Yearly Archives: 2019
British Airways and the B747 BOAC Liveries
By Niel Swart
We all have our special airplane, the one that makes you stop and look when you here the rumbling of an engine but there is only one that is truly the queen of the skies… the Boeing 747.
The month of February will be a special one as the 9th will see the 50th birthday of the queen. She appeared in movies, series, printed media, social media, toys, puzzles, balloons, birthday/retirement cakes and many will remember the 1995 Ruby World Cup final, Ndizani, 3 Boeing 747’s over the Union Buildings, their first Boeing 747 flight or the first time ever they saw a Boeing 747. She is basically everywhere and this shows the impact she made on everyday life as we know it. To make things more special, every now and then, we as aviation lovers are treated to a special livery Boeing 747.
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Not only is February the birthday of the Boeing 747 but also the birthday of an icon. A nation’s pride, an airline… British Airways. Yes, they will be celebrating their 100th birthday this year. Of course, the British will celebrate like only the British can with special uniforms, official celebrations and the cherry on top for us, a special livery Boeing 747. Not just any special livery… an BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) livery. Yes, you read it correctly… an BOAC livery. This means that G-BYGC will be gracing the skies in BOAC colours as of 18 February when she will leave Dublin as a newly painted Boeing 747 to return to scheduled service as of 19 February until she retires in 2023. As if this is not enough celebrating, G-BYGC will be 20 years with British Airways. At present she mostly does the transatlantic legs but British Airways did hint at the fact that she will be sent on scheduled flights to as many as possible destinations. So there is a chance we may see here either at Johannesburg or Cape Town.
One of BOAC’s original 747-100s in the 1970s
If you thought that was the end, guess again. British Airways announces new 100 year related bits of information often and it is said that at least another 2 Boeing 747’s are to receive retro liveries until they retire. This has not been confirmed as yet but the grapevine is suggesting G-BNLY and G-CIVB will also receive retro liveries until their retirement. G-CIVB being a frequent visitor to the Cape.
So definitely set alerts on your favourite live flight tracking app for these airplanes as you do not want to miss them if they visit and they have a retro livery.
SAAF Prestige Day Parade
The South African Airforce celebrated 99 years of its historic air force.
The SAAF was established on 1 February 1920. The Air Force has seen service in World War II, Korean War and the Angola Border War.
The parade held on the 1 February 2019,started with a flypast by two Agusta A109LUHs,one from 19 Squadron and 15 Squadron. Shortly After we had the mass flypast by most current SAAF types. From the helicopters we had 3 Agusta A109LUHs,4 Oryx Helicopters,2 Museum Alouette IIIs and one 16 Squadron Rooivalk. The Museum flew a Cessna 185,A Bosbok and 3 Harvard’s. Two 41 Squadron Kings Airs flew overhead before the start of the jets howling overhead with two 85 Combat Flying School Hawk Mk120 jet trainers and the final flypast was by four 2 Squadron Gripens.
Air Force Base Ysterplaat in the Western Cape was named as the prestige unit of 2018.Airforce Base Ysterplaat is home to 35 Squadron,22 Squadron and part of the SAAF Museum.
Colonel Carl Moatshe receiving the prestige unit Trophy for 2018
Lt General Msimang mentioned “The South African National Defence Force remains mandate driven to deliver safety and security to its people and to strengthen regional, continental and international peace and stability.”
Lt General Msimang
“I salute each and every women and man of the South African Airforce,uniformed and civilian, permanent force and reserve force, who through their commitment and passion to serve, ably met the challenges of 2018 with a high level of purpose.”
“Our successful outreach programs, namely: Siyandiza, Young Falcon and the winter and summer camps, continue to ignite young peoples passion in aviation through science and Mathematics. This year we shall introduce cyber awareness and robotics in our programs.
