Gyro Fly-In - Swellendam Airshow

[THI]

Hello fellow Gyro pilots!

It’s been a while since we all went for a lekke weekend fly-away. Seeing that the Swellendam air show is just around the corner it would be a great opportunity to get the gaggle together! There is a lot of accommodation (not just as advertised, but there is a lot of B&B), a few lemonades on stand-by and the air show is something not to miss!

See the link for more info: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=14676

I can even arrange for a gyro display by one of our senior gyro pilots. Anyone volunteering?

Who is going to join me?

PS. Not limited to the gyro's! Anyone welcome

[Jabbanaught]

Hi Thinus

Thanks for doing this , Guys this is a superb time to get the gyro's in shape for the flight to Gariep .

THey are very friendly at Swellendam and accomodation is plenty , but do not leave it too late .

THinus , maybe you should ask Lewn to do display in his New Gyro !!!

I will be flying in , thanks

Paul

[THI]

I'm thinking that we can get together on the Friday morning, have a lekke brunch at Stellenbosch. Fly to Swellendam via Franshoek. Stop at Swellendam and have a nice cold water, maybe refeul and take a scenic route along De Hoop nature reserve to Witsand and back via the Breederivier.

[Gyronaut]

I intend being there. Breakfast at Stellies, great idea. Then a nice gaggle from there. Its a stunning flight from Cape Town 1hour 40min max unless you go the scenic route via Franshoek/Villiersdorp Worcester, Robertson (legstretch), Montague, Barrydale, Swellendam - 2hours 20minutes. Awesome route following the dams and the Breede river.

I'd be happy to fly a display. Have to check validity of my display rating if lapsed will fix by then, why not? (In the meantime brush up on your formation flying theory a bit - we can practice a bit and before you know it we have a formation display on the cards Awesome.

Will book soon, looking forward to a great weekend. You couldnt hope to find a nicer bunch of people than those at Swellendam. Bumped in the Chairman of the club in the 'Boatel' in Witsand - and he already persuaded me not to miss it on my birthday weekend

[THI]

Thanks Len, I'm sure Rickus won't have a problem.

...and he already persuaded me not to miss it on my birthday weekend

Straf dop!!!

[Newguy]

Sounds like a great idea. Count me in. Let me know final arrangements to meet at Stellenbosch and I will fit in. M22 ZU-DXL
Pat

[THI]

No one else?

[FO Gyro]

I'm in as well. Anyone else going?

[THI]

Is everyone sorted with accommodation?

Please let me know if I can help with arrangements.

[Newguy]

I haven't booked accommodation yet. I was waiting for more info.
Are we going for two nights, Friday & Saturday? Where is everyone staying? In tents at field or in Town at a guest house? Is petrol available at the field? Is it safe to leave gyro at field if one stays in town (safety & weather)? Anyone taking partners?
Pat

[THI]

I haven't booked accommodation yet. I was waiting for more info.
Are we going for two nights, Friday & Saturday? Where is everyone staying? In tents at field or in Town at a guest house? Is petrol available at the field? Is it safe to leave gyro at field if one stays in town (safety & weather)? Anyone taking partners?
Pat

Hi Pat,

The plan would be to stay the whole weekend, Why not?. The important thing is to fly together on Friday.

I'll be staying with my parents. If anyone need some contact numbers for B&B's let me know.

There will be avgas at the field, but if it absolutely necessary mogas can be feched from town.

The airfield is about 3km from the town.

Security... The airfield is situated inside Bontebok Nature Reserve so I don't think it would be a problem
Weather... I can try to arrange to park between the hangers for protection against the wind, but unfortunately not for rain.

Any more questions I can help with?

[THI]

Need your guys input.

Which route to you want to take. According to VFR planner the route FASH, Franshoek, Genadendal, Riviersonderend, FASX is 104 miles. See Google File attached.

Any other route suggestions?

[Gyronaut]

A scenic route could be via Worcester, Robertson, Montague, Barrydale to FASX perhaps? Might be 10 minutes further but so what?

Sent from 5 800ft 78mph 43.3 miles to run to FAHV. Ferrying Nics M24 - ZU-RFP from Rand to Morningstar. What a beaut she is! Purring like a content kitten. Will post pics on our return.

[FO Gyro]

Len, I like your suggestion. Have booked my tent, just for one night though. Will fly back late on the Saturday.

How many will be flying through at this stage anyone?

[THI]

Pilots confirmed:

Thinus
Paul
Len
Pat
Glen
Anton

Am I missing someone? Learjet might sit this one out

What about the others? I'm sure Nic with his brand new M24 won't miss this?

The route as Len suggested is 137 miles. See google attached.

Where do you cross the mountains between FASH and Worcester?