Sport Aerobatics is more than a sport, it is a lifestyle that moulds who we are as pilots. Many of us fly other aircraft in various disciplines but I think it is safe to speak for everyone when I say that we consider ourselves aerobatic pilots above all. For each of us there is something different but there is no doubt that we are better people for it, there is a special satisfaction and happiness that we experience when we open that canopy and climb out after having been in the box.
It has been a busy time behind the scenes since our AGM as time races towards WAAC and our last 2 competitions before the team departs.
The SKY GP was an event to behold and to everyone involved I say well done! It was everything we love about the sport and may this grow from strength to strength. The world was watching and as the SAC we are proud to have been involved.
As I write this we have just returned from Ladysmith where we had a small but good KZN regionals. Larry and the Ladysmith Club were extremely accommodating and as always it is time well spent amongst friends and airplanes.
SAC had a static display at Aero South Africa which has lead to some very exciting developments. Ingmar has secured a YAK52, rebuilt and now available for sale in the form of shares to budding aerobatic guys. May this be the birth place of many aerobatic pilots to come and a platform for the training needed to get them safe and inverted. John and Q did something similar years ago and if I was to list the names of the pilots who have cut their teeth in the cockpit of our beloved AMC you’d be amazed.
One does not have to speak to many young pilots to learn just how many of them dream of one day doing aeros and I appeal to all our members to encourage this development. It is more than just building our club, it is improving the skills of pilots, it is exposing our aerobatic skill to the world as we compete internationally and build on our already solid reputation as a place for international pilots to visit, train and compete.
We have a year ahead that is one to look forward too.
Until we fly together in Klerksdorp in a few weeks – be safe and have fun. See you there!
Warren Eva
