Author Archives: Jarryd Sinovich
Ermelo Airshow 2018
The great Ermelo Airshow has finally returned to the Airshow circuit once again, after an absence since 2011. The show made a welcome return on the 7th April 2018 under the Gert Sibanda Local Municipality. Ermelo is situated 210 kilometers east of Johannesburg. It is both a mixed agriculture and mining region of South Africa.The airfield sits at 5700 feet MSL, pilots took the proper precautions as this was not a usual airfield pilots are used to flying at.
I was fortunate to fly into Ermelo airfield the day before the show with the Hill family in their beautiful strong Russian Antonov An2 “Little Annie” from Wonderboom National Airport in Pretoria.We arrived at the field with full of smiles from organisers and marshals,welcoming us and providing us with some of the best hospitality one can ask for.
That evening we were again treated to a lamb spit braai for all the pilots and VIPs that were invited to the braai.At this point of time the next day would see most display pilots and other aircraft just flying inn for the show.
Apon arrival at the airfield on Saturday the 7th April,we were blessed with beautiful weather for flying.As aircraft after aircraft arrived.The show started off with a parachute drop with SANDF Special Forces ,their jump ship was the An2 “Little Annie”. The An2 was then showed why it is the worlds biggest single engine bi-plane flying in the world today flown by Jon-Marc and Mark Hill.
Ensuring the airshow ran smoothly during the course of the day, safety officers Pete Graham and Trevor Wilson and display directors Kishugu’s Johan Heine was show boss for the day.The Capital Sounds team arrived the Friday before the show to set up for the show, Brian Emmenis and Leon Du Plessis provided excellent commentary and ensuring all information on aircraft and pilots flying on the day.
The Ermelo RC Club was next with two RC aircraft, while Neville Ferreria was soon up after the RC display. His sequence showed part of what the unlimted Aerobatic team level is sitting at. The Magni Gyrocopter flown by Matthew Zalewski from 303 Squadron flying school from Brakpan/Benoni airfield.Johan ‘Juba’ Joubert flew the only helicopter display for the day in the Aerospatiale Gazelle.
The show was a first for Team Extreme made up of Nigel Hopkins, Jason Beamish,Mark ‘Bugs’ Hensman and Mark ‘Sammy’ Sampson. The team flies a range of high performance aerobatic aircraft from the Extra 330, MX2 and Sbach 341. Two aircraft were ferried up from Cape Town just for the show. Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his Nashua sponsored Extra 300 in two spirited displays during the day.
The Rand Airport based team including the Puma Flying Lions T6 Harvard’s led by veteran airshow pilot Scully Levin who still flies for Mango airlines. He also led the new Cows Aerobatic team sponsored by ‘Taillifts SA’ flying the Pitts Specials who were sponsored by Torre for some years. The Goodyear Eagles put a 3ship display,also flying the Pitts Special led by former fighter pilot Glen ‘Gringo’ Warden. The team is also made up of Paul ‘Cruiser’ Coetzer former 85 Combat Flying School Impala display pilot. And lastly Johan von Solms a former Cheetah pilot. Glen Warden also flew the solo L39 ‘ZUTEE’ display and later paired up with Richard Lovett in his L39 ZU-IBN which both L39s are almost identical.
Ivan van der Schaar flew is beautiful Boeing Stearman with gentle aerobatics and also flew his stearman into a immaculate sunset at the end of the day. Denel test pilot Mike Weingartz flew David Laas Impala ZU-IMP, Mike has the highest hours on the type in the world. The kishugu AT802 demostarted simulated fire bombing just as the sun set.
The South African Air force provided an Agusta A109LUH from 19 Squadron AFB Hoedspruit which was on static display. The 2 Squadron JAS39D Gripen flew all the way from AFB Makhado to provide a mini display. The Gripen was flown by Mohau ‘Doberman’ Vundla, this was his first airshow display and in the back seat Marc ‘Bluebird’ Wilson.
