Flying colours for Lehman couple
Experienced pilots John Lehman (72) and his wife Judy (70) recently competed in the Presidents Trophy Air Race 2018 in Bloemfontein and won a first place in the Cessna plane category.
MOKOPANE – Judy says they were one of the oldest flying couples in the competition. This amateur air race takes place annually at different airports throughout South Africa. It is a test of skill in accurate flying and navigation at the maximum speed their piston engine aircraft is capable of flying. It is also known for being a handicap race which mean that no GPS can be used, only a map and a compass.
Judy told Bosveld the race is flown over two days. Maps and turn points are supplied for the pilot and navigator to plot the route. “My husband was the pilot while I navigate. The turn points were marked by an orange gazebo which is very difficult to spot from a plane flying at 145 knots (268 KPH).”
The aim for the competition is for all the planes to cross the finish line at the same time. For that to be able, the planes all stagger at the starting grid according to handicap which means that the slowest aircraft takes off first. Sometimes planes can even take off with eight seconds apart. Different planes take part all in their own category according to the type of plane.
The Lehman’s achieved a Comair Trophy for being the first Cessna aeroplane to cross the finish line.They also received a Letaba Flying Club Trophy for the first placed Far Northern province (Limpopo) aeroplane.
