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Aviation Development Programme

Annual Report - 2006-2007

Table of Contents

1. Overview: Transformation and Development Programme
The year under review has been a year where the South African Model Aircraft Association have expanded our Transformation and Development Programme. We appointed representatives in four provinces, namely Gauteng, North West, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal. The programme was run by a National Co-ordinator. The lottery grant of R250,000 allowed us to grow our existing programme, and we had successful events in all four provinces. Where possible we built on existing programmes, and in most instances we took what worked and expanded and developed on this to create new programmes designed to give visible results.
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2. Awareness Programme
We have discovered that there is a huge requirement for aviation awareness to be created amongst the youth. We have developed a programme which fits well into a show, such as the Africa Aerospace and Defence shows held every two years, or at other regional air shows where we are provided with space and the time to dedicate to a group of youth. This same programme, with a bit more detail is given to schools, where we are providing the programme. We get each learner to build his or her own model aeroplane, known as a delta dart. This model is built out of balsa wood and tissue paper. The learners get to experience that they can build something with their own hands, AND best of all, it flies really well. Once they have completed the plane, we use the model to explain basic aerodynamics.			Delta Dart
Through this the learners are introduced to model planes and basic principles of flight, we also explain that there are various other paths which can be followed in the aviation industry. We asses the interest of the learners, making use of virtual aviation, simulators on laptops and other computers, and try and guide them in the correct direction. We also asses the group, to determine if the interest is there to set up a model flying club within the community. This seems to work quite well. At the end of the event, the learners are handed a certificate with their names on to show that they have attended the awareness programme, together with their Delta dart, these learners leave with a sense of achievement, and are very eager for us to return to establish further programmes.
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2.1 Attridgeville
We were very fortunate that the Principal of Bokgoni Technical Secondary School, Mr Timothy Mathopa allowed us to make use of his school and run the awareness programme there for a whole week. The programme ran from the Monday July 3rd through to the Friday the 7th July 2007.
Simon Tladi, our junior F3J team member, assisting one of the learners with the building of a Delta Dart		One of the learners from Bokgoni Secondary School busy making a Delta Dart
Together with the assistance from Gilbert Noepe, our Gauteng representative, we managed to set up an Awareness Programme in Attridgeville, four schools were invited to attend, and on most part the participation and interest were amazing. The best attendance was from Bokgoni Technical Secondary School, other schools who were represented were Saulsridge Secondary School, Hofmyer Secondary school, we had a learner from DH Phuta, who heard about the programme and came along.
A group of learners busy with the awareness programme, building Delta Darts		A group of learners, at the Bokgoni Secondary School, proudly displaying their completed Delta Darts
The learners were given an introduction into Aviation, Simon Tladi, one of the Juniors representing South Africa at the F3J world Championships, spent time telling learners about the various aspects of an aeroplane. They then folded a paper plane to see the effects of flaps, it was fun seeing all the paper planes flying around the classroom. After this was completed the learners each got to build a Delta Dart, using tissue paper and balsa. The results were great, and all had immense fun building and flying their Darts.
Simon Tladi, getting a model balanced and ready to fly		Christopher Harris, prop hanging a shock flyer in the classroom
The week was very successful, we had around 60 learners return on the Friday for the demonstration done by Christopher Harris with his Shock flyer. Since the awareness week, the Bokgoni Electric Flying Club has been registered by SAMAA, this is a club using electric powered radio controlled planes, situated on the premises of Bokgoni Technical Secondary School. We have a dedicated educator who will co-ordinate it from his side, and is very keen in assisting the learners in getting flying... What a great week!!!
The one group had almost 50 learners attending, the interest is definitely there!
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2.2 Africa Aerospace and Defence 2006 – Cape Town
