Category Archives: General News and Airshow Reviews
2019 Presidential Inauguration
The 2019 presidential Inauguration took place at Loftus Verseveld stadium in the city of Tswane. South Africa’s newly appointed president his excellency President Cyril Ramaposa was sworn in on Saturday 25th May 2019.
Pretoria residents might of noticed a lot of South African Air force activity days before the ceremony, operating from Airforce base Swartkop and Waterkloof.
Aircraft types that were seen during the days flypast on the 25th consisted of both museum and current air force assets.
Aircraft types flown
SAAF Museum
Puma
Alouettes IIIs
Vampire
Cessna C185
Bosbok
Kudu
Current SAAF Types
Hawk
Gripen
C130BZ
Casa 212
Cessna Caravan C208
Pilatus PC12
Beechcraft KingAirs
PC7MKIIs
Silver Falcons
Boeing BBJ
Dassualt Falcon 50
Dassualt Falcon 900
Rooivalk
Oryx
Lynx
A109
Bk117
South African Airways
2 x Airbus A340
Photos below from various Friends of Aviation Central.
ORTIA Planes spotter, Peter Cronje, Johan Stephens, Dries Beetge and Andre Nel.
Big thank you for your continues support and Willingness to share your photos and love for Aviation with us.
Click on photo to enlarge
Botswana Airshow Rocks-Wesbank Botswana Airshow 2019
The African themed Oshkosh type fly-inn and airshow at Matsieng Airfield situated a few kilometeres outisde of the nations capital Gabarone. What makes a show so special here is getting the opportunity to camp bush style at an airfield and for some next to you aircraft.
Wesbank, once again a major sponsor for this years show at Matsieng with the help of the De Wet family, the show would not be possible.
We were flown from Wonderboom National Airport with ‘Little Annie’ the famous Antonov two owned by the Hill Family under the leadership of ‘Just Love Mission.As we cleared customs at Pilanesberg International Airport we made way to Matsieng Airfield, where we joined up in formation by a second An2 in old South African Airways Colours flown by Jon-Marc Hill and a Yak 18T, which made fantastic photo opportunities for the media onboard.
Friday Afternoon we got to see some validations before a late afternoon thunder storm made its way through the area, some of us scattred for the Town Lodge in Gabarone where we were fortunate enough to be
accommodated for the rest of the weekend thanks to the oragnisers. Saturday morning we made our way to the airfield for early arrivals as a perfect blue sky day was installed for the only airshow in Botswana this year.
The show started with a formation of microlights,a display that is not seen to often at shows in Southern Africa, showing off a dead stick landing was part of the show. ‘Little Annie’ An2 flown by Mark Hill and Col Keith Fryer
dropped skydivers including Ralph Ridge was the massive and biggest Botswana Flag. Jon- Marc Hill and His dad Mark flew a solo AN2 display and just to love ‘Little Annie’ even more she dropped marshmallows for the crowd. The vintage formation took to the skies, with this show being the first-time at a Southern African Airshow two Antonov 2s flew in formation with Randolph sponsored Boeing Stearman flown by Comair 737 Captain Ivan van der Schaar and Middleburg based YAK18T flown by Riaan Prinsloo. The crowd also got both a solo display by the Boeing Stearman and Yak18T. Capital Sounds Brian Emmenis and his hard working team rigged the longest sound system for the first time at the show, always a treat to hear the voice of Brian at Airshows as he brings the vibe to each show he attends.
Conrad Botha started the days aerobatic sequences in his RV7, followed by the Raptor RVs led by Nigel Hopkins who also led Team Extreme flying his Extra 330, joining him was Jason Beamish in his new Extra 330, Mark ‘Buggs’ Hensman in his MX2 and Mark ‘Sammy ‘Sampson in his Sbach in new colours. The Goodyear Eagles flew the high energy aerobatic display led by Glen Warden, he also flew the only jet display for the day in the Rand Airport based L29 ZU-AUX.The ex Soviet jet trainer brought much joy to the jet fans at the show. The Puma Flying Lions Harvard’s flew their sequence with their second final show of the day ending with a great wall of fire. Gary Whitecross flew his Pilatus B4 Glider, one of the best glider display one can see at an airshow in Africa.
