EAA’S TAILDRAGGERS’ FLY-IN TO WARMBATHS (BELA BELA) THIS PAST WEEKEND 18-20 SEPTEMBER

Since its inception, this event was always staged by Richard Nicholson and his wonderful family at Nylstroom airfield, but due to the rapid encroachment of the adjacent township, this airfield is no longer safe for General Aviation. Richard advised me that he would be moving his entire operation from Nylstroom to Bela Bela airfield and that construction on his new hangar complex would soon start. What a tragedy that yet another valuable asset, in the form of a licensed runway and airfield, is being overrun by squatters who are deliberately invading the Nylstroom airfield. However, the local authority and the SACAA simply stand by and allow this intrusion to happen.

Probably the most terrific aspect for me at this wonderful day in the sun, was the opportunity to meet up with so many EAA friends after the COVID-19 lockdown, which has frozen General Aviation for most of this year. This event was sponsored by PilotInsure and it was great to meet up with the team. Horace Blok won his next medical check up sponsored by PilotInsure and the raffle winner was Courtney Taylor won two hours in a flight simulator also sponsored by PilotInsure.

The African Pilot team consisting of Charlie and Fiona Hugo, Christine Brits and I were well accommodated by the Flying Club to allow us access to the flightline, the control tower and the vast aircraft parking area.

Although we arrived early, the temperature rapidly soared through 35 degrees Celsius, but around lunchtime some welcome clouds started building. When we drove home, we could see the weather worsening and although there were threats of rain none fell in the region of Warmbaths.

Despite the heat, many pilots took to the air to enjoy flying with their friends and colleagues in the region.This was not an airshow,therefore all flying activity was restricted to straight and level flights along the runway. However, the Puma Energy Flying Lions made an appearance with the four Harvards. After spending some time meeting fellow aviators the team took off and presented its usual well-practised routine, to the delight of the crowd on the ground. After its performance, the Flying Lions team returned to Rand Airport.

A big thank you to Nigel Musgrave and Bo Burger for manning the advisory air traffic control at the top of the steel structure that had been relocated from Nylstroom. Nigel was also the safety officer on the day and he was responsible for preparing all the documents required for the event to be legal. Judged by Nigel and Tony Smit the winner of the airmanship competition was Rudi Greyling who flew in from The Coves. Sean Cronin donated a set of the personalised chocks that his company Gluteck manufactures to the winner.

I counted about 20 tents that probably accommodated in the region of 40 people who spent Friday night under the stars camping in a secure area. Richard told me that at least the same number camped overnight on the Saturday. Thanks, must also go to the members of the Falcons’ Flying club for their excellent catering arrangements. Captain Karl Jensen waxed lyrical on the microphone, as only he can, all day Saturday entertaining the pilots, their families and friends.