South Africa became embroiled in a Border War along the South West African/Angolan border. There has been much good and bad written about that conflict and I am not going to add further to that issue, other than to point out that the C130’s were used on a daily basis to convey troops and material to and from the border, and in later years SAFAIR, operating L100’s, were contracted to assist in the air transport effort. To the casual observer the C130 and L100 look so much alike that one could be forgiven for thinking they were the same. Having said the above I can now get on with story.
At 28 Squadron, the operators of the SAAF C130’s, was a Flight Engineer named Phil or “Flippie”. He was a most dedicated man who ate, slept and dreamed C130. In his private life he was a most disciplined man (real old school, soldier), who never did a half job of anything. You all know the type, “if its worth doing, do it properly or don’t do it at all”
Phil was married to a lady with the real old English name of Florence. In her family she was called Flo, and among her siblings she was called Flossie. (by now you can see where this is going)
Photo: Johan Stephens
Being the consummate professional Phil would ALWAYS walk out, long before the rest of the crew, to the aircraft he was scheduled to fly in and do a proper pre-flight inspection. A few of his fellow flight engineers would pull his leg and tell him the aircraft was only due for a major technical inspection at a future date. His standard reply was “Chaps, if you treat and look after your aircraft like you look after your wife, she will never let you down” This comment always gave all of his Squadron mates a smile. Over the months, whenever his crew were due to walk out to the aircraft they would ask “where is Flippie, is he at Flossie? or Come guys we shouldn’t keep Flossie waiting” or comments along those lines.
In time the reference to Flossie was made more often at the movement control section at Air Force Base Waterkloof and more and more people became attuned to this reference and this then morphed into all troop transport, becoming known as “FLOSSIE”
You may ask how I know this bit of history. The simple answer is that Phil was my Father and “FLOSSIE: was my Mother.
2018 vs 2019 Airshow Seasons with a Look into 2020
The 2019 Airshow season has come to end and has been quiet year, yet it was busier than 2018.
In 2019 we lost Rand Airshow and has still not been added to the 2020 Airshow calendar. The Longest Current Running Airshow is Newcastle and it will celebrate its 10th Airshow in 2020. Newcastle took 2nd Place at African Pilot Airshow of the year award. Johan, lead organizer of the Newcastle Airshow said that they are aiming at the number one spot for the 2020 season.
Something new was the Sports Aerobatic Club Airshow at Klerksdorp this year. We truly enjoyed that airshow. This was an Airshow arranged by the Airshow and Aerobatic pilots themselves. The 2020 SAC Airshow will be in Bloemfontein.
Stellenbosch hosted a top-class Airshow this year and for that reason they took the African Pilot Airshow of the Year Award. Stellenbosch team will be back with a two-day Airshow in 2020. Mozambique and Swaziland (Eswatini) also hosted very successful airshows in 2019 and both will be back 2020.
The SAAF Museum – Swartkop Airshow was delayed this year due to the Presidential Ingurgitation. When South African Airforce finally decided on a new date for the 2019 Airshow, the SAAF Museum team had about one calendar month to arrange an Airshow with the size of what is expected by the public was a huge task! The team delivered an almost perfect show. Well-done.
The SAAF Museum – Swartkop Airshow 2020 will form part of the SAAF 100 celebrations and 2021 Swartkop Air Force Base will be celebrating 100 Years. The SAAF one hundred celebrations will be themed Embracing our Collective Heritage and 100 years of Air Power, through 25 years of Democracy
The Main SAAF100 – Public Calibrations Airshow will run in conjunction with Africa Aerospace and Defense 2020 that is to be hosted at Waterkloof Air Force Base in September 2020.
The Aeroclub of South Africa will also be celebrating 100 Years in 2020 with their main event is to run with the Aero Club Airweek and Airshow 1st Week in May 2020. South Africa will also be hosting the World Air Rally championships in Stellenbosch during 2020.
The 2020 Edition of the President trophy Air Race will be hosted at Ermelo in May and as part of SAAF and Aero Club centenary celebrations we will see a Silver Queen Air Rally to be hosted at Swartkop AFB.