Andrew Blackwood-Murray flew his Nashua Extra 300 solo display, A gyrocopter display was also flown and a entertaining show to watch as the magni gyrocopter flown by Andre van Zyl was put through its paces. Menno Parsons brought both hisP51 Mustang, Pilatus PC12 and Tiger Huey.All aircraft are such a treat to see fly, the Huey also dropped a car in show center, “remember don’t park your car where it shouldn’t be at an airshow”.the air boss will move it!
Helicopter displays included Alister Brown flying the Netstar Bell 407, a Bell 505 made its Southern African Airshow Debut. Juba Jourbert flew a fantastic display in the Aerospatiale Gazelle 341. Two Krugersdorp based North American Navions flew close formation in a flat show with smoke added to their display. Danie Terblanche flew the crazy pilot display in the Aviant Husky which had some of the crowd worried with the state of his crazy flying, Which is all part of the act. Dennis Spence led the decathlon display with basic aerobatic sequences. True North Aviation Turbo Thrush
demonstrated fire fighting capabilities as well as crop spraying capabilities. We wont forget some of the great RC flying that was also shown in-between displays.
With another safe show hosted at the Matsieng flying club under the AirBoss of Chris Briers and safety direct Colonel Francois ‘Hose’ Hanekom. All 43 acts gave the crowds a day to be remebered.We would like to thanks all the oragisers Wesbank,De Wet Drilling,Matsieng Flying Club, Mark Mansfield our media liaison officer and the Town Lodge.
Till next year Matsieng, Well done to all.
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Advertising on Aviation Central
Aviation Central
477 Servaas street
Pretoria West
0183
Aviation Central takes great pride in extending an opportunity to you to advertise with us on our online platforms …
About Aviation Central:
Aviation is an online-based Aviation Media house specialising in Aviation Events.
Our 1st Priority is Air shows & Aerobatic competitions, followed by Air Races, Fly-in’s, Plane-spotting and other aviation-related competitions.
We specialise in keeping our South African aviation-loving public updated on all these events as well as special aviation events, fly pasts and special visiting aircraft. Examples of these are the Presidential inauguration, the recent visit of the Russian bombers and the arrival of SAA’s 1st Airbus A350-900.
We cover these events for the entire Southern African region (South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe).
Our team currently comprises of 6 members. In addition, we are currently mentoring a Grade 10 pupil in aviation media and photography. All our team members dedicate their time and energy at their own cost and personal time. We all have fulltime “day jobs” outside of the Aviation industry.
Aviation Central was initially founded in 2009 and has grown into a major role player in the online and social media space of Aviation in Southern Africa. We are official media partners to Africa Aerospace and Defence.
We have been running the official Facebook page for the Swartkop (SAAF Museum) Air Show since 2015 and were also media partner to AERO South Africa 2018. We have a Facebook following of over 33 000 and, at the current rate of growth, we expect to have over 40 000 followers before Africa Aero Space and Defence 2020.
Dec 2020 Facebook Stats
We also have about 10 guys and gals that often share photos and stories with us. We have grown to a point where we need to expand our attendance at more Air shows and other Aviation Events to keep our followers informed and updated. Our main focus point currently are the air shows and keeping our public informed about them before, during and post air show. Our larger following is the typical aviation and air show lover. The chap that dreams of flying, doing his Pilot’s licence or just going on a scenic flight. Planning his next holiday, not only around the accommodation and activities, but also on what Aircraft and Airline he can get a seat on. The chap that will always look up when an Aircraft flies overhead.
Our main expenditure currently is spent on our travelling costs to attend events, costs to cover camera equipment, website hosting as well as data costs for live video recording.
