A significant event on 23 May 1991 dramatically shifted the odds. A VIP Falcon 50 jet (ZS-CAQ) commanded by Commandant SAS Potgieter on take-off at AFB Ysterplaat experienced a double bird strike involving seagulls. The Air Traffic Controllers on duty were Rob Russell and Andre van der Walt. Andre vectored the aircraft in, whilst Rob handled the emergency services for an emergency landing at DF Malan (Cape Town International Airport) for which he was awarded a Golden Certificate.
Project Falconer attracted a lot of media attention. Throughout all my media engagements, I campaigned for the legalization of falconry in the Cape Province, like this article in the Cape Argus. The vision was to establish a falconry club that would serve as a vital development environment for skilled falconers, ultimately enhancing regional aviation safety. This initiative, alongside Dr. Oettle’s efforts, aimed to create a formal structure for Cape falconry enthusiasts. Despite ongoing advocacy, the WCNCB initially resisted the concept of a falconry club. However, Project Falconer continued to yield valuable data, meticulously documenting ecological factors relevant to bird activity around airfields. A mid-project progress report was submitted, followed by discussions with SSO Flight Safety at Silvermine.
This bird strike resulted in the loss of two engines. The pax, General Kat Liebenberg, Chief of the Army, along with other key military personnel, elevated this birdstrike and incident to the highest military levels. I was selected to form part of the board of inquiry regarding the birds, the threat of birds on military air bases. This catapulted aviation safety to the forefront. I was delegated to officially inform WCNCB that falconry would be implemented as a standard aviation safety department at AFB Ysterplaat. The docex was officially submitted to WCNCB.
The situation that unfolded after this event and the WCNCB’s notification required decisive action. Despite the WCNCB’s position on falconry, the SAAF intended to move forward. A subsequent meeting addressed this conflict, leading to a clear directive: either falconry would be implemented, or a compromise allowing it in the Western Cape would be found. The resolution was to legalize falconry, provided that SAAF falconers became members of the club, a condition reflected in the WCNCB’s initial falconry policy. This was the kick starter for the legalization of falconry in the Cape Province that resulted in the founding of the Cape Falconry Club
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