by Tarryn | Nov 23, 2022 | Competition, Training
We often get questions about what rally flying is all about. I describe it as somewhere between a regulation rally (being precisely on time) and orienteering (finding unknown places). Rally flying combines precision flying skills with accurate navigation and...
by Tarryn | Sep 6, 2024 | Adventures, Travel
What do elephants and aviation have in common? Perhaps more than you might think… We recently achieved another bucket list item when we moved to a wildlife estate that has its own runway. Now outside the bustle of the city, we can relax while watching the nyala and...
by Tarryn | Jul 5, 2024 | Adventures, Bucket list, Travel
I was absolutely thrilled when Willie Bodenstein of Pilots Post phoned me one afternoon to ask me, “Do you really want to go on a hot air balloon ride”? Willie has been supporting my newfound passion for aviation and writing by sharing my articles on Pilot’s Post, my...
by Tarryn | Dec 13, 2023 | Adventures, Competition, Cross Country, Rally, Travel, World Rally Flying Championship, WRFC
It almost feels like we blinked, and the last day of competition has dawned. I am very excited when I find out during briefing, that today’s route will finally take us to the east of Mâcon. This area is generally flat however, the far east of the competition area...
by Tarryn | Dec 5, 2023 | Adventures, Competition, Cross Country, Travel, World Rally Flying Championship, WRFC
Day 2 Day 2 is our first morning flight. I am relieved that we will be flying early because the wind is already making itself known and is predicted to continue all day. Tomorrow doesn’t look much better, but we will cross that taxiway when we get there. Reviewing the...
by Tarryn | Oct 10, 2023 | Adventures, Competition, Cross Country, Travel, World Rally Flying Championship, WRFC
Day 1 of the big competition is here, and I am cautiously optimistic. I have had time to get into the right head space and feel well rested after having a day to relax. We have randomly been placed into Group 2 and will be flying in the afternoon. The afternoon slot...
by Tarryn | Sep 20, 2023 | Adventures, Competition, Cross Country, Rally, World Rally Flying Championship, WRFC
Normally spaced 2 years apart, the next World Rally Flying Championships will be held in Mâcon, France, from 25 July to 05 August 2023, a mere 8 months after the 2022 event in Brits (read here if you need a refresh on rally flying). We only decided after qualifying in...
by Tarryn | Jul 26, 2023 | Adventures, Cross Country, Rally, Training
The decision has been made; we are going to France! A total of four teams from South Africa will make up the Protea Rally Flying team in Macon 2023. The excitement is palpable and everyone is making travel plans already. My next challenge is that while I have quickly...
by Tarryn | Jul 16, 2023 | Competition, Rally
After the World Championships in Brits in November 2022, flying seems to pause. We haven’t given much thought to what comes next, and we honestly welcome the breather. Before long, it is time for Rally Nationals again, taking place in March 2023. Why so soon you might...
by Tarryn | Jun 26, 2023 | About Me, Adventures, Training, Travel
It is hard to believe that another year has passed, bringing us to two full years of aircraft ownership. With a huge chunk of our time spent in the air, it really flew by. If I was shocked to discover that I had flown a total of 135 hours in 2021, then 2022 was even...
by Tarryn | Mar 22, 2023 | Adventures, Competition, Rally, World Rally Flying Championship, WRFC
The final competition day has arrived, and today we will fly in the afternoon group again. This is our first competition that will require a fourth day of flying. Most competitions are only one day. Nationals, that happens once a year (and determines the South African...