“As an Airforce we remain committed to the full integration and deployments of the A-Darter Missile whilst the future of the Rooivalk remains positive with possible upgrade continuing to be addressed and drawing interest from various partners. The relationship between ourselves and our industry remains a firm footing and we have no doubt that as part of South Africa’s “New Dawn” we will emerge even stronger. Through the National defence Industry Council, plans are afoot to implement significant interventions that will ensure the continued sustainability and survivability of our defence industry.”
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SAAF Prestige Evening Awards
The South African Airforce held a Prestige evening awards ceremony at Airforce Base Swartkop on the 31 January 2019.The following day the Airforce was to celebrate 99 years of air power excellence.
The aim of the Prestige Evening is to showcase the service excellence by bestowing honours and eminence to the sterling work the done by the different SAAF entities and individuals in their varied stations.
Invited guests were treated to a mini flying display by various aircraft in the South African Airforce inventory, that being the Silver Falcons led by Major Omphile Matloane ,an Oryx helicopter and the SAAF Museums De Haviland Vampire flown by Lt Col Glen ‘Gringo’ Warden.
Unfortunately there was no Rooivalk display due to the helicopter picking up a snag during its validation flight earlier in the afternoon. The Weather gods also didn’t agree with the evenings proceeding’s and rather made everyone move into Hanger 5 where supper and speeches took place due to the heavy rain downpour.
Once everyone had run for shelter due to the rain in hangar five “The Centre of Aviation Awareness Hanger ” where the to the choir entertained us until the awards ceremony began.
The Chief of the South African Airforce and MCs for the evening congratulated each of the following units for the outstanding contribution to making the organisation a successful team in their different roles they’re play in the SAAF.
For the rest of the evening we got to listen to the South African Airforce Band, with a special musician who joined us for the evening, Mr
Jonas Gwangwa. He has been an important figure in South African jazz for over 40 years.
Mr Jonas Gwangwa
We would like to say thank you to the South African Airforce for their hospitality and to the Chief of the SAAF for welcoming us to the event personally.We wish the SAAF a great and safe year ahead. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display.
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AFB Swartkop to host Prestige Day 01 February
The first and oldest South African Air force Base, Air Force Base (AFB) Swartkop, will host the South African Air Force Prestige Day Parade on 01 February 2019. The parade is scheduled to commence at 10h00.
Previously known as Air Force Day Parade, the parade commander is expected to get the proceedings underway by leading the troops and a Colour-Party in a form of a Ceremonial Wing-In-Review on the parade during which Chief of the Air Force (CAF), Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Zimpande Msimang will acknowledge a salute from members on the parade as the Review Officer.
The Chief of the South African Airforce is expected to bestow trophies to deserving Directorates, Bases, Squadrons and Units for distinguishing themselves in various performances in different categories such as flying unit, support unit to mention but a few.
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On a yearly basis, the SA Air Force sets aside the 31st January and 01st February to celebrate top achievers within its ranks. Aviation enthusiasts who continue to offer resolute support to the SA Air Force will bear witness to the deafening roaring sounds of the SAAF fighter jets, transport and helicopter fleets, as well as Silver Falcons when they perform an aerial display.
Known by many as the host of old SAAF hardware, the SAAF Museum will make its presence felt when it deploys its assets such as Puma, Alouette and Harvard to form part of the mass flypast.
Please note that no public will be allowed to enter the base for this event, only invited guested will gain entry.
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Armed Forces Day Media Launch 2019
With the 2019 edition of Armed Forces Day in Cape Town,preparations are well under way what is set to promte and show
the best of the capabilities of the South African National Defence Force.
This year as said before in previous reviews, the SA Navy will be hosting Armed Forces Day in their home waters of Cape Town where most assets are based as well as personnel.
On the morning of the 28th January 2019,Aviation Central were invited to attended the Armed Forces Day media briefing which took place in Cape Town onboard the SAS Amatola is the first of four Valour-class frigates for the South African Navy by the European South African Corvette Consortium, and one of the few big warships the SA Navy have in their inventory.
