Editorial Comment February 2010

Unnecesary acidents in December 2009

Each of the three fatal accidents that occurred during the December holidays was more than likely preventable. There can be no doubt that the impromptu low level display in the Extra at Tedderfield was not rehearsed and the total destruction of the plane in the resulting near vertical dive into the ground sadly took the lives of Robbie Nutt and Paul Geng. The Beechcraft Baron that crashed shortly after take-off from Wonderboom Airport in 18 December taking the lives of experienced instructor Herschel Mc McLeod and experienced pilot Francois Erasmus was a further tragic event. At this stage no obvious reason for this accident has been found, but the fact that during the day the temperature was 37 degrees Celsius means that the density altitude was in the region of 7 500 feet.

Finally the Beechcraft Bonanza which experienced controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) near Harrismith in instrument conditions, killing experienced pilot Dr. Johan Venter, his wife Elsabe, their son and daughter-in-law, was equally tragic. It is believed that the plane ran out of fuel after attempting a let down at Margate, which at an altitude of 500 feet above sea level was in cloud. It is understood that instead of flying to Durban and undertaking an instrument cloud break at Durban International and then flying VFR to Virginia airport, the pilot elected to return to Vereeniging. The loss of engine power and subsequent disastrous crash into the mountain side was probably as a result of fuel exhaustion. On behalf of African Pilot I wish to send my deepest condolences to the family members who have suffered the loss of their loved ones in these three tragedies.

The airplane is the vehicle

We are fortunate to be living in a time when personal flight is accessible to ordinary people through light-sport aircraft and personal aircraft types. The flying machine is arguably the greatest invention of mankind. Therefore the pursuit of your own aircraft and the acquisition of the skills to fly your pride and joy can be one of the greatest personal experiences. However, don’t forget the airplane is only a vehicle. It is designed to take you somewhere, either physically, mentally or metaphorically.

It is sad to hear about experienced pilots who drift away from aviation and announce that their planes are for up sale because they do not use them much anymore. Sometimes the excuse is that regulations are becoming far too complex and perhaps in some cases the pilot forgot the purpose of his/her machine. The enjoyment of viewing South Africa’s beautiful scenery from aloft and the taking of pictures of it should be the hobby of every pilot. With the advent of small inexpensive digital cameras, photography has become accessible to everyone. Try to keep your camera with you all the time in a holster-like case so that it can be retrieved quickly. A camera that can be operated with one hand is preferable.

Cross-country flights to previously unseen destinations using a map and compass re-create the adventures of our grandfathers. Modern ‘glass cockpits’ with accurate GPS navigation are today’s luxuries. How about the fun of flying with friends in the cockpit with you or alongside in a group? It does not get much better. Please do not pass up the opportunity to compete in a spot landing or flour bombing contest at your local flying club. The wonderful thing about a flying adventure is that we don’t know exactly what the rewards will be until we get involved. What will you do in 2010 that you haven’t done before? Each new flying season should bring another new adventure. Start planning now and enjoy your airborne vehicle.

Athol Franz