After a slow start with a frosty 3 degrees just after 07:00, Jabiru's from as far afield as Pietersburg and Vanderbijl Park started arriving after 08:00, as the temperature started climbing, with almost no wind until late in the day. Some had experienced heavy mist at their home airfields, but were soon able to make the trip to Kitty Hawk.
Kitty Hawk in the early winter morning.
The grounds at Kitty Hawk, looking excellent, despite it being mid-winter, provided a welcoming space for aviation enthusiasts and those that just want to have some relaxed time-out, with the opportunity to see aircraft close-up and play facilities for children.
Early arrivals.
RV's out to play in the early morning light.
The Kitty Hawk restaurant provided a superb buffet breakfast and coffee, with plates well heated to prevent food from getting cold too quickly and the fire in the center of the clubhouse provided a warm atmosphere to enjoy it.
Early breakfast customers in their Robinson R66 helicopter.
Due to so many other aviation events on the same day, attendance was bound to be limited, but there were a good number of visitors and participants.
Our enthusiastic SAPFA rally stalwarts, Iaan and Tarryn Myburg, made a wise decision to drive in, after they had a rough running engine just after take-off at Silver Creek. Proceedings started a little later than planned, due to delays in arrivals, but the safety and navigator's briefing was soon under way, led by Dawie Pretorius, Chris Burger and Iaan and Tarryn Myburg.
Safety and navigator's briefing under way.
Iaan Myburg did a superb job of the administration and soon time slots were planned for each aircraft.
While the final slot times were calculated rally, the locally based pair of the Marksmen Aerobatic Team, piloted by Eugene du Preez and Gary Glasson did some training and provided some welcome formation aerobatic spectator interest, complete with smoke.
Marksmen Team.
Young navigators were teamed with pilots, who had kindly made their aircraft available, and after they received their maps and turn-point photographs, were soon deep into their planning for the rally. Iaan and Tarryn moved amongst the teams, answering questions and providing tips.
Some of the teams busy preparing for the rally.
While the rally planning was underway, more helicopter crews came for breakfast and then went on their way.
Then it was time to put the plans into action for the rally teams.
Pre-flight checks, boarding and takeoff to arrive at the start point on time.
Iaan Myburg getting down to it: downloading the loggers, printing tracks and calculating results.
One of the teams had problems with their logger, so did not have their track or results recorded.
Three of the young navigators had never flown in a light aircraft before, but they all returned safely!
Karl Jensen, as always, was present to support the initiative of providing young people with aviation experience and provided some well-experienced advice and encouragement to the young folks.
Karl Jensen addressing the teams and handing out the certificates to the young navigators. They were all winners but some teams attained less demerit points that others.
Pilots and their navigators with their certificates and some showing their tracks around the turn-points.
The overall results were as follows:
1 JJ le Grange with his son Arno on 194 points J400.
2 Ruise Herdadt with Francois Opperman navigating on 207 points J430.
3 Dave Naude with P Franks navigating on 327 points RV10.
4 Chris Burger with L Jansen navigating on345 points J430.
5 Dane Igesund with Jake Fisher navigating on 346 points J1.
6 JJ Cronje with Esias Riekert navigating on 429 points J430.
7 Dawie Roodt with Natasha Durandt navigating - logger not working - Sling.
Teams with Kitty Hawk organisers and support team.
Karl Jensen made an encouraging talk after the prize-giving and reminded everyone to be aware of the high power-lines on the southern end of the runway, and make sure other people were also aware of this potential hazard.
Then it was “time to say goodbye”, as the old song goes... Karl Jensen departing.
Well done to Kitty Hawk and SAPFA organisers for a safe and successful event, and thanks for Kitty Hawk for a superb venue. The next event for young aviators is the EAA Young Eagles event at Kitty Hawk on 11 July 2026. Bring your warm layered clothing and enjoy another excellent event promoting aviation amongst our young people.
