Over the past week, the small agricultural town of Malelane transformed into the hub of global aerobatics, as top competitors from eleven countries participated in the Twenty-Ninth FAI World Aerobatics Championships. South Africa was well-represented with six competitors: Nigel Hopkins and Barrie Eeles flew Extra 330 SCs, Patrick Davidson piloted a powerful Sukhoi 31, Bertus du Preez competed in an Sbach XA42, Mark Hensman flew an MX2, and Neville Ferreira participated in th

By Garth Calitz and Datus Immink The Lowveld Aero Club hosted an aviation awareness open day at Nelspruit Airport on Saturday, 16 September. The day, which was targeted at the school-going youth, was a huge success and drew quite a crowd; hopefully, some of them were inspired to start flying. Pugs Steyn and instructors from the Lowveld Aero Club (LAC) provided introductory flights to over forty young individuals. Additionally, all the visitors enjoyed water bombing demonstra

By Garth Calitz On Saturday, September 2nd, Kitty Hawk Aerodrome held a highly successful RV fly-in event. Situated just southeast of Pretoria's CBD, Kitty Hawk houses around 120 aircraft, including some of the country's top aerobatic pilots. The Raptors are based here, alongside notable names such as Neville Ferreira, Bertus Du Preez, and Eugene Du Preez. The Vans RV fly-in, in conjunction with the Pretoria Old Motor Club, showcased a variety of RVs along with other aircraft

By Garth Calitz On Friday, September 1st, Grand Central Airport was transformed into "The Field of Dreams," where over four hundred children experienced their first flights. The aviation community united in an inspiring manner to give these children an unforgettable day filled with fun flights and, above all, an abundance of love. Motivated by contract pilot Felix Gosher and musician Michael Ferguson, known for "Paper Plane," the Children's Flight initiative gained its own m

By Jarryd Sinovich On Friday, September 2nd, the South African Air Force (SAAF) visited Eldorado Park, located south of Johannesburg, for a youth aviation awareness expo. Major Geoffrey Cooper, a native of Eldorado Park, spoke to a crowd of over a thousand young people, stating, "I joined the SAAF because it is the most professional place to be." He also urged the youth to make the right choices, saying, "because if you choose right, the path is laid out for you." Major Coope

By Garth Calitz On Saturday, 27th August, the residents of the small Free State town of Bethlehem enjoyed an airshow. The early morning weather likely caused concern for the organizers, as the low clouds appeared to be settling in for the day. Despite the freezing temperatures and bone-chilling wind, with the temperature only reaching 3° by 8 am, spectators began arriving early in the morning. The organizers made a significant effort to engage the local youth, aiming to foste

By Abri Krigler The Rand Airshow was set to be extraordinary this year, and as usual, it lived up to expectations. From the moment the gates opened, an electric atmosphere was palpable, with long lines of people enduring the icy cold. Spectators eagerly filled Rand Airport's distinctive 270° crowd line, anxiously awaiting the show's commencement, as Brian Emmenis from Capital Sounds, known as "The Voice of Airshows," heightened the excitement. The event began with a parade of

By Garth Calitz Jack Taylor Airfield was a hive of activity on Saturday, 19 August. Krugersdorp Flying Club hosted the annual spot landing competition. The event was held earlier in the year but had to be abandoned due to terrible weather. The competition saw a great turnout with thirty-seven entries. Unfortunately, not all participants were able to compete due to some aircraft experiencing technical issues, and one entrant did not arrive. The spot landing competition took p

By Garth Calitz On Friday afternoon, I reached Fly-inn Estate prepared for a one hour and twenty minute flight with Gregory Clegg in his impressive Jodel D11. We were headed to Pyramid Air Park, a piece of Lowveld Paradise. Pyramid Air Park was created when the landowner, Brian Young, chose to transform this picturesque area, located northwest of the charming town of Barberton, into an air park. Ten shares were offered to aviators seeking a weekend retreat destination, and on

By Garth Calitz On Saturday, 5 August, the Brits Flying Club hosted the annual event for the Sport Aerobatic Club of South Africa. Participants began arriving early in the morning for the briefing, which was held in the clubhouse at 9:00. The competition started with pilots in the Sportsman class taking to the air. Trevor Warner, piloting an RV7, claimed first place, while Jurie Steyn, flying a Zlin 50, finished a close second, just two percent behind. Jonty Esser, Charles Ur