Thunderbirds to the Drakensberg

[Air Hog]

Hi Ian
In my preliminary route planning, I had Frankfort and Grootdraai in mind. This is also convenient for Pilots flying in from the Eastern side (Rudi from Rhino etc.) to join up with us.

Frankfort – FAFF – Cat B

S27 17 19
E028 30 46

01/19 1100m
11/29 900m
Fine for a stop, cross dirt runways, access for cars fine

Caution – some loose stones on runways, tarred section outside hangars has some potholes.

Comment – a good option if refueling from carried fuel. (100 Miles from Crosswinds)

Ground crew will have to deviate off N3 further than Grootdraai

Grootdraai – FAGroot – Cat B

S27 01 56
E028 39 28

18/36 940M
Fine for a stop, 1 grass runway.

Most convenient if using ground crew – deviation from N3 at Villiers is minimal. (92 Miles from Crosswinds)

Really starting to get excited about the trip, this is going to be great!!

[Ian]

Really starting to get excited about the trip, this is going to be great!!

Cheers

[Air Hog]

Can all Pilots that is flying with us to the Berg, please PM, SMS or mail me your contact details. I have some but not all.

ALSO: Skype details for those that cannot attend the briefing on the 20th if you want to join us via Skype.

I have some documents to forward to you.

Cell: o71 6o9 o647

[Air Hog]

I have a suggestion.
The slower aircraft to depart the Tuesday afternoon (The 30th of April) and fly to Grootdraai. The Kroon gaggle can fly via Kitty Hawk and connect with Lappies in his Thunderbird. I have arranged with the owner of Grootdraai field that we sleep over at his place, there is a hunting cabin that can sleep 8. If we are more than 8, he said he can arrange some extra beds. We then leave at 06h00 for Harrismith and should be there at about 07h45. We will refuel in the meantime and leave again at about 08h15.
The faster planes like the Savannah's, Bush Baby, GT450 and Cheetah's then fly direct to Harrismith and meet us there. They should be at Harrismith from about 08h00. We will leave some time before the faster planes again for Dragon Peaks via Sterkfontein dam. We should arrive almost the same time.

Let me know what you think.

[Sparky]

Hi Air Hog

The Ladysmith Flying Club would like to invite you guys to join us for breakfast on 1st May at our clubhouse at the Ladysmith Airport prior to you guys flying upto Dragonspeak. The Eva's Field Squadron could maybe meet you guys in Ladysmith to fly upto Dragonspeak with you guys. There could also be a few guys from our club keen to fly up with you guys.

[James Bentley]

Sounds like a great idea

we are keen

James

[Air Hog]

Hi Air Hog

The Ladysmith Flying Club would like to invite you guys to join us for breakfast on 1st May at our clubhouse at the Ladysmith Airport prior to you guys flying upto Dragonspeak. The Eva's Field Squadron could maybe meet you guys in Ladysmith to fly upto Dragonspeak with you guys. There could also be a few guys from our club keen to fly up with you guys.

Hi Sparky
Will take it up with the Guys but it sounds great.

[Sparky]

Hi Air Hog / James

Sounds good we will make contact closer to the time with number of people.

Thanks

Shane

[Air Hog]

Hi guys
I can be at Kroon Saturday 07h30---is this ok?

Hi Barry, 100%, will have some coffee waiting and the braai going.

[Air Hog]

Last call!!

Anybody still wants to join us, please book your place at Dragon Peaks.

We have a briefing at Kroon airfield at 08h00 on Saturday the 20th of April. Please join us. We have some speakers to tell us more about Berg flying and the do's and don't's.

If you are going but cannot be at Kroon, send me your Skype contact and join the meeting on Skype.

Coffee and and a Boerie roll is on the house. (Not available on Skype)

[Tribal Croc]

Only 2 weeks to go

See you Saturday

[ZU-Nathan]

Man this is going to be an adventure of note... Can’t wait.
See you all at Kroon.

[Air Hog]

The weather doesn't look good for Saturday's Briefing fly in. Hope it will change. If not we drive in. Ian has offered a lift for the Guys from the JHB side. PM or e-mail me for his contact details.

Weather.JPG (54.72 KiB) Viewed 1938 times

[Air Hog]

Hi DEmon
Yes it is a pitty that the weather is not playing along. Your info is much appreciated. Ian did PM you my e-mail, I will forward to all.

Fly safe

Johan

[Air Hog]

We had our briefing at Kroon this morning and we decided the following:
We have Two gaggles of planes flying down.
1. The slow plane gaggle is leaving on Tuesday afternoon from Kroon about 14h30 and flying via Kitty Hawk where Lappies is going to join us and then we are off to Grootdraai. We will overnight at Grootdraai and depart first Mossie f%$rt for Harrismith's Aero farm field for a fuel refill and whee. There was some debate of about the Ladysmith leg to Dragon Peaks but because some of the wifes are driving in and we have to meet them at the resort so it was decided to fly to Dragon Peaks via Sterkfontein dam. So sorry Sparky but you are on our visiting Flield list so we will make a plan to visit.

2. The faster plane Gaggle: Ian will leave Aeroden, then join with Ian Wylde at Crosswind, then they are of to Circus field where they will join with Tommie in his Cheetah as well as Francois (TC) in his GT450. From there they also are off to Harismith for a fuel and whee stop and then the same route via Sterkfontein dam to Dragon Peaks.
Bert and Lappies, we will keep you posted by mail.

Looking forward to this trip.