An awareness programme was run at the AAD2006 (Africa Aerospace and Defence) show held at Air Force Base Ysterplaats. This show is held every two years, the previous one which was held at Waterkloof base, we also participated in. The programme was run on the Saturday and Sunday (Open days), in conjunction with the Department of Defence Youth Programme. Over the two day period, approximately 500 children from all walks of life got to build Delta Darts. We had street children, children from various schools, and then also the Young Falcons, the Navy cadets, and Navy band. Great fun was had by all, awareness was created amongst the youth. We hope to be able to participate in future events with the Defence Force.
These girls are from the Navy Band, getting ready to build		Navy Band learners, busy building Delta Darts
Various different schools attended the show and participated in the Youth Programme		Learners from the school near the airforce base, the Holy Cross Convent, being assisted by one of the officers
Balsa is used, and carefully stuck to tissue paper.		The tissue paper is placed over a plan, which is used for marking where to stick the balsa
A School Group starting to build		Navy Cadets, busy building
One very happy little boy, ready to fly his model		Navy Band members having fun building
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2.3 KwaZulu Natal
During the September school break we were afforded the opportunity by CRC Durban to hold a Development Programme on their premises. Through their Youth pastors, a group of learners were brought in from two outlying districts. We spent a day with each group of about 30 kids, building delta darts, explaining basic aeronautics, and establishing their interest in aviation. Keen interest exists in careers in air traffic control amongst the females, while the males tend to be more interested in the mechanical side of aviation. On the third day a member of a local club came in and did a demonstration with a shock flyer (radio controlled 3D plane) and a helicopter, which the learners thoroughly enjoyed.
This is team work		Group busy building
Waiting for the Delta darts to dry		Underside, powered by elastic
Ready to cut out		Waiting to dry
Group of about 30 learners in Natal		Just need to power up, ready to fly
There always seems to be more girls than boys		This group worked really well
Testing the planes, they fly!		Proud Group, showing off their models
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2.4 Rustenburg
The Rustenburg Cub Scouts with Simon Tladi, Joseph Lebitsa and Gilbert Ngoepe in the back row.
During September 2006, an awareness programme was run in Rustenburg for a group of young Cub Scouts. The programme was facilitated by Johan de Klerk of the local Flying Club and involved demonstration and teaching the boys to build model darts with the assistance of Joseph and Simon. The little boys were enthusiastic with the experience, and except for limited time, they enjoyed themselves.
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2.5 Mafikeng
The international Civil Aviation day was held in Mafikeng on the 5th and 6th of December 2006. Simon Tladi, Joseph Lebitsa and Ashley did some demonstrations and had a group of high school learners build delta darts, which really got them excited.
Simon, explaining lift to some learners
Joseph, giving out some information
Simon, assisting the learners to build Delta Darts
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3. Development Programme
The SAMAA Development programme has many facets. It is mostly concentrated on the development of individuals and the creation of interest in the vast field of avionics. We make use of Radio Controlled and model planes to assist us with the teaching of the principles of flight. Over the past year a number of learners, from previously disadvantaged groups, have been taught to fly radio controlled planes ranging from power planes to gliders. We have programmes running in Gauteng, individuals such as Simon and Joseph, North West, KwaZulu Natal and Western Cape. We are focusing on setting up flying clubs with in the communities, Attridgeville being our leading example, to eliminate transport issues. Through this we have identified and are now in the process of training individuals to become solo pilots in full scale gliding, this is happening in the North West Province. In 2006, 6 pupils were identified, and thereafter evaluated for the full-scale gliding pilot training program. Each candidate was medically examined and unfortunately the only female candidate failed the eye tests, which are prescribed for pilot training. The remaining candidates were interviewed and were then exposed to actual gliding experience in a motorized glider. This exercise is undertaken to evaluate whether the candidates have the necessary coordination skills and the necessary technical ability to start the full size training program to become glider pilots. We have developed an individual to become team manager, and represent us at World Championships, F4C Scale, we have also developed a junior to be full team member of the junior team, F3J gliding, which represented us at the World Championships in 2006. Both these candidates have the full potential to represent South Africa again at the next World Championships to be held in 2008 for their respective disciplines.
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3.1 Simon Letsoalo
National Team Manager, Recipient of Protea colours in 2006.
