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 Urban, Kayle Woole, and Gary Whitecross took third, fourth, fifth, and sixth places, respectively. Gary Whitecross was the only participant flying a glider.

Following that was the more advanced intermediate category. Andrew Fletcher in his Zlin 50, while Jason Beamish managed to hold off the rest of the competitors, securing second place. Third, fourth, and fifth positions were claimed by Andrew Blackwood-Murry, Conrad Botha, and Steve Brown, respectively.

Eugene du Preez and Pierre du Plooy were the sole competitors in the Advanced class. Eugene managed to maintain a lead over Pierre by a mere 5 percent. Eugene was piloting an Extra 300, while Pierre flew a Giles 202.

The Unlimited category was a significant event, as it was the final aerobatic competition before the participants headed to Malelane for the world championships. Nigel Hopkins secured victory with an impressive 82% in his Extra 330sc, with Barrie Eeles also flying an Extra 330sc. Neville Ferreira finished a close second.

Best of luck to everyone heading to the World Championships; represent South Africa proudly.