On Saturday 11 April the skies over the very popular tourist town of Parys, that was founded in 1873, come alive as taildraggers as well as tricycle undercarriage aircraft from far and wide gathered for one of the most loved aviation events on the calendar.
Parys Airfield, situated close to the Vredefort Dome, the largest and oldest verified meteorite impact structure on Earth, is frequently used for “touch-and-go” training by student pilots from the Johannesburg area and is also a popular venue for skydiving and soaring activities.
The fly-in was planned to run from 10 to 12 April to allow those wishing to camp. However, two conflicting events, together with early morning fog in the southern parts of Gauteng, initially cast doubt over the turnout.
Upon arrival I had my reservations. Aviators, however, are a hardy and resourceful lot and simply waited for conditions to improve. By midday, when I left, forty-five aircraft had already visited, a definite record for this year and well in excess of the numbers seen at many popular Gauteng fly-ins over the past three years.
Parys' success lies in its accessibility. The airfield is approximately 30 minutes from many Gauteng fields and centrally situated for Brits, Klerksdorp, Rustenburg and Potchefstroom. The Montgolfiers Restaurant, now under new management, further enhances the appeal. With ample space for children, a large outdoor seating area overlooking the runway, and convenient aircraft parking, it is ideally suited for gatherings of this nature.
It was not only the number of visiting aircraft that impressed, but also the sheer variety. When last have you attended a fly-in featuring such rarities as a beautifully restored Stinson Voyager, a Lycoming-engined Wilga, a classic Boeing Stearman, a sleek Lancair, a lovingly restored North American Harvard, a classic de Havilland Chipmunk and a stunning Piper Pacer?
Classic aircraft, great flying, good company and an unbeatable atmosphere ensured that pilots and enthusiasts alike celebrated the spirit of tailwheel flying and aviation in general in true Highveld style.
Events like this remind us why grassroots aviation remains the backbone of our flying community. Informal, friendly and driven by passionate individuals, the Parys Taildraggers Fly-In once again demonstrated that you don't need a major airshow to create something special, just a good airfield, welcoming hosts and a shared love of aviation. Parys delivered on all counts.
In fact, to be honest, if I have to choose between a fly in and an airshow the fly in will win hands down.
Well done to Riaan Denner and his young enthusiastic crew who took the idea and ran with it, fantastic job!!!! Oh and, by the way, the field was in perfect condition!