Click here to view our online 2020 Calendar
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Airshows 2018 vs 2019
2019 Had 12 Airshows compared to 7 in 2018. 2019 Airshows had 355 total flying aircraft vs the 213 in 2018. Yes, 2019 had more Airshows so let’s have a look at the average number of aircraft per Airshow 2019 had 31 and 2018 had 30 average aircraft (Number of aircraft divided by number of Airshows)
The Top performer in airshow attendance was Team Xtreme Airshows, with attending 10 Airshows and total of 36 Aircraft vs 2018 Top Performers. Flying Lions, Attended 7 and 20 Aircraft appearances!
The Airshow with the most Aircraft for 2019 and 2018 was Swartkop with 53 for 2019 vs 54 2018.
3 Airshows up its number of Aircraft from 2018 to 2019 with Botswana Wesbank international Airshow showing the biggest growth.
Number of Aircraft per Airshow where the Airshow was hosted in both 2018 and 2019
|
Airshow |
2018 | 2019 | Growth |
| Matsieng | 24 | 37 | 13 |
| Newcastle | 26 | 32 | 6 |
| Bethlehem | 18 | 24 | 6 |
| Swartkop | 54 | 53 | -1 |
| Lowveld | 42 | 33 | -9 |
2 Squadron Gripen
SAAF Gripen remained the same with 6 Gripen’s flying in 2018 and 2019. C130BZ, another favorite among the public saw no displays during 2019.
Helicopters and Airliners was also in the decline for 2019. The Airlink Embraer E190 was a welcome newcomer to Airshows and flew at Lowveld, Newcastle and Ladysmith. The 2018 Season Lowveld Airshow was the only Airshow lucky enough get the Embraer E190.
Menno Parsons and his P51D Mustang also made a welcome return to the Airshows with 0 Airshows in 2018 and 7 in 2019. The Reason for 0 in 2018 is the Mustang engine was sent for a scheduled overhaul.
The Best Airshow of the year awards 2018 vs 2019
| Position | 2018 | 2019 |
| 1st | Lowveld Airshow | Stellenbosch Airshow |
| 2nd | Rand Airshow | Newcastle Airshow |
| 3rd | Ermelo Air Show | Middelburg Airshow |
Brian Emmenis and his Capital Sounds team was the broadcaster at all airshows in 2018 and 2019. At Some Airshows he had specialist co-commentators that was provided by the Airshow organizers.
The Sound was as always clear throughout the Flight lines. Brian and his Crew kept the crowds on their feet and well informed on all Pilots, Aircraft, Team, Airshows, Sponsors, Key Aviation Media, all the Safety and behind the seen personnel. We are looking forward to a festive and busy year 2020 in the compony of the wonderful team.
** Notes**
- AAD2018 is not counted as it’s not an Airshow but a Trade show.
- If an Aircraft or Team flew more than one displays a day it is still counted as one, counted per airshow and not displays
- Some Pilots and Teams displayed at other events that classified as an Airshow, these are also excluded
Below are the 2018 and 2019 Airshow Attendance lists
2018 Airshows
2019 Airshows
2020 Interim Airshow Calendar
|
Date |
Event |
| JAN | |
| 18th – 19th | SAC Gauteng Regionals – Vereeniging |
| FEB | |
| MAR | |
| 7th – 8th | North West Regionals – Klerksdorp |
| 21 & 22 | FASHKOSH 2020 Stellenbosch 2-day air show |
| APR | |
| 4th | Wings and Wheels Festival, Uitenhage |
| 25th | Garden Route Air Show – GEORGE AIRPORT |
| MAY | |
| 1,2,3 | Middelburg – Aeroclub Aero week |
| 9th | Swartkop Airshow |
| 16th | Lowveld Air show |
| 23rd – 25th | PTAR – Ermelo |
| 23rd – 24th | SAC KZN Regionals – Ladysmith |
| 30th | Wesbank Botswana Air show |
| JUN | |
| 5th & 6th | Newcastle Air show |
| 13th | Maputo Air, Sea and Land Air show |
| 16th – 20th | SAC National Championships – Tempe |
| 20th | SAC Aerobatic Air Show |
| JUL | |
| 22nd – 1st | SAC Advanced World Championships |
| AUG | |
| 22nd | Bethlehem Air Show |
| SEP | |
| 19th – 20th | AAD Waterkloof – SAAF100 |
| OCT | |
| 3rd – 4th | SAC Western Cape Regionals |
| 24th – 25th | SAC Judges Trophy |
| NOV | |
| 9th – 21st | SAPFA World Rally Championships |
| DEC | |
| 5th – 6th | SAC Ace of Base |
Dreams Come True for the 2019 Newcastle Airshow
Dreams Come True for the 2019 Newcastle Airshow
It was a moment of pure elation as the ‘I Can Dream’ 2019 Newcastle airshow was announced as South Africa’s second-best African Pilot Airshow of the Year at the recent annual Aero `Club of South Africa’s 2019 awards evening.
