By Garth Calitz

The Johannesburg Light Plane Club at Baragwaneth Airfield appears to have discovered how to bring back the golden age of club flying. The laid-back atmosphere and camaraderie of the Bara Festival led many of the older members to reminisce about the "good old days" when a day at the flying club was a family event. Twenty-two visiting aircraft arrived, with many participants joining for lunch after having breakfast at Orient.

Ivan van der Schaar was the first to arrive in his Boeing Stearman. He and his wife Sonica fully restored this magnificent aircraft from an airframe that initially resembled a chicken coop in just a few short years.

Ricardo de Bonis trailed Ivan in his distinctive AirCam, a twin taildragger that consistently draws attention with its praying mantis-like appearance.

Karl Jensen and Wayne Giles made a brief visit in the newly constructed Bearhawk LSA. This is the second Bearhawk that Wayne has built, with the first being the larger Bearhawk Patrol. The LSA was occupied with its forty proving hours.

The smallest aircraft to arrive that day was the diminutive KR2, equipped with a VW engine.

The sole rotor wing present was a stunning Alouette III, which made a brief visit.

Alan Evan Hanes gave a few fortunate individuals a brief ride in his Super Cub, and having this aircraft buzzing above truly enhanced the day's atmosphere.

A four-piece band maintained the atmosphere by playing numerous old sixties favorites as the pilots and visitors sat on the balcony overlooking the aircraft. Meanwhile, the Impala and Harvard "gate guards" watched over everything from their elevated positions on their poles.

The Johannesburg Light Plane Club (JLPC) was established in 1927 during a meeting in Johannesburg. By the time it was disbanded, it was considered one of the oldest active flying clubs globally. At its peak, JLPC was among the world's leading flying clubs, boasting six hundred members and over three hundred aircraft, including seventeen Tiger Moths, the largest collection based at a single airfield worldwide. Additionally, there was a vibrant gliding community that produced world-class pilots who represented South Africa internationally, and later, a parachute club emerged. All of this was located at the beloved old Bara-G.

In the early 1980s, the Baragwaneth Airfield was closed, prompting JLPC to relocate to Syferfontien. Unfortunately, the gliding community could not be accommodated at the "new" Bara-G, so they moved to Orient near Magaliesberg and formed the Magalies Glider Club.

Three cottages have been built to host overnight visitors: one standalone unit and two adjoining units. These can be rented at a nominal fee for those wishing to stay overnight, making them ideal for visitors caught by a Highveld thunderstorm.

Thanks for a great day to all the friendly people at Bara, can’t wait for your next event.

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