EAA Chapter 973 Celebrating the Chippie's 80th Anniversary
By Willie Bodenstein
24.05.2026
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It is difficult to say no to an invite from EAA Chapter 973 to attend any of their events. It was almost impossible to not RSVP when they want you to join them for a walk down memory lane as they celebrate the 80th anniversary of the iconic DHC-1 Chipmunk and other de Havilland aircraft at Jack Taylor Airfield, Krugersdorp.
Left to right: Neil Bowden, Bryan Berklejohn, Brian Appleton, Scully's grandson who recently passed his PPl test and off course, the legend himself Scully Levin
When the guest speaker is Scully Levin who will share stories and insights of the beloved Chipmunk and other de Havilland aircraft he has flown you know that there is no way that you won't accept.
The fact that the hamburgers are only R50.00 and the coffee is bottomless and the company as always just wonderful is just an added bonus and so I made my way to Jack's. I must admit that the clubhouse of 973 looks nicer that each time I visit.
Eight Chippies were expected, unfortunately two could not make due to engine problems. One of them was Bryan Berklejohn who flew all the way from Himeville in KZN, a distance of approximately 600 km. He intended to stop and overnight at Springs, when he picked up engine problems. Fortunately he made it to and landed safely at Springs and got a lift on Saturday to FAKR.