“The organisers of the Newcastle Airshow are very proud of the event and each and every committee member, traffic, fire, SAPS, ER24 and all other roll players – this award are for the people of Northern KZN , we can all dream”, said Johan Pieters and Christo van der Vyver.
This prestigious award is presented to airshow organisers and is based on 15 criteria as mentioned below:
- Initial planning including Air Show South Africa (ASSA), Recreation Aviation Administration of South Africa (RAASA), Aero Club and media communication
- Professional ATC participation: arrival, airshow and departure clearances
- Suitable aircraft and vehicle parking arrangements
- Pilot, airshow and safety briefing including disaster management planning
- Display pilot and participants hospitality arrangements
- Public address systems and appropriate public broadcast entertainment
- Host organisation’s social interaction with display teams, media and important invited guests
- Social responsibility towards the local / regional population
- Youth development programmes including aviation education
- Sales satisfaction for local and distant vendor participants
- Crowd control access, security planning and policing
- Food and beverage arrangements, including an appropriate variety of vendors
- Litter management and cleanliness of the airfield during and immediately after the event
- Overall airshow safety for spectators, including any transgressions by individual pilots
- Organiser’s airshow report that is submitted to the aviation authorities
Looking ahead for the 2020 show, Pieters commented that planning for next year has already begun, and it will be the 10th consecutive airshow hosted at Newcastle airfield.
Pieters also announced that the South African Air Force (SAAF) will once again be part of the airshow and will (SAAF) will be celebrating its 100th anniversary.
“The theme for 2020 will be ‘I Can Dream – I Say No to Drugs’, it is important for us to bring in a social factor to our airshow. We want people to know that to be part of aviation you need to have sober habits and that drugs are out!”, said Pieters. “We understand that the drugs are very bad in schools and this is our way to get involved”, commented Pieters.
The week before the 2020 airshow that will be held on 6 June 2020, will see a lot of activity taking place prior to the show. An aviation conference for the top science and mathematics Grade 10 learners will be held on the Wednesday before the airshow for Northern KZN learners is been planned, as well as a National Aviation conference for all aviation enthusiast on the Thursday. The Friday before the show will be reserved for an educational day for Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners.
Flying Lions Charity Day – 17 Nov ’19
This was the 18th anniversary of the annual Flying Lions Charity Day, which happens mid-November. The Puma Flying Lions Aerobatic Team treated orphans to flights in Harvards, lunch at the Harvard Café, awesome goodie bags and a whole lot more to lift their spirits during the festive season. This year, over 60 children from Nkosi’s Haven, iKhaya da Luz Children’s Home and Children of the Dawn experienced a once in a lifetime flight. Puma Energy was the major sponsor of the day, with other brands contributing gifts, such as Mango Airlines who provided caps and pens. The day ended on a cheery note as Father Christmas made an appearance at the Christmas party that was held after all the flights. Santa handed over all the gifts to the children. The Children were also treated to an all-time favourite Hamburgers and chips with soda drinks. 
Aircraft used
Cessna 140, Cessna 210, Beechcraft Baron, 2 x Pitts Special from the Cows Aerobatic Team, 3 x Harvards from the Flying Lions
To witness events like this is extremely heart-warming and we at Aviation Central witness few of these events yearly!
Well-done to Puma Energy, Flying Lions, Cows Aerobatic Team, Andrew Blackwood-Murray who also joined the team and provided flips in a Cessna.
Pilots for the day :
Arnie Meneghelli
Andrew Blackwood-Murray
Rodney Chinn
Sean Thackwray
Hayden Tunmer
Sally Bates Levin
Mark Fleck
Dylan van der Merwe
Ground Crew for the day :
Chloe Spolander
Aubyn-Shaye Paul
Brad Wood
Keagan Foley
Margo Venter
Rozz
William
Retania Mahabeer
Lee Naidoo
Click to enlarge photos below
SAAF Museum Airshow Date set for 9th May 2020
SAAF Museum Airshow Date set for 9th May 2020
Note, This is not the official poster for the 2020 SAAF museum Airshow
Join the Facebook event page for the SAAF Museum Airshow 2020
And so a century is made with the South African Airforce (SAAF) turning 100 years old. “Through hardships to the stars” of gracing the skies over South Africa, the latin motto explains the Per Aspera Ad Astra phrase.
