The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 322 has various events during each year and the Fly-In's are a special highlight and the first one of 2025 was no exception. There had been about 38 registrations although only around 22 aircraft of various types came in, due to the weather, some folks wisely decided not to take unnecessary risks. There was still a good turnout with about 50 scrumptious breakfasts being served by Lynette Breytenbach and her team.
The Speed Rally at Rand Airport on the same day could not continue due to weather issues. During the morning a few rain-squalls came through, bringing some rain, but it dried out later and the visitors could leave without too much delay.
Kitty Hawk clubhouse and surrounds were looking magnificent. The lawns are lush and well-kept, and contributed to a great atmosphere for the EAA members to have a great breakfast, socialise and discuss all things aviation.
Kitty Hawk clubhouse and grounds looking good, and breakfast almost ready.
Aircraft flying in started arriving from around 07:15, reporting the cloud base was around 6100'. There was almost no wind, but it was overcast and cool. Fly-in and Brakpan airfields were well represented in the aircraft that flew in. Some came from as far away as Vereeniging!
Some arrivals and parked aircraft.
Nigel Musgrave and Dawie Pretorius kept an eye on safety, while Chris Burger made sure everything was going smoothly.
Chris Burger, Chairman of the Board, in his natural FAKT habitat.
Trikes and Gyros departed early as they were some of the first arrivals.
The EAA worldwide runs a program called the “Young Eagles”, where young people are given their first experience of flight by EAA members. As Karl Jensen explained: the idea is that the seeds of aviation are planted in fertile ground, and when watered, one has to stand back quickly, or the “plant” hits you under the chin as it grows so fast! So, the highlight of today's event was Karl Jensen giving young Owen Smith his first experience of flight in his 1955 Cessna 170, with its uprated 180hp motor. Karl and this aircraft are seen at almost every local EAA event! Karl walked around the aircraft with Owen, patiently explaining the major parts and how they worked together to make flight possible and safe.
Recording the moment, then checking the controls after strapping in and Karl's satisfaction at launching another Young Eagle and Owen's excitement as they taxi away.
As they turned onto the taxiway, the rain started pouring, so Karl wisely turned around, but they did take off and return later, when the weather cleared enough to make flying safe and pleasant.
When Karl and Owen deplaned, Owen was presented with his Young Eagles certificate, confirming his entry into the “world's largest flying logbook”, signed by Karl as the pilot, and none other than the two legends of the “Miracle on the Hudson”: Chesley (“Sully”) Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles, the Co-Chairmen of the EAA Young Eagles program!
Then it was “time to say goodbye”, as the rest of the visiting aircraft took off for their home airfields after a memorable morning of committing aviation, sharing experiences and meeting old and new friends with such interesting and inspiring aviation backgrounds.
Visiting aircraft depart for home.
An event like this does not happen unless there are those with vision, passion and commitment do what is necessary to plan and execute the actions needed for success. Karl Jensen and Ronell Myburgh are just two of the many in EAA who work tirelessly to drive things behind the scenes. Then there are those that put in effort to host such an event like Chris, Dawie and Lynette and their staff and the ever-present Nigel Musgrave who ensure the event is successfully and safely run.
.jpg)
