It is unheard of for a 60-year-old to smash a world record set by someone of 27. But South African pilot Charles “Chalkie” Stobbart broke British air racer Alex Henshaw’s record, which stood for a solid 70 years.
In 1939 Henshaw flew a return trip from Cape Town to London in four days, 10 hours and 16 minutes with his single-engine aircraft.
Stobbart, also flying a single-engine and home-built plane, made the trip in three days, 15 hours and 17 minutes. But Chalkie had to weather the storms, facing fierce winds and freezing rain over the Sahara.
At one point he had to rely on the light of the full moon to guide him through the storms. He made three pit stops to refuel in Africa on both legs of his mission.
He slept for 12 hours in London before heading back. Henshaw died two years ago and did not witness the breaking of his record.
How old are you?
I am 60, born on August 9 1948 in Pretoria.
How do you earn your living?
Airline pilot, SAA A340 fleet.
Where did you grow up?
I spent most of my formative years in Swaziland and attended school at the Evelyn Baring High School, Goedgegun (now Nhlangano), from grade one to standard nine. Then I went to Damelin College to complete my matric so that I could enter the job market.
Which schools (primary and secondary) and university did you attend?
In 1954 I started grade one at Evelyn Baring and I did my secondary schooling at the same institution from 1961 to 1964. I went to Damelin College in Johannesburg from 1965 to 1966. Two years later I went to the Germiston and Johannesburg technikons.
Did you have a favourite teacher/s?
At school, no. But I had one at tertiary — Grand Central Airport — where I started my training as a pilot. I met Captain Jeff Birch, who was to become my mentor and friend.
He prepared me for my initial commercial pilot and instrument rating test, then instructor test and later my senior commercial test. Jeff converted me on to many different aircraft types that I was later to instruct others on.
Why were you so fond of him?
Jeff was highly competent and a good teacher, leading by example. He was a member of a top aerobatic team and had earned the call sign “Iceman”, as he was so cool, calm and collected in situations that would have others sweating.
How did he influence you?
I guess in many ways — finding my weaknesses and insecurities in flying and coaching them out of me by building my own confidence. Leading by example, Jeff moulded me into the pilot I am today.
Do you still have contact with him? How?
Unfortnately, no. Jeff was struck down by a little-known disease, amyloidosis, which took his life at the age of 60.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
I enjoyed mathematics — I found the challenge of solving diverse problems interesting.
From your point of view, what are the qualities of a good teacher?
A good teacher should be:
- Willing and eager to impart knowledge;
- Knowledgeable and never have to raise his or her voice in anger; and
- Have enormous amounts of patience to impart knowledge even to the slowest learner.
What are the things a teacher should never do or say?
Never say “I don’t know”. Rather say: “I will research the matter and have the answer for you tomorrow”. Never lose your temper, or resort to name-calling or belittling a learner.
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
Study. Improve your status as a teacher and your knowledge base. Be the best you can — future generations are relying on you.