	" I made friends with a great bunch of people in this fantastic sport. I would like to learn the skills to do this well and represent South Africa as a pilot at a Scale World Champs soon. I also got to see Sweden which was a fantastic experience since it is much different from other countries I have visited." Simon shows a keen interest in radio controlled planes, with his vast qualifications and experience, and his eagerness to learn, he was chosen to participate in the development programme and be trained into a team manager for representation at World Championships.
			South African F4C team (Scale), in the opening ceremony at the 2006 World Championships held in Norrkoping - Sweden
3.1.1 Team Manager of Scale Radio Controlled Model Aircraft Team
Simon finalised all our arrangements and with his people skills did a great job as manager to keep our spirits up when things went wrong. He attended all the Team Manager Meetings. He attended the civic reception for Team Managers and officials on his own and was quite a hit. In short, he did all his Team managers functions with enthusiasm and aplomb. He was an integral part of the team and we spent many evenings swapping tales over a few drinks. He was a great manager and we enjoyed having him as team member and manager.
3.1.2 Future
Through the interaction with the F4C scale team, Simon has now introduced his sons into RC flying. They have all joined the local club and have started the process of learning how to fly radio controlled models. If circumstances allow, Simon will be Team Manager for the 2008 National Team.		National Scale Team: Humphrey le Grice, Simon Letsoale (team manager), Johan Ehlers, Kobus Pretorius
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3.2 Simon Tladi
Simon was introduced to the Model Gliding Association and SAMAA at an Awareness programme run at AAD2004 at Waterkloof. Contact was lost, but re-established in August 2005, Craig Goodrum and Midrand Model Soarers took Simon under their wing, and the task of fast tracking Simon began. Simon, turning 17 this year, is a Grade 11 learner at Bryanston High School. Passionate about anything that flies. Would love to be a full scale pilot. One of his heroes is Glen Dell. Simon has full potential of making onto the Junior F3J team again, to represent South Africa in Turkey in 2008. An insert of Simon and his flying appeared on the programme Destination SA on SABC2 the end of January 2007.
3.2.1 RC Gliding
	Simon had played around with electric park flyers, but this was his first experience with a glider. Craig has spent many hours, both on the field and at home, guiding and training Simon, with the use of both a simulator at home, and models at the field. Training has been very intense, hardly a Saturday has been missed. Simon went solo, and flew in his first competition in October 2005. He flew again in a competition in November. Realising Simon's potential, he was given the opportunity to improve his skills and try out for the junior F3J team.
In February 2006, at a competition he achieved the requirement of obtaining a minimum of 80% of the top pilots score, Simon achieved 93%, and became the a member of the F3J Junior Team to represent South Africa at the World Championships to be held in Martin Slovakia. He received Protea colours in recognition of this great achievement. In August 2006, Simon was part of the first full junior team to represent South Africa at an Aeromodelling World Championship, Simon is also the first black pilot to represent South Africa at an Aeromodelling World Championship, achieving 85% of the Junior World Champ. These are all incredible feats, for both South Africa and for Simon.
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3.2.2 F3J Junior Team member: Report by Team Manager
This year Martin, Slovakia hosted the 5th FAI World Aeromodelling Championships for Radio Controlled Gliders, Class F3J. We were fortunate to take a full junior team across to participate in this prestigious event. This was a first for South Africa.
Senior and Junior Team waiting for the Opening Ceremony		Junior Team: Kurt Stockton, Conrad Klintworth, Ilma Stockton (Team Manager), Simon Tladi
There were other firsts that need to be mentioned. This year at the worlds, for the first time there was a black pilot. One of our juniors, Simon Tladi is the first non white aeromodelling pilot to represent South Africa at a world championship, he is also the first black pilot in the world to participate at a world championship. No small achievement. The World Championships was preceded by the Martin Cup. This was a very hectic event, we had all our pilots and most of the helpers flying in this. Eight pilots in all, total of nine people. There were rounds where we had two pilots flying in a slot (juniors and seniors mixed), and there were two rounds where we had one pilot after the other with no break in between, (something like 14 flights in succession), 10 minutes working time starting every 12 minutes!
The weather and the conditions changed substantially for the World Championships, became rainy and fairly cold towards the end. The photo shows typical cloud cover, and the event was stopped due to rain on many occasions. We did not anticipate this weather and battled with our planes to fly effectively in these conditions. One of the things that we have learnt is the need to “hover” and spend more time practicing our landings. With perfect landings we could have had a place in the fly offs. The juniors flew 10 rounds, one throw away. Their flights were often under really tough conditions, and		General look of the sky during the event
