New Airfield in Hartbeespoort

[MPL Pilot]

I would like to get some comments from gyro pilots asto what they would like in an airfield.

What we can offer is basicly a 36/18 close to Zilkaatsnek on a plot, south of the Magaliesberg.
36 would be taking of uphill, most of the time a wind from the north thru Zilkaatsnek, helping with takeoff.
18, downhill, with the advantage of gaining groundspeed due to gravity.

Coordinates: 25°43'9.83"S
27°55'0.05"E

Runway lenth, 600m minimum and 1km max, depending on the layout.

The Google map give an indication of the setting, to the north a squaters camp and to the south
open field.

For trikes and LSA fixed wings (Bantams and Beavers) it would be easy.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.

If this runway is safe, it could be an amazing flyin for many pilots as Dozi has some things
up his sleeve for the future.
Follow the dots on the image, that would be max lenth.

[MPL Pilot]

Thank you for the thoughts on the airfield to those that contacted me.

It has been confirmed, soon this grass runway will be a reallity.

We have interest from ppl pilots as well, the lenth of the runway
will be 1000m.

Veilig vlieg

[pietmeyer]

It will be good to have more places to fly to. Please let us know of the progress. Also place it then under Hangar Talk so that all us trike pilots also can be informed or is this for Gyro's only

[MPL Pilot]

.... or is this for Gyro's only

No, definitely not, any aircraft that is able to take off safely
on a 1km runway is welcome.

Hangers will take some time, but we will get there.

[pietmeyer]

When is the intended opening of the runway? What plans do you have? Looking forward to flying there

[MPL Pilot]

Hi oom Piet

We have not set a date for opening yet, will get going in November, mowing the grass and
removing trees to get at least 500m available. The rest will be a week to week operation.
We would like it to be a pilot friendly runway, summer and winter, that means it will not be a quick- quick,
but when it is done, all that use it will benefit from the landing strip.

We will have an inauguration, the date will be announced in due time, Dozi
will have to get his singing buds together for the event.

Fly safe

[MPL Pilot]

Also place it then under Hangar Talk so that all us trike pilots also can be informed

I will do as soon as the runway is ready for use.

We had the trees removed a week ago, which left a lot of holes and roots from the trees.
Total useable runway lenth is 850m and 30m wide.
The grader finnished today, leaving a smooth surface. I would strongly suggest no aircraft should land on this runway at this stage, since the tree holes has been closed up but the soil needs to be compacted in those areas. We will do the compacting asap.
All we need now is some rain, and the grass to grow again, with the grass roots visible
it should not take too long.
Until the runway is covered with gras, it is advisible not to land here shortly after rain, unless you fly a 4X4
Thank you to all the pilots that flew over the runway in the passed weeks, it kept us motivated to get going and keep going.

[Bulletjie]

What is the progress on this runway? Can't wait to come and visit!

[MPL Pilot]

What is the progress on this runway? Can't wait to come and visit!

Hopefully the runway will be finnished by the end of Feb.

The northern part of the runway is usable, there are 2 white lines crossing the runway at the southern side to give an indication of useable
runway, from the two lines to the end of the runway at the northern side is 550 m.
We have removed trees and the holes was filled, the ground just gave way a bit as we drove over it to compact and will be refilled soon.

I landed there yesterday and was surprised how smooth the northern part of the runway was, to what I am used to.

You are welcome to land here if it is sufficiant for take off.

Just give me a ring on zero 7 9 516 85 zero 4, i will meet you there.

I will get a windsock during the week, but there is a couple of flags indicating wind direction.

Fly safe!

[milegrin]

If I browse to those coordinates via google maps, it shows a squatter camp a shape of what could have once been a runway. If it is so, it is sad to see.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°43 ... 14642,17z/

[lion]

Wow, it would be interesting to hear what happened there. Was it private land that was occupied? Whoever created the runway must have invested some good money there.