Traditionally the Aero Club's Dinner is the last of the major aviation events of the year and this year it was again so. This year the Awards were hosted at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Bartlett, Boksburg situated almost under the approach to landing at either runway 03 or 21 of O. R. Tambo International Airport.
Pilots Post was present at the awards ceremony as we have been present at all of the year's major events as well as almost all of the minor once.
Birchwood in my opinion was the ideal venue. Centrally situated with loads of secure parking the service was good and the buffet above average.
David le Roux did an excellent job as the MC
Rob Jonkers was the first to take to the podium. Rob has served charman of the Aeroclub for the last six years and this year, according to the club's constitution, he had to retire. Incidentally, he was instrumental and having the clause inserted in the club's constitution.
Rob's speech
Good afternoon, ladies & gentlemen and honoured guests, welcome to our Aero Club Awards Ceremony. This year the awards from a protocol point of view will be handled slightly differently, in that I will introduce our Vice Chairman Goitse Diale to officiate the proceedings and do the official welcome and the awards speech, as I will take up more a cameo role this time round.
ROB PIC To secure continuity within the Aero Club board, we have identified that there should be a succession plan in place for handing the baton over, in particular that our constitution only allows terms up to a maximum of 6 years, and in my case those 6 years are up by next AGM in April 2025. Although I have served longer, this constitutional updated was put into effect in 2019, and allows for a healthy progression of the Aero Club with new blood to make the required difference as society moves forward. "It also allows some of us to time out after a gruelling stint in the volunteer world."
Thus we elected Goitse at our last AGM in April 24, and we have been working towards succession in the role of the chair as well as to ensure that other elements are covered off within the Exco, and have recently also co-opted Nadine Brooker to take up the role of Stakeholder relations, which for our Recreational Aviation community is becoming more important to demonstrate that we have our members back where it comes to ensuring our success at growing and maintaining our privilege in the freedom of flight and is the mainstay of our organisation together with all our sections.
Not wanting to cover these and many more aspects that I am sure Goitse will cover in his address, let me introduce Goitse to the stage, wish him well in this awards baptism of fire, and that you all enjoy the afternoon.
Next on was Goitse Diale. Goitse is the incoming chairmen of the club. This young man's passion for aviation is boundless and he is without a doubt is going to go places in aviation. We will in the flowing weeks published his speech in its entirety.
Starters where then served.
The serious business, the announcing of the names of those who have either represented the country internationally or of those who have gone above and beyond duty to promote the club then commenced.
SASCOC National Protea Colours
Protea colours are warded to those that represent the country in international sporting events.
Abraham Kotze, Karin Schutte (Manager), Laurence Hardman, Phillip Jonker & Uys Jonker The 37th World Gliding Championships (Club, Standard and 15m. Classes) held at Narromine, Australia from 29 November 2023 to 16 December 2023
Adriaan Jonker, Dawid Pretorius, Dirk Coetzee, Jason Adriaan (manager), Riaan Denner, Uys Jonker & Oscar Goudriaan The 38th World Gliding Championships (Open, 18 and 20m, Multi-seat Classes) held at Uvalde, Texas from 24 August to 1 September 2024
Phillip Jonker, Henry Daly, Michael Tiffin & William Daly (Manager) The 13th FAI Junior World Gliding Championship Michaelow Airfield, Ostrow, Poland 13 to 27 July 2024
Christopher Koekemoer, Jean Strauss, William Sharman & Quintin Henning - Special Acknowledgement 10th FAI World Canopy Piloting Championships 2024 hosted by the Parachute Association of South Africa held in Pretoria - South Africa 24 to 30 September 2024
Christopher Koekemoer, Jean Strauss, William Sharman & Quintin Henning - Special Acknowledgement
4th FAI World Canopy Piloting Championships 2024 Held at Pretoria - South Africa 24 to 30 September 2024
Bejamin Jacobs, Carlo Volbrecht, Liam Volbrecht & Nicholas Neofitou
FAI World Drone Racing Championships held at Hangzou, China 31 October to 3 November 2024
Wayne Willcox
Special Acknowledgement for his participation in the Brazil Pylon Race held at Bis Mirasol, Brazil 29 & 30 June 2024 & 21 to 22 September 2024 SAPFA Rally Awards
Fanie Scholtz & Herman Haasbroek The 2024 SAPFA Speed Rally Champions. These are the series winners with events held at Bela Beal, Groblersdal and Brits
Eric Addison & Johan van Zyl SAPFA Presidents Trophy Air Race Winners
The President's Trophy Air Race, first held in 1937, has evolved into a two-day handicap race, the aim of which is to go as fast as you possibly can around a given course. Held annually, it is one of the most prestigious events on the South African aviation calendar
SAMAA Awards
Ray Grobbelaar SAMAA Junior Member of the Year
Ray Grobbelaar, a promising 10-year-old aeromodelling pilot, has already demonstrated impressive skills in his first SAMAA Combined Nationals in 2024, securing 3rd place in both the Basic Large-Scale Aerobatics and Sportsman Precision Aerobatics categories. His passion for the sport extends beyond competitions, as he also actively participates in events like the SAMAA & Irene Radio Flyers Fly-in and the Utopia Fly-in. Ray's enthusiasm is contagious, and his supportive nature makes him a valued member of the aeromodelling community, always encouraging his fellow pilots.
