It takes a concerted effort to get out of Buzz. I am so cold that my muscles do not seem able to obey the instructions from my brain. We had been flying in our little open cockpit Bathawk, named Buzz for those who don’t know, for the past two and a half hours. By choice none of us would be in the air today, considering the overcast, cold and windy weather conditions.
We are part of a group of five Bathawk owners flying to Mbombela (Nelspruit) to pay our respects to Andrew Pappas. Andrew was the much loved and respected owner of the Bathawk factory. He sadly passed away on Tuesday (12th) and a memorial service is being held in his honour at 10 am today, Saturday the 17th of April.
The plan was to cover the distance in one leg in order to get there on time, but Sean needed fuel, so we had to make this unplanned refuelling stop at Middleburg Airport. I am secretly relieved to be able to stretch legs and get the blood flow going again. To my surprise everyone is equally cold. Usually, the men either don’t feel the cold as much or don’t admit to it. I cannot believe that I am so inadequately dressed for cold weather; I should know better by now!
Our next leg takes us over the escarpment, more specifically Dullstroom. I did not think it was possible, but it is even colder than the first leg. We are routing directly to Bobby’s hangar as per plan, where we will wait for the call to fly over the ceremony.
Bobby’s hangar is about 3 minutes’ flying from Bantam City where the memorial is being held. We are now too late for the planned fly-over before the ceremony, so we refuel for the return trip, then tune in and listen to the second half of the live-streamed ceremony on FaceBook.
On Bobby’s signal we all take off and arrive as the ceremony closes, in the so-called missing man formation. Then we turn and do another fly-past, scattering dried rose petals before landing.
Due to COVID restrictions we were informed that there would be no refreshments. After paying our respects to the family I have no other interest besides warming up. Standing with my back to the sun, absorbing the heat, I eagerly devour my packed lunch, hoping to get enough internal heat for the return trip.
Temperature-wise the outbound trip is no different to the inbound one; it is cold, bitterly cold. To take our minds off our own discomfort Louis suggests we fly over Loskop Dam. After some discussion we all agree. It is beautiful. Then Sean needs fuel again; he will not make it all the way to Silver Creek. So, the decision is made to land at Kitty Hawk Airport. There we have coffee and something to eat before tackling the last leg home.
After flying for 7.5 hours we arrive, frozen but safe, at approximately 4 pm. Everyone is feeling sad but pleased that we went. It was a fitting tribute to a great man; he will be missed! Rest in peace Andrew Pappas…