SAGPA are proud to announce the creation of the "Sean Klopper Remarkable Airmanship" Trophy.
We are seeking nominations via the SAGPA Committee for this prestigious annual award in memory of - Sean Klopper, a remarkable airman that passed away on 8 November 2006. He has been described as “A good friend, colleague and one of the best pilots and instructors in the aviation industry” in the ‘African Pilot Magazine’.
The goal of the trophy is to promote adherence to the Aviators Code of Conduct of which Sean Klopper set a magnificent example.
The floating trophy will be awarded annually to the most deserving individual displaying one or more of the key criteria below. The selection will be done by the SAGPA committee:
Key Criteria: In the promotion of the sport of Gyrocopter flying he/she has shown an outstanding all-round display of Airmanship throughout the preceding 12 months including, but not limited to:-
a. Making safety the number one priority,
b. Seeking excellence in airmanship,
c. developing and exercising good judgment, and applying sound principles of aeronautical decision-making,
d. recognizing and managing risks effectively,
e. maintaining situational awareness, and adherance to prudent operating practices and personal operating parameters
f. aspiring to professionalism,
g. acting with responsibility and courtesy, and adherance to applicable laws and regulations.
In accordance with SAGPA’s Vision and Mission therefore the successful candidate will be selected for displaying one or all of these attributes in a remarkable fashion in keeping with the aviators code of conduct.
Promotion of Safety
Excellence in response to an emergency situation,
Outstanding and consistent application to training, currency and skills building; and
A consistent display of combined decision making, safety and efficient operation
Consideration for others / Achievements
The trophy carries a token prize money administered by SAGPA who will endeavour to obtain contributors in order to increase the prize money.
Nominations are requested and should be sent to Juanita at info@sagpa.co.za
Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
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- Gyronaut
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Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
After some have asked, I feel it is necessary to state that, although Sean Klopper and I shared the same surname, we were not related in any way that we could ever establish. He was my first Gyro instructor and became a firm friend and colleague before his untimely passing.
Len Klopper
Len Klopper
- fransstrydom
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Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
Len,It is not only a very good looking trophy but also an exellent idee.I spoke to Cristelle (widow)and she is absolutely delighted.Congratulations to SAGPA.
fransstrydom
Proud Sycamore Owner(ex Sean Kloppers)
ZU-CCN
Rhino Park
fransstrydom
Proud Sycamore Owner(ex Sean Kloppers)
ZU-CCN
Rhino Park
- Gyronaut
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Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
.... applause.... Drumroll ..... Lights dimmed...
Ladies and Gentlemen, THE 2011 WINNER of the Sean Klopper Remarkable Airmanship Trophy IS...
DAVE LEHR !!

Hearty Congratulations to a worthy winner.
Dave was chosen in a secret ballot by the SAGPA committee amongst several worthy nominations.
He was recognised by several of his peers for his exceptional airmanship, his caring attitude, his knowledge and his skill in Gyro Flying. He is internationally known for his candid and knowledgeable insights in many forums and his advancement of exposure to the SA Gyro Flying Fraternity placing us up there with the worlds best.
Dave was totally surprised by the award and had no idea that he had even been nominated.
We know that he is a worthy recipient and will display the trophy with pride. His nomination for next years winner will carry a lot of weight.
Dave, we salute you Sir. Well done!
The SAGPA Committee
Ladies and Gentlemen, THE 2011 WINNER of the Sean Klopper Remarkable Airmanship Trophy IS...
DAVE LEHR !!





Hearty Congratulations to a worthy winner.
Dave was chosen in a secret ballot by the SAGPA committee amongst several worthy nominations.
He was recognised by several of his peers for his exceptional airmanship, his caring attitude, his knowledge and his skill in Gyro Flying. He is internationally known for his candid and knowledgeable insights in many forums and his advancement of exposure to the SA Gyro Flying Fraternity placing us up there with the worlds best.
Dave was totally surprised by the award and had no idea that he had even been nominated.
We know that he is a worthy recipient and will display the trophy with pride. His nomination for next years winner will carry a lot of weight.
Dave, we salute you Sir. Well done!
The SAGPA Committee
- THI
- Pilot in Command
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Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
Congrats Dave!!



Thinus Enslin
Potchefstroom (FAPS)
ZU-CML
Sycamore MK1 - Hilux of the gyros
Would love a RV10 though...
Potchefstroom (FAPS)
ZU-CML
Sycamore MK1 - Hilux of the gyros
Would love a RV10 though...
Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
Congrats Dave ....fine achievement Bud



"Hope the weather is calm tomorrow !!"
- Jabbanaught
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Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
Congratulations DAVE , WORTHY WINNER







Autogyro - Calidus ZU- ???
Magni M22 - ZU EGA
Magni M22 - ZU EGA
Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
What a boytjie! You go big time Dave. Lekka my man




Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
Just to show how knowledgeable
he is about gyroplanes, if you google "Ela Gyroplane Teeter Tower", view images, you get, on page 8, Dave's photo/avatar.
Again, congrats Dave.


Again, congrats Dave.

www.altairaviation.co.za
HOME OF XENON & ZEN GYROCOPTER
HOME OF XENON & ZEN GYROCOPTER
Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
Thanks so much everyone. I was very surprised, and I must confess to feeling a somewhat unworthy recipient compared to the many other gyro pilots I know, respect, look up to and learn from every time I fly with them. 

Dave Lehr
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
Magni Gyro M22 ZU-EPZ
“You're flying Buzz! No Woody we're falling in style!”
- Magnifan
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Re: Remarkable Airmanship Trophy
Well done Dave, a very deserved award!
Gyro Pilots do it in Autorotation
Magni M16: ZU-DIO
Magni M16: ZU-DIO
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