Aviators flock together for a tété-à-tété

Since Friday the skies of Barberton have been invaded by aircraft from the whole sector – everything from microlights to turbine aircraft all flew in to attend a private aviation weekend.

Approximately 20 aircraft showed up for this social get-together at Pyramid Airpark. The park currently has three shareholders, namely Brian Young, the founder of Pyramid Flight School, and since earlier this year, Peter Lea and Anton Erasmus.

According to Lea, the coordinator, this weekend was something they have wanted to do for quite a while, and is only the first of many. However, it is not easy to pull off something like this, as it has to be slotted in-between many other aviation events throughout South Africa. Some of the aircraft returned on Saturday, but many stayed on until Sunday. “It was a great weekend where we spent quality time together, and even the weather turned out beautifully,” said Lea.

Pilots came from Gauteng, many from Witwatersrand and the biggest aircraft, the Kodiak, was from White River’s Mercy Air.

This three-ton, tough and multifunctional aircraft was designed specifically for mission aviation on unimproved airstrips, which suits the people of Mercy Air like a glove. A lot of their missionary work takes place in locations such as the Zambezi Delta, and most of the small communities are inaccessible by road.

CEO of Mercy Air, Allan Luus and everyone involved, are passionate about the work they do. Etablished in 1991, it is an independent faith-based humanitarian-aid aviation service which depends on donations.

It is also represented in Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA and serves all people in need, regardless of race, gender or religion.

You can also become an active partner. To read all about these selfless pilots and their fleet and to find out how you can contribute toward their vision, visit their website on www.mercyair.org

To find out how to become a shareholder in Pyramid Airpark, contact Brian Young on 082-337-8206.