Congratulations to Dirk Booysen and his son John (first year optometry student), for winning the Race for Rhinos air race in Botswana recently.

This was truly a remarkable achievement, beating an elite field of ninety-one other competitors. This was Dirk and John’s first ever participation in this event, flying a 1968 Cessna C172F. The Race for Rhinos is an annual event endorsed by the Botswana State President – Ian Khama. It is now in its third year, similar to the South African State Presidents Air Race.

No modern navigation equipment such as GPS systems are allowed and the crews rely on the accuracy of their bearings and distances worked out the old-fashioned way with rulers and protractors. The most accurate navigation flown as close as possible to the handicapped airspeed along the route, ensuring that you overfly the checkpoints, will win the race.

They won three trophies each – First Place Pilot and Navigator, Best Handicap Performance day one and two – as well as a trip to the Kwai River lodge for four. Well done!