July 2006

We were dealt a crippling and devastating blow when our Owner and Chief Flying Instructor, Andre Nel was killed together with one of our senior Instructors and Safety Officer, Charles Greyvenstein, in a horrific aircrash in the DRC on the 27th April, 2006.

It is almost three months later and we are all still trying to come to terms with the magnitude of our loss. Andre leaves our two boys, Steffen and Werner, and Charles leaves his wife Tonya and three sons Rhyno, Heinrich and Ryan. Both men leave a large group of family and friends reeling in the wake of this tragedy.

Both Andre and Charles were outstanding pilots and flight instructors. Andre had more than 10,000 hours flying experience and had just returned from Malaysia where he flew as Senior Co-Pilot on Boeing 747. Charles chose flying as a career relatively late in his life after practicing as an accountant for quite some time. He fell head over heels in love with flying and dedicated himself completely to his new career. He had just passed his ATP subjects and was ready to test for his ATP licence upon his return from the DRC. It is said that nobody is indispensable but it will take us many, many years to fill the gaping hole left by these two men.

I want to make use of this opportunity to thank EVERYBODY who supported me and my boys as well as Tonya and her family during this dreadful time. From the simplest e-mails or phone calls to the most stunning bunches of flowers and personal visits, please be assured that both Tonya and I appreciate every single expression of sympathy.

We will be making use of our next solo/wings party on Friday, 28th July 2006, to bid farewell to Andre and Charles. Please attend if you would like to join us in wishing them safe and happy landings from hereon.

Thanks again to one and all.

Sonja
PRETORIA FLYING SCHOOL

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