Category Archives: NewsLetter
The EAA Convention 2019- Adventure Rally
The EAA convention this year was held again at Vryheid, which is situated close to the escarpment in very scenic
mountainous areas and in the heart of the Anglo Boer & Zulu war zones. With the success of last year’s Adventure
Rally, which had a mainly battlefield theme, it was decided to hold another one, this one being a mix of a scenic route
and some battlefield areas.
At registration time, there were 27 crews who had entered, this being a record for this type of event, but with weather
still closed in on Saturday morning, some crews could not get to Vryheid in time to take part, and at last count 20
crews were able to take part, which is still one of the most attended Adventure Rallies, giving credit to EAA’ers
enjoying this type of event.
For this year, the route started just northeast of the field at a big railroad U junction, and however one would fly, there
would be a railway line that would be seen flying east or north, thus to converge on to the start would be an easy
matter….., but guess what, some competitors could not find the start.
From the railroad U junction, the route went behind Lancaster Hill to a nondescript dam, and from there on west to
north-west in the valley until a very prominent farm house complex was seen.
Greg Clegg and Keaton Perkins
in their Jodel ZU-UEK attained 2 nd place
From there south west to a more
nondescript farmhouse nearby a quarry, turning more south east on a curved leg to be positioned to descend after
crossing the mountain range known as Skurweberg into the Aasvoelskrans gorge where three distinctive waterfalls
could be seen, making this the most worthwhile scenic part of the route. At the bottom of the gorge another farmhouse was a waypoint and then to the battlefield memorial of Blood River Poort, and from there to three dams
that made up the last three turn points the last being the Klipfontein dam just south east of the airfield.
As part of this rally, it was decided that to add some spice as well, to track everybody with loggers to check how
accurately they fly to keep within a 1 km corridor, which should have been easy given that one is allowed to fly with
GPS.
Carl Visagie with Navigator Niel Terreblanche in their Ikarus ZU-EUV came in first place
The map and task booklet were provided 20 minutes prior the take-off for everybody to either plan their route
with traditional map plotting tools or to program their GPS’s – if they were more at home following the magenta line.
Each route’s leg had turning point photographs to be recognised (either being correct or incorrect), then a few
questions had to be answered on ground features or sites that were historic or scenic, mostly cryptic in nature.
The booklet contained a section of wiki notes that would enable the crews to answer all the questions – with a
warning – “Don’t read at your peril….”, and guess what…., most forgot to find the answers in the most obvious place….
Some crews of course were googling for answers on their cell phones – because they can – somewhat inefficient given
everything was right in front of them, and of course sometimes getting the wrong information from what was written
up in the notes.
Third place going to soloist and local Morne Strauss in the RV4 ZU-FVL.
The briefing was eventually held at 10 am after the misty weather had delayed the start, and then papers were
handed out with the first take-off around 11 am, with good flying conditions with hardly any wind. Most crews were
able to find their way around, and appeared hardly anybody used a GPS, possibly with insufficient time to program
them, there were a few crews that wandered off course somewhat, and one got totally lost and decided to return to the airfield aborting the flight.
And then there was the only helicopter taking part in the rally, that being the Gazelle of Eugene Couzyn flying with Marie Reddy who took to heart the briefing that said enjoy the scenery of the 3 waterfall
gorge, and hovered to take some pictures (see the header photo in this article)
With everybody successfully home, it was time for marking the exam papers which was left to Mark Clulow to do, with
Rob downloading loggers and printing results. Then at the Convention prize giving and spit braai, Rob gave a
presentation of everybody’s logged tracks which had many in stitches for those who lost their way a bit, thereafter the
prize winners were called up to received their prizes.
Carl Visagie with Navigator Niel Terreblanche in their Ikarus ZU-EUV came in first place, Greg Clegg and Keaton Perkins
in their Jodel ZU-UEK attained 2 nd place, with third place going to soloist and local Morne Strauss in the RV4 ZU-FVL. In
the spot landing that everybody carried out after the rally, the winner was also Carl Visagie. For the most accurate
flown route went to Mark Clulow and Sean Cronin.
Thus came to the end of a hopefully enjoyable day for everybody who took part, and given the interest in the event,
should bode well for future rallies of this type and also gain an expression of interest in the more formal and timed
rallies.
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Freedom Day Celebration Flypasts
The sound of thunder of jets rocked Port Elizabeth residents as Gripens, Hawks, The Silver Falcons, two BK117s and Lynx took part in Freedom Flypasts over event in Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape.
The 27th April marked 25 years of democracy, following decades of apartheid rule and segregation in which the majority of the country’s citizens were marginalised.
Local residents in Grahamstown got to witness the flypasts and brought joy to the youth as some of these aircraft are not usually seen in the area.
