July 2016

Hoedspruit Fun Rally

By Cally Eckard

Wynand Uys from Hoedspruit Flying Club, has been in communication with Frank Eckard for three years, arranging this event, and finally the weather and dates coincided.  Eleven teams registered, two of them from Tzaneen  and one from Krugersdorp.  The remainder were resident pilots, and it is clear from the good results that Wynand’s training in rally flying has stood them in good stead.  Other clubs holding rallies should watch out when one of these teams compete.

The weather was perfect on the ground, with a 10 knot wind creating some challenges after take-off.  When not focussing on the rally, the competitors were treated to some of the most beautiful scenery in our country, against a backdrop of the Blyde River Canyon.

Bruce McDonald and Hoedspruit Flying Club hosted a braai and prize-giving after the competition in Bruce’s hangar which is fully equipped for the purpose, with a deck and a view of the mountains.

Two of the teams, both from Hoedspruit, scored zero for navigation, which is a superb result.  They were Uys van Rensburg, Barry van der Merwe and Don Scott, Joe Meyer.

Third Place Don Scott with Frank and Wynand                                                                                  Second Place Uys van Rensburg with Frank and Wynand

First Place Martin den Dunnen with Frank and Wynand

Martin den Dunnen won the spot landing competition and a cash sum of R1000 sponsored by Deon Grové of Flag Steel, Acornhoek.
A prize of 100 litres of Avgas was donated by Wynand Uys to the first-placed team, and bottles of wine donated by Sun Catchers Hot Air Ballooning to second and third-placed teams.

The top 5 results were as follows:

We are hoping to make this an annual event – so look out for dates next year and mark it on your calendar so you don’t miss it.