Aero Club of South Africa Development Programme

Annual Report – 2004

Aero Club

The Africa, Aerospace and Defence exhibition is the largest display of land, air and sea systems on the African continent and, for that matter, in the Southern Hemisphere. The show was presented at Air Force Base Waterkloof over the period 21 – 25 September 2004. One of the most important elements of the 2004 AAD exhibition was the SANDF Youth Development Programme. With Colonel Bobby Keiler from the SA Medical Health Services at the helm, a very dynamic committee was established to manage and execute the programme. The goal of this year’s programme was to ensure that it would be the biggest development programme in the world, by incorporating youth from a wider sphere than just the aviation fraternity. For this purpose, 3 days (21 -23 September 2004) was set aside for ±2 500 youth from various organisations to participate.

AAD as a whole includes a very strong aviation component and thus the major thrust of the development programme included high technological environments in aviation i.e. Flying, ATC, Engineering and Technician. The very big difference between this years programme and the programmes which were hosted in 2000 and 2002 was the practical and interactive approach, where youngsters could be exposed to practical and hands-on displays and be lectured on criteria and knowledge required to make the specific element a career choice.

Two halls where designated as the Youth Development Programme. Hall 7 was dedicated to the traditional Africa Militaire show which was a scale model, military cultural and historical show. Hall 6 was assigned to the SA Air Force (SAAF) under the leadership of Brigadier General James Wallis, the Director of Aviation Awareness in the SAAF. The components in hall 6 were all aviation related and tied practically into all high technological environments. Each of these components will be discussed later.

Each element portrayed a segment of aviation and how these components could provide a very enriched career. A very professional auditorium was built and hosted by Aviation Dimension and was used for presentations on various high-tech environments.

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TRUST

At Meyer who heads up this career orientated organisation provided an interactive exhibit of youth in his organisation actually busy with technology and science related projects. Very innovate ideas and concepts were visible and were very indicative of the creative mind of the youngsters involved. Aviation in Space Technology was very powerfully portrayed. The development of the inventive mind and future technological demands on society was emphasised. The art of creative thought and the use of raw material were profound in many of the projects on display.

Aero Club

S.A. AIR FORCE COMPONENTS

The SAAF’s Siyandiza Aviation Awareness Programme included static as well as interactive displays from Bases, Units and Squadrons around the country. Central Flying School Langebaanweg provided an Astra Aircraft and a full technical display indicating various expertise required to maintain aircraft systems. Maj Richie Richardson very professionally displayed the typical Wings Course presented by the School. The SAAF’s elite acrobatic team, The Silver Falcons, hosted autograph sessions for the youth. Test Flight and Development Center, Bredasdorp provided an Impala Homebuilt Flight Simulator as an interactive display. Static aircraft in the hall were provided by 2 Squadron, Cheetah D and Air Force Base Hoedspruit, 85 Combat Flying School, a fully armed Impala MkII. The SAAF’s Command and Control Systems Directorate provided a very comprehensive exhibit on the typical work of an ATC, by erecting a Mobile Air Traffic Control Centre.

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
AVIATION AWARENESS PROGRAMME: VULINDLELA

This participant provided their ‘horse and trailer’ display for the duration of the show. SAA ensured that an active pilot was available every day to answer questions relating to careers as an airline pilot. Staff from SAA were also available to advise the youngsters on various careers in the technical sphere.

THE AERO CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA

By far the biggest and most comprehensive contribution to the Youth Development Programme was from the various chapters of the Aero Club. Some organisations very closely related to the Aero Club were also approached to assist with the exhibitions and interactive displays. The key area in this regard was the availability of subject matter experts in the high-tech aviation environments. It is known that many of the exhibitors spent large sums of money ensuring that their contribution would be of value to the youngsters. Emphasis was placed on interactive displays with particular focus on a specific science within the chapter.

BALLOONING ASSOCIATION AND FEDERATION OF S.A. (BAFSA)

Felicity Ciegg from BAFSA co-ordinated a very compact but professional stall. They provided material and expertise on ‘lighter than Air’ technology and had video footage on ballooning in general. Apart from the interest shown by the youth, all visitors showed great interest in their exhibit and technology.

