Aviators Paradise – Piet “vlieg” Smit Memorial Fly-in

Aviators Paradise is located North West of the Hartbeespoort Dam Wall alongside the R512 (Brits-Hartbeespoort) Road. It boasts a very well kept 850m tar runway at an elevation 3800ft.(S25 40 33 and E27 49 57)

The field was founded by the late Piet Smit, Piet was tragically killed in an accident while test flying a KR2 at Wonderboom in January 2014.

A Memorial Fly-in was held in memory of Piet Vlieg, as he was known by his friends, on Saturday 24 March. Ron Stirk , a very good friend of Piet’s gave a wonderful eulogy to his friend and also handed over Piet’s Airforce Tunic to his son Janro.

Johan Boysen , the manager of Pipers restaurant on the field, presented Janro with a Plaque that has now been put up on a wall of honour in Pipers. Many other close friends joined in telling humorous stories about Piet and it became clear that he was a well-loved and passionate member of the local aviation community.

Pipers Restaurant, named after Piet’s Bullmastiff, is open daily for light meals as well as drinks for those not flying out. Johan and his lovely wife Isabel are always at hand to welcome aviators with a smile and a friendly chat and for visitors needing a place to spend the night accommodation is available on the field. Aviators Paradise is close to the many tourists’ attractions including Bush Babies, The Elephant Sanctuary, Chameleon Village and Cable Way.

Aviators Paradise is fast becoming a destination of choice for the pilots out for a breakfast flight or just a quick cool drink and can get quiet active on weekends. There is ample parking for visiting aircraft right by the clubhouse.