Neil & Joshua Twomey SAMAA Senior member of the Year
Neil Twomey has been a significant figure in the aeromodelling community, playing a dual role as both a dedicated instructor and a supportive parent. As an active instructor at the North Eastern Radio Flyers, Neil has been instrumental in guiding club members, particularly through his involvement in judging their proficiencies. His expertise and commitment have ensured that pilots meet the high standards required for safe and skilled flying, further elevating the club's overall performance. Beyond his instructional duties, Neil also provides unwavering support to his son, Joshua Twomey, who regularly participates in full-size airshows as the aeromodelling pilot. Neil plays a crucial role in assisting Joshua with aeromodelling flying demonstrations at these events, helping to showcase the precision and artistry of the hobby to a wider audience. his guidance has been pivotal to Joshua's success, as he navigates the challenges of performing at such high-profile events. Neil's contributions, both as an instructor and as a father, exemplify his passion for aeromodelling and his dedication to fostering the next generation of pilots.
Joshua Twomey - is a dedicated and skilled aeromodelling pilot known for his exceptional flying abilities with remote-controlled (RC) model aircraft. He actively showcases his talents at full-size airshows, where he performs intricate manoeuvres that not only highlight his expertise but also enhance the overall experience for spectators. In addition to his performances at airshows, Joshua is deeply involved in the world of model aerobatics. He participates in various competitive events, demonstrating precision and artistry in his flying. His commitment to excellence is further exemplified by his participation in precision aerobatic world championships, where he competes against some of the best pilots globally, showcasing his skills in a highly demanding and technical discipline. Joshua's contributions to the aeromodelling community and scene is significant, as he continues to inspire others with his passion for flying and dedication to the sport.
Rob Hurlin SAMAA Youth Developer of the Year
The College was founded by Sally and Rob Hurlin in 1991 as a Christian calling and in response to the education crisis in South Africa. Their vision was to create a disciplined and secure Christian environment in which the best possible education could be provided at the lowest possible cost to students from a disadvantaged educational background. The other major goal was to invest in the future of South Africa by developing our young people and giving them the necessary strong educational foundation. Rob Hurlin obtained a BSc (Eng) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1978 and a PhD (Eng) in 1993. He worked in the Aeronautical industry for more than 22 years, specialising ultimately in business development. He assisted the College on a part-time basis before becoming its full-time Director in 2001. Extramural activities that Rob introduced at the school is Model Flying where the children may apply to partake in this activity and so develop their flying abilities and their interest in aviation. The Cornerstone College Model Flying Club was launched in 2007 at the suggestion of Allen Fraser, then Chairman of the Silverton Model Flying Club and past-owner of Frasers RC Models. Allen proposed a partnership between Cornerstone College, SAMAA, SMFC and Frasers RC Models for the development of young RC pilots. The partnership established by Allen has run successfully since then. The Cornerstone College Model Flying Club is run by the school's director, Rob Hurlin. Rob is a keen aero-modeler and life member of SAMAA and the SMFC.
Barnstomers Model Flying Club SAMAA Club of the Year
The Barnstormers Model Flying Club successfully completed all five categories for the Club of the Year award, showcasing their versatility and dedication to aeromodelling, these achievements include: 1. Hosting Fly-in/Airshow - The Barnstormers Winter Airshow, a major event for the club. 2. Hosting Club challenge: The Chairman's challenge, which consisted of a potjiekos competitions and the Q-Tee build challenge, blending aeromodelling with social camaraderie. 3. Attending a Fly-out event: Participation in the prestigious Tournament of Champions, in honour of Ian Edwards. 4, Hosting/Attending Competition: The F3K Team Trails, highlighting the club's focus on competitive flying. 5. Exemplifying the Best Spirit of "Gees": their Saturday afternoon gathering, fostering a strong community spirit among members.