SOUTH AFRICAN ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION (SARA)

Albert Smuts provided the most valuable input to a youngster dream of becoming a Rocket Scientist, by presenting a very interactive display, utilising video material and experts in the science of rocketry. Dummy launches were also provided which added lustre to their contribution and the show as a whole. This relatively small chapter provided a ‘large contribution’ in terms of appropriate display material and a pragmatic approach to aviation science.

MICROLIGHT ASSOCIATION (MISASA)

Louis Jordaan assisted in co-ordinating members from their organisation to place a microlight at the exhibition and provide a stall where the youth could enquire about flight training using microlight aircraft. The particular scientific approach to weight-shift technique in aviation was displayed. Waterkloof High School’s Aviation Academy displayed alongside MISASA and together they provided information of various aspects of flight training of youngsters, particularly because the academy utilises microlights in their flight training programme.

EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION (EAA)

The science and technology of aircraft building, as an interactive participant proved to be somewhat difficult. Very few projects in process can be moved and displayed without the risk of damage. However, Terry Hertz co-ordinated their stall which depicted the ‘art’ and technology of aircraft manufacture and building. Although the Young Eagles Aviation Awareness Programme is synonymous with EAA the level of communication concerning careers and attributes of the aviation science was not appropriate for this particular event and was not included. Much interest was however shown in the programme.

Aero Club

SOUTH AFRICAN AERO MODELLERS (SAAM)

Andre Beukes and Craig Goodrum provided a most valuable display and included companies from the fraternity. Andre mustered much participation and included models in all their subsections for display. From jet engine technology to the art and wonder of scale building was displayed. One very interesting and important presentation was the science of Turbine Technology. Craig Goodrum’s team built a stall where youngsters could experience first hand RC flying on PC simulators as well as aircraft model building. Special must be made of the dynamic approach displayed by members of this chapter. These people have a heart for kids and a great passion for aviation. A truly excellent participant.

SOARING SOCIETY

Peter Eich together with his team of soaring enthusiasts helped provide this stall. The glider hanging from the hall roof is and will always be a noteworthy site. The wonder and science of utilising meteorological conditions to ensure flight was the emphasis of their exhibit.

WINGS AND TRACKS

Barbara and Renier Friebose (SAPFA members) presented the science of instrumentation technology. A practical display of the earliest instruments plus a working simulation of glass cockpit avionics was most professionally displayed. The enthusiasm of the members and their commitment to the programme made their contribution highly commendable.

ASSOCIATION OF VIRTUAL AVIATION (AVA)

Not new to the world of youth development AVA had a stall of 20 computers which were totally interactive and displayed the practical flying component of the development programme. A PC Based game will always attract a crowd. This is probably because an individual can react personally with the image he/she sees on the screen. Literally thousands of youngsters flocked to the PC’s to experience for the first time the wonder of flight. For the first time, the International Virtual Aviation Organisation (IVAO), which is an internet online flying organisation, joined AVA to experience how the PC based flight simulator could be used as a wonderful tool to orientate potential aviators. The’star’of the exhibit undoubtedly had to go to the Mirage FICZ home-built flight simulator. This totally 3 Dimensional simulation of flight is the first military jet fighter home-built PC based project in the world. The ‘aircraft’ featured very prominently on MNet’s Carte Blanche shortly after the show and provided the much appreciated exposure of virtual aviation to the greater public in general. The emotions of real-world fighter pilots ran high when they experienced the realism of this simulator. ‘Unbelievable’, ‘Awesome’, ‘Mind- blowing’ were but some of the words uttered. All the credit has to go to the Dooley twins, members of AVA, for their incredible ability in completing this project in 3 months, in time for AAD 2004.

