FLYING AROUND THE KZN AIRFIELDS

In less time than it takes to drive from one side of Johannesburg to the other, you can fly to beautiful KZN to experience amazing scenery and some fantastic airfields and hospitality.

- STORY AND PICTURES BRYAN BERKELJON

HAVING attended both Middleburg and Airspan EAA fly-ins, and enjoyed the fellowship of our EAA community, I have put together a list of venues in southern KZN to share these gems with flyers who may not know of these fields.

All of the fields are a short hop from each other and could easily be visited on a whistlestop tour, or more leisurely with overnight stops planned to take in local attractions and the great accommodation available.

This list is not the definitive information, merely a guide to what is available. Naturally, planning and verifying the information is the pilot's responsibility as things can, and do change. Easy Plan, Sky demon, OzRunway's pilot notes and other resources can be helpful, but a call to the owner/operator of the field will always be the most reliable source for the condition of a particular airfield.

1-AeroFarm Harrismith; 18/36 5580'

While not a KZN field, this is a great en-route stop for fuel and a leg stretch, and a bolt hole if the weather has pushed up to the escarpment and everything beyond is socked-in. The airfield is directly opposite the N3 from the Harrismith municipal runway which is no longer usable as it has been a victim to urban creep. AeroFarm is owned and operated by the Pollocks. A call to Gareth will ensure that someone is available for fuel and to open the clubhouse for the loo and a coffee. Gareth Pollock; 082 497 0773

2-Ladysmith FALY; 11/29 3548'

Asphalt runway 2.5 NM SW of Ladysmith town, another option for en-route/ weather stop. The Ladysmith Motel is on the airfield, and Avgas available on arrangement. Larry Van Der Merwe; 083 788 2704

3-El Mirrador FALQ; 06/24 4200'