The show was tasked by Andre Van Rooyen who had support from most of the members from the Ermelo Aeronautical Society and the support of the sponsoring of the show from FAW Trucks Ermelo. We hope to see the Ermelo Airshow as a regular on the airshow circuit.
The next Airshow on the calendar in South Africa is the SAAF Museum Airshow 2018
From Soloist to Lead-Omphile Mutloane
Omphile Mutloane who is currently the number 5 in the Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team, known as the soloist in the team with the call sign “Biggy”.The team is the official aerobatic team of the South African Airforce, the team is 51 years old in 2018. The team celebrated their 50th Anniversary last year with an airshow at their home base at AFB Langebaanweg on the Capes West Coast.Originally formed in 1946 as the Bumbling Bees and flying the T-6 Harvard and then the de Havilland Vampire. The Bumbling Bees flew a 4 ship formation and made a name for themselves by regularly taking part in South African airshows. The team disbanded in the late 1950s leaving a gap in South African aviation.The indroduction of the Pilatus PC7MKII in 1995 put the team back to a 4ship and then in 2008 the team went back to a 5 ship and painted in the Silver Falcons livery.
OG short for Omphile was born in a small village just outside the town of Zeerust in the North West Province. His interest of flying started back in his Primary School days, when a SAAF Alouette three landed on the Soccer field. “It was so cool to see it so close up. All of the kids that’s day ran towards the chopper to get a better look, I still remember the pilot saw us and hovered at a medium height level just above our heads. The noise and dust from the down wash from the spinning rotors were awesome”. Says OG
Aircraft were always flying high overhead the village Omphile stayed,but never did himself and the children around him at the time get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the real thing. That one moment of the SAAF helicopter crew pretty much changed Omphiles life, from that time on he was determined not to have a plan B in his career. Plan A was to wear the green overalls and the well know green chopper helmet.
“I joined the SAAF in January 2005 and reported for basic military training at Air force Gymnasium in Valhalla Pretoria. I qualified three years later in December 2007 at AFB Langebaanweg on the Pc7mkII Astra.Completed Rotary Wings Course Starlight aviation under the guidance of Mr A.C. Hunter (best instructor I have ever flown with) in April 2008,From there I was sent to 87 Helicopter Flying School in Bloemspruit and from there onto 17 Squadron as a Oryx Helicopter co-pilot.”
I served as an Oryx co pilot at 17 squadron in Pretoria from Jan 2009 until November 2012. I did my command course on the Agusta A109LUH in 2013.In 2014 I was posted back to AFB Langebaanweg to become a instructor and subsequently did the famous falcon ‘fly-offs’. The fly offs are basically a selection of instructors who want to join the Silver Falcons and I was able to join the team in October 2015 as the number 3,then moved to the singleton as falcon 5″.
My flying hours are currently sitting at a total of 2200 of both fixed wing and helicopter hours:
750 hours on Oryx Helicopter
300 hours on A109LUH Helicopter
800+ hours on PC7MKII
Omphile will take command of leading the team from the 2018 SAAF Museum Airshow on the 5th May.This will be team 82,as we saw Mark’Katana’Gentles leave team once again after Armed Forces Week in Kimberly in the Northern Cape earlier this year as the former leader.
Some of falcon 5s hobbies interests include him being a serious book worm who loves history and a avid marathon runner. He will be competing in his second comrades Marathon in KZN in month or so time. Wish him all the best of luck!
Rand Easter Show 2018
Rand Easter Show 2018
The South African National Defense Force Wrapped up their Capability Demonstration on the Easter Weekend of the 2018 Rand Show held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre Nasrec.The SANDF is one of the key partners of the Rand Show,and has committed to giving support to the event for the next three years to come.
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This year we saw all four arms the SANDF has to offer from the SA Navy,South African Air force,SA Army and South African Military Health Service taking up 12 000sqm of space at this years show.The Rand show turned 124 years old this year and introduced a few new displays to stay fresh and current and keep the public entertained.
