As a businessman and a licensed pilot, Ian Puntis realized that there was an immense need in the market for hire and fly aircraft, as most light aircraft are utilised in the ab initio training sector. This dilemma directed Ian’s attention to find a solution to his flying needs. After vast research, Ian came across Czech Aircraft Works (CZAW). CZAW was offering the Parrott Light Sport Aircraft as well as the SportCruiser, both manufactured in Czech Republic. These two aircraft seemed to be the answer to Ian’s needs. Ian, on a trip to Lanseria Airport happened to mention the SportCruiser to Ian Dyson the owner of Lanseria Flight Centre. Ian Dyson was immediately interested and asked Ian Puntis if he could become a partner. Ian Puntis was only too happy to have the expertise of Ian Dyson, and a partnership was formed. Together they travelled to Czech Republic in May 2006.

Text & Photography by Mark Mansfield


On arrival at CZAW they were introduced to the SportCruiser, as the Parrott was not yet in production. The difference between the Parrott and the SportCruiser is that the Parrott has a 120HP engine versus the SportCruiser’s 100Hp Rotax engine. The Parrott is slightly larger than the SportCruiser and has a high wing configuration. The SportCruiser had a more attractive price, was the right size and is practically all aluminium. The craftsmanship on both aircraft was outstanding. Returning to South Africa, Ian Puntis and Ian Dyson registered Light Sport Aircraft South Africa (LSA) and became equal partners. After applying and completing the required VAT registration and import permits, LSA was approved as the sole agent for the SportCruiser and the Parrott aircraft. With the agency up and running, the first two aircraft, ZU-LSA and ZU-LFC, plus two other aircraft were ordered.
THE STORMY JOURNEY OF THE TWO AIRCRAFT

In January 2007 the two aircraft left for South Africa on what was to become a tempestuous journey. The aircraft were packed into a container which was loaded onto the MSC Napoli bound for Durban. Due to violent storms the MSC Napoli was damaged and went aground on the 15th January off the Lyme Bay coast -in the English Channel. A total of 106 containers were washed overboard and 53 containers were looted by the public. After lengthy and heated debates between LSA and the shipping company, it was learnt that the LSA container was placed on the aft deck of the MSC Napoli and was not one of the containers washed overboard. The LSA container was finally uploaded on the 24th January 2007 and moved to Portland Harbour, England. Ian Dyson travelled to England and in front of him and an assessor from the insurance company the container was opened. To the relief of Ian and the assessor both aircraft were found to be intact. However, this was by no means the end of this epic journey.

Due to unnecessary bureaucratic red tape and once again, after some very heated discussions and personal intervention by Mediterranean Shipping Company, the container was finally trucked to the Port of Felixstowe and loaded onto the MSC Geneva. The ship complete with the LSA container finally reached Durban on the 16th March. After a brief and uneventful time in South African Customs, the aircraft were released and assembled at Sheltam Aviation at Durban Virginia Airport.

After assembly, the required paper work was completed. The test flights conducted and all type conversions completed. The South African Civil Aviation Authority issued the Authority to Fly. For the second time on this incredible journey, the weather decided to stamp its authority on the coast, and wreaked havoc along the Natal coastline delaying the official launch of the SportCruiser. Not to be defeated by past events, the tenacity of the two Ians finally paid off, and the two aircraft were flown from Virginia to Lanseria on the 1st April. The flight time was an impressive two hours and 52 minutes, cruising at 118Kts at 8500 feet.