Pilot's Post - Jonker Sailplanes JS 5 REY Maiden Flight Potchefstroom Airfield

07.11.2023

I was invited by Alicea Vermaas from Jonker Sailplanes to attend the official launch of the Jonker Sailplanes JS 5 REY sailplane's maiden flight at the Potchefstroom Airfield on the late Tuesday afternoon next to the runway, before the evening's dinner celebrations at Moredou (Pesto).

The launch event had to be accelerated to start on a 5-minute short notice announcement due to an incoming storm approaching from the West. I arrived at the airfield when launching already commenced in the rain. Attie Jonker had the privilege to test flight the new 24.4 metre wingspan sailplane.

The feedback after he landed was as expected to be super satisfactory. He was very happy with the ease of handling and congratulated the design team for a job well done. They waited for the rain to pass with Uys Jonker preparing for the second test flight.

The feedback was also good from Uys Jonker. The weather improved so much that 3 test flights were completed before dawn by AP Kotze, Oscar Goudriaan and Katrin Senne respectively. Good day for the new JS 5 REY Open Class Sailplane.

The dinner and handing over of the JS 2 sailplane to its new owner, commenced at the Moredou Interiors warehouse outside Potchefstroom. This will be new the new production facility for Jonker Sailplanes from early next year. The design team will remain at the current building on the airfield.

Pilots Post would like to thank and congratulate Jonker Sailplanes for their great hospitality and for a very enjoyable and successful sailplane launch. We are already looking forward to the next sailplane that will set another new record of the best sailplane in the world.

SA 15 metre, club and 2 seater Nationals, Potchefstroom

SSSA
Events 2023
Gliding

Jonker Sailplanes JS 5 REY Maiden Flight Potchefstroom Airfield

By Bennie Henning