2019 CAA Engagement Workshop with AROsBy Sean Cronin. Photos by Willie BodensteinOn Monday 25 Feb 2019, the EAA was privileged to participate at an ARO engagement session with the SACAA. This session was focussed on networking with and understanding the various ARO's.As we are all aware, RAASA, in its current state, will cease to exist at the end of March 2019. The meeting was brought together by Kevin Storie in order to introduce and showcase the various recreational organisations to the CAA. A large contingent of CAA members from different departments were present, and each ARO was given the opportunity to speak about their organisation. Most ARO's also undertook a demonstration which included a glider winch launch, an aerobatic demonstration by a Goodyear Pitts special and a skydiver demonstration. A number of aircraft flew in to join us - The Aircraft Factory in a beautiful Sling, Mark Clulow in his trusty Jabiru, Rob Jonkers in his Cessna, some trikes, and an Alouette II piloted by Eugene Couzyn with Karl Jensen as his co-pilot.  EAA President, Paul Lastrucci opened the session Jack Taylor Airfield in Krugersdorp.  Paul addressing members of the CAA and EAA and others.  CAA staff and others admiring Dale de Klerk's Cvjetkovic Mini Ace CA-6, a perfect example of what a true amateur builds look like. Once the ARO's had presented and demonstrated, it was time for lunch and then on to Jack Taylor Airfield in Krugersdorp for the EAA's turn. Refreshments were served and when we were all comfortable at the Club House, EAA President, Paul Lastrucci opened the session. He introduced the EAA and gave a brief history and introduction. Much to the delight of the visitors, Dale de Klerk showcased his Cvjetkovic mini Ace CA-61, ZU-CTC. The Mini Ace is the oldest airworthy home build in SA and a perfect example of what a true amateur builds look like.  Kevin Hopper of Skyworx Aviation spoke extensively about the role that EAA pays in the legacy of Amateur builds as well as the AMO/AME role.  The attendants at the Skyworx hangar………..  ………..and at Derek Frasca's hangar to view the unbelievable attention to detail in his amateur build Radial Rocket. We moved on to Skyworx Aviation, where Kevin Hopper and his fantastic crew hosted the group and spoke extensively about the role that EAA pays in the legacy of Amateur builds as well as the AMO/AME role. We were shown three very professional NTCA builds which Kevin is undertaking at the moment and also a quick stop at Derek Frasca hangar to view his amateur build. The Radial Rocket was an eye opener for some that expected NTCA amateur builds to be less impressive. The highlight of this visit for me was the CAA being shown an RV 8 that had been put together by Kevin Hoppers right-hand man.  Peter Lastruccci gave an overview of the what an AP does and the role that the AP scheme plays.  Question time after Peter's talk in his hangar.  Peter's collection of restored Bell helicopters. The final hangar visit was with Peter Lastruccci, who gave an overview of the what an AP does and the role that the AP scheme plays. He spoke about his collection of restored Bell helicopters amongst his other aircraft. The discussion focussed on the importance of the AP scheme and the sharing of skills and experience among EAA members. Some of our members that joined us, were generous enough to bring out their aircraft to display a variety of NTCA aircraft that the EAA includes - Helis to gyros to vintage and veteran as well as modern aircraft. The entire ethos of EAA and what we are about as an ARO was delivered with such meaning, passion and love of aviation by all who took part in the day. Thank you to all who made this possible. |
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