NATS 2021 - Bulletin 1
Released on 14 June 2021
Background
The MGA NATS normally happens annually. The last NATS was held at Bapsfontein, Gauteng in 2019. The 2020 NATS was organised to happen at Karkloof, KZN but was postponed due to Covid-19 and is planned to happen there in 2022 when the pandemic has hopefully subsided and the event can be held with less restrictions. This 2021 event was slotted in as a stop-gap between the planned and actual Karkloof events.
Note: The entries and payments made for the 2020 Karkloof NATS will be ring fenced and re-visited during the lead up to that event. Entry fees paid for that event are being held in credit for the 2022 Karkloof NATS event and can be refunded if necessary.
Venue
The 2021 NATS will be held at Warthog Radio Flyers, Pretoria.
The field is approximately 25km northeast of the Pretoria CBD (as the crow flies) and 5km north of Roodeplaat Dam.
The club, based at the South African National Antenna Test Range, Warthog Radio Flyers has some of the best, if not the best, facilities of all Clubs in South Africa.
There is a grassed run-off area of some 300 by 500 m neatly divided into two main flying runways, a separate Helicopter and Foamies strip, neat and comprehensive ablutions and a Lapa and Swimming Pool.
In addition to this, the splendid tranquil Bushveld setting on a late afternoon with the local family of warthogs now taking over the runways, foraging for food whilst the Braai Fires are crackling in a completely safe environment is something to experience.
Schedule
We have the exclusive use of the venue from Friday 6 August to Monday 9 August.
The MGA AGM will take place after the end of flying on Saturday 7 August.
Covid-19 regulations allowing a braai will be organised at the field after the AGM, on Saturday 7 August.
The classes and competition schedule will be based on the pilot feedback survey results.
Catering
No on field catering is planned at this time - pilots and helpers will need to make their own meal arrangements.
Accommodation
There are several game lodges within a 3km radius of the field, such as Monateng - www.monateng.co.za.
To search for other accommodation in the vicinity, visit www.hotels.com or www.airbnb.com and search in the ‘Roodeplaat Dam’ area.
There is a small camping area, with 2 electrical points and ablutions, adjacent to the field on the same property.
Directions
GPS Coordinates : S25 33.257 E28 22.238
Google maps link : https://goo.gl/maps/zngSeaGL5TMMXPGA6
Weather
The weather in Pretoria in August is dry, mild with cloudless skies.
Average night temperatures are around 5 degrees. Average day temperatures are around 14 degrees.
The end of September is the windiest time of the year, with winds growing to this point during August.
August is the traditional kite flying season in Gauteng, so make sure you bring some ballast.
Entries
All SAMAA registered pilots are welcome to enter the MGA NATS.
Payments must be made in advance - no cash payments at the field will be permitted.
Payments by Snapscan or EFT are accepted.
If you are keen to participate in this event, please make your preferences known by completing our survey. Entries will open after feedback from the survey is received - kindly complete the survey before 17 June 20:00.
Covid-19
All proceedings will be conducted in accordance with prevailing regulations. The SAMAA and MGA Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
Club Rules
The club rules are to be adhered to at all times.
They can be downloaded here or found on the Warthog Radio Flyers website - follow the CLUB link (and then CLUB RULES link).
No Fly Zone
The no fly zone marked in red (below) must be adhered to at all times.
Questions and Communications
To stay in the loop with information around the NATS please keep an eye on the MGASA website - mgasa.blogspot.com - as well as the MGA Events WhatsApp group - bit.ly/mga-events - and the MGA NATS Whatsapp Group - bit.ly/mga-nats
Questions can be sent to Brett Lewis (Organiser) at flymga@gmail.com / 076-191-5277.
The organisers of the various classes are as follows:-
F3K - Brett Lewis
F5J - Mike Vos
2m - John Monk
Open / F3J - Jan Sime
F3B - Jethro Van Der Molen
GPS Triangle - Piet Boer
Further bulletins will be published with more information.
