Story and photography by Neil Bowden, EAA Chapter 973
EAA Chapter 973, based at Jack Taylor Airfield in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg, South Africa, experienced a dramatic and long-overdue resurrection in December 2025.
EAA members Laura and Stuart McDermid and Neil Bowden, all based at the airfield, recognized the need to revive — or re-establish — an EAA chapter at Krugersdorp, an airfield home to many active EAA members.
Chapter 973 was originally founded in the 1990s but became dormant in 2003.
In 2025, Jack Taylor’s original hangar — built by the founder of the airfield — became available. Despite a long waiting list, the Krugersdorp Flying Club offered the facility to EAA members as part of its ongoing commitment to encourage and promote grassroots aviation at the airfield.
With the catalyst in place, an energetic proposed committee quickly sprang into action. An email to EAA Chapter Field Representative Grace Yakuber at EAA headquarters confirmed that chapter number 973 was still available, and a new chapter logo was developed. The design incorporates the distinctive red-and-white tower at the Krugersdorp airfield, inspired by EAA Chapter 932 at Galt Airfield, Illinois, which features its iconic silo and barn.
The need for a local chapter soon became evident, with aviators based at Krugersdorp and surrounding airfields rapidly joining the chapter.
Our first official event — a family-friendly “classic” breakfast and social gathering — attracted more than 100 visitors. Highlights included Dr. Dirk Booysen’s soon-to-fly WWI Nieuport, Peter Lastrucci’s immaculate 1938 DH.82 Tiger Moth, and Andy Lawrence’s 1957 MG-A Roadster (Tiger Moths were famously produced in the MG factory during WWII).
Today, Chapter 973’s hangar is open every Saturday morning, offering good coffee, great conversation, and plenty of EAA camaraderie. Planned activities include technical workshops, monthly gatherings, presentations, and Young Eagles rallies.
Members of Chapter 973 will also be attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 — all are welcome to visit us at the South African campsite in Camp Scholler.