The Silver Falcons showed why they can restore national pride as known as the cockpit ambassadors to the South African Airforce. Falcon 5 Sivu Tangana grew up in the area and it was surely a proud moment to display in front of a home crowd.
It was also a photo opportunity for some of the local aviation enthusiasts to capture the Test Flight and Development Centre JAS39D Gripen ‘3901’.This was the first gripen delivered to the SAAF.
Test Flight and Development Centre JAS39D Gripen ‘3901
We would like to thank Patrick Davidson for allowing us to use a certain platform to gain access to get this incredible photos.
Another big presence of South African Airforce Aircraft will be seen over Pretoria end of May 2019 and no its not an airshow.Keep an eye on our social media pages.
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EAA National Convention-Vryheid 2019
The small town of Vryheid in Kwa-Zulu-Natal,was invaded with all types of small aircraft on the South African aircraft register from
ultralights to former South African Airforce Aircraft.The Experiamental Aircraft Assiaotion played a vital role in the organsing of
this the second event to take place at this airfield as did like last years fly-inn.
South Africa has a wide variety of general aviation and probaly the biggest on the African continant.and as the fly-inns are a
great way to discover how many aircraft congrigate to these events are a aviation enthieasts crem-til-le-crem.
Friday the 26th April 2019 aircraft from all places around the contry made their way to Vryheid where visiting aircraft and pilots
were treted to hospitality from the local flying club contigent and EAA members. Lets also not forget Neil Bowden’s mini Oshkosh set up camp where tents were set up for pilots and clean ablution blocks close to the vicinity of the camp site on the field.
Most pilots camped next to their aircraft for the weekend, most of the aircraft arriving on the Friday during the course of the day. Braai packs were available for purchase and a aviation vibe kept the folk social until the early hours into Saturday morning.
The following day abit of low cloud and mist,which delyaed
a couple of aircraft arriving in for the day but quickly burnt off and a hot condtions were install for the remainder of the day.
The days activities consisted of a adventure rally, which a number of aircraft took place. A flypast was held for EAA member Klaus
Keuchel and his partner Maxine Fietch who lost their lives last year when they crashed in a Taylorcraft on their way home from Vryheid .The missing man formation was in the form of a Beechcraft Bonanza, a Vans RV7 and RV10.
The a EAA 322 Annual General Meeting also took place and announcements were made for the future of the EAA in South Africa.Other safety meetings also took place with the likes of Santjie White,Fred Bebbington and a few others.
A great dinner was served with a awards evening on the best judged aircraft of the day. A 100+ aircraft flew in for the weekend, some didn’t as said before with inclement weather stopping arrivals on Saturday morning.We look forward to next years event hosted by the
Pietermaritzburg flying Club.
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SANDF Capability Demonstration and Arena Displays- Rand Easter Show 2019
The 125th Rand Easter Show has once again entertained Gauteng residents with raw power of the South African National Defence with the South African Navy, Army, Airforce and Military Health Service all present at the Expo Centre Nasrec South of Johannesburg.
The Capability demonstration was once again a major draw card to the Rand Show as it always is and run for the first four days of the opening of the show. Unfortunately with the absence of South African Airforce helicopters as the choppers were still on operational duties in Mozambique and Malawi.
We were blessed with great weather for the first 3 days of the event including the validation day before the opening of the event as their was predicted rain showers and overcast weather for the duration of the morning shows. The final day was unfortunately rained out.
2 Squadron didn’t disappoint with the presence of two Gripens opening the event. Major Mohua “Dobaman” Vundla with navigator Kevin “Saffron” Chetty and in the second Gripen was Major Lee-Roy “Shinobi” Goosen kept a tight formation flypast as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula arrived on the podium to address the public on the official opening of the Rand Easter Show 2019.
“I am delighted and honored to be amongst the men and women in the uniform-our country’s armed forces – during the official opening of the 2019 Rand Easter Show. Our soldiers have been patriotically exhibiting and showcasing their capabilities at this crowd – pulling event without fail since 2011 and endeared themselves to visitors from all walks of life, educating our people about the miltarys role in society and towards the defence of our constitutional dispensation.”
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula
” The platform that the Rand Easter Show affords the South African National Defence Force is key to exposing the citizens of Gauteng and the country at large to the capabilities, state of the art technologies and the career opportunities the abound within our national defence force.”
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula
” It is through the participation of the SANDF in events such as this one that the aspirations of young men and women–from Eldorado Park, Soweto, Tembisa, Diepsloot, Brynston, Alexandra and Dainfern- in fact throughout the country, ignites them to serve the country. “
” The Rand Easter Show has over the years been a gathering place for visitors who have proven to be owerawed by the dedication, hard work and precision with which our soldiers carry out their duties as showcased through the various capabilities demonstrated in these arena lawns.”
