Page 36 - World Airnews Magazine November 2020

100 YEARS

A CENTURY OF

RECREATIONAL FLIGHT

By Rob Jonkers

ment due to the Covid-19 pandemic that made us all go into hiding,

the Aero Club’s official centenary balloon launch took place at Bill

here is a sense of achievement on reaching a century. Harrop’s balloon safaris in the Magalies valley.
TSpecial occasions call for special celebrati ons. The weather outlook was great, and the launch event was a go.

The significance and justifiable pride in having the Aero Club Official confirmation having been sent out by the organisers just

of South Africa around for 100 years is one such a remarkable after 5 am. The wind did pick up and first off, the ground were

achievement. the three commercial balloons at 6 am. There after the Aero Club

The club has been integral in seeing the growth in recreational Balloon, rebuilt in Aero Club centenary colours and carrying the

aviation that includes all the various disciplines that make up flying registration ZS-HOI, was unfurled and prepared for a tethered

for fun. It has been behind the freedom of products, ideas, adven- inflation and launch.
tures and competitions that are part of this magical world that is BAFSA chairman Richard Bovell, also the centenary event organ-

recreational flight. iser, was the first pilot supported by student pilot Sema Mathebu-

The journey has been long, sometimes tedious and difficult but la. Together they got the balloon off the ground in somewhat gusty

the persistence and passion of our members across the years has conditions. At that stage the wind would not have been favourable

made it possible for the Aero Club to be the success it is today. to actually fly. Hanke Fourie took over from Richard for a second

One of the many great benefits and joys of living is that we have tethered stint, giving a good photographic opportunity for the

had the immeasurable privilege to be able to fly. Since the dawn of guests in attendance.

mankind, we have aspired to the ease and freedom of flight that After the balloon landed and was furled up again, the guests were

only birds could enjoy, and from those early 20th century years treated to a scrumptious breakfast, as only one can experience as an

mankind learned to fly! early morning African sunrise breakfast in the bush.
On the 10th October 2020, following many months of postpone- Bovell gave a short speech about the history of sport ballooning
World Airnews | November / December 2020
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