WESTERN PROVINCE HELDERBERG RADIO FLYERS

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Jennifer Warner
5 years ago
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1 THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE HELD THE WP CHAMPS AND SA MASTERS OVER THE SAME WEEKEND, BUT THE WEATHER HAD OTHER IDEAS WESTERN PROVINCE HELDERBERG RADIO FLYERS 28 29

THE WEATHER FORECAST WAS GOOD FOR THE FRIDAY, FOLLOWED BY STRONG WINDS AND RAIN FOR THE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

working two days before, was now all behind us. The only issue left was the weather, but nothing could be done about that so all systems go.

and Ozzie putting in some flights, mad me and there flying machines.

WP CHAMPS A slow start for the Friday morning, most guys on Cape Town time zone!

64 / 1000 67.23 / 1000 66.09 / 1000 66.59 / 1000 66.67 / 3000 1 Michael 63.70 / 985 65.07 / 967 65.36 / 989 65.07 / 977 65.17 / 2951 2 Rory 56.09 / 868 59.

56 / 1000 63.11 / 976 66.11 / 1000 65.04 / 3000 1 Stuart 63.44 / 984 62.83/ 973 64.67 / 1000 53.56 / 810 63.65 / 2957 2 Rodney 61.17 / 949 58.00 / 898 61.

28 / 897 59.91 / 2764 5 Ozzie 53.00 / 822 56.39 / 873 52.33 / 809 48.67 / 736 53.

thanks to all for there time. Sportsman class was first and this year only one entry.

plane hit the ground. André has been one of our most dedicated pilots this season, I do hope this setback doesn t put him off for next season.

Michael improving all the time and has shown great advanced in the class with mid sixties to end second in class.

Last but not least, Jacques was fourth. He struggled some what on all rounds, maybe he should fly the DeJaVu and get used to one plane.

The usual locals, joined by Chris O Connell who had made the long drive from JHB to join us this weekend. Was great to see you Chris.

Close competition between all competitors and I bet Rodney was feeling extra confident after all the practice he has put in over the weeks, but flying in

2 THE WEATHER FORECAST WAS GOOD FOR THE FRIDAY, FOLLOWED BY STRONG WINDS AND RAIN FOR THE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. The Western Province Championships had finally arrived after weeks of planning, the stress of the wrong trophies being supplied, my laptop stopping working two days before, was now all behind us. The only issue left was the weather, but nothing could be done about that so all systems go. Arriving at the club on Thursday to set-up I was joined by Rodney and Ozzie and 35km+ wind, not ideal for a bit of practice, but that didn t stop Rodney and Ozzie putting in some flights, mad me and there flying machines. Not much else happened so by lunch time all was set-up and we looked forward to the next couple of days. WP CHAMPS A slow start for the Friday morning, most guys on Cape Town time zone!!! Finally we got started and planned to fly all 4 rounds to make most of the good weather. Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 FINAL ADVANCED Cobus / / / / / Michael / / / / / Rory / / / / / Jacques / / / / / MASTERS Chris / / / / / Stuart / / / / / Rodney / / / / / Ernie / / / / / Gerhard / / / / / Ozzie / / / / / Our judges, Martin, Kas, Ludwig and Bernus were joined by MAASA chief judge Sebastian from Klerksdorp, Claude took on the roll of CD, a BIG thanks to all for there time. Sportsman class was first and this year only one entry. André Vogel with his 90 size Galactik took to the skies only to find the ground seconds later with a failing TX, no life at all in the controller as the plane hit the ground. André has been one of our most dedicated pilots this season, I do hope this setback doesn t put him off for next season. Advanced class was a close fort battle between Cobus and Michael. Cobus scoring high sixties due to his smooth and consistent flying, wow he was on form. Michael improving all the time and has shown great advanced in the class with mid sixties to end second in class. Rory improved on all rounds despite the lack of practice came away with third place and should be very happy with that position. Last but not least, Jacques was fourth. He struggled some what on all rounds, maybe he should fly the DeJaVu and get used to one plane. Anyway a very competitive class and next season all starting off with a new schedule will level the plane field. Now for the big guns. The usual locals, joined by Chris O Connell who had made the long drive from JHB to join us this weekend. Was great to see you Chris. Very close and competitive flying as shown by the scores. Close competition between all competitors and I bet Rodney was feeling extra confident after all the practice he has put in over the weeks, but flying in front of Judges and at a competition was different to practicing and unfortunately it showed. In fact the Masters flying was not up to the normal high standard that was shown during the season. Chris quickly conditioned his flying at sea level by winning three out of the four rounds and the class win. Stuart was close but not close enough winning the third round. A good final round could have won him the class but a couple of stupid maneuvers and zeros spoilt that. Rodney just held on to third ahead of Ernie, now that was close. Gerhard was close behind and did give Ernie a run for his money, I did hear he was not happy with some of the scoring and then we all think we flying better than our scores show!! Ozzie once again entertained the crowds! As his caller I know that he just does his own thing, 30 31

and also never stands still, or maybe he just likes standing close to me.

enough. So after all four rounds and lunch, that was the Western Province Champs over, all in one day.

All the same pilots will do it all again but for the prestigious title of SA Masters winners, that s unless the weather has different ideas.