The capability demonstration se the theme this year as a deployment of reaction forces to support a convoy ambushed in a foreign territory. Two Ratel 90 ammoured vehicles gave support fire power as well as a lone 2 Squadron Gripen with simulated airstrikes. Simulated mortar strikes echoed in the arena as the crowds were awered of the pyrotechnics set off by the army engineers. All while this was happening a bridge laying was complete during the mock attack.
A 44 Squadron Casa 212 flown by Major Ashley Naxhe and Major Nick Green and Loadmaster Flight Sergeant Ramajela who
dropped skydivers from 44 parachute battlion with a designated landing zone in the arena. The Casa 212 then gave a beautiful fly past over the arena as they excited the special rules west area of Johannesburg.
The cockpit ambassadors of the South African Airforce, Silver Falcons of team 82 led by Major Omphile Matloane, Tiaan Stander, Corne Deventer, Bheki Shabangu and the soloist Major Sivu Tangana flew their 5 ship Pilatus PC7MKIIs.
Other arena events on the program included presion drills from the SA Army and Navy. The now popular Navy gun run, a Military Police anti hijacking display, SANDF Marshal Arts demonstration. The SANDF K9 unit and field patrol. And finally the new act on the SANDF the Land Drover of the Army Technical Corpse which is demobilised and mobilized under 10 minutes. Also a favorite at this year’s event.
Thank you kindly to the Rand Easter Show organizers. We look forward to next year’s 126th event.
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BLG Wings & Wheels Festival 2019 – Uitenhage
By Conrad Pretorius
This past Saturday the 13th of April 2019 saw the annual BLG Wings & Wheels Festival come to life at the Uitenhage Airfield. The show was really well planned and meticulously presented to all the enthusiasts and visitors who attended the festival. This show really caters for everyone and as per the Association’s objectives this show really do;
“provide a community Festival to bring people/different communities
together”
“serve as a vehicle to provide social up-liftment”
“Expose the community to aviation, 4 X 4 vehicles, other new &
vintage vehicles, motorcycles and stalls relating to same. At the same
time provide exposure and/or guidance to the youth regarding
possible career opportunities in the aforesaid files of
aviation/motoring industries”
Gates to the show opened Saturday morning at 08h00, and without any delay
the event was started by Römer Extreme 4×4 Challenge. This 4×4 challenge is truly unique to this festival and serves as a huge attraction for the crowds. Participants took to the challenge in standard 4×4 vehicles as well as modified “pipe cars”. This event lasted throughout the day and people flocked through the gates to come and witness the challenge.
There was also a Radio Control 4×4 – Challenge, which saw the “little brothers” take to the challenge. This event was also hugely successful and visitors really enjoyed watching these radio controlled “crawlers” showing their capabilities.
Helicopter flights was provided the visitors who wanted a bird’s eye view of
show from the air. Visitors patiently waited there turns, and one could see on the faces of both young and old what enjoyment a helicopter flight can bring.
Fixed wing flights were also provided in the SF-25 Super Falke.
SF-25 Super Falke.
Skydive Jeffreys bay provided all the skydiving entertainment for the show, and also did tandem jumps with some lucky festival visitors. The Atlas Angel C4M Kudu utilised for the jumps was also one of the most favourite aircrafts on display. The Skydive Jeffreys bay crew is extremely professional and comes highly recommended.
Another highlight of the show was the two motorcycle participants who
entertained the crowds with their “daredevil” tricks and jumps. Spurred on by the crowds these motocross type rides gave the crowd real bang for their buck.
One of the biggest if not THE BIGGEST shows of the day unfortunately could
not be performed, Patrick Davidson in his Red Bull SU-31. I am convinced that Patrick will most definitely make up for this years absence at next year’s BLG Wings & Wheels Festival as he is one of the crowd favourites at this event.
Veteran/ Smart cars as well as “Trike Motorcycles” were also on display, and visitors as well as petrol heads could not get enough from this display.
This 2019 edition of the BLG Wings & Wheels Festival was nothing short of
spectacular and we are looking forward to the 2020 edition of this Festival.
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The Coves Flying Carnival
The Coves Fly-Inn estate which is situated on the western shore of Hartbeespoort Dam west of Pretoria. The Coves is home to many airshow pilots on the South African Airshow circuit. We see now why they have chosen the Coves to be their home!
What turned out to be a miserable weekend as the weather gods predicted rainy and cold conditions, turned out to be a fantastic day with lots of sunshine a scattered clouds throughout the day.
Some of the Visiting Aircraft
Arrival at the Coves on Saturday the 6th April 2019,gate guards at the entrance of the estate were very friendly and directed us to a parking spot alongside the airfields runway.
