Gauteng Regional Aerobatic Competition – Vereeniging Competitors in the SAC Gauteng Regionals were given a very “warm” welcome to...

Good day All So 2018 is well and truly on its way and as always time seems to be flying along, the aviation calendar is also filling up...

By Garth Calitz Originally designed and built by Curtis Pitts in 1944, the Pitts biplanes were the leading aircraft in world aerobatic competitions during the 1960s and 1970s. They continue to be a strong contender in lower-category competitions today. Curtis Pitts started designing a single-seat aerobatic biplane in 1943. Although the design has been continuously refined since the prototype's first flight in September 1944, the current Pitts S-2 remains very similar to the o

By Garth and Geraldine Calitz The quiet industrial town of Vereeniging was awakened by the roar of high-powered aerobatic aircraft over the weekend of December 2nd and 3rd. The Sport Aerobatic Club of South Africa hosted its final aerobatic competition of the year. The Ace of Base competition stands out from other competitions in South Africa. In most other contests, the overall winner is the victor of the unlimited class. However, in Ace of Base, the title of "Ace of Base" i

By Trevor Viljoen The weekend of the 4th and 5th of November saw the Kwazulu Natal Large Scale Aerobatics Championships held in Howick at the Beautiful Howick Model Fliers Club. Great weather guaranteed an amazing weekend for the pilots and organizers. Aircraft ranging from 30cc to 150cc were tested throughout the weekend, with both Advanced and Freestyle Aerobatics sequences flown exceptionally well, making them fantastic to watch and participate in. CMC Hobbies and LSA Sou

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 Roston's passion for aviation began at the age of three. As a young boy, he spent considerable time with his grandfather, who was a model flyer. He began flying control line planes at four years old and became the SA Junior Control Line Aerobatics Champion in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Roston quickly excelled in Radio flying, demonstrating a natural talent, and by nine, he was participating in competitions. He ventured into RC Aerobatics at 11 and is currently the

Good day All I greet you today with a very heavy heart after the tragic loss of two wonderful young people over the weekend. I met Ben...

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 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