Elders Take to the Skies: A Heartwarming Day at Krugersdorp Airfield

By Garth Calitz

Photos by Trevor Cohen, Esias Riekert and Garth Calitz

On 18 November 2025, the quiet skies over Krugersdorp’s Jack Taylor Airfield (FAKR) were filled with wings, cheers and smiles, as hundreds of senior citizens from across Gauteng were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sample the joys of flight first-hand.

The event was almost stopped in its tracks. Firstly, the date had to be hastily changed as the original date clashed with the G-20 summit that took place in Johannesburg and brought with it a host of airspace restrictions which would have all but grounded the event. Secondly, the weather on the day seemed adamant to ground all aircraft in Gauteng, with one of the most intense cutoff lows bringing cold, wet conditions. But as always, sheer determination and perseverance won over adversity.

This marked the fifth edition of the increasingly popular Elders' Flight. The inaugural event took place in 2018 at Rand Airport and the second one was also held there the following year. The onset of the COVID pandemic caused delays in organising subsequent events. The third Elders' Flight occurred at Bralpan Airfield in 2023. Last year, the event gained new momentum with the participation of the SAAF at AFB Swartkop.

The event was officially opened by Lieutenant General Wiseman S Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force, who dropped in on his way to Cape Town. The irritating fine misty rain let up long enough for Lt. Gen. Mbambo to deliver a short address praising the initiative and singling out the main organiser and founder, Felix Gosher. He stated, “When you give something to someone who won’t be able to pay you back, you are doing it for God.”

The renowned Brian Emmenis from Capital Sounds was present to ensure that guests were not only entertained but also well-informed about the day's events. Brian consistently sets a unique atmosphere with his insightful commentary and a touch of humour. He was accompanied by co-commentator Elvis Manene and his technical team.

After all the formalities were completed, it was time to take the elders into the somewhat dreary sky, where low clouds were still hanging around. The first special guests enjoyed a helicopter flight. As the clouds dissipated, more fixed-wing aircraft began to arrive and join in the flights. When the passengers were escorted to awaiting helicopters, they had to make their way past a very enthusiastic marimba band, which added a special something to the experience.

The bulk of the helicopter flights in the morning were taken care of by the very generous Jan Bothma, who brought his Bell UH-1 Huey from his home base at The Coves on the banks of Hartebeespoort Dam. He was joined by Krugersdorp local Eugene Couzyn in his Allouette II and Lama. Later in the day, the helicopter squadron was bolstered by a second Huey, belonging to Menno Parsons and a host of smaller helicopters.

Throughout the morning, the elders enjoyed food and drinks provided by the generous event sponsors. The line at the boerewors stand seemed endless, and the staff from Home Bake were kept busy around the braai fires to ensure a constant flow of freshly prepared wors.

As the weather cleared, it was time for the fixed-wing squadron to jump in and offer the special guests their first flight in a range of aircraft. Dieter Bock, another Krugersdorp local, offered the use of his Cessna T303 Crusader, which, together with a visiting Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, made short work of the long lines of excited first-time flyers.

Any additional passengers were taken care of by the large contingent of light aircraft that had assembled for just this task. The very successful Sling Aircraft sent three of their amazing aircraft across from their home a Tedderfield to assist if the flights started falling behind schedule.

As the sun stuck its nose out from behind the cloud, it was time for the short airshow segment of the day's proceedings. The airshow was kicked off by an appearance by the ever-popular Pima Energy Flying Lions, followed by a series of flypasts by Grant Timms in the Master Power Aero L-39 Albatros.

The short airshow was closed off with a magnificent series of passes by Menno Parsons in his amazing P-51 Mustang "Mustang Sally", joined by airshow legend Jason Beamish in his Master Power Extra 330LX. Flying these two mismatched aircraft in tight formation takes exceptional skill.

The Elders Flight is not only an event to offer the gift of flight to people that never had the good fortune to experience it, but it is also an opportunity to honour and show gratitude to military veterans who spent their youthful years in service to the country. One of the very notable veterans to be honoured at this year's event was Major (Ret.) Amalie von Maltitz. Amalie began her initial flying lesson in 1967, joined the SAAF Reserve force in 1976, and logged over 2000 military flying hours with the 114 and 111 Squadrons. In addition to her military service, she flew commercially and pursued studies in fine art, earning recognition as a respected sculptor. She was treated to a very nostalgic flight in a North American owned by Hennie Delport.

Many other veterans were treated to flights in a host of Ex-SAAF aircraft, including privately owned Atlas Bosboks and de Havilland Chipmunks. Col(Ret) Tony Smit, a veteran of both the SAAF and the RRAF, was taken for a flight with Mike Puzzey in his beautifully restored Cessna 185 Skywagon.

The SAAF Museum, showing support for the military veterans, sent three of their prized ex-military aircraft across from their home at AFB Swartkop. Seeing two Harvards and a Bosbok added to the joy of the day, especially when they joined in a tight formation on their way home.

In sticking to the Elders Flight mantra of "Fly * Dine * Wine * Shine", the special guests were invited to enjoy a buffet lunch which was laid out in the main tent, serving the over five hundred elders went down without a hitch. The laughter and happiness over the meal were a testament to a very successful day, which, once again, triumphed against all odds.

The success of Elders Flight is largely attributed to the dedicated efforts of organiser Felix Gosher, who meticulously coordinated all elements of the event, including aircraft logistics, medical support, food, tents, fencing, sound systems and live entertainment. It was not solely about flying; it was about dignity, care, and connection. Gosher's dedication to uplifting the community resonated throughout the day, reinforcing that Elders Flight is genuinely more than just an aviation event.

For numerous participants, the memories created at Jack Taylor Airfield will endure well beyond the time the engines are turned off. Some will recount tales of their inaugural flight. Others might recall the laughter, the music and the camaraderie. However, all of them will leave with something more significant than altitude: the understanding that their stories remain important and that, occasionally, granting someone the ability to fly is the most impactful gesture possible.

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