JP Fourie from National Airways Corporation (NAC) was the event boss for this years Coves Fly-inn or better known as the Coves Flying Carnival. The event was for pilots flying in for the day, residents and invited guests were treated to a great day of aviation. With vintage and modern aircraft taking to the skies above the Coves.
With the event being so big this year, Capital Sounds were present to give us some of their knowledge from all the aircraft that flew in for the day, Thanks to Brian Emmenis and Leon Du Plesiss for their commentary throughout the day.
What Fly-inn in South Africa gets the South African Airforce Silver Falcons and 2 Squadron Gripen display pilot to be present at a event. Yes the Coves, Major Omphile Matloane brought some of his crew and as well as Major Geoffrey ‘Spartan’ Cooper to the event to watch some of the displays and interact with the crowds.
Flying displays consisted of RC Flying displays ,The Puma Flying Lions led by Captain Scully Levin, flew out from Rand Airport for their Harvard display. The Goodyear Eagles flew a three ship Pitts Display led by Glen Warden who earlier in the day brought the SAAF Museum De Havilland Vampire T55 for a couple of low level flypasts. Jason Beamish flew his brand new extra 330 and later joined up with Nigel Hopkins in his Extra 330 for a dual sunset display. Other flypasts for the day included a mass RV Formation as well as the Coves flypasts with many resident aircraft flying past the crowd line during the day.
Well done to JP Fourie and all other members involved in making the day a huge success. We look forward to a even bigger and better fly-in next year.
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Stellenbosch warms old and young hearts alike-Stellenbosch Airshow 2019
Stellenbosch is situated in the Western Cape, South Africa. The area is known for its scenery, wine, university and the kindness of the community. Stellenbosch Flying Club is located just off the R44 leading out of Stellenbosch and has a relaxed atmosphere where flying, local craft beer and good food makes for lazy Saturday afternoons. On the 23rd of March 2019 this changed to a hive of activity and the day where it all came together, months of meticulous planning with hard work and preparations came together. The scene was set, the queue at the gates forming just after sunrise and the weather being almost perfect.
The packed program list and the variety of participating aircraft is proof of a wonderful show that warmed the hearts of many. The biggest flag in Africa was parachuted in from a C206, the emergency cavalcade was on display and the props of the aircraft of the first display were turning… out came the Silver Falcons to open the show. With the mountains and greenery from the surroundings being the scenery, the Silver Falcons took to the sky and gave a shortened but wonderful display. Really being the cockpit ambassadors for the South African Air Force.
Special mention is to be made of Mr Air Show, Brian Emmenis. As many will know, he is the voice of air shows in South Africa and abroad. While the first few displays where happening, interviews were performed with James Vos: MEC Tourism and Economic Affairs, Major Omphile Mutloane, Phillip du Preez: Head of ExecuJet Cape Town, Franz Smit: Pilot insure and Graham Smith who received a lifetime membership from Stellenbosh Flying Club.
The program consisted of The Silver Falcons, Team Extreme, a Mango B737, Ex-SAAF Bosbok, Working on Fire display consisting of two Hueys, a Cessna and AT-802, L39, NAC Bell 407, Shock Cub, Raptors RVs, Tigermoth, J51C Glider, Boeing Stearman, Howard Vintage, Radio Control Models, Husky, Harvard T6, a display by TSU/AGA involving vehicles, dogs and a EC145, M16 Gyro, NAC Mirage PA 46-350.
The list of pilots being as impressive as the list of aircraft consisting of Scully Levin, Pierre Gouws, Trevor Warner, Nigel Hopkins, Glen Warden, Trevor Milton, Ivan V/D Schaar, Jurie Steyn, Trevor Milton and many others. These pilot put up energised displays that had the crowds entertained, camera shutters clicking all day long (making downloading, editing and posting a challenge) and made this show a memorable one.
throughout the day there were constant movements by staff between the crowds to collect litter which easily makes this the cleanest show I have witnessed. After a long hot day, the warmest in weeks, with loads of liquids consumed and the crowds leaving, there was not a single piece of paper or empty bottle lying around.
With the crowds heading home and some staying for a last drink or chat with old friends, the departing aircraft made for a mini show as many did the traditional fly by as a thank you. The Silver Falcons being no exception. They took off, the formation was formed and the six ship came past 3 times, almost as if they didn’t want to head home as yet. As the sun set on the mountains, the light being amazing, the dust from the show settled these were observed by a few and was truly magical.
A time to reflect on the day. To cement the memories made. To salute an organising team and everyone involved, from pilots to ground crew and cleaning staff. A massive thank you to all. Not even load shedding could dampen spirits or impact the show!
The Stellenbosch Air Show hosted by the Stellenbosch Flying Club is to be an annual event and surely one to diarise! I for one will be there.
See you next year!