Aerobatic Extravaganza - Klerksdorp

[Chris van Eeden]

This event , 17-19 October 2008, was originally planned as an aerobatic training event for aerobatic pilots only, but interest is so high from the general flying fraternity that it is now also turning into a general fly-in and mini airshow on top of the aerobatics.

Many of you have visited Klerksdorpbefore when EAA airweek was held here - we have great facilities.

Camping is free
Anybody can fly in
Great food and drink available (the Klersdorp Microlighters will be manning the pub)
Shuttle available into town.
We have a large number of small microlight fields scattered around the Klerksdorp area - great for a mini breakfast safari. If enough Microlighters attend we will formally arrange a breakfast run around the area - Nice gamespotting etc.

More info will be available on the Klerksdorp Pilot Association web site soon: www.fakd.co.za

In the mean time, you can contact me for more info.

Chris van Eeden
082 808 4464

Below the announcement that was made on the Aerobatic mail group and AVCOM:

"The Klerksdorp flying club will be hosting the Sport Aerobatic Club for this fun event on the weekend of the 17th-19th October so put this in your diaries as it promises to be a gr8 spectacle The idea is to assemble the biggest number of aerobatic planes in one venue ever in S.A. This promises to be a really fun gathering of aerobatic enthusiasts This will not be a formal competition but rather an opportunity for all Aerobatic Pilots whatever your experience level, to fly with some of the “old hats”, get some coaching and to have a chance to fly in front of the judges in an aerobatic box. We are also planning an action packed one hour mini air show on the Saturday, So, to all the Aerobat owners of RV's, Yaks, Citabria's, Decathlons, Pitts Specials, Extra's, Slicks, Tiger Moths, Chipmunks, Harvards, Zlins, MX2's, Cessna Aerobats, Christen Eagle's, Sukhoi's, Jets, Warbirds and whatever else goes upside down, get your planes ready and join in the fun! A list of available accommodation will be posted on the SAC website http://www.aerobatics.co.za soon and camping facilities are also available. Please book your parking space and send aircraft details to hopkins2@mweb.co.za. for any more info contact Nigel Hopkins 0832265854 or Cliff Lotter 0828555550. All visitors welcome and it should be a fun weekend for all as the Formula 1 powerboat race will be on the Sunday. Many of the regular aerobatic teams will be displaying there too

[T4flyer]

Hi Chris,

It's my "50 something" Birthday that weekend and I have been promising myself for years that someday I will go up for aerobatic flip. Do you know if anyone will be offering aerobatic flips? and how they can be contacted?

It's time, I need to do this...

Cheers.

[Chris van Eeden]

There will be Aerobatic Instructors & Aircraft available to pilots wishing to be introduced to the sport. It is focussed at pilots with Aerobatic capable aircraft, but they will accomodate us other mortals in between training/display sessions

Chris

[T4flyer]

Hi Chris,

Do you think if I just turned up "Unannounced" on Saturday or Sunday I would stand a chance of getting a flip?

My engine is still in pieces so I have to drive and It's a fairly long drive from JHB if I'm going to be disappointed

Anyone flying down from JHB in need of some ballast? I'd be more than willing to share costs.

Cheers..

[Chris van Eeden]

There are limited slots available for "non-aerobatic" pilots to get flips. I have however cornfirmed with Cliff Lotter that he will take you for your flip. I think that things will have wound down by Sunday, so better come through on Saturday.

Chris

[Chris van Eeden]

Some more breaking news:

The main aim of the event is to promote competition aerobatics to pilots that would love to get involved but have never had the chance or just don’t know how to go about getting started. There will be ground school courses followed by an introduction to aerobatic flying with an instructor, either in your own aerobatic rated airy or, for a small fee, in a thoroughbred machine.

On hand to criticize (positive of course) your aerobatic maneuvers, will be the world chief aerobatic judge, John Gaillard and his team, just to make it more interesting!

[LarryMcG]

Hi Chris

Have you any idea of rates etc, for the course, and hourly rates? Any idea of what aircraft will be available? Times and duration for the courses?

Larry

[Chris van Eeden]

Larry,

I got the impression all the instruction etc is for free as they want to attract new blood into the sport. I you do not have your own aeri, I suppose you'll have to pay somebody to borrow his.

I suggest you contact the sport aerobatic guys direct.

All the grub and a lot of beer is free for pilots participating in the official programme!

Chris

[Chris van Eeden]

Here is the provisional programme as provided by Nigel Hopkins:

Friday:

12-1800 Arrivals and general flying
18.00-2000 Briefing and Aerobatic lecture
2000- Dinner etc

Saturday

0800- Breakfast
0900-1200 Aerobatic Training
1200-1400 Lunchbreak and Demonstration Flights
1400-1800 Aerobatic Training
1800- Braai and general KAK PRAAT

Sunday

0800 Breakfast
0830-1200 Aerobatic Training
1200-1800 General flying and departures

[T4flyer]

Hi Chris,

Hey thanks a whole heap. I will be there bright and early on Saturday. Wow, Whoopee, Cant wait... Soooo excited.... Looking forward to thanking you in person.

Cheers

[RudiGreyling]

Ditto, Going at sparrow's fart i.e. sunrise on Saturday in RV 'zulu' 7 to teach her some Aeros... Comming back late afernoon.

[T4flyer]

Hi Rudi

Do you need any ballast? I actually balance a plane out quite nicely..... If I cant bum a right hand seat, I'm driving down (still no engine in the Zodiac ) do you need me to carry any sh*# down for you?

Cheers Don.

[Sukkelaar]

Any trikes out there that are going?

Planing on going if im not alone, and will have softness going by road.

Sukkelaar

[Chris van Eeden]

Quite a few trikers and non-aerobatic pilots have indicated that they will fly in. We have nice camping facilities available - for free. Also, there will be shuttle into town for those who wish to stay in a guest house / hotel.

There is accomodation available at Kolobe, just to the west of FAKD for 8 people. The lodge was sold, but Flip will accomodate you in his house on the farm.

See details on http://www.fakd.co.za follow the Kolobe link.

It promises to be a very nice gathering - if you arrange with me before hand, we will have braaipacks available. Nice pub etc.

Hope to see you there.

Chris
082 808 4464

[RudiGreyling]

Hi Rudi

Do you need any ballast? I actually balance a plane out quite nicely..... If I cant bum a right hand seat, I'm driving down (still no engine in the Zodiac ) do you need me to carry any sh*# down for you?

Cheers Don.

Hi Don,

Thank you for the offer, but I already have 'ballast' pax right hand seat.

Groete
Rudi