Microlighters

Editor Unplugged.

"Veni, Vidi, Vici" = "I came; I saw; I conquered,"

This famous phrase is attributed to Julius Caesar, in a letter to the Roman Senate around 47 BC, after he had achieved a quick victory, in his short war against Pharnaces II of Pontus, at the Battle of Zela.

Just three words! It should be a moment of triumph, but instead, it is a moment for resolve for change.

Bureaucracies, if they endure, tend toward aristocratic forms of governance. This insight has credence in South African recreational aviation. Putting together the event at Tedderfield, led to the discovery of public servants, acting as if they are the ruling class within an entrenched hereditary royalty. They act exclusively in their self-interest as an entrenched bureaucracy without a second thought for service delivery to the people that they serve.

All is not lost. Compare the following:
1. The Police Colonel whose work ethic, in the provision of services, was astounding. His response to the need for a SASREA Act Certificate was to take charge and help us to meet all the requirements. Not only did he advise but he joined the team and travelled to other service providers to explain why this event was important to the local community and why they should assist us to meet the requirements fully.
2. The aviation bureaucrats who made demands; Some threatened to shut us down, fine us, ramp inspect every plane, fine pilots and us as organisers. They sat in their offices and did not lift a finger to assist, advise or be of service.

It is amazing to think that people who assume that we cannot afford to pay for marquee peg inspectors think that we can also afford to pay for bureaucrats to administer an endless list of hurdles to aviation camaraderie. What I think is demanded is that we smile and act stupid so that no one is confused. Let me summarise what the above two mindsets illustrate.

1."I believe that it may be cloudy. Let us go together to the Galaxy Inspector and get him to understand that it is important to the community that the stars are allowed to shine for them as their representatives have busted their butts for the opportunity for them to dance beneath the stars."

2."Will the stars shine? Have you got a signed letter from the galaxy inspector? If you do not, I will order the clouds in to block the stars, and you will fail, go to jail and cease to exist so that I will not be disturbed when I am sitting here looking out the window."

From us, I would like to thank the South African Police, The local Council, The TAF staff, The Tedderfield Trustees Committee and the staff, the agents appointed by the Tedderfield Committee and the Aero Club. Your assistance, guidance and leadership were inspirational.

To all those that feared censure and who did not see why they should fly into the mouth of a day of ramp inspections and bureaucracy, please join us next time as we now understand the game plan of the aristocratic/bureaucratic aviation authorities and their agents.

"Veni, Vidi, Vici!"

Our thanks too, to our suppliers and members that came and enjoyed the day. We hope that more of our members will believe that we can take on, and win the day, in the face of the demands of the Galaxy Inspectors.

b) It remains the responsibility of the event organiser, property owner, main sponsor and their agents to familiarize themselves and comply with the following legislation as applicable;
i) Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (Act 2, of 2010)
j) Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85, of 1993)
k) Disaster Management Act (Ac, 57, of 2002)
l) Fire Brigade Services Act (Act 99, of 1987)
m) South African Police Service Act (Act 68, of 1995)
n) Liquor Act (Act 59, of 2003)
o) Explosives Act (Act 15, of 2003)
p) Civil Aviation Act (Act 13, of 2009) As well as the Regulations issued in terms thereof;
q) Any regional or local bylaws incidental to the planning and organizing of an event.
r) SA-CARS and CATS
s) The contents of this manual.