Fly-In at Vredendal 22/23 August 2006

By Grant Kipling (pictures by Mark Kipling, Silver Falcons picture by Linda Hodgkinson)

The day dawned and revealed a brilliant spring morning with an expected high of 27deg on the ground in Vredendal. Our plan was to get air-borne by 0730 to take full advantage of the favorable conditions and to get the most out of the famous hospitality that has become legendary from the Vredendal Flying Club.

The clubs aircraft involved were KSS piloted by Grant Huskisson, KBK with Mark Kipling at the controls and later followed by Linda Hodgkinson in KKC. Grant had planned to leave on the Friday evening but after a delay due to a faulty magneto connection, it was decided to depart early the next morning.

After loading the aircraft to capacity, we were cleared for take-off on 01 with a left hand out via Cooling Towers and we were on our way. We had requested a cruising altitude of FL055 in the Flight Plan, but due to incoming IF traffic, we were denied entry into the TMA. This was not a problem as the conditions were ideal for any altitude and we opted to remain at 3500ft. A 500ft vertical separation between KBK and KSS also gave us the opportunity for some great photos of the aircraft.

On board KBK were some novice light aircraft passengers who were thoroughly enjoying the experience. The air was smooth and with unlimited visibility, the flight was good enough to convince any non-flyer that they should consider taking an interest in aviation. I am sure I heard a disappointed sigh from the back when we reported the Vredendal “field in sight”.

The active runway was 28, with light and variable winds. There was a temporary control tower on duty and KSS was duly cleared to land. Grant approached and found himself a little high so opted for a “go-around” to get a better look at the gravel strip. The 2^nd attempt was spot-on and he performed a textbook landing.

Mark took note of KSS’s landing procedure and set us up on a slightly longer final to get a better idea of the runway. Overhead the threshold, he also decided to “go around” as we were still a little high. The strip was 3000ft in length but it was a good option to have another look. In the meantime, the controller advised of a deviation in the wind and offered RWY 10 instead. This was however only approx. 1800ft long but all in all, a better bet given the conditions. We approached and performed a perfect short field final and landing with plenty of runway ahead.

We were greeted on the apron by members of the host club and made to feel very welcome. All the facilities were well planned right down to television sets being placed in the “bar” hanger. The Springboks were due to be thrashed again at 1500 that day. It is amazing how a simple game of rugby has the ability to ruin a perfectly good day. It was not the case here, as even a record loss did not dampen the spirit of the fly-inn.

Linda had subsequently arrived in KKC but unfortunately had to return for a 1600 booking of the aircraft. She had a good look around and after some sustenance, she and her passenger reluctantly made their way back to FACT.

The SAAF’s Silver Falcons gave a breath-taking display of close formation flying. Have they not heard of separation between aircraft? It appeared that their wings were glued together at times. The precision of the maneuvers was awesome and the younger enthusiasts swamped the pilots when they came to sign autographs.

The young age of these Air Force pilots always shocks. I heard the odd quip from Mark that they had better get home soon as their moms need them to bath, and anyway, Barney was on KTV at 5pm. Mark denies that it is pure jealousy but I am not so sure. Imagine getting paid for doing this.

The smell of braai fires soon filled the air and some folk went for sunset flights in the area. A number of Gyro-Copters had made the trip and it was good for us fixed wings flyboys to have a closer look at these strange relatives. The SAPS chopper was on display. It is brand new and very impressive. I would hate to try and evade the long arm of the law if it appeared in that form. The ever-present Microlites and Trikes were doing their thing and amazed a few of us with their impressive rate of climb.

After a great BBQ on Grants massive custom made braai, we fell asleep to the sounds of good old “Sokkie” music. Despite the hard ground, and rather noisy tent companions, we awoke refreshed, only to find fog covering the area. The locals were not perturbed and assured that it would clear soon. True to their word, it was opening up by 0900. After a brilliant breakfast, everyone begun packing up and one by one, the aircraft departed. The fly-pasts performed by some of the more adventurous pilots were great. To see a Gyro- Copter doing an intentional stall and spin recovery was to say the least, unusual.