3 and also never stands still, or maybe he just likes standing close to me. John Calafato had entered but elected not to take part, after his practice in the week he realized that one or two days practice was just not enough. So after all four rounds and lunch, that was the Western Province Champs over, all in one day. This now left Saturday and Sunday for the SA Masters. All the same pilots will do it all again but for the prestigious title of SA Masters winners, that s unless the weather has different ideas.. PROVINCIAL COLOURS SA MASTERS H E L D E R B E R G RADIO FLYERS MODEL AEROBATIC OF SOUTH AFRICA SA MASTERS 5 BRAVE MEN AND THERE FLYING MACHINES Richard Buckley from DCAS presented Western Province Colours to three Masters class pilots, Stuart, Rodney and Ernie. EXTREMELY WINDY CONDITIONS ON THE SATURDAY, 47KM+ WAS THE WEATHER, NOT FOR THE FAINT- HEARTED 32 33

We must give a big thanks once again to Jacques of Boschkloof Wines for the use of his tasting room and great wines he supplied for the banquet evening.

Yes you guessed it, the weather had other plans. The Saturday forecast was for strong winds followed by rain later and on Sunday. Wow how they were spot-on.

The wind blowing high 30 s low 40 s at the start ended up 45+ by mid day but Pattern pilots are renowned to fly in mad weather didn t disappoint, (well most of them anyway) Cobus was the only

He did well but didn t do the landings, calling for the help of Marc who took over the roll of landing, I wish I had known that from the start, Michael and I could have also asked Marc to help!

Masters class was short of Gerhard who didn t pitch at all for the event, Stuart deciding to watch, this left Marc, Ernie Chris and Rodney.

Chris and Ernie fort it out for second and third with close scores, great scores considering the conditions. Rodney found the going really tough, just breaking into the 50 s on his first flight.

He lost orientation and when he thought it was coming closer was in fact going away and a long way too, almost out of sight, well it was for Rodney and caller Stuart.

Rodney had shouted out for help and with strong eyesight Ernie took to the controls and slowly brought the plane back safely. Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 FINAL ADVANCED Cobus 57.10 / 1000 54.

4 We must give a big thanks once again to Jacques of Boschkloof Wines for the use of his tasting room and great wines he supplied for the banquet evening. To all the officials that have supported not only this event but all the leagues throughout the season and to everyone who has taken part in the events this season. Yes you guessed it, the weather had other plans. The Saturday forecast was for strong winds followed by rain later and on Sunday. Wow how they were spot-on. Dark clouds and very strong winds greeted all of us. The wind blowing high 30 s low 40 s at the start ended up 45+ by mid day but Pattern pilots are renowned to fly in mad weather didn t disappoint, (well most of them anyway) Cobus was the only Advanced pilot to take part, his low to mid 50 s showed how difficult the conditions were and opting not to fly the fourth round, the wind by then was high 40 s. He did well but didn t do the landings, calling for the help of Marc who took over the roll of landing, I wish I had known that from the start, Michael and I could have also asked Marc to help!! So with the help of Marc, Cobus ended up with a reasonable score and a plane in one piece. Masters class was short of Gerhard who didn t pitch at all for the event, Stuart deciding to watch, this left Marc, Ernie Chris and Rodney. Marc was in a league of his own and showed why he was a Springbok pilot by winning all four rounds with scores most of us would be happy with in calm conditions. Chris and Ernie fort it out for second and third with close scores, great scores considering the conditions. Rodney found the going really tough, just breaking into the 50 s on his first flight. His second one was almost his last with that plane. He lost orientation and when he thought it was coming closer was in fact going away and a long way too, almost out of sight, well it was for Rodney and caller Stuart. The wind at this point was so strong that the plane battled to get back to the runway, not in the hands of Rodney but of Ernie. Rodney had shouted out for help and with strong eyesight Ernie took to the controls and slowly brought the plane back safely. Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 FINAL ADVANCED Cobus / / / / MASTERS Marc / / / / / Chris / / / / / Ernie / / / / / Rodney / / / That was cutting it fine with only 5% left in the flight pack Rodney can think himself very lucky and thankful to Ernie. So that was round 2 and over for Rodney, the wind now high 40 s touching 50km and still three guys left. As Marc streaked ahead, Chris and Ernie battled the conditions ending second and third respectably. Well that then was the SA Masters over for another year and with the help of Erica we were all fed breakfast on both days and despite the weather conditions the competition was once again a great success. But it was not over yet. Saturday evening braai and awards presentation. Jacques and his wife had once again offered to host the banquet at there wine farm Boschkloof Wines what a stunning venue and evening. Special guess, Richard Buckley from DCAS together with his partner had joined the pilots and wives to celebrate these two event and award trophies to the winners. Richard awarded Western Province colors to three Masters pilots, Stuart, Rodney and Ernie well done guys, practice and dedication does get rewarded, lets do it again next year. All the officials received certificates for both events, the third, second and first place pilots received there certificates and trophies, a proud moment for everyone and the end of a long and great season. It all starts again in January 2018 with new schedules and a new challenge. We must give a big thanks once again to Jacques of Boschkloof Wines for the use of his tasting room and to all the officials that have supported not only this event but all the leagues throughout the season and to everyone who has taken part in the events this season. If I have forgotten anyone, my apologies and let me just say, THANKS to all the help at this event and to everyone who had some input to the 2017 Pattern Aerobatic season. special thanks to Michael Borcherds, the man behind the camera 34 35

5 Our Officials Our Judges, Martin, Ludwig, Sebastiano, Bernus and Kas Events CD, Claude Western Province Winners SA Masters Winners 1st Advanced Class - Cobus 1st Masters Class - Chris 1st Masters Class - Marc 2nd Masters Class - Chris 2nd Advanced Class - Michael 2nd Masters Class - Stuart 36 3rd Advanced Class - Rory 3rd Masters Class - Rodney 1st Advanced Class - Cobus 3rd Masters Class - Ernie

Western Province. 20 August Helderberg. Radio Flyers

Western Province. 20 August Helderberg. Radio Flyers Western Province Championships 20 August Helderberg Radio Flyers the weather forcast was for heavy rain and strong winds for the sunday, the plan was to finish on the saturday western province western