Our flight from AFB Waterkloof in Pretoria with 28 Squadron in one of the mighty C130BZs, left for our 2 and a half hour journey to AFB Ysterplaat home of 22 Squadron and 35 Squadron.
Our arrival we had a military escort towards the V&A Waterfront where the Amatola was docked. The briefing proceedings started with a welcome sound of the Navy’s Band and the beginning of
the weeks activities building up to the parade on the 21st February 2019.
AFD co-ordinator Rear Admiral Matshimane said: “There will be 8 500 military men and women deployed, utilising 160 vehicles, a number of aircraft will also be displayed during the various exercises and events building up to the 21st February 2019″
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General Glen Gibson former 2 Squadron Gripen pilot mentioned “that we will see all types of South African Airforce Aircraft, the list being Gripen and Hawk fighter aircraft from AFB Makhado in the Limpopo Province,C130BZ,Casa212, and all helicopter types from around the country that including the Rooivalk,Oryx,AgustaA109LUH,BK117 and the Super Lynx 300.”
The 16th February will see the official opening of the SANDF fan park at the Nelson Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha. Two frigates will be open to the public at the V&A Waterfront.
Keep an eye on our webpage and Facebook on more updates on Armed forces day 2019.
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Rand Airport Challenge 2019
A typical summer morning at Rand Airport where most pilots like to take to the skies over Johannesburg and enjoy the beautfual scenary
around the Gauteng Province.
This past weekend we attended the first fun Rally for the year and no better place to have it at a busy airport,with the Harvard Cafe
along side the terminal building, pilots and navigators stocked up on a filling breakfast and coffee, they made their way to the airports terminal building for a sharp briefing at 8.30am.A quick photo of every participant in front of what could be a oasis of palm trees shading Rand Airport Tower!
Once the briefing was over the team memebers made their way to their aircraft making sure all routes and refrences marked out so that the best man or women wins.
The SAPFA Committee, particularly Rob Jonkers and Mary de Klerk, who organised a very thorough workshop recently on Rally Flying, saw their efforts bear fruit at the annual Rand Airport Challenge, when a record 8 teams took part in the Intermediate form of the sport. In previous years most participants preferred to stick to the simplest and easiest form which is Fun Rally, but this year pilots and navigators were encouraged to enter the more difficult category. The reason for this, is to elevate their skills levels, so that they can participate at national level, thereby building up a new breed of South African champion rally pilots and navigators.
The navigators and pilots in the Intermediate category had one hour to plot the entire route, and had to do so in the cockpit, which was a first for most of them. They also had far more photo targets to identify, and these were mixed up instead of being sequential and only one per leg. The pilots had only a 5 second window to get through each turn-point, instead of 15 seconds for Fun.
Organisers Frank and Cally Eckard gave them the task of flying an arc, which is a curved track between two turn-points, and a follow-the-feature, where they have to fly along a road, river or railway line. Every pilot flew the arc perfectly, and really enjoyed the challenge.
The route took them south from Rand Airport, around Suikerbosrand to Heidelberg, then down to two turnpoints on the banks of the Vaal Dam, and back again near Vereeniging to the Finish Point at Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve.
Rand Airport, who sponsor the Rand Airport Challenge Trophy, also waived landing fees on the days for the participants. The trophy was won by the defending team of Shane Brits and Karen Stroud, who have been putting a lot of effort into their sport.
The full results are:
The Fun Rally section:
| Pilot | Navigator | Points | |
| 1 | RC Shillaw | CJ Shillaw | 319 |
| 2 | Thys van der Merwe | Gerda | 870 |
| 3 | Kim Pratley | Andrew Pratley | 1231 |
| 4 | Piet Meyer | Pieter Kriel | 1410 |
The Intermediate Section:
| Pilot | Navigator | Points | |
| 1 | Shane Britz | Karen Stroud | 750 |
| 2 | Jonty Esser | Jonathan Esser | 967 |
| 3 | Adrian Pilling | Adam Pilling | 982 |
| 4 | Don Lucas | Andre Kluyts | 1488 |
| 5 | Leon Bouttell | Karyn Purchase | 1955 |
| 6 | Mark Clulow | Renee Clulow | 2170 |
Unfortunately the two teams consisting of Phil Wakely and Mary de Klerk, and Jakes Jacobs and Franz Smit did not complete the course due to mechanical problems.
