By Garth Calitz

We had just taken off from Kroon Airfield when the radio was filled with chatter from aircraft heading north to partake in the festivities at Mokopane (Potgietersrus). The Limpopo Flying School hosted their sixth annual Bushveld Fly-in, and, like in previous years, it certainly lived up to expectations.

Limpopo Flying Club

We touched down shortly before 8 AM on Saturday morning and were promptly invited to savor a delicious breakfast prepared by the Limpopo Flying Club members. The unique charm of the Potties Fly-in lies in its blend of Weight-shift Trikes, Gyrocopters, LSAs, and larger Fixed-wing aircraft, all united by the common goal of "having a great time with like-minded individuals."

Breakfast

A steady flow of aircraft arrived throughout the morning, occasionally with up to ten planes in the circuit. The wind occasionally caused some issues during landings, but thanks to the 1800m runway, affected pilots were able to adjust further down the runway, virtually eliminating the need for go-arounds.

Trike Landing

Jabiru Landing

Established in 2012, Limpopo Flight Club/School specializes in Weight-shift Trike training at very competitive rates. Trikes can be rented for R500 per hour, excluding fuel, providing a solution for Trike pilots on holiday in the Limpopo Bushveld who experience flight withdrawal symptoms. The school also offers Introductory and Scenic flights, conducted by a skilled Instructor in a Safety First environment, showcasing the beautiful surrounding area. These flights can last from 15 minutes to several hours. Instructors Nico Willemse and Martin van Tonder bring over seventeen years of combined experience.

The airspace above the field, nestled at the base of the stunning Waterberg Mountains, was bustling all morning as pilots embarked on scenic flights. By mid-morning, those visitors not planning to stay for the evening began to depart. Regrettably, I too had to leave, feeling quite heavy-hearted, as the club members were gearing up for the evening festivities and spit braai.

Sadly, the weekend concluded on a tragic note when a fatal crash occurred in the mountains late Saturday afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot's family, and we wish the injured passenger a swift and complete recovery.

I will certainly return next year and plan to make a weekend out of it. Thank you to the wonderful Potties family for their incredible hospitality.

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