This is a HUGE HUGE thank you to everyone who helped on Sunday 18 July with the Young Eagles rally.
It was again an extremely successful event. We had 57 learners both from schools in the suburbs near Wonderboom airport as well as a group from Soweto. The learners were treated to a talk on the principles of flight followed by a session on the computer simulators courtesy of the Association of Virtual Aviation and then taken for a (free) flight in a light aircraft or microlight. They were then issued with their Young Eagles certificate and each learner was treated to a light meal (consisting of hamburger, chips and coldrink) courtesy of The Alternative Consultancy.
I wish to take this opportunity of a special note of thanks to the following organisations and people, without whom this event would not have been possible:
The pilots:
- Steve Rautenbach ZU-DOP*
- Larry Eschner ZU-DLJ*
- Ken Marks ZU-AYE*
- Glenn Poley ZU-ATC*
- Robert Gassmann ZU-RED*
- Charl Triegaardt ZS-NCV
- Andries van der Merwe ZU-CSZ*
- Karl Jensen ZU-VAL
- Des Nel ZU-DES
- Guy Mitchell ZU-BUC*
- George Moore ZU-MSS
(Note that those with a * are microlight pilots, most of whom are not EAA members – thank you!)
The organizations/sponsors:
- Peet van Rensburg and his staff from WONDERBOOM AIRPORT for all their support on the day.
- Jannie and Maria Loutzis from LOUTZAVIA FLYING SCHOOL for sponsoring an aircraft with fuel and two pilots for the entire day.
- BLUE CHIP AVIATION for sponsoring an aircraft with fuel and a pilot.
- Andy Venter and his staff from PRETORIA FLYING SCHOOL for the use of their clubhouse and facilities.
- Harry Mole and his tireless volunteer team from the ASSOCIATION FOR VIRTUAL AVIATION.
- Thea Coetser from GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION for making the arrangements with the schools.
- Gill and George Mkhasibe from The Alternative Consultancy for sponsoring nearly 60 light meals for all the learners.
- (Last but not least) Krause van Rensburg from WONDERBOOM ATNS for his solo vigil in the tower and superb handling of the aircraft (given the amount of traffic, about 60 aircraft!).
The “foot soldiers”:
- Peter van der Velden
- Ron van Leer
- Russell Dold
- Russell van Blomestein
- André Viljoen
- Pierre van der Walt
- Merrick Hertz
- Allison and son Ben
I trust I have not left anyone out, but I sincerely apologise in advance if I have!
Thanks again for making this such a special day, which you can rest assured will be burned in the memory of each of the children that flew on Sunday!
Kind regards
Terry Hertz and George Mkhasibe
