Centurion man lifts self-built aircraft into the skies

After 14 years of dedication and perseverance, Johann Tredoux from Eldoraigne in Centurion finally witnessed the fulfilment of his lifelong dream of building an aircraft.

The aircraft, which he had built with his own hands, finally took to the skies for its first flight on February 8.

This special day was a moment of triumph, pride, and emotion for the 60-year-old.

“I was extremely excited to move on from just a building project to a flyable aircraft,” Johann shared.

“A lot of emotions ran through me as my lifelong dream became a reality.”

Tredoux’s passion for aviation was sparked during his childhood, growing up in Pretoria and Midrand.

He said living near airports exposed him to the sight and sound of aircraft flying low overhead.

“This sparked my interest in aviation,” he said.

His fascination turned into action at a young age.

At seven years old, Tredoux attempted to build his first aircraft by attaching wings to his bicycle.

While that invention only managed to fly for 3m, it ignited an ambition that stayed with him for life.

“During my matric year, I completed my Private Pilot License (PPL) at Grand Central Airport.”

However, like many young dreamers, life took him in a different direction.

Tredoux pursued a corporate career, but he never let go of his dream.

“To keep myself motivated during my postgraduate studies, I always promised myself that I would build an aeroplane as an incentive once time and money allowed.”

That promise became a reality in 2010 when Tredoux imported an aircraft kit from overseas and a year later he began to work on the project in his garage.

What followed was 14 years of hard work, largely carried out during weekends and evenings.

He described the process as both challenging and rewarding.

He said it required a mix of hand tools, creativity, and patience.

“I learnt that this was not an individual venture,” he said.

“Very soon, a circle of networks and friends with the same interests developed around me. There was always someone willing to help and who had the answers to my questions.”

In the building process, Tredoux learnt and applied a wide range of skills, including fibreglass work, carpentry, metalwork, electronics, fabric covering, and aerodynamics.

“I started with the fuselage, adding the undercarriage and control columns.

“Then I moved on to the wings, followed by the engine and propeller. Finally, everything was brought together with electronic circuiting and instruments,” he explained.

To ensure the aircraft’s systems were functioning correctly, he chained the plane to a tree in his front yard to conduct engine tests before transporting it to a hangar at Grasslands Airfield in Centurion for final assembly.

Building an aircraft from scratch is not without its setbacks.

Tredoux encountered several challenges, including sourcing materials and troubleshooting technical issues.

“One of the main problems was sourcing materials and components. When I couldn’t find something, I had to make it myself,” he said.

On one occasion, he had to sell an overweight engine and replace it with a lighter one.

Another time, he spent hours tracing faulty wiring to fix issues with the aircraft’s electronic circuiting.

He said that each obstacle required meticulous planning, research, and a tremendous amount of patience.

Despite the challenges, Tredoux persevered and was motivated by a strong support system.

“The flying community is a bunch of great guys, and there’s always someone to share knowledge and expertise,” he said.

His family was also a source of constant encouragement.

“I was morally supported by my wife, our three children, my in-laws, family, and friends,” he shared.

For Tredoux, it wasn’t just about completing the plan; it was about creating something he could be proud of.

“Because I built the aeroplane for my own use, I wanted to make it as neat and well-constructed as possible,” he said.

After years of work, the aircraft was finally inspected and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.

With the paperwork complete, the stage was set for the proving flight, which was conducted by a qualified test pilot on February 8.

Though Tredoux had confidence in his creation, the weight of the moment was not lost on him.

“I had confidence that it would fly because I put so much authentic effort into the building process. But I still prayed for a successful takeoff and landing,” he admitted.

The flight was a success. The aircraft soared into the sky and returned safely to the runway.

“After the successful landing, the test pilot stopped on the runway and congratulated me on a flyable aircraft.”

Looking back, Tredoux reflected on the magnitude of his achievement.

“In the aircraft community, it’s estimated that 85% of building projects never reach completion. I’m proud to say mine did,” he said.

He hopes that his story will inspire others to pursue their passion, no matter how impossible they may seem.

“During a project like this, a person learns a lot about themselves,” he said.

“This includes skills like planning, creativity, and persistence. Nothing can be achieved without passion and prayers.”

He also took a moment to commend the fellow aviators who supported him along the way.

His wife, Rene Tredoux, shared her perspective on his remarkable journey.

“Johann’s motto is, ‘Don’t make me walk when I want to fly,’ and he has lived by that his whole life,” she said.

When Tredoux first shared his dream of building an aeroplane, she believed in him.

“The day he told me he was going to build our own aeroplane, I believed him. He always believes that a person should go big or go home,” she said.

She also reflected on how the project brought the family closer together.

“It was nice having him at home with this hobby. The children helped and subconsciously saw that hard work pays off.

“I am so proud of him. It’s moments like these that we live for, and now we can explore together.”

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