The South African Air Force was established on 1 February 1920. The Air Force has seen service in World War II and the Korean War as well as the Bush War.
The date is set for the annual SAAF Museum Airshow with a Theme not 100% confirmed yet, but sources has it as “Embracing our Collective Heritage” and “100 years of Air Power, through 25 years of Democracy” on the 9th May 2020 at Airforce Base Swartkop in the City of Tshwane.
The Centenary of this magnificent milestone will start from the 31st January 2020, as Airforce Day will be the first of the glimpses of the 100 years of Air Power celebrations with an invited guests and media parade which will also be held at AFB Swartkop.
Note to the public that the SAAF Museum Airshow 2020 will only see local aircraft and another show will be held later in the year at another base which should see potential international participation.
Pay attention to our social media platforms for more information on the show closer to the time!
Photos below is from the 2019 SAAF Museum Airshow
Join the Facebook event page for the SAAF Museum Airshow 2020
World Rally Flying Championships Training Session
World Rally Flying Championships Training session – Stellenbosch airfield (By Mary de Klerk – Photos Mary de Klerk & Rob Jonkers) 30th Oct – 2 Nov 2019
South Africa and the South African Power Flying Association (SAPFA) has won the bid to host the 2020 World Rally Flying Championships where Stellenbosch Airfield in the Western Cape has been selected as the Airfield of choice.
SAPFA has previously hosted:
1991 – 7th World Rally Flying Championships– Stellenbosch Airfield
2003 – 13th World Rally Flying Championships– Pilanesberg Airfield
2011 – 20th World Precision Flying Championships – Brits Airfield
The picturesque Stellenbosch Airfield
In 2020, the Aero Club of South Africa and the South African Power Flying Association will be celebrating their 100th Centenary Birthday. This World Championship competition will be an integral part of our celebrations.
The Programme:
7th to 14th Nov 2020 Unofficial practice
15th to 21st Nov 2020 World Rally Flying Championships
22nd to 25TH Nov 2020 General Aviation Committee (GAC) Annual meeting
The teams participating on Competition Day
Competition Director Colin Jordaan – briefing the teams
The sport of Rally Flying is aimed to improve fundamental flying skills to enable a team (Rally Crew of 2) to navigate and handle their aircraft under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) as independent of technical subsystems as possible. Thus Rally Flying enhances flying safety. This overall aim for Rally Flying is achieved by:
- Emphasizing the ability to navigate by following a set of route instructions, using basic equipment
- Emphasizing the ability to follow a precise track while adhering closely to a timing test (punctuality test)
- Emphasizing the ability to perform realistic observation tasks while navigating the aircraft on a timing test (observation test)
- Emphasizing the ability to handle the aircraft on short and narrow landing strips (landing test)
Flying the Mountain practice route – up through Bains Kloof Pass
The above tasks would demonstrate the team’s ability to perform accurately and safely. Penalties are awarded for each error incurred and the team with the lowest penalties over all competition days is ultimately the winner. The winning country is selected from the top 2 team scores from each country.
The competition map is a topographical map to the scale of 1:200 000. The routes will be set by the expert Protea Team of Frank and Cally Eckard and will be planned in the Special Rules Area, under the TMA, so maximum heights are restricted to 2000 ft AGL in the flat areas and 4000 AGL in the mountainous areas. The routes will nominally be set to the north, east and south east of the Stellenbosch Airfield.
Up to 80 Teams from the following countries are expected to participate from the following countries:
| Austria | China | Czech Republic | France |
| Germany | Hngary | Italy | Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | New Zealand | Norway | Poland |
| Russia | South Africa | Spain | Switzerland |
| United Kingdom | |||
Each Country will also bring additional crew in the form of International Judges, Team Managers, Judge Observers, Engineers, Supporters and Families.
In total we are expecting in excess of 300 of the “crème de la crème” of international aviators and their families to visit South Africa.
