Pyramid Air Park Aviators Weekend

On Friday afternoon I arrived at Fly-inn Estate ready for an hour and twenty minute flight, with Gregory Clegg in his stunning Jodel D11, to a patch of Lowveld Paradise know as Pyramid Air Park. Pyramid came about when the owner of the property Brian Young decided to make an air park out of this beautiful patch of land, situated North West of the idyllic town of Barberton.

Ten shares were made available to interested aviators that were looking for a place to fly to for a weekend getaway, only two of the shares are still up for grabs and many of the shareholders are in the process of building their hangars with attached accommodations.

Peter Lea one of the first shareholders decided to share this gem with other members of the aviation community in the form of an annual, this was the third Pyramid Aviators Weekend.

Pyramid Air Park also sports eight chalets that can be rented out for a nominal fee. The chalets are located in such a way that you can taxi your aircraft and park very close to where you will be sleeping.

We left Fly-inn and as soon as we entered Special Rules East the radio calls were predominantly aircraft routing to Pyramid with aircraft from as far afield as Kroonstad in the Free State.

As the sun set on Friday evening a real bushveld camp fire was lit in the lapa under the Massive Acasia tree and the liquid refreshments lubricated the conversation between the visitors, before dinner was served. The conversations went on late into the night while everyone just relaxed and shrugged off the stresses of the city.

On Saturday morning many of the visiting pilots got up very early so they could experience the beautiful Mpumalanga sunrise from the air only to return for a hearty breakfast once again served in the lapa.

By the time everyone had had their breakfast the number of visiting aircraft had swelled to forty-one, fortunately many of them brought along tents and camped along side their aircraft as all the chalets were full.

The weather Gods were really smiling on this weekend as there were barely no clouds in the sky and not even a breath of wind to talk of. Many of the visiting pilots took full advantage of the good weather to go explore the Lowveld with its beautiful waterfalls and escarpment.

Santjie White the guardian angel of all aviators in South Africa gave a safety presentation on the importance of communicating properly while flying and requesting help when in a dangerous situation. Even Bacon van der Hoof , who had travelled down to Pyramid with Santjie and Jean-Michele, listened attentively while Santjie gave her talk. Hope fully the message hit home and everyone present learned something that may one day save their lives.

By late afternoon everyone had returned for yet another evening of fun, laughter and comradery around the camp fire. Braai packs were on sale and everyone Braaied their own meat and filled their plates with all the accompaniments supplied by Peter and his team. Once again it proved to be a very enjoyable evening.

Sunday morning once again brought along beautiful weather, and the pilots took full advantage of the conditions to get an early morning flight in. Breakfast was served with many of the visiting pilots, feeling so at home by now, pitched in and helped prepare the food.

Then it was time to leave this beautiful place and make our way back home to the "Ratrace". Peter, Paul, Pam, Brian and the rest of the team thank you for yet another wonderful weekend. Its the effort from people like you that make aviation events very special.