Wouter Havenga, Trike City and some Drakensberg Trike Flights
By Willie Bodenstein
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17.01.2025
It was approximately 5 years ago when Wouter decided to get his backside of the chair and into the air and get his NPL licence before he turns sixty. He saw the way in which Marius Dreyer and Thomas Wiese's hangar was being built by Thom at FABB, whilst Marius was in the Middle East.
When everything was done and Marius was back in the country he purchased an oldish Trike from Thom and got his licence. Whilst still busy with his license he hangered his aircraft with them and he and Marius became good friends and flew together regularly, as Marius has been flying for a number of years already.
Marius lives in the hangar and Wouter lives close to the field, and it was more or less then that the idea of Trike City was born. The idea was to see if they couldn't get more people interested in flying Microlights. At that stage microlight flying for whatever reason was in decline and as no microlights were being built locally.
However, whenever the weather was good, they flew and could be found in the circuit. In the mean time they started a WhatsApp group aimed at those that were involved in trikes and flying. That kept them active. They loved those early morning flights and were regular visitors to Roodia, Kittyhawk, Rhino Park and Klipriver, for a quick breakfast or late afternoon flight over the Suikerbos Rand. Always nice.
Together they did quite a few long-distance flights and about a year ago decided to do some serious mountain flying in the Drakensberg. Departing Brakpan they flew to Harrismith with a pitstop at Thanda Tau. Onwards to Ladysmith where they booked into the lodge which is adjacent to the airfield. They stayed for a week taking off early every morning to explore flying over the dams, Dragon's Peak and Giant's Castle and all the well-known stunning places that the area is famous for. They regularly stopped at El Mirrador for coffee and scones.
The return trip was a bit dicey. They left a bit late as low cloud and mist delayed their take off and they only arrived late at Gauteng after a not too pleasant flight.
Turning sixty-six next year, Wouter, who as mentioned earlier had started late in his life, has now been flying for five years. He still hangars at Marius and Trike City and have now owns his third trike. As part of their attempt to get more people involved, they help fellow pilots sorting out problems, and providing assistance where they can. Marius is especially is good at sorting out queries and paper work issues with the CAA, as he has built a good relationship with the relevant persons there.
“Flying Microlights is something that I really enjoy. I would have loved to get more involved in aviation. However, being a pensioner, the costs unfortunately does not allow it. Microlighting is an affordable option for those who want to experience the thrill of flight, but on a budget. Although limited by weather in our flying schedules, we really enjoy the Low and Slow of trike flying.” Wouter said.
