54 African Pilot April 2015
The fi rst guests arrived by plane and car and a fortunate few by helicopter
on the Friday evening. The Swellengrebel club members are known for their
hospitality and this year was no exception. The food was prepared by an
award winning chef; the bar was kept open until very late and old friendships
were re-kindled over many aero-stories.
Saturday was perfect fl ying weather. Whilst awaiting the main infl ux of
planes, the Swellengrebel hosts took guests up in the club’s Motorfalke
glider for scenic fl ights over Swellendam and surrounds. A slow trickle of
planes seemed to explode mid morning when dozens of planes descended
on the club: singles, twins, gyrocopters and even an L39 Albatros. The
economy might be hurting some South Africans, but for one weekend the
skies above Swellendam were witness to loyal visitors from all over the
region. The club arranged transport to the many attractions offered in the
old Swellendam Republic, including the historic Drosty museum dating from
1747, the Fairy Sanctuary, Bontebok Park and the ever popular cruise on a
fl oat at Buffeljagsdam.The Swellengrebel fl y-in has become synonymous with the music concert on
the Saturday night when the local community joins the fl ying community.This year three foot-stomping bands from Swellendam and surrounds
entertained visitors until well past midnight. As always, everyone’s last words
were: “see you again next year!”Aerostar prepares for take-off
Magni-Gyro