Lotus

It's certain when I work on my car engine that I'll drop at least one bolt and never see it again. And when I'm done there will be bolts left over that have nowhere to go.

That's interesting! Like the propulsion on the RC "jet" aircraft where the props are enclosed?

Watching this King Air 350 over Pretoria. Any idea what he's doing?

Pretty cool flight of Pilatus trainers (5 or 6, too quick and low to count) just flew over Fourways in close formation, close to the deck. Lots of noise. I didn't think that SAAF could put up that many?

Like this one! (sorry, not really aircraft, but definitely flying) https://www.news24.com/World/News/watch-the-moment-a-kite-surfer-performed-an-incredible-stunt-over-a-sandspit-20190131 Pre-flight included checking that passport is valid in destination country.

Somebody clearly paid attention during his flight training. https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/pilot-makes-emergency-landing-on-cape-town-beach-20190130 J'Bay, not Cape Town as the headline says.

Could be the storm we're experiencing tonight. Seems like the incoming flights are being held up, takeoffs seem to be continuing.

Haters will hate, but I still enjoy this guy. Especially after watching his vlog during the TdF - amusing and self-deprecating. Tells a story about his mother calling to persuade him to go on the show Dancing with the Stars - "but honey, people might start liking you again if you do it..."

Like the SAA livery on the tail plane. I recall seeing an Impala on a stick outside the "Moth" hall in Kimberley some time back.

Heard via a Navy forum that I follow that the DoD hasn't paid SITA for IT services, and the SA Navy Fund email account is being switched off today. Will be operating with Gmail until it's resolved.

I remember the sight and sound of these aircraft over my Gran's house in Parow in the 70s. I was quite surprised by the sound of an Albatross (damn, it's still loud!) flying over Lonehill recently. That plane and the Wasp helicopter are part of my Navy service memories.

Don't mess with an aircraft captain, right? https://www.news24.com/Video/SouthAfrica/News/watch-unruly-passenger-forcibly-removed-from-kulula-flight-20190122

Beautiful! I still think the BOAC VC10 was one of the all-time great looking planes. And the 727.

Just as I start getting my FlightRadar addiction under control I find extra memory on my phone and load the app. Idiot!

Great having your insights here! And the pics.

I've used "Goo-gone" from Builders Warehouse in the past. Some time ago, so not sure if they still sell it. Maybe mix your own? https://www.diynatural.com/adhesive-remover-homemade-goo-gone/

Looks like a glider meet in Namibia right now?

I love going there too. Always go to the airport a bit earlier than necessary when fetching or delivering family, so I can go check the planes. But dang it, that deck gets hot in the sun! Have to withdraw because of heat, not boredom.

My happy aviation experience? Riding home in the cockpit of a 747 from JFK to Jan Smuts in the early 90s. Stayed in there for the full flight, including the landing. School friend of mine was the captain, and I heard his name when crew was introduced. Sent a him a note, and after takeoff a stew took me to the flight deck. Thing that struck me the most was how busy it starts getting once you cross into Botswana airspace, and after that Jan Smuts comes up very quickly. And the height of that flight deck above the runway when you land! What a view. BTW, this was the same trip that I did the Intrepid visit with the SR71. Happy days.

I'll keep these because of the detailing and hours I put in (kit building is an unbelievable time-sink). There's an amazing amount of buying and selling that goes on locally on a closed Facebook forum. When I sold my kits (about 400, mostly race cars) they were snapped up in hours. And some of them that I shipped to Oz sold for around R8k apiece (couple of limited edition Model Factory Hiro kits of Senna's Williams and Toleman - his first and last great races). I actually think that model building might revive, with 3D printing. Kind of brings tech and model building together, which might entice a new generation.

Pilot humour - not even Trevor Noah can beat it.

Just "discovered" Flight Radar after seeing the posts here. Damn you all to hell! Productivity blown.

Funny you should say that. I've got these two on the desk. Built them a few years ago, before I sold my model kit stash. Amazing how expensive that hobby has become.

Me too!

Great story, thanks!