MILITARY type aircraft which during World War II frequented the skies at the Uitenhage aerodrome, had a definite influence on the aviation interest among aircraft enthusiasts of the area.
In later years it contributed in the establishing of the Uitenhage Radio Flyers Club, on 27 January 1971. Sadly, owing to a “war” of another kind, the COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown restrictions, a fanfare 50th anniversary of the Club’s momentous occasion could not be celebrated.
Radio control aeroplane flying in Uitenhage started with five enthusiasts in 1966, namely Pierre Haarhoff, Digby Crank, Dale Meyer, Keith Meiring and Wally Slack of which Keith and Wally to this day still take to the sky.
Red dust – top secret aerodrome
Keith told the UD Express that his parents, who lived in Chase Street (Uitenhage) told him that “one day during World War II they saw a cloud of red dust on the hill towards Rocklands. Nobody knew what was happening as at that time it was top secret.”
Residents soon afterwards saw fighter, bomber and patrol aircraft flying and landing at the then newly established Uitenhage aerodrome, which was used for pilot training during the War.
Control-line flying hit the skies
Many teenagers, owing to the influence of aircraft activity at the Uitenhage aerodrome during the 1960’s, started with control-line flying. One of these teenagers was the legendary Dale Meyer, the founder member of the Uitenhage Radio Flyers.
According to the Club’s history documents, “Dale was a master builder and superb pilot of control-line planes. He ventured into free-flight aircraft using his excellence in the art of building model aircraft. His mentorship is still treasured today by many of the past and current members.”
Dale passed-away in March 2017.
Keith said some members used 5cc motors to fly these control-line aeroplanes. “They were very powerful little motors and you could actually lean back, with both hands controlling the plane which was attached to a 50-foot gut. It was sophisticated and incredible.”
From control-line to radio-control
The five enthusiasts who ventured from control-line to free-flight and then radio-control aeroplane flying, started their hobby at the Uitenhage aerodrome. But it came to an abrupt halt owing to an “out-of-control single channel Super 60 aircraft having a near miss with a full-size glider’s fabric covered wing. This led to an immediate ban of all forms of model flying activity at the aerodrome.”
Radio control flying nevertheless continued and a permanent flying field was obtained from the municipality on a lease basis. The Uitenhage Radio Flyers Club currently has 17 members and is situated next to the Kruis River Road (opposite the Skills Pool Centre). As the membership grew, it allowed for airfield facility improvement, a longer runway, clubhouse, braai facility, shaded social area as well as shaded pit area.
Thrill of flying
Wally currently is the South Africa Model Aircraft Association Competency Test Officer, mentor, and an honorary member of the Uitenhage Radio Flyers Club.
“When I pick my aeroplane that I am going to start … the focussing starts. The moment it takes off, it’s only you and that aeroplane. All the problems that you have in your life are gone, you leave them behind whilst focussing on your aeroplane in the sky,” said Wally.
“Your challenge is always to make the aeroplane do what you want it to do. By the time that you land, you feel a different person.”
For Keith, who flies radio control gliders at Cuyler Manor, the magic is that each time he takes a glider into the sky it is different. “The first thermal you get, you are hooked. Your aeroplane can go so high you can lose it in the clouds. You cannot take your eyes off it. Each time it is very exciting”
Club flying days
The Uitenhage Radio Flyers Club operates under the control of the South Africa Model Aircraft Association. Club members are however responsible for maintaining the club out of their own pockets. People interested in radio control aeroplane flying are invited to visit the Club on Saturday and Sunday mornings as well as on public holidays. As long as it is good flying weather days.