In closing, it takes dedication, patience and tenacity to spend a week of your life telling thousands of people about your passion for aviation, and in particular the knowledge, experience and attitude you require to be a successful aviator, in this context, any element of aviation. The word thank you seems to be lacking in substance to express the measure of appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice made to make the Youth Development Programme a success. But Yes! Thanks to all of you out there, who did make this youth programme the best and biggest to date. A standard has been created from which countries around the globe can benchmark to. Well Done!

Harry Möle

Aero Club

Nigel represented South Africa in the World Precision Flying Championships and World Rally Flying Championships held in Denmark in 2004. He finished 5th in the Precision competition with only 161 penalty points and with his navigator was 4th in the Rally competition.

Earlier in the year Nigel had entered the Danish National Precision Competition as practice for the World Championships which he won.

Nigel’s achievements assisted the Protea Flying Team in obtaining a 4th and 7th position in the team results in the World Rally and Precision Championships respectively.

 

EASTERN CAPE RALLY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Port Elizabeth 20 November 2004

By Roger Thomas

For weeks leading up to the EC Rally, the question on one teams mind was – should we be looking to make the jump to open from the sportsman class?

Hans Schwebel
Hans Schwebel reading the news after landing

As navigator, I had got used to sprawling instruments, map and myself over a nice comfortable, stationary table in the briefing room. Now enclose me in a tin can with no comfortable desk and turn us onto spin cycle. It was a worrying consideration.

We had some reasonable success in the sportsman class and had built up some great friendly rivalry over the last few rallies with another team being Tony van Vliet at the controls and the human GPS – Mark Snelgar. Also entered into the rivalry at the last Ritchie Rally was Paul Ferreira. We were wondering what these teams were going to do.

A few days before the event and in walks the navigator with a large piece of cardboard (from a Rotax engine box) to be used as a template to see how big a desk could be constructed in the back of a C172. Two days later a plywood kneeboard spanning the entire width of the ‘172 was ready. Hardly a kneeboard being that size! More like a lap board.

Following the desk fitment, the decision was made – Open Class it will be. Now that we had the desk bit sorted out, we just weren’t sure what would happen when we were put onto spin cycle and contend with a desk that would be bouncing around. That would equate closer to a lap dance – well we can wish can’t we?

Rod Crews and Jack Wiehahn
Winners of Sportsman Class – Rod and Jack. Trophy handed over by Dave Perelson and Denise Booysen

We had prepared ourselves for getting used to not appearing at the top section of the results list – after all this was a provincial competition and there was going to be some serious competitors entering. Names like Ron Stirk and Barry de Groot were being spoken (and others that had represented SA in the recent World’s competition), so we had to know what we were up against. We were going to be happy with being somewhere from midfield onwards toward the bottom.

Jan Hanekom had arrived in PE about three days before the event. I am not sure if he came down early to take a break from work, or whether it was to orientate himself. At supper the evening before the rally, Jan indicated to me that whilst driving around in a part of our countryside, that the farm fence lines were pretty accurate on our maps. Now I was scared – these guys are really serious!

I then heard that Mary de Klerk was not going to be coming down to PE – something about her or Barry being ill. Pity really – I needed to get re-current again with my map coloring-in skills that she had taught us a few years back at the same provincial rally. I can’t remember if it was yellow highlighter for Trig Beacons, or if that was for power lines. 😉

Friday night and it was briefing time. Dave Perelson, our competition director, went through the normal type briefing, and then gave us a bit of insight to some of the new rules. This was to be the first Rally in SA under the new regulations. Something about flying in circles and arcs and following features. This was going to be interesting. Added to this, there were some points we were not going to receive clue sheets for until we had passed a certain point on route.

Roger Thomas and Tracey Simms
Roger Thomas and Tracey Simms – overall winners

Saturday morning arrived and “lovely” South Westerly was doing it’s number. I had checked the TAF’s and upper air wind charts before departing for the club – 17 knots on the ground and 30 knots at 3000 feet. They only knot I was worrying about after that was the one in my stomach!

On arriving at the club, Dave had indicated that they had re-calculated our times with a wind correction of 15 knots.