Kurt Flying with the storm approaching		they had to work really hard to achieve the flight times and landings that they did. The pressure that the juniors experienced was rather high, both pressure brought on by general expectations and personal pressure. I believe that they handled the pressure well and proudly represented South Africa. With the ground being much softer that at home, we landed our planes more often than not by planting the nose in the ground. Very effective method to get a spot landing, but often quite hard on the plane as the pilot would come in very fast and “plant” the plane quite hard.
Measuring the landing for Simon (his AVA)		This landing of Simon's Ava probably caused the wing to blow on the launch later on in the competition.
		This was handled quite well by Simon, he safely brought his Ava in to land, receiving a round of applause from all the spectators who were watching the damaged plane's path to a safe landing,	Wing Blown on Launch
and had to immediately re-launch to get a flight time and landing. We had good support from the seniors, after Conrad's hard landing, Chris immediately took matters into his hands and fixed Conrad's plane so that it could be flown in the next round. The nose had taken a pounding and needed a bit of carbon to fix it, which Chris gladly did. Craig did all the calling, “left,..... left,..... Left,.... LEFT.” We realised that sometimes the juniors do not know their right from their left.		One of Conrad's harder landings
The routine was always the same, for every round, most times we had two juniors, back on back, with a couple of slots open and then the other juniors.		Launch - all the planes int he air at the same time!
	There were 6 groups (slots) per round. I would get the first pilot organised, have his lines ready, and ensuring that the tow men, made up of either Chris Adrian and Paul Carnall or Mark Stockton and Lionel Brink,
knew which lines to run out and which would be the preferred line, with a back on back the tow men would take out the second pilots lines at the same time and be ready to run out his lines as soon as they could. Get the planes sorted, and be ready to collect his TX. All the pilot had to worry about was clearing his mind and getting focused. Everything else was taken care of. I would arrange for the third junior to assist the second junior with TX and planes as soon as the next group was ready to go on the field (as I was already on the field with the first pilot). This tended to work out quite well, and the juniors knew what was happening and when, and did not need to stress about anything except their flight. We would get to the field just after 7 in the morning, check planes and hand in TX's. Flying started promptly at 8, ready or not. We never missed a flight, always ready The day was long and we would only leave the field around 8 in the evening, still have to get food and then some sleep. The juniors did suffer from sleep deprivation to a degree, but nothing that could really be helped. They made up for it on the field, taking naps when they could.
Conrad, only wake me if you have to. Simon, I can sleep anywhere, even standing.. Kurt, just far too much excitement for one week
The level of competition is tough, but we do have the talent and the potential to be competitive. Our final results were that South Africa came 7th over all, with Conrad Klintworth 17th, Simon Tladi 32nd and Kurt Stockton 33rd. Every flight, they gave it their best and on missed landings they would generally take it very hard. We had more than one junior so disappointed with his landing, that the tears were running down the face, they put their whole heart into it. We should be very proud of them.
Ines with our Flag, at the close of the event Generally it was an awesome event, the juniors have learnt vast amounts. They had the ability to meet and interact with well known international names. Our juniors were received well by the community and did us proud. We received a lot of support and encouragement from other countries. Speaking with other teams, it is apparent that all the countries are battling with youth involvement in the sport, some countries do not have any youth at all who participate in RC Gliding. South Africa is well spoken off because of the initiative that we have taken in youth awareness and development. Both the Americans and the Australians follow our Development Programme with interest and have only good things to say.
We are on the right track, and we have a promising future ahead of us. We need to be more focused on the specific task requirements, and things like landings need to become second nature to us. If we take what we have learnt for this World Champs and build on it, we will definitely have a good opportunity to do well in Turkey in 2008, we are looking forward to the challenge. From the F3J Junior team, we would like to thank all the individuals and organisations who assisted us with training, building of models, for donating funds and time and for mentorship. With out all the effort and input we would not have been able to achieve, Thank you. Ilma Stockton Team Manager – Junior F3J Team 2006
Kurt Stockton Conrad Klintworth Simon Tladi
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3.2.3 Awareness Programme