Special Recognitions
Gawie Bestbier Gawie Bestbier has been a member of the Aero Club for many years.
He is an enthusiastic microlight pilot and owns two trikes. Apart from being a recreational pilot it is Gawie's other role that is the reason for this award.
Gawie is the Executive for Aviation Infrastructure at the South African Civil Aviation Authority. In this capacity and while in previous positions through the years at the SACAA, Gawie has guided and assisted the general and recreational aviation industry.
Gawie has a vast knowledge of civil aviation regulations, both local and international. Gawie has shared this knowledge and that of the CAA processes with Aero Club members for many years.
This excellent advice and guidance on a wide range of matters ranging on anything from airfield licencing and registration to aircraft airworthiness has resulted in Aero Club members flying legally within the regulations.
Gawie has also been a valuable source of knowledge and guidance by assisting the various members who have represented the Aero Club in advocacy matters at the SACAA.
It is because of this wide range of assistance and advice to recreational and general aviation and particularly to Aero Club members that Gawie Bestbier is nominated for the Aero Club Special Recognition Award.
Walter Doubell Walter Doubell has been appointed as the Advocacy Officer of the Aero Club since 2023, although already performing some of the role since 2020 - with an astute ability to disseminate regulatory proposals.
He is required to read the reams of legislation and proposals for changes to this legislation, and ensure that this does not negatively affect the freedoms that our members enjoy. He attends most if not all of the workgroup and workshop meetings with the regulators and our insurers and represents the interest of the Aero Club and all the sections.
In our thanks and recognition of his contribution and dedication we award him this Aero Club Special Recognition Award.
Sling Aircraft Sling Aircraft are proudly a centre of excellence for their creation and development of various Sling Aircraft over the previous 18 years for Recreational Aviation in South Africa and are thus becoming a Leading Light Aircraft manufacturer.
This has been recognised by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) USA. EAA USA who have awarded them the highly prestigious Dr August Raspet Memorial Award in 2024 at the annual Airventure in Oshkosh. Among previous recipients who have made outstanding contribution in Light Aircraft Design are Garmin, Craig Catto, BRP Rotax Engines, Phil Lockwood, Dick van Grunsven, Burt Rutan and Ray Stitts, among others. The Aero Club have previously recognised this teams contribution. and now we acknowledge the achievement of James Pittman and Mike Blyth having been recognised for the August Raspet Memorial Award.
Middelburg Aero Club The Aero Club would like to thank the team at the Middelburg Aeroclub for their willingness to consistently assist in hosting our Airweek
Thean event that started to take place there from 2018, and has gone from strength to strength with continuous upgrades to facilities and support of club members to host this annual event - with the vision in making this the Oshkosh of South Africa.
For their club's dedication to being the anchor of one our biggest events to celebrate the club we award them the Special Recognition Certificate and ask Cobus to share this with his team.
Youth and Development Certificate
Kerry Puzey accpted the award on behalf of Tyla her daughter Accepted the award on behalf of EAA Young Aviators for their dedication to hosting events, building a network for young GA participants and sharing the message about our wonderful fraternity
Don Tilley Trophy for Safety in Aviation
Nigel Musgrave Nigel Musgrave, a man of fine principles, has shown a penchant and dedication for Aviation Safety and has enhanced flight safety at all EAA flying events as well as at formally constituted Air Shows throughout South Africa.
He has been a stickler for abiding by regulations of CAA, ATNS, and various airport authorities where he has acted in the capacity of Safety Officer. Whereas many event organisers are not aware of complex requirements and restrictions of what can be performed/displayed, Nigel readily informs these officials and sponsors of somewhat difficult regulations and rules, from which he does not waiver. He assists, personally liaises and submits required paperwork to the authorities well in advance of event dates. His reports post air events where he has officiated, are almost dreary because there has invariably been no incident worthy of mention in a dynamic and often a potentially dangerous environment.
Nigel travels far and wide by road, well ahead of the event to ensure all safety requirements are timeously met.
For Extraordinary Dedication to Flight Safety, ensuring Aviation Events are Safe for Participants, Members and Spectators were award him the Don Tilley award for Safety in Aviation.
Neil Bowden
Guest Speaker
Neil who started flying in 1978and has been the builder of a Pietenpol Aircamper and a Sling 2 that fittingly wears the ZU-OSH as its registration number is the current charman of the EAA of SA.
