Milestones and generosity

Bethlehem in the south eastern Free State has, for many years, been known as a worthy airshow to attend. Organised by a dedicated group of enthusiasts from the Bethlehem flying club this airshow has seen many interesting displays in the past. As Bethlehem is a scant 2,5 hours or so from Johannesburg it is possible to drive down for a day trip.

The past airshows have traditionally been held during the South African mid winter season but this year saw a move to early spring. This move did affect the show a little as there had been some rain about and the day was overcast making photography a little difficult. In fact there was strong possibility of rain in the afternoon which fortunately did not hit the airfield. (I have heard mutterings that the BFC may move the show back to mid winter).

Orsmond Air

Bethlehem airfield is the home base of Orsmond Air, a crop spraying company with a good selection of various crop spraying aircraft. Early Saturday morning (another one of those transport pilots. witches and ladies of the night hours) saw the media group depart for Bethlehem. Ok due to an over generous distance miscalculation this could have been delayed an hour or two but none the less we were on our way (An investment in a GPS unit will rectify this).

Early spring should have meant clear blue skies but the rains had come a little early so the trip was in heavy mist for most of the way. Other than this an uneventful journey saw us in Bethlehem and signed in. After a hearty breakfast at the local Wimpy (take note, as we found out on our trip to Bultfontien, nothing opens before 7 am in the Free State) we returned to the airfield in preparation for the day.