Simon is always keen and interested in assisting with awareness programmes. We discovered his talent in speaking to the learners at the one air show held at Swartkops air force base in 2005. He is very keen to share his knowledge, and does it in such a manner that the learners become totally captivated by him. His passion is infectious, and all around him end up wanting to find out more. Simon was instrumental in the awareness programme held in Attridgeville, he has assisted with the Rustenburg Cub Scouts and also assisted with the Mafikeng air show. Simon has volunteered his time to help build and develop the flying club being established in Attridgeville.

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3.2.4 Full Scale Gliding

Simon has passed all the evaluation processes and has been approved for the program. Simon has also undergone the initial evaluation phase and has shown great interest in this sport. His basic training is well on its way. The following is an essay written by Simon: ''WOW'' how do I even begin to try and describe the thrill of that Saturday in the English vocab. All i can say is that it was FUNtastic, the steep climb rates, mid-air engine cuts [on purpose] steep turns and a whole lot more. Well, the arrival proceedings to Brits airfield on the day were just like any other,Till I had my first full visual view of Chris doing a high speed low-level flypast systimatically dropping the tow rope behind him on to the start of the runway and then to see him slowly come in for a landing at walking pace just bowled me over. That Samba is trully a wonderfull little piece of plane the czeches have come up with. As he taxied in i was suprised at the ground manuverability of the plane , pretty much like a car on any surface. After he had cooled down from the tow he had just performed my chance had finally come ''OK'' HOP IN SIMON'' he said the engine startup was fairly simple, stick the key in AND turn and the engine spurts to life again. There we were taxying out with the sun beating down on us like Government taxes but nonetheless we were all happpppy [well i was] Cleared for takeoff : roaring down the runway 35kt, 45kt, 55kt, 65kt ... Pull Up "not so quick chris.;%#*@# '' ''dont worry Simon not this plane'' and up we go, probably 35' angle up to 4500ft then the games begin. 'Allright Simon slowly give me a right bank''Ok' ...No no, thats too much ''lets try that again'' ....then next came the powerless flying {quite a daunting task for a first timer} anyway we tried riding a thermal and lost out on the one end of it and saw the VSI give a negative reading WHICH prompted me to inquire with Chris when exactly he will be firing the motor back on so we could STOP DROPPING. Well as usuall with most good things sooner or later they quickly tend to come to an end. Before shortly we were calling for finals on the radio, quickly coming down to the most peacefull touch down I have experienced to date. By the way only using +_ 90m of the runway. I am hoping that this flight wound not be my last but the start of a life longrelationship @ team representation for some sort of full-scale sport flying class in S.A FLIGHT,HOW UNSURPASSED.   I would trully like to thank Chris and all involved in the success of the intro flight. THANKS. SIMON TLADI

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3.2.5 Awards

National Colours Simon was awarded his National Colours at the AERO CLUB awards dinner for representing South Africa as a Junior at the 5th FAI Junior World Championship for Radio Controlled Gliders Class F3J SA Eagle Trophy Simon was also awarded the SA Eagle Trophy for Most Meritorious Achievement at an International event, and Simon also receives with his trophy, the ATNS incentive prize for promotion and development of Sport Aviation In August 2006, Simon was part of the first full junior team to represent South Africa at an Aeromodelling World Championship, Simon is also the first black pilot to represent South Africa at an Aeromodelling World Championship, achieving 85% of the Junior World Champ. These are all incredible feats, for both Simon and South Africa. Back to Index

3.3 Joseph Lebitsa

Letter written by Joseph: My name is Lebitsa Joseph Moeketsi. I'm from Bloemfontein, this is my first year in Pretoria and I think this is my lucky year because I met one of the best SAMAA members, the Chairman of SAMAA, Mr Johann Coetzer. You know what the man do to me, He put my dreams on the next level, because I never being in a plane, but this special man take me to go for a ride and today I can see my dreams come truth and you know how was my first flight? It was great and I was surprise to see the blue sky, I was happy because I had a chance to feel how to control a plane or drive it and I learned that when you want something, go for it. Is good for my side to have a chance like this because I want to be a perfect pilot in the future time. I think SAMAA means being a future pilot. 2006 is a good year of SAMAA so we have to work hard to get there. From me Joseph I wish you all the best and that God would help you to help young future pilots like me. Thanks for everything.

