This Saab Safir 91C was restored by my friend David (Des) Nel. She is a beautiful 4 seater trainer originally used by the Imperial Ethopian Air Force but eventually ending up in South Africa as part of a shipment of the remains of aircraft used by Ethiopia a number of years ago.

David is a prolific aircraft builder and restored her to her original beauty (and then some) as well as to his usual high standards. She has since become well known in South African aviation circles and has won a number of awards.

I was lucky enough to be invited for a spin today, this being Des's last flight in ZU-DES (A.K.A. the "Metal Viking") for a while as he is emigrating to Australia and leaves tomorrow. He will return in a few months to dismantle her for shipping to her new home in Aus.

David (Des), thanks for the flight and your friendship, I wish you well in your new home.

I also ask all my Aussie engine friends to welcome David - he also collects stationary engines and is hoping to get involved in the Aussie engine scene as soon as he has settled. He will initially be in Melbourne so any contacts would be appreciated. You can email him here  but remember that he will probably only have email facilities available to him in April 2009. Of course you can also send mail to me and I'll make sure that he gets it. Many thanks.