SAA pilot challenges Branson
2006-07-04 22:53
Durban - A Johannesburg pilot is flinging a gauntlet in the face of world-famous British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.
He is aiming to fly a single-engined, piston-driven plane from Johannesburg to Durban in the same time it takes a Boeing 737 jet.
Glen Dell said: "I hope to make it in about 53 minutes, which is as fast as a Boeing 737 jet that I fly for SAA.
"I will then challenge Sir Richard Branson to break the record once it is set."
The challenge will be one of the highlights of the WesBank Durban Airshow, which is expected to inject up to R25-million into the local economy.
Branson is in South Africa attempting several record-breaking stunts at the moment.
"I want to make sure that a number of records are held by a South African and that is why I am starting with a record attempt on my way to compete in the airshow," said Dell.
Can fly 250 different types of aircraft
In 1988, Dell joined SAA and flew Boeing 747s and 767s for a number of years.
He is training captain for the SAA Boeing 737 fleet and is rated to fly more than 250 different types of aircraft, including helicopters. He also holds an American flying licence.
The airshow, which is celebrating its 50th year, will feature about 80 acts, a record in itself making it the biggest civilian airshow held on the African continent.
Air traffic controllers will have their work cut out for them for the next few days as more than 100 aircraft from all over South Africa arrive in Durban, said show hosts, Durban Wings Club.
Event organiser, Ray De Vries said that aircraft valued at R500m would use more than 45 000 litres of fuel at the weekend, excluding fuel to get to and from Durban.
About 95 pilots will wow the estimated 15 000 spectators and 25 000 more who will be watching from beaches, hotels, restaurants and homes from Umhlanga to central Durban.
"Hotels and accommodation establishments report that the 'full house' signs are up from Thursday as Durban North welcomes about 2 500 people from out of town," said De Vries.
Plane is competition prize
The Reach for a Dream charity will benefit hugely from the airshow as well.
Dennis Jankelow and Associates have donated a plane as the prize for a competition.
The prize includes the costs of the winner getting his or her private pilot's licence.
The draw will be done at the airshow by former Sharks rugby player Mark Andrews.
For further information contact de Vries on 0828844881, or e-mail:
ray@raydevries.co.za.