We are also in desperate need of a good entry level video camera suitable for aviation photography.
Who should advertise with us and why?
Considering the details above, any professional aviation business will most certainly benefit by placing an advertisement with us. Those that will benefit the most are, Flight schools, Cabin Crew Training and Technical Training organisations. Scenic Flight companies and Commercial Airlines will also most certainly benefit by advertising with us. Accommodation providers located in the vicinity of Aviation Events will also benefit by advertising their accommodation with us.
For R600 per Month you will receive:
2 x posts on our Facebook wall/page for the month.
1 x advert on our Website for the month running for the full month.
1 x Advert in our Monthly Newsletter (New and still low visibility).
Our Facebook cover image is also up for rental:
Subject to availability, preference will be given to major Aviation events.
R500.00 per week for a cover image. This includes an advert that will be placed on our website
(Priority will be given to aviation events).
This is the perfect spot for Air Shows, Aviation Open and Career days and Scenic flights. Image properties for the cover photo needs to be 820 pixels wide and 312 pixels tall.
Below is an example of the cover image:
Terms and Conditions:
- All images and text used for adverts are to be supplied by yourself.
- Text needs to be in such a format so we can just “copy and paste” it where required.
- Cover images for Aviation events are given higher priority, this is however, available to everyone.
- Cover image Prime spot can only be booked a maximum of 6 weeks in advance (1 – 6 weeks per booking).
- Payments are to be made before adverts are to be placed.
- The 2 x Facebook posts will be pre-scheduled on dates selected by yourself.
- We are tax registered and an invoice will be provided to you.
- Book and pay for 1 full calendar year and only pay for 10 months, this excludes Cover image rental (you save R1200).
- There are 6 and 12 month contracts are available.
Photo image sizes to be used for advertisements…
Website
667 pixels Width and 1250 pixels in Height (This is our preferred option).
And / Or
828 pixels Width and 315 pixels in Height.
940 x 788 pixels + Text.
The content text needs to written in such a format that we can just “Copy and Paste” it into the post on our Facebook wall.
This information needs to be sent to us once every 2 weeks as your advert will be posted twice per month.
The posts can be scheduled for a specific date and time – i.e. future-dated.
Sponsoring Team Aviation Central to attend an Aviation Event:
Also available are Sponsorship opportunities to help Aviation Central team to attend events.
If you can help us to attend an event, we will place free adverts for you for the month prior to the sponsored event as well as during the month of the event.
We will mention and/or tag you in all posts on Facebook and on our website on the build-up to the event.
We can also offer “magnet” style branding to our vehicles we use to travel to and from the events.
Branding need to be supplied by the sponsor.
Your company branded clothing in the form of caps and T-shirts can also be used by the team on a sponsored trip to attend an Aviation Event.
Banking Details for online Payments:
EVENTS AVIATION NEWS (PTY) LTD
Bank FNB
Account Number 62792754519
FNB Universal Branch Code 250655
Tax Number 9328355228
Kind Regards
Lettie van Emmenis
Aviation Central
+27 81 479 5426
Flippie van Emmenis
Aviation Central (Team lead)
+27 81 270 4430
How to Become A Flight Attendant
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “How do I become a Flight Attendant?”
With S.MAB Training Academy
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “How do I become a Flight Attendant? If you have this article is written with you in mind. A career as a Cabin Crew Member is an exciting and rewarding profession. It is also a great way to travel the world while getting paid. This article discusses the requirements you need to meet and the steps you should take to turn your dream into a reality.
Firstly, you will need to meet the following basic requirements:
• You must be 18 years or older for a SACAA Cabin Crew License
• You must have a matric certificate
• You must be able to speak, write and read in English
• You should not have any visible tattoos
• You must be able to swim
• You must have a valid Class 4 Medical Certificate
Secondly, you will need to have obtained your Cabin Crew License issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. To get your Cabin Crew License you must (1) Register with an Approved Training Organisation, (2) Successfully complete the Flight Attendant course and (3) pass the Civil Aviation Authority Cabin Crew license examination.
