Chapter 973 Jack Taylor Airfield Inaugural Fly-In - January 2026
By Willie Bodenstein
24.01.2026
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Whether you are looking for a Tiger Moth, a Pietenpol, or the latest RV, the Krugersdorp Flying Club is certainly one of South Africa's most active aviation hubs. With 137 aircraft, 110 hangars, and more than 268 active members, and still growing by the day, it remains a vibrant centre for general aviation.
The first hangar at the airfield was constructed by Taylor and Jones using steel tubing, corrugated iron, and wooden beams to house Taylor's Tri-Pacer and another Tri-Pacer jointly owned by L.A. Davis and Trevor Battersby.
That same hangar is now home to EAA Chapter 973, the third Experimental Aircraft Association-affiliated chapter in South Africa. The other two are Chapter 322, based at Rand Airport, and Chapter 1502, based at Baynesfield Estate in KwaZulu-Natal. The recent news of a fourth chapter forming in the Cape is wonderful news for the future of the EAA movement in South Africa.
“Jacks,” as the hangar, still very much a work in progress, is fondly known, looked absolutely stunning. Parked outside were the beautiful, almost-ready-to-fly WWI-era Nieuport of Dr Dirk Booysen, as well as the immaculate Tiger Moth of Pete Lastrucci and the meticulously restored MG of Andy Lawrence.
The Chapter 973 committee members (from left to right): Ant Harris, Brenda Stergiopoulos, Geoff Springer, Goitse Diale, Francois Tolmay (KFC), Laura McDermid, T.C. Schultz, Vanessa & Kevin Hopper, Carolyn & Neil Bowden, and Stuart McDermid.
Founded in 1953 by veteran aviator Paul Poberezny and fellow enthusiasts, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) today boasts nearly 300,000 members and almost 1,000 chapters worldwide. Each year it hosts the world's largest aviation gathering,EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a celebration of aviation passion and innovation.
When I arrived just before 08:00, the field was shrouded in low mist. Knowing FAKR's weather patterns, I was confident it would lift soon and it did. Unfortunately, many others experienced less favourable conditions en route, and only a handful of visiting aircraft made it in by air. Sling Aircraft nonetheless brought their newest TCi as well as the sensational high-wing Sling, both of which drew great attention. The queue for the free demo flights was impressively long!
The weather didn't stop visitors from coming by road, 80 signed the register, 100 “Banjo Buns” were sold, and probably twice that number of cups of coffee was enjoyed throughout the morning.
Many thanks to all the wonderful people at FAKR for the warm hospitality extended to everyone on Saturday. Your enthusiasm and commitment will undoubtedly drive Chapter 973 to great heights!
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Radial Rocket Flying at Jack Taylor Airfield 2025 220