With a heavy heart and an iron-willed promise to return, we were off the ground at 1130 for the return leg. Once again, the weather conditions on-route was perfect with barely any cloud. We decided on a relatively low-level coastwise course and must have reported “abeam the whale” many times. That always draws a chuckle from other aircraft. The air was full of other recreational pilots out enjoying the day. Our passengers were considerably more subdued this morning. They claim that they were overwhelmed by the view. Me thinks it may have had something to do with what I will leave at “the local hospitality” that was on offer the night before.

Our approach into FACT was uneventful and after a few orbits over Kenilworth we were all back on the ground with the minimum of fuss.

All in all, it was a fantastic way to spend a few days. I think we all learnt a lot about other aircraft, in whatever shape or form they may come. The kindness of the members of Vredendal Vlieg Klub will stand out and I will encourage our members to make a plan to get there next year. Just make sure there is a plane for us!!!!!!!
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The pictures below were taken by Vivian Watts, and are used with permission. (click on the image to view the full size versions). To view some of Vivian's other pics point your browser here

P28A ZS-KBK taking off


Copyright Vivian Watts

C72R ZS-KSS departing


Copyright Vivian Watts

Here is some more feedback from members who won prizes at our combined bash.

Flip in the new Cirrus SR22 -->Anthony Berkow

Wow! A free flip on the Cirrus SR22, and Sunday just happened to be my wife’s birthday too! Well it took some frantic last minute organizing that morning to arrange lifts for our daughter to her friend’s party, so we’d be free to go claim our prize. We decided it was easiest to bring our son (now 6) along for the ride - two hours before departure he had already dressed himself in his pilot’s uniform, complete with captain’s bars (which we had bought at the Ysterplaat air show last year)!

We arranged to meet the Cirrus team at Fisantekraal at 11:00B, having been advised by the Met’ office that the low stratus expected that morning would have blown off by then. I’ve flown to FAFK many times but this time we drove there, having switched my autorouting GPS to “land” mode. We arrived easily enough to find no sign of a Cirrus, and by lunchtime we were considering cutting our losses and going home, when at last we heard ZS-CDC and ZS-ZIP on the radio. They had been delayed at FACT for a number of reasons, but our long wait turned out to be well worth it!

Tali and Yaron took up their positions in the rear, I climbed into left seat and Cirrus’s representative, Andy Currin, took the right. I was not expecting to have the privilege of actually flying the aircraft and this was a great treat. ZS-CDC’s Lycoming engine was still hot so there was no need to use the electric primer. It however took a few turns before the engine came to life, and then I switched on the avionics – even the switches in the Cirrus are so nice compared to our 35 year old fleet!

My taxiing was a bit wobbly at first – the Cirrus has a full-castoring nose wheel and steering requires differential braking, the rudder only becoming effective as the speed picks up. However this allowed me to perform a really tight little turn with the greatest ease after our run up, to backtrack onto RWY 23.

After my usual run up checks, I performed my preflight checks, noting the differences between the Cirrus and the aircraft I usually fly:

- Test for full and free movement of controls: The joystick-like side control yoke needs very little movement and is well out of the way of everything!
- Trim neutral: The electrically-driven trimming system is operated by a thumb-controlled hat switch on the yoke.
- Throttle friction nut finger tight: There is none!
- Master on, magnetos both on, mixture fully rich.
- Primer in and locked: The centre-off rocker switch that turns on the fuel pump also controls the electric primer.
- Pitch fine: The automatic pitch control is linked to the throttle so there is no separate pitch control for the CSU.
- Pressures and temperatures in the green.
- Fuel: Correct tanks selected and electric fuel pump on.
- Flaps: Electrically driven, two stages. We selected the first stage for take off.
- Gills: None.
- Gyros: All OK.
- Hatches and harnesses: Wonderful doors that swing right up and really comfortable harnesses (available with airbags).
- Instrumentation: More than OK!
- Electrics: A really neat matrix of circuit breakers near one’s leg.

Andy advised me to rotate at 70kts and climb out at 90kts. My take-off run proceeded smoothly, but I tend to be a bit lazy on the rudder (our little Pipers hardly need any) and with 310hp in front of me I really needed to push down my right foot a lot harder!

