VEREENIGING – The 2025 aerobatics season kicked off with intense competition at Vereeniging Airfield on February 1.

It was hosted by the Sport Aerobatics Club of South Africa (SAC). Pilots not only faced fierce rivalries but also extreme weather, as a heatwave sent temperatures soaring to nearly 40°C.

This made flying conditions especially demanding, testing the skill and precision of every competitor.

Despite the challenges, the event delivered thrilling performances across all categories. The Sportsman Class opened the event, with Bernard Botha in a Decathlon setting the pace.

Mitchell Wright followed in a Yak 52. Tristan Eeles, a rising star in South African aerobatics, flew his Free Known sequence early in the day. Though competing in the Unlimited Class, he had to adjust his flight time as he and his father, Barrie Eeles, were both flying the same Extra 330SC.

The Intermediate Class saw Trevor Warner in a Game Bird GB1 and Aldo Naude in a Slick 540 competing for top honours. In the Advanced Class, Andrew Blackwood-Murray (Extra 300), Pierre du Plooy (Giles 202), and Warren Eva (Yak 55) competed fiercely.

This was the only category with more than two competitors, highlighting the need for more participation to restore aerobatics to its former competitive depth.

The morning rounds concluded with Barrie Eeles flying the Reclam-sponsored Extra 330SC, while judges endured the extreme heat to ensure fair scoring.

After the lunch break, the pilots returned for their Free sequences (Sportsman Class) and Unknown sequences (all other classes). Competition results: Sportsman Class: 1. Bernard Botha and 2. Mitchell Wright Advanced Class: 1. Pierre du Plooy, 2. Andrew Blackwood-Murray and 3. Warren Eva Unlimited Class: Barrie Eeles.