Do you know the type of skills that airlines are looking for? Theyare seeking to hire people who can consistently display the following:
• Provide optimal and regulated safety and security standards
• Provide great customer service even when dealing with difficult customers
• The ability to keep calm during emergency situations and respond appropriately
• The ability to work and communicate well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Professionalism, responsibility and reliability
• Solution oriented thinking
The S.MAB Training Academy Advantage
The S.MAB Training Academy offers two different courses designed for those aspiring to become qualified Flight Attendants.
We offer the Basic Flight Attendant Course (2-month) and an Advanced Flight Attendant Course (4-month). Our facilitators are among the best within the industry boasting extensive experience with airlines such as BA Comair, Emirates, Mango, Global Air Cote d’Ivoire, South African Airlines, Springbok Classic, Sky Class, Senegal Airlines, private VIP flights and more. We pride ourselves in delivering exceptional learning experiences and positioning our learners to excel in the industry. Our curriculum includes but is not limited to following modules, Safety and Emergency Procedures, Dangerous Goods, Fire Fighting, Aviation Medicine, Grooming, Amadeus, End-User Computing and Ditching.
Click here to read on How to become a Pilot in South Africa
I Can Dream – Newcastle Airshow 2019
I Can Dream – Newcastle Airshow 2019
All systems are a go for the 2019 ‘I Can Dream’ Newcastle airshow that will be taking place 1 June 2019 at Newcastle airport, Amajuba district.
Since the show first started nine years ago, the theme has been ‘I Can Dream’, “The reason behind this is that people can dream to become pilots or dream that they will also one day have the opportunity to fly in an aircraft. 95% of the local Amajuba community have never flown in an aircraft, while 80% had never seen a Boeing or an Airbus up close”, said Johan Pieters, one of the organisers of the event.
The driving forces behind this year’s event is the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs of KwaZulu Natal and KwaZulu Natal Tourism with the event organisation been handled by the Champ Group of Companies lead by Johan Pieters and Christo van de Vyver.
A major bonus for visitors this year is that there will be no entrance fee to the show. “We had a look at the economic situation of the district and the country and together with our sponsors decided to make it a free airshow for 2019”, said Pieters.
The Newcastle airshow has become one of the largest one-day events in the Amajuba District and boosts the local district and Newcastle by R5 million.
Amongst the many highlights for this year, AON will host an educational guidance day on the day of the airshow. The educational guidance day is geared at Grade 11 math and science learners from the Amajuba district with around some 1000 learners attending. The learners will be addressed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), The South African Airforce (SAAF) as well as the SAAF Silver Falcons, and will be given the chance to learn more about aviation as well as possible career paths that can be chosen in the various aviation fields.
This year promises to be a jammed-packed day with plenty of activities for the entire family. The show will open at 10:30 with a spectacular Airbus A320 display. For the adrenaline junkies all the action will be found in the sky and visitors can look forward to a fun-filled day, and will see acts from South Africa’s top aerobatic teams, the SAAF will be in full force at this year’s show and visitors will get the chance to see the SAAF Silver Falcons, fast jet action will be the Gripen as well as a SAAF Oryx helicopter will be put through its paces.
For the car-crazy visitors, there will be Hot Rods on display as well as a car and plane race.
For the family members that would prefer to do a little shopping, there will be plenty of stalls, a Munro Art exhibition, as well as various motor vehicle dealerships offering advice on your next vehicle purchase, as well as plenty of food and drink stalls and a beer garden. KZN Tourism will have a virtual reality stand where you can experience KZN live, a stand not to be missed.
For those that would like to view the show from a more VIP point of view this year members of the public can buy VIP Tickets at Computicket for R100 – that ticket will give you an experience in a Marquee with upholstery chairs, shade and VIP toilet. Limited tickets are available.
