On 6 November 2021, Helivate Helicopter Services hosted their annual Helicopter Olympics. This year, the event was once again held at their home base, Jack Taylor Airfield, just outside of Krugersdorp.

The 6th installment of this event ensured for good flying fun for both pilots and spectators alike.

The course, that included challenges like, bucket hoisting, egg drops and skid beer bottle opening, thoroughly tested pilot skill.

For the first challenge, navigators had to pick up colour coded buckets with a hook and then have the pilots fly those buckets through a set of obstacles and ending off with placing the bucket on a drum.

Moving on, pilots had to maneuver the helicopter over buckets on the ground, with the navigators dropping eggs into those buckets. Once again, testing both precision flying skills as well as communication between the pilots and their navigators.

Ending off, pilots had to open a beer bottle with a bottle opener fitted to the right skid of the helicopter. The beer bottle was mounted on a post at the end of the course. Sounds simple, but definitely easier said than done. And of course, no beers were harmed in the process!

The weather made things difficult at times. Although we were presented with a clear day, the heat was beating down hard by lunch time. The wind also ensured for some added challenge at times.

At the end of the flying program, an award ceremony was held, followed by a lekker social braai.

All in all, we have to take a moment to commend Helivate Helicopter Services for an outstanding event. The event made for good fun for all involved, all whilst being done safely.

*All flying and reporting done in line with COVID-19 health protocols.

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