Do we really know what we have?

[DieselFan]

Watching about an hours worth of clips lastnight, I suddenly realised that if it weren't for some mad people in SA we wouldn't have the awesome SAFE, reliable machines of today. Machines that prove the Leonardo quote true, machines that calm us, thrill us and let us live life unlike anyone else in the last 6000 odd years. That open, free feeling, similar to visiting the pans in Bots when no one or anything is in sight!

We are SO fortunate to fly without much concern and I have personally been taking it for granted. How many more people would have turned to drinking if it weren't for flying to relieve stress and problems! (I can hear Morph and Dad mumbling...)

So to all the founders of MICROLIGHTING in SA, to those still keeping the ball rolling (forum, afskies etc) a VERY VERY BIG THANK YOU. Many lives have been changed!

And perhaps if someone knows the PROPER first day one flew, we could make it like a microlighters holiday / flyinn to remember how lucky we are? If one exists I certainly don't know about it. We have to be reminded what an awesome privilege we have, or am I just tripping?

[Morph]

I agree,

Often it's only after I have landed do I realise how lekker it was. Up in the air I was concentrating too much

[Miskiet]

I aggree with DF. I have been taking my flying for granted mostly. Every so often you experience a brilliant flight with amazing scenery/light/clouds. And the camera is in the hangar!!! These moments make me realise how lucky we are to be able to experience them. Saturday on the way back to the airfield we flew low level (nothing dangerous - open mielie fields without powerlines!). As I usually fly quite high this was a relative novelty. No special mountains/oceans/scenery (it's pretty flat around here!) but I still felt a "high" half an hour afterwards.

[Gadget]

What's this about flying and turning to drinking, is anyone offering? I started drinking when i started flying, you have to to be able to deal with all the other mad pilots out there .

Truly great gift and the idea of an annual aviators day is great, another excuse to have a few cold ones after a couple of hours getting cold.

He He He

Fly Safe

Gadget

[Big-D]

Yip - We do take it for granted and like Miskiet says, it is the weirdest things that are just magical like a sunday afternoon flip over Bronkies with a little boy on the ground fishing with his father waving his little arms so hard at you that it looks like he is going to get airborne! :D - I feel like that little boy too when I see a trike in the air, and then usually cant wait to get in my own plane and join in the fun.

So who is the father of Microlights in SA? I know Andy Kasparson learnt to fly with the instruction manual tied to his knee - But who was first? Mike Blythe?

D

[Biggles]

Totally agree... and being abit skrikerig doubt I would have been amoungst the pioneers!! Although I bet 30 years down the line showing microlighters pics of DNP the response would be "you flew in that!!!"

As to the pioneers of microlighting in SA, very good question!! This is from Solo wings website. As far as I know the windlass is the oldest SA manufactures trike... not sure which is the oldest 3 axis.

Established in 1975 by Aidan de Gersigny it began as a pioneering dream and flourished into the largest manufacturer of hang gliders in Africa. In 1985 Aidan realized that there was to be a major growth area in the manufacturer of flex wing-powered flight. He was right! And so a new idea took flight with the fledgling WINDLASS TRIKE becoming a reality.

[Slow_Poke]

Yep, I read in the book ' Flying with angels' that microlighting is like a kind of safe drug - well I'm constantly getting high and feel very priviliged (spelling?) to be a microlight pilot in one of the most beautiful places in S.A - uncluttered skies and uncontrolled airspace! happy flying!

[Wart]

I have said it before but in the light of this thread, and hoping that I don't bore you all again, I shall repeat it:

Where is the world can you leave home in the morning on your way to the office, stop at the airfield and take a 1 hour flight that includes views of the Drakensberg blanketed in snow to the West, the Indian Ocean to the East and still spot wild-life (Rhino, Buffalo, Girrafe, Wildebeest, Zebra, Hippo etc.), land back at the airfield and still be at the office in time for a full days work. The smile sticks with you for the whole day and your spirits are lifted from the sheer pleasure you have derived.

Further to this, we are very fortunate to be able to partake in this sport / hobby and I most enjoy being able to share it with others that have not had the opportunities that I have. Who knows maybe one of then will be sucked into our world and do their licence.

I take my hat off to the pioneers, not only in South Africa but all over the world, who have made it possible as well as safe for us to enjoy flying. Especially to the pioneers, we need to record it some-where what the history of Microlighting is in South Africa so that the newbies such as myself can also appreciate and recognise their efforts. In our area their are the likes of Aiden (Mr Solo Wings), Geoff Dyer and my instructor Wayne Bond. I salute you!

[C205]

Wasn't Johan Fronemann one of the earlier microlight pilots too?

[Morph]

Hi C205,

Yes I remmember his name coming up quite often. I'll ask him next time I see him