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3.3.1 RC

Joseph, holding a power plane   Joseph, busy flying a Radio controlled power plane After a bit of a rocky introduction into the world of aviation, with Joseph being shipped back to Bloemfontein because of a misunderstanding. Things were cleared up, valuable lessons learnt by all, Joseph was introduced to a club in Pretoria. The members there took him under their wings and started the process of teaching Joseph to fly Radio Controlled planes. Explaining safety, and all aspects of flying a model plane. Joseph caught on quickly, having an aptitude for flying. Back to Index 3.3.2 Full Scale Gliding Joseph passed all the evaluation processes and has been approved for the program. Joseph has since had more than 20 flights and numerous hours of gliding training. He is on the verge of going solo and should reach this milestone before May 2007. Joseph on his first Intro Flight in a Motor glider. Joseph has taken up the challenge of flying a glider and will shortly be flying solo. Back to Index 3.3.3 Participation in Awareness Programme Joseph is always ready to participate in the awareness programmes. He has assisted us at both the Rustenburg event and the show held in Mafikeng. He will be assisting in the development of the Attridgeville Flying club, situated within his own community. Back to Index 3.4 Attridgeville – Bokgoni Flying Club The Bokgoni Flying Club will be situated on the cricket field adjacent to the Bokgoni Technical Secondary School on Khoza Street, Attridgeville. This will is our first development club and will be a SAMAA registered flying club, restricted to flying park flyer type models. For safety reasons, learners will be restricted as to the type of power system used, type of battery and size of model. There will be safety rules in place, and one of the educators from the Bokgoni School will be responsible for the club and all safety issues. Aerial view of flying field, to the left is the Bokgoni Technical Secondary School Back to Index 3.5 Hermanus: The Hartmut Burger Programme Hartmut is an elderly gentleman, who loves model aircrafts and sharing his passion with those less privileged. He has a number of schoolchildren regularly attending his classes after school, and he teaches them to build model aircraft and of course, fly them. At this stage they are building gliders and as we all know, Hermanus is probably the gliding ‘Mecca’ in South Africa. Two Learners proudly displaying their glider, made from corex The tail of one of these gliders, some hard landings visible SAMAA Chairman with Hartmut Burger, the volunteer who teaches these learners Learner busy turning on his radio equipment Back to Index 4. The way forward The year ahead we are hoping to expand on our successes. We want to expand on the model used in Attridgeville to create successful clubs and programmes in the rest of the country. Our intentions are to set up a similar programme in the Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, another one in Gauteng, situated on the West Rand is already in the planning process, and hopefully in the North West as well and possibly in another province. The Awareness programmes will be run as often as possible at as many air shows and within as many communities as we can organise. The programmes at air shows are purely for awareness reasons, the ones within communities and schools are used to create the awareness and then set up clubs. We are hoping to establish at least another 4 clubs in the year ahead. We will continue to develop the individuals currently in the programme, and use them as leaders to help create the awareness and the ability to achieve. They have all made firm commitments to “give back” to the programme that has brought them this far. We would love to develop more team members to represent us at National level, but this takes time, and we need to establish the platform to find these candidates (clubs within communities). We will continue to train full scale glider pilots in the programme, as this is a very good grounding to enable them to move forward towards a commercial pilots license. The evaluation procedure has happened, and these candidates show potential. Money is our only inhibitor in expanding on our programmes. The funding received form the National lottery Distribution Trust Fund is crucial to our programme and future plans. “SAMAA means being a future pilot” Joseph Lebitse Back to Index

Awareness Programme | Development Programme

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