In preparation for the World Championships in 2020, SAPFA decided to hold a “mini training session” in Stellenbosch from 30th Oct – 2nd Nov 2019. The objective was to bring all parties together in order to execute a ‘Mock Event’ utilising all available services in order to iron out any potential wrinkles ahead of the main event in 2020.
Poland’s Michal Wieczorek preparing for a practice route with Mary de Klerk
An enormous amount of work went into the preparation for this event. The SAPFA and WRFC Committees meet monthly and have worked tirelessly to ensure that the following sections were adequately covered:
- Aircraft Hire and Insurance – Mostly C152s and C172s were flown in from various surrounding airfields – a huge logistical task excellently handled by Chareen Shillaw
- Licence Validations – This took many hours of work and CAA meetings to finally arrive at a smooth operation – outstandingly arranged by Frank Eckard, Rob Jonkers and Marko Nel.
- Stellenbosch Hospitality – Magnificently hosted by Anton Theart, Frank Olsen and the incredible teams running the newly renovated Stellenbosch Flying Club.
- ATNS and Safety Planning – Professional approach by Rikus Erasmus, Nigel Musgrave and ATNS (with Santjie White and her team always ready in the wings)
- Route Planning – World Class Routes planned by Cally and Frank Eckard showcasing some of the most breathtakingly stunning scenery in the world over the mountains, the sea, and the wine farms of the Western Cape.
- Judging took place under the auspices of our well-seasoned international judges Jacques Jacobs, Ursula Schwebel and all their helpers.
- Colin Jordaan (ex SAA / CAA), well versed in the art of Precision and Rally flying took up the mantle of Competition Director with ease.
The opportunity to practice in Stellenbosch was snapped up by the French, Polish, Swiss and Austrian international teams. The South African teams including current and potential Protea members also participated. An interesting mix of 2 united teams from different countries also took part. Michal Wieczorek from Poland flew with Mary de Klerk from South Africa and Mauritz du Plessis flew with Nicola from France.
Theewaterskloof Dam
Some teams arrived a few days early to take advantage of some tourism opportunities. The plan was to run open practice days from Wed – Friday and then the competition on Saturday 2nd Nov. However no one anticipated SA getting into the World Cup Rugby Finals so the plan was changed to accommodate this event. The Competition was flown on Friday 1st to allow all participants to watch the game live in the various SFC hosting restaurant facilities…… a truly memorable event!!!! Training then resumed after the match on Saturday 2nd Nov.
Steep climb angle to fly over the Maanskynkop
The competition route on Friday was a route to the south east of Stellenbosch, with high overcast weather predicted with strong upper winds of up to 20 kts. The route took the teams just south of Sir Lowry’s Pass, remaining in the high ground and mountain areas until a steep descent to the coast to Voelklip, then along the coast all the way past Hermanus, with whales visible just off the river mouth in Walkerbay. From there the surprise steep climb up Maanskynkop, everybody having to snake their way over the top, and then into the Caledon valley up to the Theewaterskloof dam, and then back over the ridge of the Hotentots-Holland mountains to find the sharp bend in the railway line that goes up Sir Lowry’s pass, then to the finish point through Kleinnek which is just abeam the Helderberg. This was a very scenic route, as the whole Cape is, with many of the competitors being distracted from flying the route rather enjoying the scenery….
Coming up to Kleinnek passing the Helderberg on the left
The French Team are well supported by their French Sporting Federation and therefore have to stick strictly to the Team Managers rules for training with little ‘free time’ to play. This discipline showed up in their final results with all 6 French Teams finishing in the top 10 positions.
The final results for all competitors were:
Third placed Alexis Fuchs and Adele Schramm with Colin Jordaan
Second Placed Michal Wieczorek and Mary de Klerk
First placed Olivier Riviere and Jerome Jireau with Colin Jordaan & Frank Eckard
The South African Rally Flying National Championships will take place at the Stellenbosch Flying Club from 2-4 April 2020. The final Protea Team to represent South Africa at the World Championships will be selected at this event. Ideally SAPFA are hoping to select an “A” team and a “B” team to give some newbies the opportunity to experience a real World Championships Event. Jonty Esser has been appointed as Chief Protea Team Coach and will be publishing a training schedule soon.
Thanks to African Pilot we have a great website to capture all events, pictures, information, results live tracking etc http://www.worldrallyflyingchampionship2020.com/
Thanks also to DJ Aviation for their contribution in supporting excess insurance on the hire aircraft that were made available for the international teams.
