The venue for this event for 2022 was Brits Airfield (FABS) and was hosted by Brits Flying Club. FAI competition rules were followed and this event was our preparation for SA teams’ selection for the World Rally Flying Championships also to be held in Brits in November 2022.

16 June was the first of three days and was extremely cold, but with clear weather and light winds. 17 June and 18 June produced excellent weather and warmed to normal fair winter days, great for flying. I only attended the Saturday 18 June final competition day.

Brits Flying Club were excellent hosts and the breakfast prepared everyone for the day ahead.

Brits Flying Clubhouse with Jonty Esser’s C150, still in pajamas, and some of the hangars as the sun started to warm things up.


The first two day’s results and maps had been posted on the notice board in the clubhouse.

Frank Eckard, competition Director, briefing the teams, while warm their backs in the sun through the open hangar doors.


The 2022 National Rally participants and officials group photograph.


The Cessna 150 with various engine powers, was a popular steed for teams.


Marshals placing the markings for the spot-landing at the end of the rally.




Marshals posing for group pictures in-between making sure all went smoothly.






Von Hamman and Hannes Roos preparing, taking off and landing in ZS-NBT.






Jonty Esser and Sandi Goddard chill during quarantine, before they receive their envelope, taking off and landing in ZS- BLL.






Nigel Hopkins and Mary de Klerk receive their envelop of instructions, taking off and “arriving” in ZS-PVY.






Laura and Stuart McDermid receiving their envelope of instructions, with their dog comfortably accommodated behind them, taking off and landing in ZS-MJB.






Piet Meyer and Adrienne Visser preparing their plots and reading instructions, taking off and landing in ZU-DUU.






Fanie Scholtz and Herman Haasbroek preparing their plots, familiarizing themselves with instructions, taking off and landing in ZU-FZF.






Hendrik and Jandre Loots getting to grips with the contents of their instructions, taking off and landing in ZU-IHK.






Alewyn Burger and Steve van der Merwe receiving their instruction envelope, taking off and landing in ZS-LOU.






Apie and Frederik Kotzee receiving their envelope of instructions, taking off and landing in ZS-OWF.






Tarryn and Iaan Myburg preparing after receiving their instruction envelope, taking off and landing in ZU-BSA.






Hans Schwebel and Ron Stirk with their heads down studying their instructions, taking off and landing – last, but not least, as they shared ZS-NBT and had to wait for its return.

Frank Eckard, as the event Director thanked the following for making the event a success:
– Brits Flying Club and Hans for hosting the event and making necessary arrangements.
– Cally and Frank for the event planning and producing routes that were challenging.
– Jacques as chief judge, who had to work on scoring some “interesting” landings, which would need some review and interpretation of the rules.
– Marshals – Ursula, Barbara (who couldn’t be active on the day, but was nevertheless here in support, due to her broken arm), Nella, Adrian and Dusty.
– Jabu for ensuring refueling was done.
– Jury – Leon Bouttell, Chairman of SAPFA, who was not required to settle any disputes, attesting to the spirit of fair play.
– Media for attending and covering the event.

Frank opening the prize-giving with thanks to all participants and officials, the various officials and contemplating who was the worthy recipient of the “propeller helmet” for interesting interpretation of arcs . Jonty and Sandi took this award, with the most “interesting” arc, but had already left.

Some people had already left:
– Laura and Stuart McDermid were in 11th place – 4081 points.
– Fanie Scholtz and Herman Haasbroek took 10th place – 3998 points, and 3rd in Landings – 130 points.
– Piet Meyer and Adrienne Visser took 9th place – 3678 points.
– Jonty Esser and Sandi Goddard took 4th place – 1647 points.
–

Von and Hannes receiving their certificates for 8th place – 3452 points – excellent achievement for first-timers!


Tarryn and Iaan Myburg receiving their certificates for 7th place – 2412 points.


Apie and Frederik Kotzee receiving their certificates for 6th place – 2375 points.


Hans Schwebel and Ron Stirk receiving their certificates for 5th place – 2216 points and 3rd place in Navigation – 471 points.


Hendrik and Jandre Loots receiving their 3rd place certificates – 1641, also won the new Rally Landing Trophy – 90 points, which is currently being produced.


Alewyn Burger and Steve van der Merwe receiving their 2nd place certificates – 1267 points, also 2nd in Observation – 770 points and 2nd in Navigation – 177 points, sections.


And the winners of the 2022 SA National Rally Championships were Nigel Hopkins and Mary de Klerk – 833 points overall, with Nigel being placed 2nd in Landings – 100 points (with some very “creative” efforts, testing the rules fully!), and team 1st in Observation – 565 points and 1st in Navigation – 168 points.


Mary thanked Frank and Cally for the huge efforts that go into putting these events together and remarked on the improvement in standards and experience on Provincial, National and International competition, and that we had the opportunity to be present on the World Rally podium, so perseverance was required.


Overall medal winners.


Brits will have to add some international direction boards for the World Rally Championships to be in November 2022.

Pilots Post congratulates winners and applauds all participants for competing in a challenging contest, designed to stretch boundaries and grow their capabilities in this SAPFA discipline.

Pilots Post was honoured to cover this National Rally event and wish to thanks the Brits Flying Club for their friendliness and hospitality. We look forward to the World Rally event in November 2022, and trust that all in the country will lend their support to make this a legendary event on the Rally Navigation calendar!

Results Day1 – ROUTE WEST

Results Day2 – Route SW

Results Day3 – Route NE