In my mind, I have always associated Kitty Hawk with gyrocopters and aerobatic aircraft. That's probably one of the reasons I love visiting this privately owned airfield, administered under a sectional title scheme. Add to that what is arguably one of the most impressive clubhouses and restaurants of any airfield I know, and it's a real bargain of a destination.
Located just a short 20-minute drive southeast of Pretoria in the Boschkop area, it usually takes me under 50 minutes to reach it from Gillooly's Interchange via Bapsfontein.
Kitty Hawk and its restaurant are open to the public, and no landing fee is charged for non-members who wish to fly in. The fuel bay, offering both AVGAS and MOGAS, is open seven days a week.
The airfield hosts a number of events throughout the year. This Saturday, it was the turn of the gyrocopters (although other aircraft were also welcome). Eighteen gyros had indicated their intention to support the event, and fifteen eventually made it. The low morning mist likely kept some aviators at adjacent fields grounded.
If I'm not mistaken, the longest distance travelled was by a pilot from Marble Hall in Limpopo. Five others, arriving in a loose formation, though not necessarily all based at Groblersdal, also flew in from Limpopo. They all mentioned just how cold it had been up there!
A gyrocopter, also known as an autogyro or gyroplane, is a type of rotorcraft that uses an unpowered rotor in free autorotation to develop lift. Because it relies on forward motion to push air through the rotor, it cannot achieve vertical take-off, except perhaps in a strong headwind. Propulsion is usually via a conventional propeller in a pusher configuration, completely independent of the rotor system.
The concept was the brainchild of Spanish inventor and engineer Juan de la Cierva, who wanted to create an aircraft that could safely fly at low speeds. His first successful autogyro flight took place in January 1923 at Cuatro Vientos Airport in Madrid, thirteen years before the helicopter would achieve its first successful flight in 1936.
Kitty Hawk hosts a number of events throughout the year, but there's no need to wait for one to enjoy a visit. With its relaxed atmosphere and excellent food, it's always worth the trip. You might even be lucky enough to catch some of the resident aerobatic pilots practicing their sequences overhead.
Upcoming events include a Cessna Day on 16 August and the ever-popular Van's RV Day on 13 September. All aircraft are welcome at these events. For more information, contact Sumarie at 082 663 3070.
Events like this, where the public is allowed, brings aviation closer to the people. Proof of this was this youngster whose parents were there for lunch. He asked if he could have his photo taken in one of the aircraft and ended up flying in it. An experience that he will never forget and that has hopefully planted a seed of love for flying.
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