The Unlimited Section:
| Pilot | Navigator | Points | |
| 1 | Rob Jonkers | Martin Meyer | 409 |
| 2 | Hans Schwebel | Ron Stirk | 766 |
| 3 | Antony Russell | Pamela Russell | 1344 |
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of this sport, and are all very motivated to take part in the next events:
- 1-2 Feb – Cape Speed Rally, Morning Star
- 16 Feb – Training Day in Brits, with the focus on the role of the pilot, and cockpit-management
- 23 March – Virginia Rally, Durban (with a training course on 22 March)
- 4 – 6 April – Rally Nationals, Stellenbosch
Please enter online at http://Sapfa.org.za
SAPFA Rally Training Camp
SAPFA Rally Training Camp – Aerosud Premises 19 January 2019 – by Rob Jonkers
SAPFA held a very successful training event on Rally Navigation on Saturday 19th January as the first SAPFA event of the year. Initially planned for a maximum of 30 participants, and at Grand Central, the eventual total participation was 50, and fitting everybody into the Aerosud training hall proved a challenge.
Alan Evan Hanes – GM of the Aero Club with a short Aero Club Intro
It is great to see the sport being supported so enthusiastically, and the willingness to learn these basic skills of map reading and planning. The GM of the Aero Club Alan Evan Hanes opened the day with a brief overview of the Aero Club and its functions, that the Aero Club has as its mission to protect all forms of Recreational Aviation, and supports Sections of the Aero Club such as SAPFA to be able hold successful events within the procedures governing recreational aviation in SA.
The Participants – 50 in total
With that Mary de Klerk took charge and laid out the objectives of the day, by initially going through the theory of plotting, and then to practice on an actual plot. With this year of 2019 having a full calendar of events, and the Nationals coming up in April in Stellenbosch, and with SAPFA having won the bid to host the World Rally Flying Championships in 2020 (which is also the Centenary year of the Aero Club), this training event would serve as an excellent platform to entice new members to the sport and to start training for the Internationals and obtain Protea Colours.
Mary first started off with having everybody introduce themselves, and what they each had as objectives for training, some were there as newbies interested in taking part in the sport, some having takien part previously indicated they needed some formal and expert training, and some others indicated they just wanted to delve more in depth than what a ppl course would give on the art of paper based navigation.
The Rally Plotting Class of 2019
From there Mary outlined the theory on plotting procedures and described the tools of the trade. Then it was off to plotting an example course which had to be done from basic plotting principles of co-ordinates, bearings (which could be in either true or magnetic) and distances (either in nm of km). Each turning point then had to be found and identified and linked into legs, some of which could be arcs or follow map features.
The goal in getting to National level standard is to be able to plot in the aircraft with a papers time of around 30-40 minutes prior take-off, which means speed is of the essence in doing the plot, so that the navigator can assist with finding and identifying the ground photos.
The morning’s training ended off at around 11 am, and after a short break, everybody got their first route in an envelope, got the laminated transparent tool, which they had to cut out, and proceeded to plot each of the turn points making up the route. It was decided to proceed right through lunch, and most had finished their plot by after 2pm. The course was ended off with an in cockpit video of one of Rob & Martin’s 2012 rally flights to show how the leg photo features match up with the real world outside to give the perspective of what one sees outside the cockpit from the flying height and distance.
Everybody left with some knowledge gained on plotting and techniques of planning & flying a rally, and it is hoped that many will come to the Rand Challenge on the 26th January and Nationals in April.