A quick call to my team mate and pilot Tracy Simms to ensure he was on his way. I then scampered to the aircraft and proceeded to set up. A neat trick I had seen at the 2003 World Championships was to use prestik and stick every instrument to the window for easy access. No having to scramble around to find your tools.

Tracy and I kept on assuring each other that nothing had changed. Since our first rally together our motto has been – “Let us go and have some fun!”

15 Minutes to go before take off time, and instructions were handed to us. The game was on!

There was one positive about plotting in the cockpit – No sign of Glen Meyburgh to fluster me! (Sorry Glen had to get this one in). Glen was Chief of Jury for this provincial rally. I do believe he popped his head past to see how we were doing, but being under this unfamiliar pressure of open class, I was concentrating and the outside world simply did not exist.

Jan Hanekom
Jan Hanekom – First “Solo Pilot”

There were some silly mistakes I made in the plotting, for instance between CP4 and 5 was an arc we had to fly. The arc had been provided on a map in the instructions with both points marked. I however wasted some time in plotting CP4 before I realized this. One of the other mistakes was so ridiculous I am not even going to share it.

I managed to have the 2 maps plotted before we went over the start, and was able to complete the headings by end of leg 1. Thank goodness, as with that wind, it was quite bumpy and I needed to get my head out of the cockpit before the knot in my stomach gained some altitude and made a non standard arrival.

The route was very different to past rallies. For one leg we had to follow a railway line – being the feature, which made it interesting – up until now all rallies consisted of was straight tracks. Once we identified one of the sidings on the railway track, we were able to plot the missing points that were not provided in the original set of instructions.

For the arc, I think my head should have been outside, as I think the additional workload on the pilot made it a little busier than normal and we did not do too well at identifying some of the en route photographs that were surely to be on the arc. The additional plots could have waited a little later.

A single check point eluded us as we flew straight over it, but as we were far too early for it, we discounted it as the correct spot. Later we found, as did many others (about 90% of the field), we had over flown the point and into the neighboring Addo Elephant park and below the minima for national parks. Eina! In our analysis later, we concluded that the wind had not been as strong as had been factored in, and thus made us ‘early’ to the point – being an into wind and a very short leg.

Roger Thomas and Tracey Simms
Winners of Open Class – Roger and Tracey. Trophy handed over by Dave Perelson and Denise Booysen

On returning Hans Schwebel was at the clubhouse, and we asked him how things had gone. He had found all the en route photos – and he had been flying alone! This confirmed our feelings as to where we would be placed in the competition. Later Jan Hanekom returned and also had found all the en-route photographs.

It was a real treat to see and compete against some of South Africa’s finest. It also demonstrated that rally flying is much about practice making perfect. This is shown very much by our own team of Brett Williams and his daughter, Christine, who improve with every single rally they have entered.

I think later that night in the pub, Tony van Vliet suggested that we should end our rivalry and for both teams to work together on taking on some of the other rallies held around the country. A great thought – watch out Eastern Cape may make a charge!

Final results were divided into three categories as a number of the pilots qualifying for open class either did not have navigators or, in the case of Anton janse van Vuuren and Walter Walle, had brand new navigators that had never flown before.

Open Class

  • 1st Place T Simms & Roger Thomas
  • 2nd Place T van Vliet & M Snelgar
  • 3rd Place P Ferreira & B Manthe
  • 4th Place B & C Williams

“Special” Class

  • 1st Place J Hanekom
  • 2nd Place H Schwebel
  • 3rd Place R Phillips
  • 4th Place W Walle & J Onderstall
  • 5th Place A janse van Vuuren (father and son team)

Sportsmans Class

  • 1st Place J Wiehahn & R Crews (England)
  • 2nd Place M Coutinho & S Mandel
  • 3rd Place R Parmar & P Sutton
  • 4th Place J Oates & G van Eeden
  • 5th Place P Puren & G Wiggins
  • 6th Place B Pilarczyk & K Seii

Thanks to Dave Perelson, Glen Meyburgh, Chris Booysen and all the marshals and helpers for a great day. Also a big thanks to all the pilots from outside of the PE area for taking the effort to attend one of our events.