PRESIDENT’S TROPHY AIR RACE (PTAR) 2025

DIGITAL NEWS

PRESIDENT’S TROPHY AIR RACE (PTAR) 2025

May 28, 2025

ARTICLE AND IMAGES BY KEITH FRYER

The 2025 President’s Trophy Air Race (PTAR) soared to new heights this past weekend, captivating aviation enthusiasts and competitors alike at the scenic Bona Bona Game Lodge in South Africa’s North West Province. From May 22 to 24, the skies above the lodge buzzed with excitement as pilots navigated enduring routes in a display of navigation skill, speed, and camaraderie using only a map and compass.

A Tradition of Excellence

Established in 1937, the PTAR is South Africa’s premier general aviation race, attracting pilots from across the nation. This year’s event, organised by the South African Power Flying Association (SAPFA) team, featured a two-day race format with routes designed to test both navigation and flying proficiency.

The Bona Bona Game Lodge, nestled between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad, provided a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the experience for participants and spectators alike.

Thrilling Competition and Results

The race commenced on Friday, May 23, with the first leg challenging pilots to demonstrate precision and speed on a predetermined route to sort out the average speeds and performance to be expected on the main race day.

Saturday’s second leg intensified the competition where teams had to plot their respective routes and then fly as accurately as possible to the finish line, culminating in a suspenseful finish. The majority of the aircraft had live trackers which plotted their tracks for all to see online as with their race positions. The event concluded with a superb gala prize-giving ceremony on Saturday evening, celebrating the achievements of all participants.

Congratulations go to the top team of Quintin Kruger and Johan Whiteman who took the trophy for this year’s PTAR 2025 in a Piper PA-28 235. Second place went to Paul Marskell and Johan Herbert in their Vans RV-10 and third place went to the Johan Van Zyl and Eric Addison who flew in their RV-7.

Community and Camaraderie

Beyond the competition, the PTAR fostered a sense of community among aviation enthusiasts. The spectacular Bona Bona Game Lodge offered the perfect venue for the race and also opened up their world class lodge to the pilots and guests in grand fashion providing amazing opportunities for relaxation and socialisation, allowing participants to connect over shared passions.

The 2025 President’s Trophy Air Race at Bona Bona Game Lodge was a resounding success organised through David Le Roux (PilotInsure) as Race Master, and with Iaan Myburgh (SAPFA) as the intriguing Race Director the challenge was on. Iaan was supported by his wife Tarryn who also participated and is currently the Chairperson of SAPFA. Many others offered their services as safety marshals and coordinators over the weekend who all added to the amazing success achieved. The race flown on both days covered a distance of approximately 250nm to 270nm on each day blending thrilling aviation competition with the natural beauty of South Africa’s North West Province. As pilots and spectators reflect on the event, anticipation builds for next year’s race with the first race also to be held at the beautiful Bona Bona game reserve, promising continued excellence in South African aviation.

The race was organised as the major SAPFA event of the year and a big word of thanks goes out to all the incredible sponsors of this year’s event. Without such generous sponsorship such aviation events are not possible.