Daniel Ralefeta and his team of Rise Above Aviators getting ready to plot
Feverously map reading and plotting
The Track shown of Route 2 – an anti-clockwise route
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Martin Meyer assisting Dave Thomas
Mark and Rene Clulow figuring the plot
Newbies to the sport, Time Scharf, Conrad van Coller and Daniel Ralefeta
Mary de Klerk assisting Melika Mohapi with Franz Smit & Ashley Loynes at left
Kim Pratley and his son Andrew Pratley working their plot
Protea pilot Adrian Pilling and newly minted ppl pilot son Adam learning from the expert
Arthur Piercy working his plot
Michael Stofberg & Bryony Martin from 104 squadron
Virtual Aviators Johan van Wyk and Freek Stegman
Shaun Barron with Cally Eckard helping in the background
Rob Jonkers explaining some flying techniques
The Work Horse of the SAAF-The Oryx Helicopter
The Oryx Medium transport helicopter, is the upgraded version of the puma helicopter which served the South African Airforce for many years and saw the helicopter take part in the Angola border war. The SAAF were the largest operator of the then Aerospatiale SA330 Puma. The Oryx Helicopter named after the Oryx antelope or Gemsbok in Afrikaans. The first flight of the Oryx helicopter was in
1986 .
A 330L Puma, no. 177, was converted to Oryx configuration and used as a prototype and as the results exceeded all expectations the Oryx programme was launched. The sanctions era encouraged the local aviation industry to become self-sufficient in producing helicopter components and, with the knowledge to assemble pre-manufactured helicopters, led to the technical skill for producing complete Puma helicopters, should the need arise. This included complete airframes and dynamic components such as gearboxes, rotor blades and turbines and hot section parts. The engine intakes are fitted with locally produced dust filters and ensure higher efficiency and reliability.
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The Oryx is an upgraded and remanufactured version of the SA 330 Puma equivalent to the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma now known as Airbus Helicopters, and offers a performance improvement over the original, in addition to cutting the operating costs by 25 to 30%. First examples were fitted with the latest dust filters as were then in use on the SAAF Puma. These units had a moveable auxiliary air intake on the front. A newly designed dust filter was later fitted without the auxiliary air intake. Should one of the engines fail, the remaining powerplant has sufficient power for the Oryx to complete its mission. If an engine fails in flight, the management system automatically advances the power setting on the remaining engine. This ensures the Oryx sustains flight with very little crew input, during such an emergency.
The basic airframe is still that of the original Puma, but the structure was modernized by extensive use of locally produced carbon-composite materials. These materials result in an airframe that is lighter and more rugged, which increases the Oryx’s endurance and maneuverability. The obvious external difference is the new modified tailboom which is slightly longer (50 cm), than the Puma.
The Oryx is a multi-role helicopter. Its main uses in the SAAF are: medium to heavy transport and communications flights, task force rapid deployment operations, fire fighting, and search & rescue missions. It can carry up to 20 fully equipped troops, or 6 wounded on stretchers with 4 attendants, or 3,000 kg freight carried in the cabin, or 4,500 kg freight on an external sling. Tasks for the South African Navy include transport, replenishment at sea, force multiplication, reconnaissance, search & rescue, etc.
Most Oryx are equipped with a 50m hydraulic hoist, rated for up to 2 personnel, for use in rescue operations. Additionally a large metal A-frame structure can be fitted in the cargo bay which allows up to 4 personnel to rappel or abseil from the aircraft simultaneously. Oryx operating from coastal squadrons are fitted with emergency flotation gear on the sponsons and nose.
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The Oryx offers a number of advantages and this was further developed from an early stage in the program. With the Denel Rooivalk of 16 Squadron now in service, this combat helicopter will escort the Oryx in a high threat environment. However, as an interim measure an Oryx with door mounted machine guns did appear. Oryx helicopters are constantly refined and updated. A full glass cockpit is planned for a future update. The latest addition is the fitting of flare dispensers and the update of the Threat Warning Receivers.