However, he is probably better known as the organisers of the yearly tours to AirVenture in Oshkosh in the USA. Neil regaled those present with the history of the tours which has up to now given more than 3,000 South Africans the opportunity to attend the world's greatest aviation event.
We will soon publish Neil's speech in its entirety.
Dennis Jankelow Trophy for Airmanship
Denzil Gertzen Denzil is a remarkable young man who had an early affinity for flying particularly helicopters and he followed in his dad Derek's footsteps that also got his licence just as he left school.
Denzil is also an accomplished Gyrocopter pilot which he uses in his day job along with various helicopters that he flies in a security company.
On this particular day Denzil was flying a Robinson R44 whilst doing surveillance work, he heard a mayday call on frequency of a Tiger Moth that was having engine problems and was going to carry out a forced landing in the Meyerton area. Denzil picked up the registration and phoned Peter Lastrucci whilst flying as he knew Peter also had a Tiger Moth and asked him if he knew the Tigers Registration ZS- BGN. Immediately Peter responded and confirmed it was Jeff Earle. Peter knew that Jeff was either going or returning from Vereeniging Jeff's home base to Heidelberg, for the great train race that was being held there. Whilst Denzil was flying Peter and Denzil discussed on the phone to plot a line from Vereeniging to Heidelberg from Denzil's approximate position, this in order to orientate and locate where Jeff may have carried out the forced landing. Within a few minutes Denzil located the Tiger and landed to render assistance to Jeff.
Denzil acted swiftly to determine who it was and devised a quick plan to render assistance to a fellow aviator in the quickest possible way. This helpful deed warrants an airmanship award for helping a fellow aviator and ensuring further safety was rendered in a time of need.
African Pilot Airshow of the Year 2024
3rd Place
Polokwane Airshow
2nd Place
Stellenbosch Airshow
1st Place
Lowveld Airshow
James Gilliland Trophy for the most meritorious feat over the past year
Sven Olivier, Laurence Hardman & John Coutts On Sat. 27th July, Sven Olivier & Laurence Hardman in JS1 gliders & John Coutts in a 2-seater Janus, flew from Worcester, Western Cape all the way to East London airport.
And then 2 weeks later two of them (Laurence & John in the same gliders) flew to Margate, KZN.
A fantastic display of skill and a brilliant way to showcase the wonders of gliding and flying without an engine.An achievement of note.
The SA Eagle Trophy for the Most meritorious achievement at an International Event
Phillip Jonker Phillip Jonker at only 21 years old competed at the 37th World Gliding Championships in Benalla, Australia in Dec. 2023.
He was competing against senior pilots with many more hour's experience - he finished 5th overall. He then went on to compete at the 13th Junior World Gliding Championships in Ostrow, Poland in July 2024 and achieved 4th place overall. An excellent performance for such a young man.
The PGS Trophy for the manufacture or design in the South African Recreational Aviation
Jonker Sailplanes Designers Johan (Bossie) Bosman & Attie Jonker have produced another successful JS glider - the JS5 (open class) which was test flown later last year.
Four of these JS.5 manufactured gliders flew at the recent World Gliding Championships in Uvalde, Tx, USA. JS have produced very successful gliders so that in this WGC, in the 2 classes totalling almost 50 pilots, at least 30 of the pilots were flying in JS gliders. For the remarkable achievement we award them the PGS TROPHY - Manufacture or design in the South African Recreational Aviation.
Silver Wings for exceptional service / project to further the Aero Club of South Africa
Louis Stanford Louis Stanford is the chairperson of the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. During his tenure as well as before becoming chairperson of SAHPA, Louis has shown a determined dedication to improve the safety in para- and hang gliding in South Africa.
Louis introduced systems that monitor the activity of paragliders. This was not a punitive measure but rather focussed on fostering a learning culture among the paraglider pilots. In cases where there were transgressions, Louis has been on the forefront of ensuring that suitable enforcement of the SA Civil Aviation regulations has taken place.
It is not only in an enforcement role that Louis contributes to safety in paragliding. Louis was instrumental in setting up a formal working relationship between SAHPA and the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre. A system was developed which allows SAHPA members to get help quickly from the ARCC in the event of an accident that requires medical attention and extraction from difficult terrain in a remote area.
