Video by James Crawford. Photographs by Tim Homan.
The 11th Children’s Flight took place on 8 May at Jack Taylor Airfield in Krugersdorp, bringing together South Africa’s aviation community for a day of flying, generosity and inspiration.
Held under the event’s slogan “Fly, Feed, Love, Inspire”, the day saw sponsors, aircraft owners, operators, volunteers and pilots come together to make flying a reality for 500 children. Although the weather was cold, sunny skies provided good flying conditions for a full day of activity in the air and on the ground.
The event was MC’d by Brian Emmenis of Capital Sounds. The official welcome was followed by The Lord’s Prayer, delivered by Daryl Hardy, a flag drop by Graham Field to the national anthem, and a live performance of “Paper Plane” by Michael Ferguson, the founding song of the Children’s Flight. The welcome speech was delivered by Morné Nel, Chairman of the Krugersdorp Flying Club.
The South African Air Force supported the event through its participation. The newly appointed Chief of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe, was present, while Brigadier General Pat Cele served as Flight Display Director.
Addressing the children directly, Lt Gen Moatshe said: “Perhaps one of you will one day wear the uniform, command an aircraft or contribute to the defence and advancement of our nation. Let today be the beginning of that journey.”
He also thanked the organisers, volunteers and sponsors for their “unwavering belief in the power of aviation to uplift and transform lives”, before closing with a simple message to the young flyers: “Enjoy the moment.”
Across the airfield, the children were treated to food, lucky packets, colouring books, face painting, music, jumping castles, blankets and much more. The event was backed by more than 100 corporate sponsors and dozens of individual contributors, with full credits included in the accompanying video.
Pilots donated both their aircraft and their time, with a wide variety of aircraft participating on the day. Rotary-wing aircraft included Hueys, Bell 206s and 407s, Robinsons and gyrocopters, while fixed-wing types included a Boeing Stearman, Cessnas, Slings, various RVs, Cirrus, an Orion Cub and Pipers.
As Felix Gosher, organiser of the Children’s Flight, noted, the variety of aircraft types creates an “Oshkosh effect”, adding to the scale, energy and atmosphere of the day.
The Flying Lions also put on a display for the crowd, further contributing to the aviation spectacle at Jack Taylor Airfield.
Eleven years in, the Children’s Flight remains one of the most meaningful days on the South African general aviation calendar. It is a reminder of what can be achieved when the aviation community pulls together with purpose.
Fly, Feed, Love, Inspire.
