Helm shares his story with SAAFA
Aviation enthusiast shares his story that led him on many adventures
Undergoing flight training under questionable circumstances as a teen to secret training missions in Europe, Helm van Rensburg of the Harvard Club recently shared his story with members of the South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) East Rand Branch.
Growing up in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Helm loved the idea of flying and dreamt of one day soaring through the clouds like his father.
His dreams were shattered when his dad sold his beloved plane.
“I was about six years old and refused to speak to him after the sale,” said Helm.
“When I was 16, I played on his conscience by making him drive 250km every second weekend to Windhoek so I could attend flight school.”
In 1969, he received his civilian pilot’s license, under what can only be described as unorthodox methods, with his trainer instructing him to follow the road while flying, as they did not cover basic navigation and map training.
After joining the South African Air Force, Helm was recruited by the National Defence Force’s Armscor, where he worked on many ground-breaking programmes.
“My love for flying never seized, and I had a fondness for Harvards,” he said.
“With my involvement at the Harvard Club, we have been successful in procuring seven planes that have been classified for preservation as part of the county’s aviation history.
“Four have been restored and are flight worthy and used during air shows. Due to the high costs of spare parts, the restoration of our fifth plane should be completed soon.”
For more information regarding SAAFA or to become a member, contact Roelf Rossouw of the East Rand Branch at saafa.erb@gmail.com.
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