Portrait
Bushflying in southern Africa.
Long shadows of the Baobab trees fall onto the small Cessna. The African sun sinks in dark-red colors over the horizon, casting a warm violet light onto the flat expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans. On the veranda of the Lodge we enjoy the scenery and plan our route for the next day. There’s many things to think about.
How far will the remaining Avgas get us, and where can we refill? Will thunderstorms or other potential weather block our way? What is the condition of the next airstrip? And what alternate airfields are available in this vast country? Will the resident warthogs possibly dig up parts of our runway overnight?
Since many years we have been travelling through southern Africa. Our discoveries started with an all terrain vehicle, and moved from there to light aircraft, giving us the opportunity to get off the beaten track in these fascinating lands. And our photography enabled us to capture many unique moments in time and space.
The special techniques and challenges associated with flying in hot and high altitude areas laying off the beaten track were taught to us by professional bushpilots, and our own experience over the years have contributed to the learning of these techniques.
Southern Africa offers one a freedom in flying, a freedom which has been denied pilots in Europe for a long time already, however such freedom necessitates a high degree of self-reliance, responsibility and flexibility. Very few flights actually run as per original plan…