Photo Credit Marriane Eksteen
There is an electronic warfare (stand-off communications jamming/radar jamming) version of the Oryx that is equipped with the Grinaker Systems Technologies (GST) GSY 1501 jamming system, among others. The first Oryx variant with a large log periodic antenna on the starboard side was regarded as quite an effective EW platform. This platform is capable of disrupting key communications during various stages of modern, air-, land-, and sea battles. In addition it is used as an effective training aid to the SANDF, to test their function as an effective fighting force, despite any EW methods employed against the SA Forces. A further advantage is, EW equipment in use by the SA Forces can be effectively evaluated and calibrated under simulated battlefield scenarios. One variant has its main cabin doors replaced by dome shaped antennas.
Oryx Helicopters have flown many rescue missions over the past couple of years including The 2000 Mozambique flood which was a natural disaster that occurred in February and March 2000.Other rescue missions include offshore tanker vessels to mountain rescues in the Drakensberg.
Operational Flying of the Oryx in the DRC
During the Burundi conflict the SAAFs Oryx’s and Alouette III Helicopters were deployed on peace keeping missions. As times have changed the SAAF are now in the DRC on peace keeping missions!
The Oryx has come under small arms fire since it has been deployed to the DRC. All incidents have been minor and helicopter crews have managed to get the aircraft back to base.
Since the end of October 2013, the South African Air Force has deployed three Rooivalk combat helicopters to the DRC, and these have also been shot at by rebel groups in the restive country. However, the aircraft have not sustained serious damage.
“The Oryx and Rooivalk also supply armed air escorts, fire support, search and rescue and extraction operations. The unit is on standby 24/7 and boasts a reaction time of 45 minutes.”
General characteristics
- Crew: Three
- Capacity: 20 fully equipped troops
- Length: 15.45 m (50 ft 8 in)
- Height: 5.14 m (16 ft 10 in)
- Empty weight: 3,600 kg (7,937 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 8,000 kg (17,637 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Makila IA1 turboshaft engines, 1,400 kW (1,900 hp) each
- Main rotor diameter: 15.6 m (51 ft 2 in)
- Main rotor area: 191 m2 (2,060 sq ft)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 306 km/h (190 mph; 165 kn)
- Combat range: 303 km (188 mi; 164 nmi)
- Ferry range: 2,000 km (1,243 mi; 1,080 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 7,162 m (23,497 ft)
- Rate of climb: 15.25 m/s (3,002 ft./min)
Armament
- Guns: 2 × door-mounted 7.62 mm machine guns (optional; either the FNMAG or Denel SS-77
The Oryx AS32 operates with the following Squadrons in the South African Airforce:
87 Helicopter Flying School-AFB Bloemspruit
22 Squadron-AFB Ysterplaat
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17 Squadron-AFB Swartkop
15 Squadron-AFB Durban
19 Squadron-AFB Hoedspruit
Test Flight and Development Centre-AFB Overberg
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SANDF To Start Year Off With A Bang
Armed Forces Day is the broad term used to describe a day observed by nations around the world to honor their military forces.
“Armed Forces Day is a day on which the South African population honours men and women of the SANDF by affirming its support and gratitude to them for upholding the constitution of the Republic and defending the territorial integrity of the Republic and protecting its people,” the DoD said in its statement.
This year Cape Town will host Armed Forces Day, The South African Navy will be a major attraction this year with Simons Town being the home port of the SA Navy. Its the SA Navy’s turn to host and plan this years Armed Forces Day as last year in Kimberly saw the SA Airforce host the event.
The week leading up to the main parade on Thursday 21 February at the Table Bay Beach. These include the opening of a fan park at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha; an inter-faith church service, a wreath laying ceremony at the University of Cape Town and to top it all off with a capability demonstration night shoot at Muizenberg’s Sunrise Beach on February 19.
See also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_qgpoWJ11g
The South African Navy is the naval warfare branch of the South African National Defence Force, which has a number of assets protecting the South African coastline for some years now.
