The skies over Blaaublommetjieskloof came alive recently when the Tygerberg Model Flying Club (TMFC) hosted its inaugural fly-in event.
The club, based on the R304 between Durbanville and Malmesbury, near the Klipheuwel turn-off, welcomed radio-controlled aviation enthusiasts for a three-day spectacle from Friday 14 March to Sunday 16 March.
More than 50 pilots, accompanied by friends and family, gathered for the event, which saw participation from several other model flying clubs, including Weskus Radio Flyers, Ceres Model Aircraft Club, Walker Bay Radio Flyers (near Bot River) and Stellenbosch Model Aircraft Academy.
TMFC is a member of RCASA, an Aviation Recreation Organisation (ARO) for radio controlled aircraft and pilots. RCASA liaises directly with the Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) ensuring regulatory alignment while promoting radio-controlled aviation as a safe and enjoyable recreational activity for all.
Annual occurence
“We are thrilled by the success of this event and hope to make it an annual occurrence on the TMFC calendar,” said Juan Fourie, chair of TMFC.
“We invite anyone interested in the hobby, whether as a participant or spectator, to reach out and learn more about what we do.”
Kobus de Koker, the TMFC fly-in coordinator and safety officer, said: “The beautiful camaraderie and the passion we share as families were special to experience.”
While the historical roots of the TMFC go back to the 1950s, the club has been located at Blaaublommetjieskloof since 2009. “We are grateful to farm owner André Brink for accommodating the club and supporting our aviation endeavours,” Fourie adds.
Aircraft on display (and in the air) included scale models such as BAE Systems Hawk, PC-21 Pilatus and T-28 Trojan, performance models such as GAMEBIRD GB1 and various versions of “Stick”, as well as helicopters such as FLYWING BO-105 GPS, Raptor 50SE Airwolf” and Hirobo Freya 90.
Spectators were treated to a series of breathtaking aerial displays.
A standout moment was the high-speed performance of a SebArt Avanti S XXL Turbine Jet, expertly piloted by John Bowles of Weskus Radio Flyers.
Highlights
Other highlights included Mathew Going with large scale “Edge” showcasing the skill and precision of these R/C pilots.
The range of flying pilot ages was from the oldest, Kobus de Koker (71) to young Caleb Hoffend (15), who lives for flying. With his mother as “transport specialist”, he has attended more than 10 fly-ins over the last few years.
night-flying display
As the sun set on Saturday, the excitement continued with a mesmerising night-flying display, adding a spectacular glow to the evening braai.
To add to the excitement of the weekend, a raffle competition with donations from “Hobby Flight Centre” (two transmitter cases), “ScaleRC” (helicopter), “Speed Models” (battery charger) and “Sizzling” (Ryan PT-20 trainer aircraft) was held.
Tickets
The raffle ticket sales were utilised as donations for TMFC as there were no entry fees or camping charges for the weekend’s entertainment.
.Follow the club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/hookedonRC/ or the TMFC Website at https://www.tmfc.co.za for more information. Alternatively, send an email to info@tmfc.co.za to contact one of the pilots. Visit the website of RCASA at www.rcasa.org.za for more information.