The show was opened by General Barney Hlatshwayo ,SANDF Chief of Joint Operations on Friday 30th March.He mentioned “we recognize every opportunity for our forces to participate here as a step closer to the hears and minds of our peace-loving citizens ,with the SANDF as the guarantor of that peace.”
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The parade was also opened by a flag fly-past from a pair of 15 Squadron Agusta A109LUHs.The first 4 days from the opening of the Rand Show,the public were excited to see the simulated battle including airstrikes from 2 Squadron JAS39 Gripen operating out of AFB Makhado in the Limpopo Province,a Casa 212 dropping SA Army Parachutes operating out of AFB Waterkloof and lastly the SAAF Helicopters,a 16 Squadron Rooivalk that was both on static display and flying,an Oryx Helicopter and two Agusta A109s all formed a role to play during the capability exercise and from witnessing this showcase the South African Air force was a major hit.
The second part of the show which started later in the day,started off with a simulated bridge laying,new to this years show.The SA Navy’s famous gun run,precision drills,Military Police demo,A Para drop once again from the 44 Squadron Casa 212 and a air display from Major Sivu Tangana in the Pilatus PC7MKII.
Visitors are still able to undertake the Hero’s Quest,which will send them on a hunt to discover more information about the SANDF.For the youth that are interested in joining the SANDF,there are career exhibitions with information on how to sign up and the basic requirements.
The Rand Show carries on till next weekend,its a great outing for the family to get up close and personal with mean and women in uniform.We look forward to the 2019 event,as its the 125th anniversary!
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Rand Easter Show SANDF Capability Demo Day 1 2018-03-30 Gallery
Rand Easter show 2018 – Day One
The Rand Easter Show was officially opened today,Below are some pictures from today’s Capability demonstration!
We will post a full review after the last day.
Also see Updates to the SAAF Museum Airshow 2018
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Rand Easter Show Validation Capibilty Demo 2018-03-29 Gallery
Today was the final day for validations for the SANDF Capability demo, below are some pictures from today!
Show starts on Friday 30 May 2018. Come and see this amazing display for yourself!
Hashtag for this year is #SANDFrandshow_18
“The Rand Show gives South African families a rare opportunity to interact with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF, SANDF CAREER GUIDE, SANDF RSA, SA National Defence Force Events). Nowhere else can you observe the different divisions in action, and see what equipment and hardware they use. To do this, SANDF has prepared a mix of thrilling live demonstrations and drills, as well as static exhibits for the public to experience.
The Capability Demonstration will take place at the Main Arena, at 11:30 each day* during the Easter weekend only (Friday 30 March – Monday 2 April 2018).
This 45 minute display of battle simulations will take place both on the ground and high up in the air. Watch fighter jets and helicopters thunder past, showing off their vehicles combat manoeuvres, while armoured tankers reveal their immense power and strength. It’s one of the annual highlights of the Rand Show, and visitors are urged not to miss it.
Visitors are urged to hold on to their hats for this event – not just because it promises to be an exhilarating experience, but also for safety reasons. The choppers used will create a huge downdraft, which could cause hats and other loose items to fly away if not securely stored!
SANDF Arena Programme will take place at the Main Arena, at 15:00 each day during the Easter weekend only (Friday 30 March – Monday 2 April 2018).
The pride of the SANDF’s drill teams will be on display for the Arena Programme, which includes drills and demonstrations by the South African Army, South African Navy and Military Police, as well as the 44 Parachute Regiment (the South African Army’s chief airborne infantry unit) and the SA Army Specialist Infantry Capability (SAASIC) – who will be incorporating their canine, equestrian and motorbike training into the drills. ”
The above quoted text source: SA National Defence Force Events
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Rand Easter Show 2018 Media Briefing
Rand Easter Show 2018 Media Briefing
Once again we were invited by the Rand Show organization team to the 2018 Rand Easter Show Media Briefing, the event is set to take place once again at the Johannesburg Expo Centre Nasrec from the 30 March – 8 April 2018. The Rand show is one of the biggest events in Africa and has been entertaining Families for over a year now, says Craig Newman CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Center.
