Administration (Page 2)

Chairman’s Report 2015

South African Power Flying Association

The South African Power Flying Association’s (SAPFA) main focus is to organise and promote power flying sports. We also represent the interests of our members by providing input on matters that affect GA pilots. We maintain links with the General Aviation Commission (GAC) of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).

President’s Trophy Air Race
In 2015 the President’s Trophy Air Race returned to New Tempe. Bloemfontein Flying Club pulled out all the stops and welcomed the 85 teams to a very well organised event. Results were out before sunset on both days and this led to a well run gala dinner and some great socialising after the final trophies were awarded.

The 2016 race will be held at Bethlehem and from our meetings with the Bethlehem Aero Club, I am confident this will be an even better event. Get your entries in early as the field is limited to 100 aircraft.

Precision and Rally Competitions
Once again our Fun Rallies were held at Rand Airport, Bethlehem, Krugerdorp, Virginia and Grand Central and Brits. Competition flying has returned to Stellenbosch and the local club have arranged two events this year.

The National Precision Flying Championships were hosted at Brits. Four teams eventually represented South Africa at the 22nd FAI World Precision Flying Championships which were held in Skive, Denmark. Our aircraft were available on the day of arrival and we started with training right away. The wind always blows in Denmark, but the scenery was great with lots of water ways, forests and off course wind mills. The competition was well organised but very competitive, and our first competitor was placed 36th with a score of 1055 for the four competitions.

Adventure Rally
SAPFA will be arranging an Adventure Rally at the EAA Sun and Fun to be held in Brits. Crews will be required to solve cryptic clues as they fly around the Brits Area.

Air Navigation Race
The FAI has designed a new form of flying competition which involves very accurate navigation inside a narrow corridor. We had great fun with this competition in Brits. One of our teams has been nominated to compete in this new competition over the desert in the World Air Games in Dubai.

SAPFA continues to be run by volunteers who give up their personal time to attend meetings, organise events, study legislation and more.

Thank You.

Frank Eckard
Chairman
South African Power Flying Association (SAPFA)

The  SAPFA Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 1st August 2015 at 14h00.

The following committee was nominated.

Frank Eckard	Gauteng and Mpumalanga
Jonty Esser	Gauteng and Mpumalanga
Mauritz du Plessis	Western Cape Province
Sandi Goddard	Gauteng and Mpumalanga
Arddyn Moolman	Gauteng and Mpumalanga
Cate Juselius	Kwa-Zulu Natal
Hans Schwebel	North West Province and Limpopo Province
Mary de Klerk	Gauteng and Mpumalanga
Robbie Myburg	Gauteng and Mpumalanga
Ron Stirk	North West Province and Limpopo Province
Walter Walle	Free State and Northern Cape Province
Hans Potgeiter	Western Cape Province
Robin Spencer Scarr	Seconded

 

The 2010 Annual SAPFA “Bosberaad” was held from 5 – 7 February. It was hosted by Ron Stirk on his game farm, Paddafontein, about 10 nm South of Thabazimbi (as the crow flies). The SAPFA committee was joined at various stages by Kevin Storie, the recently appointed General Manager of the Aero Club of South Africa, Koos Marais (Chairman of AOPA-SA), Neville Bohm (Chairman of EAA) supported by Karl Jensen and two EAA committee members.

This is the first year that SAPFA have extended the invitation to EAA, AOPA and Aeroclub to join their annual planning meeting. It has been recognized that the combining of forces across the various representative bodies has become a necessary path to follow. While each of the respective organisations have their unique focus area it was agreed that they would work together on issues of common interest to prevent duplication of effort and ensure effective representation for General Aviation. A small sub-committee with one person from EAA, AOPA and SAPFA was formed with the view of formulating an action plan. It was also agreed that a representative from CAASA would be invited to attend.

On the recreational and sporting side SAPFA and EAA have already laid a foundation for co-operation in various areas. Each EAA event now includes the Fun Rally series. SAPFA is also supporting the Young Eagles program which is fast gaining momentum as an introductory level to young aviators wishing to get involved in sport flying.

SAPFA is primarily involved with sport aviation. The four disciplines are Precision Flying, Air Rally Flying, Air Racing and Landings. SAPFA is also the custodian of aircraft speed and altitude records in South Africa. SAPFA will be supporting AOPA in its role of representation on the regulatory and para-statal front.

As with all the other sporting affiliated Aero Club bodies, SAPFA are embracing the Development and Transformation program of the Aero Club.

The SAPFA calendar for 2010 boasts at least one event every month to encourage the growth of sport aviation. The annual highlights include the SA Rally Championships which will be held at Aviators Paradise from 16 – 18 April and the PTAR which will be held in Rustenburg from 27 – 30 May. Watch the Events Calendar for the next event.