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"The biggest health crime is taking life too seriously. Not having enough time for oneâ€tms self, oneâ€tms family or friends." Dr. Sherwin
African Pilotâ€tms June edition is complete and will be distributed this week. The cover picture by Frans Dely is of Glen Dell, the World Advanced Aerobatic Champion, flying his Red Bull sponsored Extra 300 and a full interview with Glen is featured in the magazine. Glen has already performed at several airshows this year and each time he receives resounding applause from the spectators.
We are now taking advertising bookings for our July edition which closes on 4 June 2005. African Pilot is currently printing 9 500 copies, more than any other specialist aviation magazine in South Africa, and as our distribution improves each month we are reaching more readers. If you are interested please contact Andre at (011) 702 2342/3 or Cell: 082 33 70663.
African Pilotâ€tms visit to the Eastern Cape
This past week I travelled to Port Elizabeth and down the coast to St. Francis Bay for the specific purpose of reviewing a terrific new light aircraft that recently entered the South African market. What I found was a most professional, family-managed organisation where the owners provided superb hospitality. Having secured the southern African agencies for two rather different, yet similar aircraft types, I have no doubt that the products they represent will soon be frequently seen at airports all over South Africa. At the same time, this was an opportunity to re-visit one of South Africaâ€tms established flying training schools that has opened new mess and accommodation facilities for students who wish to â€Ëœlive inâ€tm whilst undertaking their training. An essential part of the marketing philosophy of African Pilot is to visit the coastal cities and other regions within southern Africa in order to deliver service to our wide customer base. On behalf of the magazine, I wish to thank the kind people who hosted me over the eventful, three day period in the Eastern Cape.
Thank you to Nationwide Airlines for getting me to the sunshine coast and back. The crew of ZS OMG, the Boeing 737 200 for the return flight, was Captain Dudley Snell who has 9000 hours, whilst his co-pilot was first officer, Pieter Odendaal, who has 4018 hours. Both pilots still enjoy flying smaller aircraft for pleasure, whilst Pieter occasionally instructions at his local flying club.
Polokwane Airshow â€â€œ 21 May
From the time of the reservation of the date set for the airshow of South Africaâ€tms northern-most city, it was apparent that a level of organisation that included many of the role players of Polokwaneâ€tms business community was at an advanced stage. A real treat to those already at the airfield on Friday afternoon was the electrifying experience of watching many of South Africaâ€tms regular airshow display teams arrive and be greeted by the organisers as they were positioned for overnight parking. After a quick bus ride to our hotel accommodation, we were bussed to the Pietersburg Country Club where an informal reception awaited the members of the airshow flying circus. The evening function, which was attended by all members of the airshow circuit, was another welcome meeting of regular pilots and their families who form the backbone of airshows in South Africa. Johan Wilken and his committee have much to be proud of with their splendid organisation of the annual major aviation event in this part of South Africa.
However, the Saturday airshow was poorly attended with probably less than 2 000 people passing through the gates. A number of contributing factors were responsible for the poor public attendance: 1) It is felt that the entrance fee of R50 per adult and R30 per child was far too high. 2) The semi-final of the rugby. 3) Cold, cloudy conditions in the early morning that thankfully cleared in the afternoon. 4) A rather poor marketing campaign within the immediate region. This poor attendance is no reflection on the Polokwane organisers, but rather on the Department of Transport who were responsible for the marketing campaign and setting the gate fee. Airshow organisers need to realize that, when a gate fee exceeds R20 per person, they will not achieve the crowds they expect, especially in outlying towns such as Polokwane. Poor attendance does not help the cause of promoting aviation in any way and results in the vendors becoming most dissatisfied to the extent that they will review their future participation at airshows. Organisers are warned not to â€Ëœkill the goose that lays the golden eggâ€tm but rather to seek advice from Air Show South Africa, who are more than qualified to provide sound advice on all matters relating to the event.
