World AirNews June 2018

13-15 JULY 2018
RAF FAIRFORD - SWINDON - UK
UNDER 18s GO FREE
ZS-UEK won thE bESt dESignEd/Scratch-bUilt aircraft : JodEl d15: it iS ownEd and waS rEStorEd by
StEwart clEgg. Photo gErald MaddaMS.
EAA
CONVENTION
EAA NATIONAL
CONVENTION 2018
JOIN US FOR THE
THE INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION
OF THE RAF’S CENTENARY
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T
HE 2018 Experimental Aviation Association’s 2018 National
Convention, held at Vryheid airfield in KwaZulu Natal recently,
must go down in the history books as being a great success.
More than 130 aircraft flew in, from the longest-“living” and
tiny Cvjetkovic CA61 homebuilt ZS-UDW to the even older Rovos
Air DC-3 ‘Delaney’ ZS-CRV. Add in the resident aircraft and there
were in excess of 150 aeroplanes all told.
Organised predominantly by the Vryheid Flying Club led by
Morne Strauss, with support from the EAA National Committee,
the airfield was transformed into a friendly and vibrant venue,
reminiscent of a small Oshkosh.
There was a tent-city for those who enjoy the pleasures of
camping, and shuttle busses regularly ran others to and from their
B&Bs. Fuel for aircraft was on tap at very competitive prices. Even
aircraft maintenance was available for anyone who had difficulty.
The local folk catered for the hungry masses at reasonable prices
and the Friday evening braai was exceptional value for money, enjoyed
amidst large braziers that were kept stoked all evening. The
camaraderie was notable and the EAA Spirit was very evident.
On the Friday many pilots gave of their time and took a group of
school pupils, who had qualified for the Young Eagles programme,
for an introductory flight around the local environs.
Many saw their homes from above which was definitely a first in
their lives.
Saturday was the main day of the Convention and Rob Jonkers
World Airnews | June 2018
— 57 —
Report by: Gerald Maddams
had organised a fun-rally.
The participants had to navigate around a course and identify
certain ground features as they went. Competitors had a great
time and were bubbling over with enthusiasm when they had
completed the task.
Saturday was also the day for the builders and restorers of aircraft
to present their finished products for judging.
The quality of the aircraft entered was incredibly high and the
level of skill and dedication in the building, restoring and presentation
of the prize-winners was astonishing, and would stand up very
well in a world class event overseas.
The four Pitts Specials of the Goodyear Aerobatic team provided
a lively spectacle and the gathered crowd was very appreciative of
their precision flying. For more photos and election results turn to
Page 59
EAA ELECTION RESULTS:
The convention was also the venue for the annual meeting of
the national body of the EAA. Some Committee members were
prepared to stand for office again, and the elected Committee now
consists of:
President - Paul Lastrucci; Vice President - Sean Cronin; Secretary
- Keaton Perkins; Treasurer - Mark Clulow; Safety Officer
- Nigel Musgrave; National PRO - Trixie Heron; Alternate PRO -
Karl Jensen; Auditorium Convenor - Clive King; Contact Magazine
Editor - Kevin Marsden; Web Master - Kevin Marsden; Young and
Eagles Co-ordinator - Clive King. In addition, Approved Persons
Representatives are Kevin Hopper and Derek Orford. Q