Johann Prinsloo – 1947-2020
Founder of Plane Maintenance Facility cc.
“Your Journey. Our Inspiration. Upholding a Lifetime of Aviation Excellence”
Johann Prinsloo joined the South African Air Force (SAAF) in January 1964, where he commenced his apprentice training and subsequently qualified as an aircraft technician. During his service, he worked on a wide range of SAAF aircraft, including the Harvard, Dakota (DC-3), Skymaster (DC-4), Mirage interceptor, De Havilland Vampire, Cessna 100 and 400 series aircraft, and Fairchild Metroliner SA226.
Johann later qualified in the SAAF as a Flight Engineer, flying DC-4 Skymaster aircraft until 1985. In parallel, he joined Field Aviation Services at Rand Airport in 1968, where he was involved in heavy maintenance on DC-3 and DC-4 aircraft.
In 1972, Johann joined Atlas Aircraft Corporation, contributing to major maintenance programmes on Mirage jet aircraft, as well as DC-3 and DC-4 platforms.
In 1993, Johann established Prinsdale Engineering at Lanseria Airport and obtained his South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) licensing in 1995. Through this enterprise, he rebuilt and restored numerous Cessna 100, 200, 300, and 400 series aircraft, as well as Piper single-engine aircraft, while providing maintenance services to private aircraft owners.
Johann held a valid pilot’s licence from 1970 until his passing, reflecting a lifelong commitment to aviation both on the ground and in the air.
“Thank you for the example you set and the legacy you left behind.
We will continue striving to uphold the standards you lived by and to make you proud. You are deeply missed”