1986

Johann Kriek & Jacques Kriek in an Alouette III military helicopter. This was the first time the brothers were exposed to helicopters. The helicopter was used to dart some Zebra near Smidtsdrift. This was the first game darting operation from a helicopter that Dr. Johan Kriek attempted.

1986

The dream really started for Johann Kriek (Jnr), son of Dr. Johan Kriek and Mrs. Daleen Kriek when the Airwolf TV-series was aired during the time. The episodes were never missed and a passion was born for these flying machines. Johann Kriek wanted be be a helicopter pilot, airplane pilot and astronaut when he was a kid. He visited the school library as frequently as he could to learn more about the mechanics of helicopters.

1986

This picture was taken in Kasungu National Park in Malawi during the first Malawi operation during 1986. This Hughes 300 helicopter was used to herd animals and to dart.

1987

The Hughes 300 helicopter was an ideal machine for game capture and this was the first helicopter to be used by Dr. Kriek when starting with his commercial game darting business, the picture was taken at Rooipoort.

1987

The Robinson R22 helicopter also became more popular during this time and Dr. Kriek also used these machines for darting, this would also be the most popular helicopter amongst clients due to the low operating cost.

1987

This Red Hartebeest was darted at Pniel using an R22 Beta helicopter, Mr. Albrecht Meilan can be seen holding a Red Hartebeast.

1987

The commercial game darting business was developing quite rapidly and Dr. Kriek was called to Oranjemund to dart Gemsbok for De Beers Consolidated Mines. The operation was carried out under strict security in the restricted diamond area.

1987

The A350 Squirrel was used for the operation, a turbine 7-seater machine. It is a great helicopter but proved to be quite heavy for game darting. The strong down wash from this big machine caused flight problems for the darts.

1991

Operation Malawi was probably one of the largest game capture operations in Africa. Dr. Kriek used a Bell Jet ranger 206 from Ancom to herd, dart and cargo sling animals. The choice of a turbine powered helicopter was due to the fact that Njika National Park was 7500ft amsl. This was one of the most economical machines to handle the operation.

1991

During operation Malawi, the whole family went with Dr. Kriek to observe, here Johann Kriek (Jnr) at age 11 can be seen at the Jet ranger where an early passion for helicopters was borne.

1991

Cargo slinging was a major operation during Operation Malawi 1991, the helicopter flew a total of 104 hours to herd, dart and sling animals. Dr. Dirk Neethling can be seen helping to hook the cargo net to the hook. Dr. Neethling is a good friend of Dr. Kriek and went along to assist him.

1991

The Jet ranger helicopter with Heleen Kriek (Left) and Johann Kriek (Right). Johann Kriek is now a commercial pilot.

1991

The Jet ranger machine busy in Liwonde National Park - Malawi, herding Sable to the boma.

1991

The helicopter was used for darting purposes in Njika Park. It was a heavy machine for game capture, but proved itself. The machine was piloted by a highly experienced pilot, Mr. Dirk Albers.

1991

The rare Roan antelope were cargo slung to the trucks as the terrain were very bad. This made the operation very expensive due to increased flying time.

1991-2003

Game darting operations were gaining popularity after 1991 and Dr. Kriek immobilized a wide variety of species including Giraffe, Elephant, Rhino and Lion. The pilot on the picture is Jason Decarteret, a pilot from Britain.

1991-2003

The Hughes 300 on this picture was often used when R22 machines were unavailable and proved to be a workhorse and a good game capture machine.

2002-2003

The idea of owning a helicopter started in Rhodesia when Dr. Kriek had to drive to remote farms to do pregnancy tests on cows. This was during the war and numerous of his colleagues were killed by freedom fighters. They wanted to purchase a helicopter, but was warned that the specific helicopter was below standard. During 1982 Dr. Kriek was planning to obtain a helicopter, but decided against it as the demand was not adequate. During 2002 - 2003 Dr. Kriek and his son Johann Kriek discussed the matter and decided to go ahead with the order of a new Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.

2003

The new Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter was purchased because there was a good demand for helicopter work in the area.

2003

Johann Kriek and Dr. Kriek both commenced with their private pilots licence's and instruction from the late Solo van Rooyen.

2003

The first solo flights were nerve wrecking, but took place without incident.

2003

The training went well and Dr. Kriek and his son Johann obtained their private pilots licence's with game capture ratings.

2003

The two new pilots had to build flying hours as quickly and safely as possible for their commercial licences. This was not a problem as they own a game ranch which constantly uses a helicopter for immobilizing game.

2003-2006

This picture was taken during a Rhino notching operation and the aggressive Black Rhino wanted to attack the R22.

2006

Safety is the most important aspect of any aviation operation ground operation seldom come into the spotlight. It was decided to build a stainless steel fuel trailer to ensure better fuel quality and safety when transporting fuel. The fuel trailer was fitted with 4x4 suspension, anti-static system, electric pump, filters and water traps. This was a major safety concern as drums used to be transported on the back of a pickup truck.

2006

When flying, there is always a risk of fire, especially during a crash. The crew decided that fire resistant flight suits were the answer and purchased them. These suits project a professional image and keeps the pilots safe during operations. During this period, father and son obtained their commercial helicopter licences.

2007

The R22 helicopter was flown for 1200 hours. It was decided that a bigger helicopter would be needed for charters and tourism after the company Kriek Helicopters (Pty) Ltd was registered and air services licence's obtained. The operators licence was also obtained.

2007

The R22 helicopter was to be sold and Charlie Marais bought the beauty. The order was placed for a new Robinson R44 Raven II with Air-conditioning and this was done long before the sale.

2007

Charlie Marais boarding his new helicopter which would be utilized for training and other operations.

2007

After a long wait and some paperwork issues, the R44 helicopter arrived at Starlite in Durban during September 2007 . The family flew down to personally collect the new helicopter and fly her back to the base near Kimberley - Northern Cape.

2007

The R44 being pushed to the helipad to be refuelled for the flight back to Kimberley. The flight would be Durban - Bethlehem - Bloemfontein - Mattanu Game Ranch.

2007

Ready for take-off, passengers Jacques and Daleen Kriek ready to board the new helicopter.

2007

The ferry to Kimberley was approximately 4 hours and the machine was flown over the Drakensberg and KZN Midlands. It was a very scenic flight!

2007

Johann Kriek during one of the first game capture operations with the new Robinson R44. Johann was very impressed with the effective design of the tail rotor and the increased power and payload of the Raven II. "It's a joy to fly an air-conditioned machine in the hot Northern Cape".

2007

Dr. Kriek and his son Johann Kriek preparing for a game capture operation. The journey was definately not an easy one, but our passion for flying and the benefits of owning a helicopter carried us through. We thank our God Almighty for His protection and blessings.