Approximately 20 flyers from Mossel Bay, the George Radio Flyers and Oudtshoorn Cango Flyers put their flying machines through their paces, much to the delight of the many spectators.
Chairperson of the host club, St Blaize Model Flyers Club, Mr Jan Naudé, said the purpose of the day was for enthusiasts to have fun and to expose the spectators to the art of model flying.
"At heart, boys will be boys, no matter their age. We enjoy the art of precision flying and skill required to keep our model aircraft airborne. And, let's face it, it keeps us out of mischief," added Mr Naudé.
Gone are the days of prohibitive costs and the sport is very much accessible to everyone, with simulators nowadays making training easier and more cost effective.
Flight instruction is available at the St Blaize Club to new flyers or those getting back into the hobby, and there are plenty of helpful flyers making it easy to get started.
It does take some skill, though, with a knowledge of mechanics and aerodynamics, not to mention great sportsmanship, required.
The hobby also allows participants to take a break at times. One such a participant is Nico Venter of Mossel Bay, who last participated in the sport in 2000. Yet, his skill was evident when he took his model aircraft into the skies on Saturday, 8 March.
The young pilot, André le Roux, was supported by his father, Johan, when he showed what his YAK 54 was capable of. Johan said he would strongly recommend the hobby to others, especially if they have a strong love of aviation.
Enthusiast Marius Botha told the Home Ads News he enjoys the hobby, as it keeps him involved in aviation. Although he commanded real aircraft in the past, he says the adrenalin rush from flying a model aircraft still has him breathless. "The sport is fun, it keeps you occupied and the great camaraderie among aviation enthusiasts is very special."
The St Blaize Model Flyers Club is open to the public and to all types of flyers. Their goal is to provide an exceptional model flying experience with safety as a primary focus.
It is a South African Model Aircraft Association (SAMAA) chartered club, located in Aalwyndal and is zoned as a model flying airfield.
Herman Venter, Louis Anderson, Jan Naudé and Jan Klaver with a Cessna 337, quite a special replica of an aircraft that was typically used for reconnaisance in the Vietnam War. With two engines, this aircraft in real life is said to be very stable and is often still used for reconnaisance for firefighting aircraft.
Mr Jan Naudé, Chairman of the St Blaize Model Flyers club in Aalwyndal, with one of his model aircraft.
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