We are now investigating all avenues for financial and service support to ensure that we can deliver a world class event in 2020. Any further information and be mailed to info@wrfc2020.com
The French Team
Celebrating Rally Veteran Ron Stirk’s 70th Birthday on 1st Nov 2019
Do you want the Russians to return?
During the past week those in Gauteng were treated to some special visitors… the Russians, an African first for the landing of The Tupolev Tu-160 in Africa, and that in our very own South Africa.
The General that headed the team that visited South Africa mentioned the they might return soon during the farewell function held Friday evening.
One of the crew also dropped that they could be returning in 2020 during the time spend at O.R Tambo international Airport.
2020 We see the next Addition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2020) and also be celebrating SAAF100. Just maybe they will return!
Loading ...Below is and video of the Tupolev Tu-160’s departing ORTIA in the early hours of Sunday morning.
SAA A350
SAA A350’s soon to be seen at OR Thambo International as well as Cape Town International!
In August 2014 Airbus sent their newly built A350-900, F-WWYB, to Johannesburg for some testing. She arrived on Friday evening 2 August 2014 (A350 XWB Route proving Tour Trip 3 from TLS to JHB with flight number AIB301 which took 9h35mins) and departed on Monday morning 4 August 2014 (A350 XWB Route proving Tour Trip 3 form JHB to SYD with flight number AIB303 which took 21h1min). During her visit here, high altitude auto landing trials (with flight number AIB302 which took 3h14mins) were performed on RWY 03L and 03R on Saturday 3 August 2014. There was huge excitement among plane spotters and the aviation community in general as everyone could picture and A350 in an SAA (South African Airways) livery.
The reality at that stage was that we would not see any A350 in SAA livery any time soon. That all changed a few months back when there were rumours that SAA might be leasing two. Again the excitement picked up and when the news broke during early July 2019, the wait for their arrival could not be soon enough.
So why did why did SAA opt for the two A350’s? SAA want to replace its 4-engine operated aircraft with 2-engine operated new technology aircraft. The A350s are such 2-engine new technology aircraft, capable of flying the Ultra-long New York route. The lease is for 3 years and when we asked SAA if we can expect more than two A350’s, we were told that “This is a possibility we cannot rule out”.
All this is good news and you may be asking yourself: when will they arrive? Where will I be able to spot/see or maybe even fly the SAA A350? We will be able to see them arrive during October 2019 and are likely to be seen at OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport and if you are to fly domestic, you may end up in an A350 while in the beginning of their operations when the A350’s are being introduced into service.
Now all the technical stuff:
Registration: ZS-SDC
Serial number: 226
Aircraft Type: A350-941
Engine Type: 2 x RR Trent XWB-84
Test Registration: F-WZFG
Production Site: Toulouse, France (TLS)
Age of Aircraft: 1 y 1 m (Jul 2018)
Current registration: B-304Z
Currently with: Hainan Airlines
Will be leased from: Avolon Aerospace
Registration: ZS-SDD
Serial number: 245
Aircraft Type: A350-941
Engine Type: 2 x RR Trent XWB-84
Test Registration: F-WZNX
Production Site: Toulouse, France (TLS)
Age of Aircraft: 0 y 11 m (Oct 2018)
Current registration: B-305A
Currently with: Hainan Airlines
Will be leased from: Avolon Aerospace
Dimensions:
Overall length: 66.80m
Cabin length: 51.04m
Fuselage width: 5.96m
Max cabin width: 5.61m
Wing span (geometric): 64.75m
Height: 17.05m
Track: 10.60m
Wheelbase: 28.66m
Capacity:
Typical seating 3-class: 300-350
Cargo capacity underfloor (LD3): 36
Max pallet number underfloor: 11
Performance:
Range: 15 000km
Mmo: M0.89
Max ramp weight: 280.90 tonnes
Max take-off weight: 280.00 tonnes
Max landing weight: 207.00 tonnes
Max zero fuel weight: 195.70 tonnes
Max fuel capacity: 141 000 litres
Take-off (MTOW, SL, ISA): 2 600 m (8 500 ft.)
Landing (MLW, SL, ISA): 2 000 m (6 600 ft.)
Service ceiling: 13 100 m (43 100 ft.)
First flight: 14 June 2013
Introduction: 15 January 2015 with Qatar Airways
We cannot wait for their arrival and spotting them at either OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport!