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Boschkop Road, Pretoria
P.O. Box 2178
Zwavelpoort
0038
Office: +27 12 802 0942
Hours: 8am – 12.30pm
© Kitty Hawk Aerodrome – 2024
Discover Freedom…
Fly. Every. Day
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) worldwide has a program called Young Eagles, which introduces young people with and interest and aptitude for aviation to their first flight. EAA member pilots voluntarily make their aircraft and themselves available for this, while ….
After a slow start with a frosty 3 degrees just after 07:00, Jabirus from as far afield as Pietersburg and Vanderbijl Park started arriving after 08:00, as the temperature started climbing, with almost no wind until late in the day. Some had experienced heavy mist at their home airfields, but were soon able to make the trip to Kitty Hawk….
Crisp, beautiful autumn air greeted me as I made the 45-minute drive to Kitty Hawk Airfield on Saturday morning. It was a misty start to the day, which added to the drama of the bright orange sunrise in the east. I was excited to spend the day at Kitty Hawk Aerodrome, east of Pretoria, for their much-anticipated fly-in and drive-in event.
Arriving at Kitty Hawk…
The unmistakable thump of rotor blades filled the air over Kitty Hawk Airfield on Saturday morning as helicopters began arriving for one of the airfield’s popular fly-in gatherings. Despite somewhat iffy weather conditions, nineteen helicopters made their way to the field, drawing plenty of attention…
Photos by Andre Venter
A group of aircraft owners gathered at Kitty Hawk Aerodrome for a relaxed evening of good food, live music, and aviation talk. The clubhouse came alive as friends and fellow pilots shared food, enjoyed great company, and soaked up the unique atmosphere of an airfield after dark. It was a memorable night sharing the simple pleasure of good fellowship and wonderful live music by our own Leon Joubert and The Wasps.
by Russell Dixon-Paver
There were very comfortable weather conditions on the day, with winter jumping straight into early summer. There was some cloud around and winds were light variable.
Some 28 aircraft were registered for the day, with a good crowd of visitors and locals enjoying the superb buffet breakfast.
by Willie Bodenstein
On Saturday, Kittyhawk Airfield once again hosted one of its very popular type-branded fly-ins (though, as always, all other types are welcome!). This time the spotlight was on one of the world’s most iconic general aviation brands: Cessna.
by Willie Bodenstein
In my mind, I have always associated Kitty Hawk with Gyrocopters and aerobatic aircraft. That’s probably one of the reasons I love visiting this privately owned airfield, administered under a sectional title scheme. Add to that what is arguably one of the most impressive clubhouses and restaurants of any airfield I know, and it’s a real bargain of a destination.
A buzz of excitement filled the skies over Pretoria as Jabiru aircraft from across the region gathered at Kitty Hawk Airfield for a scenic and spirited fly-in event. The gathering brought together aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and aircraft owners to celebrate the reliability and charm of the Australian-designed Jabiru planes. The event showcased a variety of Jabiru models, allowing visitors to admire their unique features up close, enjoy aerial displays, and connect with like-minded aviation lovers. With clear winter skies and a warm atmosphere on the ground, the Jabiru Fly-In was a celebration of flight, friendship, and flying freedom.
On the 15th February 2025, Kitty Hawk hosted the EAA fly-in. Despite dubious weather, EAA members and old friends arrived to a once again, a breakfast prepared by Lynette and her staff.
From Trikes, Cessnas, Cheetas, two Alo’s, a Kudu, Jodl, Jabi and of course the ever recognisable Cessna ZU-VAL of uncle Karl Jenkins all braved the weather for a lovely get-together.
Karl took a prospective young pilot under his wing for the day and showed him the ropes which included a flight on ZU-VAL. Judged by his and his parent’s enthusiasm, it clearly was a day the young man will not forget.
An interesting visitor was the PAC MFI-17 Mushshak ZS-OKR. This aircraft came from Pakistan as a military trainer for possible use by the SAAF. The deal did not materialise, however this aircraft remained in South Africa. Test flown by Scully Levin, who described it as one of the most pleasant and stable trainers he has ever flown, it subsequently got registered as a ZS on the aircraft register, keeping the aircraft flying in South Africa.
The event was covered by photographers, so please click on the link below to read the article in Pilot’s Post.
Kitty Hawk remains a popular destination for events such as this and we have a busy schedule planned for 2025. See the Events Calendar on the dropdown menu for further details.
It was, once again, our privilege to host our friends from EAA and look forward to their next visit.
Kitty Hawk Bring and Braai – 7th February 2025
The latest Bring and Braai at Kitty Hawk Airfield was a gathering of aviation friends at the end of a busy week early in the year. As the sun began to set, the smell of sizzling meat filled the air, with everyone firing up their braais and sharing small talk over good food and cold drinks.
We aim to make the monthly Bring and Braai a must-attend event that everyone looks forward to on their calendar.
By Jaco Pitout
17.09.2024
Posted @ Pilots Post
Van’s RV aircraft have an enormous following worldwide. The success of this brand can be attributed to the versatility of the aircraft in the Van’s range. Starting out in the 1960’s with the very first ever RV, the RV3.