The introduction of these various methods to improve safety and assist para- and hang-gliders has had valuable and positive results for safety in recreational aviation. This contribution by Louis Stanford earns him SILVER wings - Exceptional service / project to further the Aero Club
Gold Wings
Pete Wallenda Pete is the grandfather of paragliding in SA. He has served on the SAHPA committee as chair many times and advised for decades.
He has developed many of the aviation manuals still used to this day. Served while chair on the AeCSA council and dealt with the regulator year after year.
He has manufactured and still is the premier repair of all paragliders in RSA. He remains one of the most positive forces in paragliding in RSA and is also recognised internationally
We recognised his contribution by awarding him GOLD Wings.
Paul Lastrucci accepted the award on behalf of Mark Clulow
Mark has been involved in aviation for many years starting off in the South African Air Force where he flew Mirages in combat after which he followed a career in business.
Mark, also an instructor has trained many pilots over the years, where he has imparted his knowledge and skill. Mark has been the EAA of South Africa and EAA Chapter 322 Treasurer for over ten years now and has kept a tight rein on the finances to ensure that the EAA finances are always run effectively and transparently. Mark always ensures that all monies owed to the Aero Club for subscriptions or other business transacted is dealt with timeously and professionally.
In Mark's professional and quiet demeanour, he has provided a great service to the Aero Club and EAA members for more than ten years and is a worthy recipient of Gold Wings in recognition of his valued service. Mark is retiring as treasurer of the EAA in May 2025.
Rob has served 8 years on Council and his 6-year term as chairman and in terms of our constitution, which he re-wrote to comply with the new companies act, he is obliged to step aside.
We wish to thank our outgoing Chaiman for his dedicated service and contribution to the Aero Club.
He was co-opted to the executive in 2016 to manage our centenary celebrations. He previously served as SAPFA vice chairman in 2017 and chairman from 2018 to 2021 and continues to serve on the SAPFA committee. Rob also served on the Council of the Aeronautical Society of South Africa affiliated to the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2004 and served as President from 2008 to 2014.
For his years of meritorious service to aviation we take pleasure in awarding the Gold Wings.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Athol Franz In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of recreational aviation photography.
Athol Franz has been a dedicated visual storyteller, capturing the essence and spirit of countless aviation events. His work has been pivotal in promoting and celebrating the achievements within the aviation community.
Neil Bowden Neil Bowden, President of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 322, has arranged 26 tours and weeklong camps at the AnnualEAA Airventure at Oshkosh, Wi. Wittman Regional Airport where EAA USA is head quartered.
With few exceptions he has conducted expeditions/tours to the EAA Annual Oshkosh mega aviation event, where thousands of South Africans experienced the biggest aviation event in the world and the magic of a well-disciplined fraternity of aviation enthusiasts, thereby encouraging involvement in Recreational Aviation and general involvement in aviation in South Africa. Thousands of South Africans have experienced the Oshkosh phenomenon because of Neil's leadership and involved themselves more intensely in recreational aviation on return to South Africa. His leadership and organisational skills are exceptional, and he is a fine example of patience and decency. Neil has ensured that EAA South Africa is recognised officially by EAA USA. Neil has built two aircraft, a Pietenpol Air Camper and his current airplane a Sling 2, both built to the highest standard and which are regularly flown. In his time as Chairman of EAA Chapter 322 Johannesburg, the paid-up membership of the Chapter has grown to more than 350 members, the biggest EAA Chapter in the world.
Neil's continued involvement has ensured recognition of EAA of South Africa. EAA internationally has more than 1,000 Chapters and 260,000 members. South African members via affiliation to the EAA USA makes access to all manner of valuable intellectual aviation facilities possible.
Neil Bowden was the only 2023 SPECIAL AWARD recipient of EAA USA for his involvement in enhancing the international EAA fraternity. His camp, named 'Plakkerfontein' is a regular reference point for the other up to 60,000 campers during the event.
Neil was the main driving force for EAA South Africa to ensure a permanent home at the EAA Auditorium where Recreational Aviation is encouraged and enhanced at Rand Airport
Neil issues a regular EAA Newsletter which keeps members and others abreast of Recreational Aviation activities, which is worthy of an award.
For Extraordinary Dedication and Achievement in Furthering Recreational Aviation we award him the Aero Club Lifetime Achievement Award.
Closing
The Aero Club of South Africa thanked the following individuals for their volunteering efforts in making this awards ceremony another successful event: David Le Roux, master of ceremonies, Neil Bowden, guest speaker and the awards committee under the leadership of Frank Eckard as well as the Birchwood staff.