This was a pilotsâ€tm airshow, which was enjoyed by many team pilots, their families and friends as a result of outstanding host interaction with the visiting airshow circus. The hardware that was lined up for the programme was incredible, with three jet formation teams: Sasol Tigers, two L-39s and three Cheetahs. In addition, two masterful solo displays by Glen Warden in the SAAF Museum Mirage III BZ, were a real treat. Glen Dellâ€tms performance in both the Slick 360 and his new Extra 300 kept eyes glued to the aerobatic box. The full program of more than 45 slots was directed by Brian Zeederberg, with Russell Marsh as the safety officer and Kevin Woolacot as the starter. Without getting into the specific display teams (too numerous to mention all teams) displays were of a very high standard which has been set by the individual teams and ASSA. Brian Emmenis and the Capital Sounds team had the difficult task of providing sound to the vast area of this ex-military airfield, but they covered the area rather well.
Outstanding ATC management from Craig Allen, Jaco van Jaarsveld and Jenny Wienand assisted the local ATCs; Bennett, Brennan, Vellie and Sibosile. There is no doubt that having the correct â€Ëœairshowâ€tm qualified ATCs at these events makes for the smooth running of the airshow since clearly they understand the capabilities and experience of the individuals and teams displaying. The spectators pay good money to be entertained; therefore long gaps in the airshow are a big negative. Thankfully the â€ËœAâ€tm team produced the goods again and all pilots were more than satisfied with the organisation at Polokwane. On behalf of all pilots and participants at the Polokwane Airshow, we extend a big "thank you" to Johan Wilken who, together with his team, provided excellent hospitality and friendship over the weekend.
Presidentâ€tms Air Race 26 to 28 May
The race to be held at New Tempe Airport, Bloemfontein, has attracted in excess of 97entrants and the organisers expect to exceed the 100 entry mark by the Thursday when the race starts. This annual event is organised by the Power Flying section of the Aero Club of South Africa held under the rules of the FIA, and 2005 is the centenary year of FAI. SAPFA would therefore like to have 100 finishers for the race. In consultation with the race organisers it has been decided to increase the number of entries allowed to 105. Participants must please note that an ATZ is in place at Tempe for the arrival day from 07:00 to 15:00 UTC. The frequency is 129.3. Please visit the SAPFA website for joining details. Participants should plan to arrive by 10:00 UTC. Those with non-certified aircraft and modified certified should plan to arrive early, as they will have to be test flown. For information on the Presidentâ€tms Air Race, please contact Kassie Kasselman 082 4041642 (organiser) or Chris Booysen (041) 391 4400 e-mail: mail@sapfa.org.za Website: www.sapfa.org.za.
ATCs to fly the Presidentâ€tms Air Race
This year, two ATNS air traffic controllers who are holders of Private Pilots Licences, will be participating in the Air Race to show that their passion for aviation extends beyond their formal involvement in the world of ATC. Graham Luppnow, senior Wonderboom ATC and Warwick Henley, senior Lanseria ATC, are both planning their involvement as pilots this time around and not as ATCs. ATNS wishes all participants the very best for the Air Race and advises their ATC participantâ€tms to display excellent radio skills.
DaimlerChrysler Extreme Airshow 2005
and
Vintage / Classic Fly-In
East London â€â€œ 4 June 2005
Featuring the SASOL Tigers, Showdown Jetcar Display Team, World Aerobatics Champ, Glen Dell, Thunder City Jets, SAAF, Nissan/Castrol Aviator Flying Lions, the Flying Davidsons, Shurlok Pitts, plus lots more â€Â¦
Contact: Dave (043) 743 6644 or Liz (043) 736 6181
Approx 30 Vintage / Classic aircraft from all over SA will be flying the beautiful Wild Coast before arriving in East London for the airshow (Contact Rob 084 200 1829)
a SASOL Turbo Airtainment Tour Spectacular
The SASOL delight South Coast airshow - 18 June
Hibiscus Coast Tourism and Wozani Africa will roll out the red carpet this winter as they welcome the very best of the South African aviation industry to what is set to become the annual South Coast Air Festival.