The Media briefing was opened by Craig Newman adding what this year’s festivities are going to be like. We were then greeted by Brig Gen.Mafi Mgobozi who also informed us on what we can expect from the SANDF.After the briefing we were treated to a walk through some of the many exhibits the public can expect on the opening of the Rand Show on Friday 30th March.
The massive 12 000sqm SANDF display of Military Hardware that the public we be able to view from the many functions the SANDF have a role to play, including the SA ARMY, SAAF, SA Navy and SA military Health Service. The South African Air Force Museum is also present with static exhibits including the Zwartkops based Alouettes two and three. The mighty Rooivalk from 16 Squadron AFB Bloemspruit is also on Static display for the public to get up close and personal with Africa’s very own Gunship.
On the Easter Weekend the SANDF will thrill the crowds with a capability demonstration, this will include Ratel armoured vehicles, Helicopters from various Squadrons including Oryx and A109LUHs.Fighter assets we will see 2 Squadron Gripen simulating airstrikes. We will also see a solo Display by Major Sivu Tangana in the Pilatus PC7MKII from the Central Flying School Langebaanweg.
Please note the SANDF Capability Demo will only be taking place from the 30th March-2 April 2018, this also depends on the Availability of aircraft and weather permitting. We look forward to another highly anticipating arena program. Residents in the North and South of Johannesburg can be on the lookout for Helicopters operating out AFB Zwartkops on their routing to Nasrec during the mid morning from tomorrow!
SAAF Museum Flying Day 2018-03-03
SAAF Museum Flying Day 2018-03-03
Once again the SAAF Museum hosted their monthly flying day at Airforce Base Zwartkop in Pretoria,with the theme “Keep them up where they’re belong”. The 2000+ public got to see some of the flying and static exhibits,the museum has to offer. With a cloudless day,the skies above Zwartkop were busy with the sound of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
The day started with the usual,a paradrop from the Museum’s Atlas C.4M Kudu.
Photo: Japie Keet
we then got to see the ever rare Puma, which we saw the upgraded version, the Denel Oryx at the recent Armed forces week celebrations in Kimberley 2 weeks before. It was then the start of the Airshow practice for the upcoming SAAF Museum Airshow on the 5 May this year. More details will follow as we progress to the last countdown to the show. The twoship Harvard display did their display practice,showing what was the basic trainer of the South African Airforce(SAAF). The Harvard was then replaced by the Pilatus Pc7 mkii.
The Windock which is the Bases local cafeteria, offers some of the best meals one can get at a airfield these days let alone a Airforce Base. The Friends of the Museum and the support of the Spitfire Restoration Fund,welcomed the public to buy memorabilia and to support the restoration in getting the Museum’s Spitfire and keep other flying and static exhibits in a comfortable position.
The Puma gave a hoisting demo, not often do you see this helicopter from the museum taking up these tasks, always something different Col Hanekom throws in, very special.
This particular flying day,was one of the biggest crowds the Museum has seen for a very long time.The Car park was full of enthusiastic crowds getting up close and personal with Military Aviation. We look forward to the next flying day in April and of course the Museum Airshow.Until then. “Keep them up where they’re belong”
SANDF De Brug Weapons Capability Demonstration Feb 2018
With the build up to the Armed forces day parade being held in Kimberley, the following day Wednesday the 21 February, much of the public have been getting up close and personal with both SANDF members and assets that have been put on showcase to the community who haven’t had the chance to interact with these forms of assets in this particular area with the major presence of SANDF.
On Sunday the 18th February, members of the public were able to attend the De Brug weapons demo, at the De brug weapons range outside of Bloemfontein. This also had a major impact on the public to witness live ammunition being fired in front of their faces from armored vehicles,ati-aircraft Guns and aerial support just to name a few.
