Our History
The West Coast Flying Club was officially formed in 1974. During the early years, the club included well-known personalities, such as Steve Levin, Keith Davidson, Bokkie van Dyk, Ronnie von Weichardt and Le Roux Steyn. The club operated from various airstrips, including “Varkvlei”, until it relocated to the Saldanha Airport in 1984. During those years, Carl Middel from Vredendal, provided pilot training.
Steve Levin played a huge part in guiding the development of the West Coast Flying Club, and also had a large influence in motivating the planning and construction of the Saldanha Airport. It is believed that the primary reason for building the Saldanha Airport during those years, was to provide a base for any response required to contain environmental incidents on the West Coast of South Africa. Funding for the airfield was provided by the Central Government.
Manie Burger was the Chairman of the Flying Club during the year that the Saldanha Airport ‘s control tower was officially opened. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend the opening ceremony, but he sent a Telex to the committee members of the West Coast Flying Club, to congratulate them on the achievement. The control tower was officially named the “Steve Levin Control Tower”.
During the early 2000’s, Johann Froneman (pilot instructor) joined the West Coast Flying Club, and he also managed the Saldanha Airport until 2022. He trained a large number of aviators on the West Coast, as well as the broader Western Cape.
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Our Mission
The aim of our club is to build upon our history, and promote recreational flying within our topographical area, especially NTCA, although other types of aircraft are also represented by our members.
Furthermore, we strive to share our flying experience and technical knowledge with our non-flying members of the community.
This website will give you information about the club, its members and the airspace that we all share.
Have fun and fly safe!
