The Model Gliding Association would like to inform all competitors of the 2012 FAI World Championship for Soaring Model Aircraft (Class F3J) that there has been a change to the venue for the event from the GEMS Model Gliding Field to the Africa Lawns farm.  The new field is also positioned East of Johannesburg, approximately 40 km South East of the official hotel, near the towns of Delmas and Springs.  The change is unavoidable as the application which the South African Model Aircraft Association made on behalf of the Model Gliding Association, for sufficient height clearance for the event at GEMS Model Gliding Field, was rejected by Air Traffic Services.  The FAI has been informed of the change of venue.  The GPS co-ordinates for the new venue at Africa Lawns is S 26 08.540’ E 28 37.693’.  Maps and directions (shortest and least traffic) to the field will be available at the official hotels and on the web page.

The Africa Lawns farm offers an even better venue, with less possible obstruction and a superior surface. The irrigated lawn circle has a radius of approximately 360m so each circle is about 700m across. There will be an irrigation pivot directed 90⁰ away from the field and therefore easy to avoid.  The lawn will probably not be nice and green, due to the fact that it is our winter but the ground will be a bit softer than other areas as it is an irrigated surface. This is flying heaven.

Pictures of the new venue are included below:

Phil Steffny:    phillsafaris@gmail.com

Phillip is an experienced game ranger who can assist you with advice and assistance to book or even guide a safari to any spot in Africa.  If you can think of a place in Africa, he has probably been there.

Philippa du Toit

TRAVEL CONSULTANT – The Travel JunXion

Tel:        +27(0)11 462-2614 / 462-5487

Fax:        +27 (0) 86 547 5150

Cel:        +27(0)82 321-5340

e-mail:   philippa@thetraveljunxion.co.za

e-mail:   philippa@cyco.co.za

http://www.thetraveljunxion.co.za

Preliminary entries received from the following countries:
Australia 3 x senior pilots
Canada 3 x senior pilots and 1 x junior pilot
Croatia 1 x senior pilot (sorry previously had this as junior)
France 3 x senior pilots
Germany 3 x senior pilots and 3 x junior pilots
Italy 3 x senior pilots and 3 x junior pilots
Japan 3 x senior pilots
Norway 3 x senior pilots
Poland 2 x senior pilots
Russia 3 x senior pilots and 3 x junior pilots
Slovakia 3 x senior pilots and 1 x junior pilots
Slovenia 3 x senior pilots and 1 x junior pilots
South Africa 3 x senior pilots and 3 x junior pilots
Sweden 1 x senior pilot
Turkey 3 x senior pilots
United Kingdom 3 x senior pilots
USA 3 x senior pilots and 3 x junior pilots and 2 x defending WC pilots

Countries who have indicated that they may attend but preliminary entries have not yet been received:
Bulgaria 1 x junior pilot
New Zealand 2 or 3 x senior pilots
Netherlands 1 x senior pilot
Ukraine 3 x senior pilots and 3 x junior pilots

If you are planning to spend a few days extra in South Africa (3-4 days are enough), either before or after the World Championship, we strongly suggest that you visit the Kruger National Park to see the wildlife by driving through the park on your own or go on an official safari.

Craig is NOT an safari person, if it doesn’t fly – BORING………..and he enjoyed the weekend trip we did to the Kruger at the end of last year.   The drive from Johannesburg to Crocodile Bridge took about 5 hours (about 450km) on good roads through via Nelspruit to Malelane to Ngwenya Lodge, where we stayed for 2 nights (just outside the Crocolide River Bridge entrance to the Kruger Park).  Anti-malarials are essential, (speak to your Doctor as you need to start taking some of the medication a week before entering the malaria area), also make sure you take alot of insect repellent (Tabard works best).  Mosquitoes are however much less of a problem in July/August as it is the end of winter.

There are various types of accommodation inside and outside the Kruger, from camping to luxury accommodation, for more information on accommodation, visit the official Kruger Park Web Site. Please note, day visitors are NOT allowed to take any alcohol with them into the Kruger Park.  When you are in any game reserve, you must NEVER leave your car unless you are in one of the official camps or official viewing areas, these are real wild animals and you can be lunch.  Also note closing times of the gates and make sure you plan your drive so that you are able to exit at the gates before official closing times, as the fines for late departure are large.  Animal viewing is best during the cooler times of the day as they tend to sleep in the shade during the mid-day heat (difficult to see) so try to get into the park early, stop at one of the camps for lunch and then travel back to your accommodation during the cooler afternoon.  Binoculars, a good camera and possibly a book to help you identify some of the wildlife are a good idea.