Gyros for the SAAF?

[jtresfon]

Had the great privilege of taking Colonel Jakes Jacobs for his first trip in a gyrocopter (or any microlight aircraft for that matter) this morning. Col Jacobs is Commander of the Overberg AFB and holds both fixed wing and helicopter ratings including a rating for the Oryx. I hardly touched the stick with the Col doing most of the flying and loving it. This high time airforce pilot's comment after landing... "Now that's flying!" Guess the SAAF can expect a large order of gyros soon!

Rgds
Jean.

[braam hechter]

Hi Jean.

Thanks, this is good going and also helps with exposure in the bigger environment.

We have met up with Genl Zakes Msimang from the SAAF and discussed and showcased the possibilities. The current challenge is the monies, requirements and planning / budgetting cycles. There is a difference in responsibilities between the Air Force, Army and Navy, regarding Main Equipment usage. The Air Force has always been responsible for the Air Assets and this was made available to the other Arms of Service as required. The process seems to be fairly long winded and the Army and Navy are looking at acquiring their own in-house capabilities for rapid usage. This may include a rapid deployment force and border patrol. (This is an Army responsibility, hence the current use of vehicles and foot soldiers in lew of air patrols, which needs to be supplied by the SAAF).

The more people we can get infomed regading the capabilities of gyros, the better the chance of developing cost effective machines, enabling more people to fly them.

Greetings to all and please keep on flying safely.

Braam Hechter