Ever since Icarus discovered the ultimate joy of flying, people have wanted to reach for the sky. Not even that ancient legend - that the lad's wings melted when he soared too close to the sun - deters modern-day aviation enthusiasts. They willingly cross oceans to experience their chosen thrill.
And this is where South Africa comes in. There are some magnificent old flying machines in this country that are now being used in interesting niche tourist ventures.
South Africans and visitors from abroad can experience something here not readily available elsewhere: the excitement of flying in vintage aircraft.
South African Historic Flight (a division of Transnet Heritage Foundation) has a fleet of meticulously restored aircraft representative of a bygone era. They are the only licensed outfit worldwide to carry passengers on DC-4 Skymaster aircraft - the Zs-AUB (Outeniqua) and ZS-BMH (Lebombo).
Theen there is the DC-3 Dakota and one of only six Junker JU-52's left in the world (lovingly known as Tante Ju.)
Most of the "vintage" flights are decidedly for the well heeled, but others are accessible to ordinary South Africans who would love to know what it is like to "fly like a bird".
Legend Air, a company dedicated to the needs of the aviation enthusiasts, was formed in November 2001 by a group of aviation fundis with "a passion for activities off the beaten track".
They have made it possible for anyone willing to drive to Rand Airport in Germiston on Sunday mornings to fly over central Johannesburg in an open-cockpit Tiger Moth. The cost? R400 for a flip.
It's a magical experience. Kitted in overall and goggles, the sole passenger is strapped into the open cockpit and minutes later is flying within arm's reach (almost) of the Carlton Centre. For the next 45 minutes, flying no faster than 70 miles an hour, the scene offered from the plane is decidedly a bird's-eye view.
It is almost possible to see into office windows, peer at people in their swimming pools below, even watch the residents of a shanty town go about their business.
All four of Legend's shareholders are active pilots, with some still engaged in daily commercial flying activities.
The company originally intended to do scenic flights over Victoria Falls, but finally decided there were enough opportunities in South Africa.
The Tiger Moth has a colourful history and has long been associated with South Africa. In 1941 Britain and South Africa signed a Joint Air Training agreement through which it was decided that Britain would provide the aircraft and equipment while South Africa would provide the training facilities.
As a result, ZS-DHR was brought to South Africa to train young fighter pilots destined for the European and North African frontiers during World War 2.
ZS-DHR was based at the Baragwanath Air School, where the young trainees put her through her paces. The long-gone air school's apt motto of "start well, finish well" has been adopted by ZS-DHR's new owners. A war veteran of such longevity was bound to be a legend - hence the new company's name.
So what does the company offer visitors wanting to fly in the Tiger Moth? There are a number of options:
- The scenic open-cockpit flights over the Johannesburg CBD are the most popular. These take off from Rand Airport and fly a 40-minute circuit over Johannesburg and Sandton, giving customers the opportunity to see familiar landmarks such as Ellis Park and the Sentech tower from a different vantage point.
- The historical flights into Africa are the other great drawcard. These are two-day flights over the South African border to destinations such as the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls. After your visit, you can return to Johannesburg either on ZS-DHR or with the ground crew. It is also possible to return on a commercial airline.
Pilot Riaan Cloete says these trips have proved very attractive with European and American aviation enthusiasts, and anyone keen on flying "in the manner of the early aviation pioneers criss-crossing untamed Africa".
The South African Historic Flight organisation describes itself as "an active flying museum" dedicated to preserving classic prop liner aircraft through the sales of premium passenger charter services.
Anyone can charter one of its planes for a trip round SA, to a neighbouring state or abroad.
Tour agents worldwide compare its services to travel on the QE2, the luxurious Orient Express and even the Concorde. Among the passengers who have savoured its delights are Queen Margarete of Denmark, King Gustaf of Sweden, John Travolta, Michael Jackson and others.
Historic Flights has a dedicated crew of more than 20 pilots, many of whom are full-time senior 747 commanders in the private commercial sector and the SAAF. The air hostesses are all hand-picked and have had more than 20 years experience as former SAA cabin attendants.
- For more information on the Tiger Moth flights, call Riaan Cloete at 083-623-3263 or Alan Geldenhuys at 083-302-0176, or head for the Harvard Cafe at Rand Airport on Sunday.
- For information on SA Historic Flights call Patrick Sibanyoni at 012-651-0200 or 083-993-1559 or Ubuntu Safaris at 011 783 9555.