Previous Armed Forces days parades have taken place in Bloemfontein in the Free State, Potchefstroom in the North West Province, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Kimberly in the Northern Cape and Finally Cape Town will have hosted Armed Forces Day.
See also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRX0KwJFFn8
More information will be available for the public as we get closer to the event. The City of Cape Town will first have the State of the nation address (SONA) where their will be a flypast for the opening of the event.
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2019 Airshow Season
2018 has come and gone and saw some fantastic airshow displays across Southern Africa. We trust all our followers had a great festive season and some well spent time with loved ones!
We would like to wish all our followers a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones,2019 we should have a busier year with some action packed return events on the airshow circuit this year.
2018 Season
A quick recap on lasts years airshow season saw the welcome return of the Ermelo Airshow in Mpumalanga. The show had a great turnout and many of South Africa’s top airshow performers
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/tag/ermelo-airshow-2018/
Armed Forces Day which was held in Kimberly Northern Cape had a major SANDF presence, we were lucky enough to be invited to the Weapons Demo at De Brug Weapons Range in Bloemfontein. We got to witness all forms of Fire Power from all the South African National Defence Force.
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/tag/de-brug/
Race for Rhinos saw our team make way to Sua Pan in Botswana, we made our 3 hour journey up from Wonderboom Airport onboard Little Annie AN2.And got to witness the worlds biggest air race, with all funds raised going to supporting Africa’s Endangered Rhino!
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/race-for-rhinos-2018/
The Africa Aerospace and Defence show at AFB Waterkloof was a major success and I’m sure we all waiting for the 2020 edition of the show.
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/africa-aerospace-and-defence-airshow-2018/
Before any airshows take place the boys and girls in the Cape must get ready for Armed Forces Day which will be taking place in Bloubergstrand. Many types of SAAF aircraft will be keeping Capetonians eyes to the sky.
2019 airshow season will be kicking off with the Middelburg Airshow and Aeroclub-Air Week at Middelburg Airfield in Mpumalanga from 7-10 March 2019. The country airshows are always a favourite and access to aircraft and pilots is always a guarantee among the crowds.
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Some news for 2019
Get your own Airshow and Aviation Events Desktop calendar here
Aviation Centrals Newest Member
We would like to introduce one of our newest members to the Aviation Central Team, Mr Alan Richert who hails from Hilcrest in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
He will be covering the Natal Aviation events with our Aviation Centrals Trevor Viljoen. We look forward to your beautiful pictures and reviews Alan!
Some pictures from some RC Flying along the coast this past weekend Alan took, while Trevor Viljoen at the controls of the RC Aircraft!
Seen at Virginia Airport (FAVG) January 2019
See also https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/the-aero-l29-delfin-the-soviet-trainer/#more-4211
Silver Falcons Team 82
The Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team introduced a new team member to the team, Major Tian Stander became the number two. We would like to wish Major Omphile Matloane and the rest of the team a safe 2019 airshow season.
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/the-pride-of-the-nationthe-silver-falcons/#more-477
https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/from-soloist-to-lead-omphile-mutloane/#more-1436
Falcon 2
Silver Falcons Team 82
Falcon 1-Major Omphile “Biggy” Matloane (Flown the Pc7MKII,A109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 2-Major Tiaan “Excell” Stander (Flown the PC7MKII,Alouette III,A109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 3-Major Corne “Stilbo” van Deventer (Flown the PC7MKII,HawkMK120)
Falcon 4-Major Bheki “SwaziBoy”Shabungu (Flown the PC7MKII,Cessna 208 Caravan)
Falcon 5-Major Sivu “Sivuple” Tangana (Flown the PC7MKII,AgustaA109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 6 GLO- Major Musa Dlamini (Flown the PC7MKII)
Falcon 7 PRO- Captain Xander Albasani (Flown the PC7MKII)
Falcon 8- Commentator Brian Emmenis
The 2019 Airshow season is set to be exciting and a number of shows will be there to entertain the South African Aviation Fanatics. Keep a good eye on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/AviationSA/ And also our website https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/
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