It is with great sadness that we learned that this year's edition of Taildraggers would be the final one of this iconic event. Richard Nicholson, together with his family and a dedicated team of club members, has decided it's time for a well-earned break.
For eleven years, this team successfully organised the EAA's Sun & Fun at Brits before relocating to Nylstroom, where Taildraggers was born. The event thrived there until an illegal land invasion forced the move to Warmbaths, where the spirit of Taildraggers was kept alive. This year marked the final chapter, hopefully, at least for now.
Next time you attend a fly-in like Taildraggers, spare a thought for the tireless club members working behind the scenes. Unlike airshows, now largely commercialised with income from ticket sales, vendor fees, sponsorships, and paid parking, fly-ins remain free to attend, aside from personal expenses like fuel, food, and refreshments.
Events like Taildraggers require two to three full weeks of preparation. Organisers give their time freely out of sheer passion for aviation, often at the expense of their businesses and livelihoods. To cover essentials like ATC advisory services, marquees, ablution facilities, security, and emergency services, they rely heavily on sponsorships, often insufficient to break even. The only other income? Proceeds from food and drink sales, which go straight back into maintaining the club and its facilities.
I arrived early on Saturday morning, having driven up from Johannesburg so I could capture all of Saturday and overnight and capture some of the Sunday departures.
Growing up in the Bushveld, I thought I knew what to expect. But a friend from Warmbaths phoned me the night before with a friendly warning to bring warm clothes. A stop for fuel on the way confirmed it, the forecourt attendant used some very colourful language (not fit for print!) to describe the chill. Sitting in my car with the heater on, I still found it hard to believe.
They were both right. It was cold. The early birds, those brave enough to camp out next to their aircraft, were bundled up in winter woollies, some huddled near a comforting fire.
By now, we've come to know Taildraggers as one of the best-organised and most iconic events on the South African aviation calendar. This year's edition upheld that reputation brilliantly.
One of the first people I caught up with was Richard himself, who confirmed the rumours. I fully understood his reasons.
Then it was time for a proper Bushveld breakfast and a hot cup of “boeretroos” to carry me through the day.
Back at the flight line, the tower had opened, manned by the ever-reliable Nigel and Karen. I counted 42 aircraft neatly parked in their demarcated spots. The marshals were kept busy as more and more aircraft arrived.
Wandering along the flight line, I spotted an Airtrike, the first I've seen in real life. It's based at Warmbaths, though apparently seldom flown by its owner. I was told Richard takes it up now and then. Sadly, it's a single-seater, or I would've begged for a flight!
As the morning wore on and the weak winter sun started winning its battle against the cold, the arrivals continued. Among them: a GT450, a rare Cessna 185 STOL, a Sling 4, a true South African success story, a cute little Sonex One, a rare Samba, a beautiful and even rarer Jodel (incidentally for sale), a stunning Van's RV-14, a Jabiru SP, a newly completed Norden, the only one in SA, if I'm not mistaken and of course, SA's own Orion Cub.
A highlight, as always, was the arrival of the wonderful microlight flyers of the Potties Patrollie, based a bit further north in Potgietersrus, my birthplace, so forgive me if I have a soft spot for them.
One of the hot topics of conversation was the CAA's controversial twelve-year engine overhaul rule. The recently elected Chairman of the Aeroclub of South Africa, Goitse Diale, was there and shared updates on planned actions to challenge the regulation, a much-needed move welcomed by many in the GA community.
By midday, the Bushveld sun had triumphed. Out came the short sleeves and sunglasses. I did another count, eighty-two aircraft on the field. The event was in full swing, and Richard and his team could take great pride in what they'd achieved.
My final count by late afternoon, just before the tower closed, was 102 visiting aircraft. A fitting turnout for what may be the last Taildraggers ever.
I took time to visit two of our loyal advertisers, incidentally, except for one other, the only commercial sponsors of this year's event. Please, support those who support general aviation. Their continued backing is vital to the survival of events like these.
As the sun began “drawing water,” as the saying goes, the tower officially closed. And with that, Taildraggers 2025 came to an end. Unless something drastic happens, this iconic brand has now taken its final bow.
Still, quite a few visitors stayed the night, with plans to depart on Sunday. With clear skies and a quiet circuit, a few pilots took the opportunity to get in some airshow practice while there was still daylight left.
To Richard, his family, and the incredible Warmbaths Flying Club team, thank you! You've created something truly special and lasting. Taildraggers will not be forgotten.
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