Do’s and Don’ts Attending an Airshow

This is just a small article on attending air shows in South Africa, the normal do’s and don’ts. Please note this is a general guide, and although most air shows apply these rules, some air shows can differ slightly. This is only a guide. For our Air show calendar, click here…
Air shows in South Africa are governed by Air Show South Africa, which is part of the Aero Club of South Africa. The public can also become members of Air Show South Africa. Click to read more…
Air shows are enjoyed by people of all ages, both males and females, and with most air shows also providing entertainment, kids are sure to be kept busy if they get bored.

If you do have kids, it is recommended to write your phone number on the kids’ arms, as it’s not uncommon for kids to get disoriented among all the thousands of spectators. Lots of vendors roam around offering kids aviation-related toys on sale.
For the youth, most air shows have an Aviation career day on the day preceding the air show, and this day is normally the day that most aircraft practice and do validation flights, thus giving the youth attending the career day a mini show.
On Show day, almost all air shows feature many static displays and display stalls for your entertainment and interest. These are usually aviation-related and sometimes include other motorsports. This is a good time to chat with one of the exhibiting flight schools if you are interested in getting your own pilot's license. Most air shows will have hobby shops displaying radio-controlled aircraft and guys from a virtual aviation club, allowing you to fly a simulator flying.
Air show gates normally open between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., depending on the show. The show starts from 9 am to 10 am on average and lasts anything from 3 pm to sunset, set shows followed by a fireworks display ending the day. Once again, not all Air shows are the same.
In 2025, the gate prices were anything from R120pp to R350pp, except for one show that was a bit more. South
African air show entry fees are by far on the lower end of the average entry fee, yet we complain! Most air shows sell tickets online before the show, and we at Aviation Central recommend buying prepaid air show tickets, as this allows quick access to the air show grounds.

Most extreme air show fans will be at the gates one or two hours before the gates open at the bigger shows, to get the perfect spot on the crowd line fence. We do recommend that you be at the gates before they open to get a good spot. If you are at the gate in a queue, please post a photo of the line on our Facebook page. Having a coffee ready on a colder day can be welcome.
Some air shows allow you to take along cooler boxes, and some don’t. Please confirm this before getting to the gate. We do understand that the air show organizers prefer you to spend a Rand or two at the vendors, as they contribute to the funds needed to host an air show. Vendors include a variety of foods, soft drinks, and novelties. Almost all air shows have a beer garden for those on the thirsty side, and no alcohol is permitted through the gates.
Waste: We recommend taking along a bag for your waste. Although all air shows do have bin’s all-over, this will save you the trouble of going to the bin every time. Once your bag is full, go and dump your bag.

Without sponsors, NO air show in the world will be possible. Please take note of the air show sponsors and visit their stands at the show. This will make the sponsors feel more positive about their investment, and next year they will sponsor again and maybe even up their sponsor allowing the organizers to give you a better show. Air shows cost money and a lot of it. So, we appeal to you to take note of the sponsors and support them.
An air show display is normally controlled by an Air boss, and the show is closely monitored by a safety officer. Without Air Traffic Control (ATC), no air show is possible. Not only do they control air show traffic, but they also monitor the air show box for traffic intruding on the air show airspace. On the ground, we have a ramp master making sure all aircraft have a parking spot.
Air shows are fantastic photographic opportunities, so remember to take along those cameras. South Africa has aviation-related photographic clubs and groups; one of the most popular clubs is the SAAFMPC, based at Swartkop SAAF Museum in Pretoria. When taking photos at an air show, opportunities are not only in the air, but there are also static displays, vendor and sponsor exhibits, and the crowd can also present that winning shot of the day. Also read Air show Photography, the Canon way
Attending an air show in sunny South Africa also has a challenge that is very important to be prepared for, The SUN! Please make sure you have sunblock, eye protection, and a hat. Drink lots of fluids, preferably water. One thing that is usually a no-go at most air shows worldwide is beach umbrellas and gazebos. These are obstacles and barriers for all those around and behind you. So please be considerate to others and do not take yours along. Drink plenty of liquids and stay hydrated. Water and soft drinks will be available at the Show at a reasonable cost.
With air shows lasting almost a full day, you cannot stand on your legs all the time, so it’s recommended to take along camping chairs and/or a blanket. It’s also recommended to dress in layers that you can remove as the day warms up and once again put on as the day cools down. Do not pack heavy as air shows are mostly long walks from parking to the crowd line. The bigger air shows have park-and-ride options, and some Gauteng air shows also have the Gautrain as a partner to assist you in getting to and from the Show

No-No’s at air shows:
• Firearms.
• Braais of any kind.
• Own Alcohol.
• Don’t smoke on the Flightline: The entire ramp is a NO SMOKING AREA.
• Don’t arrive at the airport late: Traffic and limited parking will require visitors to arrive early.
• Don’t bring dogs or other animals, bicycles, rollerblades, or skateboards.
• Don’t bring Two-way radios or any similar device that can hinder ATC and aircraft communications.
• Handheld Laser Pointers.
• Drones.

No-No’s at some air shows, please check before going.
• Cooler boxes.
• Own food.
• Umbrellas and Gazebos (We do not recommend taking one of these to any air show)

What to take along to an air show.

• Air show Tickets if pre-bought
• Hats
• Sunblock
• Protective sunglasses
• Camping chairs and/or a blanket
• Cameras
• Fully charged phone and a power bank
• Earplugs for small ones and those with sensitive ears
• Cash (Most shows do have ATMs. However, at an air show, Cash is King)

After an airshow, it’s the long walk back to your car, and a day at the air show can be tiring, so you need to pack light. Traffic after an air show can also be a nightmare, so please be patient, give gaps to others, and follow the guidance of traffic officials. It helps to go to the loo before heading to your car and having something cold to drink can also help if the wait is long to get out.

Please do not forget to share your photos, comments, and ratings on the show(s) that you attended on our Facebook page.