The RV3 made its first appearance at EAA Airventure in 1972 featuring a modest Lycoming O-290-G engine producing 125 horsepower and making it capable of speeds more than 175 miles per hour. Initially a single seat, conventional gear configuration was preferred but with the success and expansion of the Van’s RV range a wide variety of models followed. From tailwheel to nosewheel from four seats to two, Van’s has it all on offer.
The RV Fly in at Kitty Hawk aerodrome east of Pretoria, is an annual celebration of the RV and the pilots that build and fly them.
I arrived at Kitty Hawk airfield early on Saturday morning awaiting the first arrivals. It was only Dawie Pretorius, the airfield manager, the gate guard and me at the airfield. I on the mostly deserted airfield breathing in the cool bushveld air, just magic!
After a slow start initially, the airfield woke up between 8am and 9am.
The day started slowly, with a few arrivals trickling in between 8 and 9 a.m., but by mid-morning, the airfield was busy. Pilots from all over flew in for the event, adding to the collection of RV aircraft parked on the field. Although the focus was on RVs, several other types of aircraft made appearances, making the morning even more interesting.
The on-site restaurant was packed, and the breakfast service was underway when the three aircraft from the Marksmen Aerobatic team taxied out for a practice for their upcoming show at Bethlehem. The proximity of the aerobatic box to the airfield meant that the visitors to the RV Fly in could sit and watch Mark Hensman, Johnie Smith and Eugene du Preez practise their routine. The crowds at Bethlehem are going to be thrilled, the Marksmen are looking in fine form!
The beauty of the Kitty Hawk aerodrome is that it is located close to the Special Rules East area outside heavily congested airspace. Pilots flew in from all around, even as far as Polokwane! With the wind becoming ever stronger it was time for the visitors to head home. I captured these departures in the gusty conditions.
One of the best parts of attending a fly-in is meeting other people who share a love of aviation. Whether you are an experienced pilot or just someone interested in aircraft, these events are great for connecting with like-minded individuals. At Kitty Hawk, it was nice to see a mix of familiar faces and new ones, all gathered to enjoy a day around airplanes. I captured these candid faces at Kitty Hawk.
The event was sponsored by SportPlane Builders at Wonderboom, who specialize in building RVs and other aircraft. They have been a key supporter of events like this, and their expertise is appreciated by many in the local aviation community.
As I left Kitty Hawk, I could not help but smile. The RV Fly-In at Kitty Hawk was a relaxed, enjoyable event where people could come together, share their love of flying, and spend time around some great aircraft. Until next year!
By Jaco Pitout
17.02.2024
Posted @ Pilots Post
The EAA or Experimental Aircraft Association is an organization comprised of over 250 000 members all with a keen interest in experimental aircraft and the building, maintaining and flying of all kinds of flying machines, The EAA also endeavour to maintain the freedom of the skies.
EAA Chapter 322 has its roots in 1969, incidentally, only 17 years after the forming of the EAA in Wisconsin USA. The EAA in South Africa has a membership of around 500 members countrywide. These members are geographically allocated to a chapter. According to the EAA website (www.eaa.org.za ) there are three different chapters in South Africa.
With the vision of the EAA to promote the building and restoration of experimental aircraft and the flying of those aircraft, events such as this breakfast fly in is vital in engaging all the members of the association.
I arrived at Kitty Hawk, just east of Pretoria, early on Saturday morning the 17th of February. Kitty Hawk is a well-established airfield and flying club with a beautiful tarred runway with orientation 01/19. I assumed position towards the threshold of runway 01 and captured some arrivals.
All flying things from rotary wings to high performance single engine aircraft and everything in between was brought out to enjoy a beautiful day out in the sun.
With all the activity on and next to the runway, I completely forgot to sample the extensive buffet breakfast on offer, however, I am told that it was certainly worth the flight and the few Rands that the hungry patrons had to part with.
Kitty Hawk is attended to by Dawie Pretorius and his team, it is always a pleasure to see how neat the airfield is kept and credit must go to these hardworking gentlemen.
While I was there I was approached by Frank van Heerden, a RV builder and long-time Chairman of the club. Frank had recently retired as Chairman and he introduced me to the club’s new committee. We are sure that the club will be in good capable hands and wish them all the best.
All too soon, with their aircraft and themselves suitably refuelled, it was time for the visiting aircraft and crew to depart. With a fantastic turnout, the departures were rapid in timing, something very reminiscent of the greatest aviation gathering in the world, EAA AirVenture, which will be taking place in July this year at Wittman Regional Airport in the town of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
As with every fly-in event, it is fantastic to see old friends and make new ones. I can say without any shadow of contradiction that I did not see anything but wide and enthusiastic smiles all around the airfield. Flying brings so much joy and happiness!
I cannot wait for the next big EAA Event this year, EAA Airweek, being held at Middelburg Airfield from the 8th to the 10th of March. I hope that you will join us there for a fantastic weekend full of flying!
Boschkop Road, Pretoria
P.O. Box 2178
Zwavelpoort
0038
Office: +27 12 802 0942
Hours: 8am – 12.30pm
© Kitty Hawk Aerodrome – 2024