ANDREW PAPPAS

Although he was very careful throughout the COVID-19 lockdown period, unfortunately Andrew contracted the dreaded virus and was admitted to hospital intensive care for several weeks. Just when he appeared to be pulling through, Andrew suffered a massive heart attack from which he did not recover. In his lifetime Andrew experienced more joy, heartache, adventure and achievements than any of us could imagine. Andrew will be best remembered for the manufacturing of the Bantam Light Sport Aircraft initially and then his own design the BatHawk which is a significant improvement on the Bantam. The BatHawk is manufactured from scratch at the Pappas airfield outside Nelspruit and Andrew’s son Terry will continue to run this most successful business.

I first met Andrew at the famous Margate airshows 35 years ago where he was always an entertaining person.

Our friendship continued through the years as our paths frequently crossed and I certainly enjoyed several flights with Andrew in his BatHawk over the beautiful Lowveld region near his airfield. Christine and I were also guests in Andrew’s home that overlooks the Nelspruit valley.

My friend Andrew, we wish you a wonderful flight in your BatHawk to that Great Hangar in the sky, when one day hopefully we will meet up again.