On Tuesday morning 21 February ,Aviation Central had the opportunity to be flown down from Air force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria to AFB Bloemspruit situated at the Bram Fisher International Airport in the Free state town of Bloemfontein.Air force base (AFB) Bloemspruit is home to 87 Helicopter Flying school, operating the Denel Oryx Helicopter, the Agusta A109LUH and the Bk117 for training and operational duties in the South African Air force(SAAF).
We were then allocated to buses that would be taking us out to the De brug weapons range a few kilometers outside of the City of Bloemfontein. With the advantage the SANDF had the Military Police and other security squadrons escorting the buses,which onboard was members of the various media houses and Invited guests ,who got to the weapons range in no time. At this point this have many of the media who haven’t been to De Brug Weapons Range to explore the ‘Koppies’ behind the marquee that was specially put up to provide shade and refreshments.
This is also showed how big the range was compare to other bombing ranges that Aviation Central has visited in previous years.What we had been hearing and seeing on Social media from the demo a few days before we knew we were in for a treat that not many people can say they have ever witnessed in their lifetime.
The days proceedings started with a drop of pathfinders from a 44 Squadron Casa 212,the jet action started immediately with a 85 Combat Flying School Hawk Mk120 and being escorted by two 2 Squadron Gripens,both fighter assets operating out of AFB Bloemspruit.
The program then continued sticking with the fighters, when the airspace in front of the crowd, got very busy with a 2v1 dogfight,using the Hawk Mk120 as the bogey(Enemy Aircraft) and two Gripens intercepting the Hawk.
The Army engineers of the South African Army were next in line to show off the earth shattering explosions that were set off.The Air force was then overhead again, this time with Two 28 Squadron C130BZs dropping a parachute cargo drop and 64 paratroopers.
As soon as the area was clear from the Para drop and troops were brought out of the weapons zone, Ratels drove into the firing zone and engaged with small arms fire.
The battlefield was then kicked up with the roar the big guns the Olifant Mk1 Tanks and Rooikats kicking up dust from their cannon fire.
The air force was at it again, with two Agusta A109LUH performing a search and Rescue situation of a “simulated downed aircraft,”with 3 Oryx helicopters bringing troops to and from the batttlezone.At the same time Rooivalk atttack helicopters from 16 Squadron provided top cover.
Fast movers were then sent in to drop bombs ranging from the Mk81 and Mk82 bombs released from Gripen and Hawk fighter aircraft. It was also the first time seeing Gripens shooting their cannons.The usual 30mm Aden cannon from the Hawk was also put to use on the battle zone.
The two Rooivalk attack helicopters in attendance demonstrated the type of flying they sometimes do during peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raining 20 mm cannon fire down and unleashing 70 mm rockets onto the battlefield.
The demo was slowly coming to a close, the various aircraft that took part gave fly pasts which included 4 Hawks,5 gripens,3 Oryx Helicopters,2 A109s,2 Rooivalks and a C130.The main battle tanks and armoured vehicles then proceeded to give a salute to the Chief of the SANDF in a parade.
The guests and media were then treated to a display from the Silver Falcons of team 81,led by Major Mark”Katana”Gentles.Solo displays from the Hawk Mk120,flown by Lt Col Craig”Shark”Leeson and the Gripen flown by Major Geoffrey”Spartan”Cooper released flares during the course of their displays.
The night shoot then took place just after dusk showing off from the smallest arms fire to the biggest arms fire in the SANDF,this included assault rifles, machineguns, RPGs, mortars, Ratel 90 mm rounds and Olifant tank rounds.
Rooivalks then engaged the battlefield again with 70mm rockets and 20mm gun fire. The aircraft then closed off with flares over the battlezone
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Chief of the SANDF General Solly Shoke said the capability demonstration was part of normal training but was held in the run-up to Armed Forces Day to show the public what the armed forces do. “We train to be ready at all times,” he said, and added that the response from the people of Kimberley who previously came to witness the demonstration was “overwhelming”.
