When we arrived at 07.50, we were number four in the circuit with fifteen aircraft already on the ground.
A perennial Fly In visitor was Derek Hopkins who had arrived from Eagles Creek.
Included in those already there were these two Orion Cubs. ZU-LAR is, if I'm not mistaken, the 16th Aircraft now completed.
There was barely a minute during the day when there were no aircraft in the circuit. Some flew in for a quick bite to eat, others stayed. In fact, when we departed around 13.00 there were still new arrivals.
The Brits Flying Club was the brainchild of Arrie Bolt, Elle Bolt, Kosie Coetzer, Ben Halbig, Pat Farrel, Charlie Allan, Bushy Meiring, Dennis Annandale and Doris de Wit 1950s visionaries with a dream to be able to fly and also to teach the local inhabitants of this then small North West town to become pilots. They identified a piece of land belonging to then Department of Agriculture about 10Km outside town and negotiated a 99 lease on the land and 1954 the Brits Flying Club was born.
Construction of two gravel runways, 02/20 and 18/36 commenced as did the construction of a thatched roof open clubhouse. These projects were mainly funded by the founder members with support from the Brits Musicality and community.
The club today stands as one of South Africa's oldest and most respected aviation institutions. With a proud heritage spanning over seven decades, the club has consistently produced world-class aviators, including several world champions, and remains a cornerstone of general aviation in the country.
By 1968 the club had grown to 58 members with 9 resident aircraft and it became the biggest flying club in the old Transvaal province.
The Club is synonymous with excellence and dedication, proudly flying the Springbok colours on the international stage. Many of its members have represented South Africa at the highest level, cementing the club's legacy as a breeding ground for top-tier sports pilots.
When 20-year-old Hans Schwebel arrived in South Africa from Germany in October 1971, the club with only 6 members, went through the worst period of its history. Hans could hardly have imagined the bond he would forge with the Club-a bond that would span more than five decades.
Initially in the country to train Impala Granite staff in the art of stone masonry, Hans's true passion was aviation. Already a skilled radio-controlled aircraft enthusiast back in Germany, he found his place at the Brits Flying Club and joined on 1 April 1972. Shortly thereafter, he enrolled in the club's flight school and earned his pilot's licence.
In 1973, Hans met Ursula, and they married in 1975. Together, they raised two children, Michael and Cloudia.
A Lifetime in the Sky
Hans's flying career is nothing short of remarkable. He has logged more than 4,000 flying hours and holds ratings on approximately 20 different aircraft types. He has represented South Africa 25 times in precision and rally flying world championships-an extraordinary achievement that likely stands as a national record.
Currently, Hans serves as President of the General Aviation Commission, affiliated with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the global governing body for air sports. He has acted as jury member at numerous international events and was elected President of the Jury for the 2022 Precision Flying Championships in France. Previously, he served as Chief Judge at the championships in Spain.
From 1974 to the present, Hans has been an unwavering member of the Brits Flying Club committee, even serving as president for three years. His dedication to the club and to the sport of flying is nothing short of inspiring.
As one guest summed it up perfectly: “Many people have been members of a club for fifty years or more, but few have remained as active and involved as Hans. He is one of the rare few.”
During a break in proceedings when members a rival club arrived and invaded to club to capture its stuffed cock mascot and replaced it with a life chicken. During the raid much fun was had by all as well as the two security guards who really showed their mettle trying to retrieve the precious relic. They, unfortunately were completely outnumbered and their resistance were, I'm afraid to report, to no avail.
Karl upon being told that he has been awarded honorary life membership of the club
Captain Karl Jensen, who again has kindly offered me a lift, briefly took the mike and thanked and congratulated the club members for what was probably the best attended fly-in in years. (An estimated 85 aircraft visited). To his surprise Karl, whose association with the club goes back to 1963 when he hired at R9.00 per hour a Cessna 172 ZS-CGW to do his commercial flight test, was then promptly awarded honorary life membership.
My sincere thanks go to Hans, Ursula, and the Brits Flying Club for hosting a truly memorable celebration. It was an honour and a privilege to witness this milestone in the presence of friends, family, and fellow aviators.
Contact info
+27 71 444 0928 or +27 12 255 0155 info@britsflyingclub.co.za www.britsflyingclub.co.za
World Rally Flying Championships Brits, South Africa 2022
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