Microlighters

I have heard the name many times at the Vredendal Flyin (Airshow). Now had to read a whole page in African Pilot written by Brian Emmenis on how good the Vredendal do was. On the website http://www.airshowsa.org.za/ i see Capital sounds and African Pilot both are part of the org. This gang don't come cheap ether, the lady who drove the bus to and from Vredendal town rumoured quite large sums. I was also one of the 8 planes that were made to hold for 45 min while the atc shouted on the radio "the air is saturated" hell knows what that means. Then some chick from Stellenboch in a RV gets slotted infront of all of us. Thats when I flew to the airfield and landed, very little help from ATC.

I can pick it apart all day but my main question remains, "Who are ASSA"

I believ if you want o have a fly inn or an air show they get paid to manage and or run it on your behalf sfaty and all.

How long will it last????? Time will tell.

Good point Jan. I was at one stage standing next to the strip wondering why the heck has traffic been put on hold as the strip was and the circuit was clean.( or NOT saturated!) You probably saw the same thing after you landed. I had excess to a handheld radio, thats why i know what was being said to traffic.

Am told it goes about safety. Check Avom for some heated debate. Some will not go to an airshow if ASSA are involved. The big boys (aeros teams) will not go if ASSA is not involved. Some say it Uber Pilot's club. Merits on both sides, but it does add HUGE costs to a small airshow budget and it does cause some conflict. I know a couple guys who have had problems with ATC/ASSA at regional airshows with holds and "pref" treatment. Some have been genuine mistakes (forgot about pilot) others I am not so sure.

PS
I refuse to express opinion as I been rapped on knuckles too many times when this subject comes up.

anothe bunch of mechanics forcing legislation and unnessary costs upon us they will kill the air shows in this country, look whos behind the story and it will become very clear to you
everybodys on the bandwagon to make a buck

I was one of the 8 aircrafts that was told by Vredendal ATC to "stay Away" the Silver Falcons are busy with her display!!! accordingly the program as posted on their website all visiting aircrafts must be on the ground by 09h30. We arrived at 08h55 and was put on hold for 45+ minutes.
The ATC lost control of the situation.

Yes I agree,

I was on the ground and listening in on radio. They put guys out on hold over the other airfield and frankly I feel they forgot about them. I did not hear them at any time actually try to raise the guys and say, another 10minutes, nothing.

I tried to have a conversation with Brian later and he was very "kort-af" with me. I asked him if and what he flies and he said no nor is he interested in learning. This amazed me

Anyway, my only real complaint is they turn the PA up so loud you can't even think. You literally get a headache from the booming voice.

Was given an astronomical figure to have this 'luxury', almost impossible for a dorp show to recover costs.

Maybe downscale the 'shows' to new demo flips, static displays and regular fly ins.

Delta VV wrote:Was given an astronomical figure to have this 'luxury', almost impossible for a dorp show to recover costs.

Maybe downscale the 'shows' to new demo flips, static displays and regular fly ins.

Yip we had same . We would need about 3000 people (paying) through the gate just to cover that cost.

Fly inns are a better option for small dorps. Although the commentary is great, it add's little value to the folks who just want to check the aeries.

I'm still upset that Vredendal paid all that money to get a profesional ASSA to organize and if I and 7 other aircraft had done what we were told to do, " wait at the tar airfield" one of us would have flown into a Falcon who also went to same airfield, 2 giros and all 8 of us just hanging around, were was the safety officer enployed by ASSA when this was happening? Looks like the peice in African Pilot was written as and advert, do you think Athol will print a complaint.

Hi there Mr Jannie.
A seriously angry beetle crawled up your gat !!!

I was not there to participate in the debate, but for what it’s worth there has been others shows that were criticized for poor organization, they have now been “:black listed” from future coverage by the magazine.
It is a huge pity that egos and turf protection always seem to creep in and destroy goodwill.

Never mind keeping the honorable Mr Jannie and others flying a holding pattern on zero juice!!!!!

Hope this issue is closed out in a mature way.
Graham.

I am now going to make a statement and hope to live throught this one.

Last year a whole bunch of us flew down tom Baberton for the jol at CC's place. Man it was frikken awsome and a high point in my short flying hobby carreer.

This year I was there again with the same expectations and also present was the ASSA or what they want to be called plus ATC from Rand no disrespect to them but the event for me was not the same. Last year I did ATC and the day commentary and it was cool even had time to talk a guy down through the clouds, but sorry to say it was not the same and no more chances were taken by this years pilots. We alkso had fewer planes present.

Maybe I am wrong, so please comment.

The Agent wrote:...not the same and no more chances were taken by this year's pilots....

Hi Agent,

This statement might need some clarification.

Regards
John ZU-CIB

If I can say what Agent failed to say! A flight out to a small town for a flyin / Airshow has always been an adventure, the adventure of getting there. Once at said airfield time to be spent with old and new friends. Aviators like me who spend a pretty penny to get there and enjoy a day of chatting and catching up. The introduction of a group of people who are trying to make serious money out of this small town club, who consist of normal people who like flying, has and is going to kill off this type of adventure.

I say keep your nose out of the small events, Vredendal locals were not impressed by all this hype created, they are normal people coming to see aries. Flyin pilots come to enjoy the town.

Hi Harlequin, How's it hanging - just got my wind up the ASSA is billed as an organisation that helps air show / flyins be better organised and safer. But in actual they are in it for the money. Help me if i'm wrong.