The Experimental Aircraft Association is a group of self-confessed aviation freaks who live their childhood dreams, maintaining and flying a colourful collection of aircraft
story hayley dennyson pictures steve mccurrach www.airserv.co.za
Flying is one of those things that evokes a strong reaction – you’re either exhilarated by the hum of the engine, the sight of the ground drifting away or white knuckled until you’re back on terra firma. Thankfully, I fall into the former camp and visiting Chapter 1502 of the Experimental Aircraft Association of South Africa (EAASA) was more fun than is probably allowed on a work day!
“It doesn’t get better than this,” says Chris Hicks, as he shows me around the two hangars at Grass Roots airfield, 4km from Cato Ridge. Set in the midst of farmland, there’s a real sense of adventure here, a taste of what life would have been like before we became so cautious.
This is the kind of place most boys dream of – two expansive sheds filled with aviation paraphernalia, from manuals to magazines, tools, wings and other fascinating moving parts. A 1930s Massey Ferguson tractor sits in the fire shed, the resident lawn mower. But the main attraction is the 12 aircraft in varying degrees of completion.
Established in 1964, EAASA now has 13 chapters across the country, with members sharing information and resources, and the love of all things aviation. They fly, build or restore their own aircraft, often from plans, kits or the remains of old aircraft, thereby maintaining an important part of history.
A prime example is the 1942 Auster currently being rebuilt by Chapter 1502 president Gerald Maddams. Gerald was given the fuselage and wings on condition that he collect it from Zimbabwe and he has, over the past 15 years, gone to great lengths to restore it to the condition it was in when demobbed in England at the end of World War 2. The project is nearing completion, with a number of fellow aviators eager to see the finished product. There is plenty more to tell about this plane, but we’ll save that for another issue.
Gerald points out a pair of Tiger Moth wings that he is recovering for someone – a sideline project and a reflection of the fact that EAASA members are constantly learning and experimenting.
Alan Lorimer has, in the past, been involved with motorbikes and paragliders, and is currently rebuilding a Piper Vagabond. “There’s a real sense of history with older planes. It’s the attraction of vintage; they get cooler every year,” he says. “It’s great to be able to share that with others.”
Chris Hicks’ plane – a 1939 Aeronca Chief 65c – is the longest registered aircraft in South Africa and is still going strong! He bought it in 1982 for R5 600 and, since then, has clocked up around 400 hours flying. The plane has a colourful history, including being hidden in a building on West Street for the duration of World War 2 to avoid being commandeered by the SAAF.
While these planes are at the centre of the club, it’s the love of aviation and the camaraderie that keeps its members coming back. “There are no men here,” says Chris, “only boys living their dreams.” For most, the bug bit early with thrilling childhood memories of the sound and power of aircraft. But it was only later, when time and finances allowed, that they were able to make their dreams a reality. “It takes a lot of commitment, with time and passion invested,” says Robbie Els.
Chapter 1502 has 103 members from Durban, Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas, but you’ll find 10 core characters at work at Grass Roots on most weekends and sometimes during the week. Maintaining an aircraft to the level one sees here takes a lot of effort, but I get the sense that these men wouldn’t be anywhere else.
“There’s always good chat and a boerie roll on Saturdays, with plenty of fun and jibes,” Chris continues. Members take part in regular fly-ins and get-togethers, with some taking place as far afield as East London and Potchefstroom. The Chapter also organises events for the benefit of members and their families.
As much as this is a jovial environment, things get serious when it comes time to fly. Flying is dangerous if you aren’t careful and they all have stories of near misses. “Safety, security and discipline are of primary importance,” says Chris, who is the club’s resident safety officer. Pre-flight is a sober time, when pilots check and re-check each element of their aircraft to ensure that they are up to scratch. “We build in redundancies to ensure that nothing is overlooked,” says aerial photographer Steve McCurrach.
As we stand outside the small clubhouse, watching one of the Grass Roots crew approach in his new plane, the excitement is contagious. Every time one of these much-loved machines takes off, pilot and spectators experience the same rush of adrenaline, the same primordial desire to
soar with the birds. For the regulars at Grass Roots, this is
a dream come true.
The club is open to visitors by prior arrangement. *
Gerald Maddams 072 561 5469