Having completed my after take off checks we quickly left the circuit for the Paardeberg, and I mean quickly – with moderate engine power we already had a ground speed of 168kts! The side control yoke was easy to adapt to but I found the lateral trim control a little more difficult and my left wrist is surprisingly stiff this morning!

I tried some steep turns – really smooth and no need to touch the throttle. Then I tried a stall in the landing configuration – pretty docile with a slight wing drop. My son finds those maneuvers a bit scary so I agreed to some more conventional flying and returned to FAFK on a gentle descent.


I had to space myself carefully as not to overtake the other aircraft in the circuit, using full flap and maintaining 80kts on the approach. The landing was smooth and it was easy to keep the nose off the ground after touch down (felt very similar to the Tomahawk).

It would be great to be able to fly non-stop to Johannesburg in little more than 3.5 hours and at an operating cost of around R450 an hour (excluding financing).

The Cirrus was wonderful to fly and the only complaint I have is that I don’t have R2,4 million spare to buy one!

Many thanks to Cirrus, Andy Currin and the owner. See http://www.cirrusdesign.com for more information on these snazzy aircraft.

Here is some feedback from members who won prizes at the first combined bash. Many thanks to the sponsors and Linda for organising prizes!

Kagga Kamma --> Morne Kleinhans

We went to Kagga Kamma on 23 & 24 February 2006.

Our day started very rushed and after some car trouble I thought we would not make it to the lodge. After a couple of hours on the road we arrived at the gate which was left unlocked by the friendly staff... this was already after sunset!

On arrival the pace slowed down, we were given welcome drinks and escorted to our cave. After unpacking we made our way back to the main building for dinner. This was an amazing experience within itself... outside next to a big fire set between the rocks. The food was very good, with delicacies like springbok and gemsbok featured on the menu.

Our activities included star gazing through a telescope mounted on top of the rocks. Viewing the stars from there was an awesome sight! We saw the ring around Saturn!

We also took part in the morning game drive during which we saw some Gemsbok, Zebra, Eland and Wildebeest.

A highlight of the trip was to see the bushmen paintings. They were very well preserved and it was very informative to listen to the guide explaining their meaning.

The weekend ended with a sundowners drive. This really put the word sundowner into perspective. With a cold beverage in hand we watched the sunset over the rocks. Everything around us was showered with the golden rays of the setting sun, a beautiful sight.

This was really a weekend to remember and we would like to thank the friendly staff of Kagga Kamma for their hospitality.

Here is some feedback from members who won prizes at the first combined bash. Many thanks to the sponsors and Linda for organising prizes!

Skydiving with Skydive Citrusdal --> Gareth Pinnock

Last weekend (12 August), Citrusdal was inundated by more mad people wanting to jump from an aeroplane. Strangely enough, some normally sane pilots from Cape Town Flying Club were involved. I managed to get a few mates to do the jump with me on Saturday, and David Barnes took his family up on the Sunday. David forgot the golden rule (keep your aircraft away from skydivers, who always want to remove the doors!) and flew up, while I beat the weather and drove.

After watching a few jumps, and changing my pants about as often, my turn finally came. Watching the static liner's (including a young Russel) do their jumps from 3500ft is whenyour brain finally wakes up to the fact that you are about to throw yourself at the ground. Luckily, been strapped to an instructor (to say nothing of watchingthe girls do it first), means that there is very little incentive to chicken out.

And for good reason. The view once you are outside the plane must be seen to be believed! The freefall from 10 000ft can be only be described as awesome, and, no matter what my ex says, I still think 35 seconds is a very long time!!!

The fun does not end once the canopy opens. To be flying without the noise of an engine - and without the normal fuss that involves for us - ranks as one of my best flights. A few steep turns complete the fun and, if you are not screaming yet, it is possible to hear your friends on the ground below.

Converts have been made, and already plans are in motion to do static line courses in the near future. Thanks must be given to Skydive Citrusdal for sponsoring a tandem jump at the combined Christmas bash last year (won by the Barnes family).

Welcome all to the Cape Town Flying Club "Events diary". This will be updated with news about upcoming events, details and pictures about past events, and lots more.

We are in the process of setting this up, and it should be up and running shortly! In the meantime, happy flying.

CTFC