The South African Air Force have been invited to attend this yearâ€tms festival and they plan on being there in style with many of their most spectacular, specialized aircraft on display, as well as their museum. According to organizer Vicky Erasmus: "this is one of the biggest deployments of Air Force personal to the KZN province in over 17 years â€â€œ this airshow is going to be a difficult act to follow. The Air Force has pulled out all the stops and come out in full support of this event and will be there in full splendour".
An impressive line up of aerobatic activity has been planned with Glen Dell, the current World Aerobatic Champion, forming a part of the A-grade line up. The airshow programme will include The Sasol Tigers, The Shurlok Aerobatic Team, Nissan Castrol Aviator Harvards, and L39 Jets and a Russian Sukhoi, as well as many others. The Yak Attacks will perform some pretty impressive aerobatics that will keep the audience on their toes. Helicopter flips will be available and one lucky member of the crowd will be selected to accompany world champion, Glen Dell, in a fly pass.
International commentator, Brian Emmenis of Capital Sounds, will be there making sure that world class commentary is enjoyed by spectators. Personalized invitations to all 800 South African EAA members have been sent out, inviting them to fly in over the long weekend. Jumping castles and a full programme of activities on the Coca Cola Fortune Outdoor Stage will keep the kids entertained, whilst dads can head for the beer tent to watch South Africa vs. France on the Windhoek Lager big screen.
Food stalls and a colourful flea market will also be on offer. Well-known television presenter, Scott Scot, and his Gauteng band, The Kalahari Mudsuckers, will offer entertainment in the tent that evening and are sure to get the party going!
For further information contact Vicky Erasmus at Wozani Africa on 039 316 8137 or go to www.wozaniafrica.co.za to download stall applications.
African Pilot comment
The Margate Airshow information reached us too late for publication in our June edition. However, in line with our policy of promoting ALL airshows and fly-in events, we have placed the information, free of charge, in this AP Newsletter. The airshow season this year was already well planned by January, so we would like to extend an invitation to all airshow organisers to reserve their 2006 dates by the end of December this year in order to avoid clashes. The African Pilot airshow calendar is a free service provided to all persons involved in aviation and is the most comprehensive and up-to-date airshow calendar available in southern Africa. Please visit our Website: www.africanpilot.co.za for further details.
Heidelberg Aviation has confirmed their annual fly-in will be held on 6 August 2005. Arrangements: Breakfast 07h30 to 10h00 / exhibitors / beer tent / super raffle & prizes. Evening function â€â€œspit braai & show / guest speaker. Please contact the organisers to book for the evening function. Overnight arrangements can be made, caravans (flying & tow type) welcome. Please promote this event, as we are fund-raising in order to build a new clubhouse! Blue sky greetings, Arrie de Klerk Cell: 082 651 6996
Marketing position at Progress Flight Academy
The Progress Flight Academy team, just outside Port Elizabeth, has an opening for an appropriately qualified person to join them in the exciting position of marketing consultant. For further details please contact John or Mandy English at telephone: (041) 372 1647 or e-mail: info@flightacademy.co.za or fax your CV to (041) 372 2061.
Aviation humour
One evening at happy hour at the Ft. Riley officers club, a buddy of mine, who was an army pilot told me a hilarious story. He said they had been sent to Kansas City International Airport to pick up some people.
On approach, they radioed the tower for instruction: "Army 753, flight of three, requesting landing instructions for the private terminal." The tower radioed back that they were number three to land following two commercial flights.
A moment later the tower radioed again, voice rising in near panic: "Army 753, we show you with ZERO groundspeed! Are you declaring an emergency?"
He calmly replied, "No, we are hovering over the outer marker waiting for clearance - We are a helicopter; we can do that you know." | 