Greg Casson Memorial Jet Weekend 2016

GREG CASSON MEMORIAL JET WEEKEND 2016

This was the 5th Memorial Event held in honour of Greg Casson and was held over the weekend of 21st to 23rd October 2016.

A total of 17 pilots made the effort to attend this event with most pilots arriving on Friday and a couple on Thursday. When we arrived on Thursday afternoon we were welcomed by a nice thunder shower which was very much needed.

Flying started each day at around 07h00, we flew Friday and Saturday till around 2 as by this time the wind got a bit much. By 14h00 all had had enough of flying and the planes were packed away in the hangar with various groups forming under gazebos sheltering them from the blistering sun. In the afternoon, all dispersed to various watering holes to cool off and relax after a good days flying. On Saturday afternoon we gathered in different places to watch the rugby final between the Cheetahs and the Bulls.

Sunday morning we were met with once again a beautiful day with blue skies and a slight breeze. Normally most pilots leave early but not this time, only two left early and the rest burnt the last paraffin remaining in their fuel cans. By 16h00 we were all packed up and most pilots were on their road back home. 5 pilots opted to sleep another night and depart only on Monday morning.

Pilots who attended came from Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, Gauteng, and Upington. This was one of those weekends where a lot of flights were flown by all with no serious crashes or aircraft problems. Only one flame out was had over the whole 3 days of flying.

Well done to Andre Killian who is a regular at all Jets-r-us events and he finally arrived with a Turbine Jet and he enjoyed himself immensely.

Burt Botha from PE is now bitten by the Jet bug, has gotten rid of his F3A planes and is now enjoying jet flying and mastered the art of landing this weekend. Stan Fincham had many flights and managed to perfect his take offs and landings, and entertained us with his rain dance after his first totally perfect landing.

Pierre Fouche had a new plane to be maidened, on Friday afternoon on start up he experienced a problem with the turbine, but no problem to him he packed all away and jumped in the car and rushed to Bloem to collect a spare and shot back to Gariep. He installed the motor the next day and maidened the plane with no further problems. Now that is dedication for you.

As it was Greg Casson’s weekend even he was there in spirit and giving a helping hand to those who needed a bit of guidance by the angels. On Saturday afternoon we flew the large quarter scale L39 ex Francois Diedrechsens plane now belonging to Sanjay Kana. Half way through the flight the turbine died and a decision was taken to land in the direction of the flight path as that is the longest part of the runway. The runway runs at a slight uphill to the right, the plane was held just off the runway for a little while after it disappeared out of sight and over the hill. Three of us jumped on the back of Francois Kuys bantam bakkie and raced down the runway which felt like a life time until we reached the plane. There it was parked right at the end of the runway after running through the very nicely cut grass veld adjacent to the runway and came to a stop against a fence. The fence dropper caused an indent in the LE of the right wing and a bit of a scratch underneath the right tip tank. The plane flew for more than 100m free flight. The distance from where we were flying from till where the plane came to a holt was 860m.

Thanks Cassie very much appreciated.

From the Jets-R-Us team we would like to thank all attending the event. Many of you knew Greg by name only and had possibly spoken to him on the phone. Thanks guys your attendance in honour of Greg is very much appreciated.

Danie Potgieter who attended the event without a jet came to assist Burt to get his flying sorted out. Danie ended up helping many others. Thanks Danie. On Saturday evening he said something I have to share with all the jet pilots who attended. He said he was extremely impressed with the quality of flying by all throughout the event and enjoyed the company of all.

A special thanks to Theo Marnewick for sponsoring the caps for the weekend.

Till next time,

Cheers