The next day being a early start of the Armed forces day parade in Kimberly, which saw new South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the parade.
More photos Below, click to enlarge
Armed Forces Day Kimberley 2018 Fan Park Launch.
The 21st of February each year, Armed forces day is observed to celebrate the lives of the native labour contingent who died when the troopship, SS Mendi sank off the English Coast in 1917.Today we saw most of Kimberley with most part mobilsed with Military contingent.
Kimberley is on a hive of activities from any form of Military platform the SANDF has to offer, This Morning marked the opening of the fan park at the A.R Abass stadium in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The opening of the event was in form of a Guard of honor parade accompanied by Military bands and a fly past by Oryx Helicopters from various squadrons across South Africa.
The arena program was opened by a Para drop from a Oryx helicopter with various special forces and pathfinders member’s landing in front of a massive crowd as they’re cheered their brilliant landings they’re were executing. The public were treated to more procession drills from both the SA Army and SA Navy, and the famous gun run which is often seen at the Rand Show in Johannesburg from previous years. Aircraft that flew over the Stadium during the course of the program such as the Oryx helicopter mentioned above,2 Rooivalk Attack helicopters and the Silver Falcons Aerobatic team to name a few.
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The SANDF also has to offer at the fan park the career center for those that are interested about the work life and serving their country in many different aspects they’re have to offer. Its also a opportunity for the public to interact with Military personal and their assets they have on display.
During the weeks and weekend celebrations, a number of events will be held at various venues:
The will also be career hosted and interested individuals can visit the center and enquire about careers in the Armed Forces – Ar Abass Sports Stadium
Music events at various schools between 12 – 15 Feb
Fan park at Ar Abass Sports Stadium 15 Feb
Sporting activities and Clinics at De Beers Galeshewe Stadium, formerly known as King George Sports Ground , between 16 – 20 Feb
Music events Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre 17th
Inter Faith Church services Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre 18th
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ROAD CLOSURES: 19, 20, 21 FEBRUARY 2017
19 to 20 February 2018 the roads will be closed from 09:00 for the rehearsals.
Memorial Road at the Monument.
Carrington Road at Dalham Road.
Lennox Street. (Must confirm where the road is to be closed.)
Du Toitspan/Main Road between Hercules, Lennox and Regiment Way.
Pniel Road between Stokroos Street and Old Barkly Road. (15 to 21 February 2018.)
Todd and Harley Street.
All roads connecting to Du Toitspan and Main Road.
Please take note:
Access to the hospitals in the area of the parade to be advised by the Department of Health.
Military Police personnel will assist with all road closures.
Public is advised to avoid the area bordering on Lennox, DuToitspan from
Regiment Way down to Hercules Street, Park Road, Synagogue Street,
Dalham Road, Hercules Street, Fabricia Road, Pniel Road as mentioned above, Carrington Road between Dalham and Elsmere Road.
We will bring more reports from next week Tuesday when we attend the Weapons demo in Bloemfontein at De Brug firing range.
Happy Armed forces day!
Rand Fun Rally 10 February 2018
During the recent break in between the rains Gauteng has been having during the last couple of days, The South African Power Flying Association hosted a fun rally at Rand Airport just to the south of Johannesburg. The event saw a total of 30 participants including navigators taking part.
Rally Navigation Flying is a sport with a crew of two, a pilot and navigator.The objective is to fly a pre-determined course which is accurate to the second over turning points and recognize ground features from provided photographs and maps that are in a envelope the pilot receives on arrival to the event. This gives pilots great practice for navigational skills they can use.
Aircraft that took part varied from a little sports star LSA to a Cessna C172.Shane Britz and Karen Stroud took first place in the Jabiru ZU-FEP.Below show the results of all the competitors!