By the end of the show, which will be around 17:00, if you still have enough energy there will be an after party hosted by Tree Tops.
2019 Air Show Aircraft attendance list
2019 is not a big year for airshows in Southern Africa as some got cancelled as well as the economic situation in Southern Africa not looking positive.
However we will see the Stellenbosch, Mafeking and Maputo air shows which are not regular shows. Regarding the availability of aircraft we have not seen any slowdown with most Pilots and Aircraft eager to get in the sky and wow the crowds. We at Aviation Central are extremely positive and hopeful that we will see more shows and Aircraft in 2020 with both the AERO Club of South Africa and SAAF celebrating their centenary birthdays.
We will try to keep this list updated as best as possible, but please contact us if you feel we missed any aircraft.
Aircraft list 2019
Aircraft list 2018
ABSA Lowveld Airshow 2019
Some of the Aviation Central media arrived Friday afternoon from Wonderboom National Airport in Pretoria and others on Saturday morning with some validations happening before the large crowds flocked to the airfield for an airshow that has won numerous airshow awards.
The skies over the old Nelspruit airfield were once again filled with aerobatic display teams, vintage aircraft, helicopters, jets and jet airliners to name a few. This years show had a different twist of the program with the theme fast and furious, the show started in the afternoon and had no repeats of display acts during the course of the afternoon with airboss Johan Heine keeping a watchful eye on display teams.
Capitals Sounds Brian Emmenis and his team provided commentary in between the battle of the DJs with Jacaranda who partnered up with airshow Organisers Kishugu and sponsor Absa for a different vibe to the Lowveld airshow during display acts. Before the airshow started, the Lowveld Model Aircraft Club (LOMAC) provided remote control (RC) aircraft displays with their different scales of aircraft in their club, For new photographers to Aviation, its a good learning curve to capture Rc aircraft.
The show opened with BMW Motorcycles revving down the runway, just before a paradrop with different member’s of the skydiving community on the airshow scene, their jump ship was ‘Little Annie’ an Antonov two flown by Jon-Marc Hill and Colonel Keith Fryer. The An2 also led the vintage formation and dropped a large amount of marshmallows for
children aspiring to be pilots one day. The Yak18T which was also flown in the formation by spotter pilot, Riaan Prinsloo. Comair Boeing 737 Captain Ivan van der Schaar flew his Randolph sponsored Boeing Stearman. Danie Terblanche flew the ‘crazy pilot display’ in the well known STOL capability Husky.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as well as South African National Parks put together A mock battle with poachers and members of the SANDF coming into contact with each other a patrol. The put on act just shows what happens on a daily occurrence in the Kruger National Park and South Africa’s borders. The South African Airforce was unfortunately not present at this years show, due to the countries inauguration taking place on the 25th May later this month. Air Force Base Hoedspruit exhibited some of the SAAFs duties in the form of life boats, dummy bombs, etc in one of the hangers.
A total of five Extra 300 series aircraft were at the airshow, Nashua sponsored Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his solo display in his Extra 300LP. Arnie Meneghelli and Ellis Levin flew the first double inverted ribbon cut in the world at an airshow. Team Extreme had both Nigel Hopkins in his Extra 330 and Jason Beamish in his new Extra 330, they joined up with Mark Sampson in his newly painted Sbach and Mark Hensman in his MX2 for the full Team Extreme display. The Raptor RVs with the new number five Johan von Solms completing his first display.
Two Pitts Special display teams flew their usual routine,The Cows put up a threeship with Captain Scully Levins daughter Sally Bates flying one of the aircraft,not many women airshow display pilots on the airshow scene. Nigel Hopkins led the Goodyear Eagles sponsored Pitts Specials with Johan von Solms and Jason Beamish. A light aircraft display consisted of two Bathawks and two Kitfox’s showed the short takeoff capability’s and a asset in the bushveld area.
Jet display’s by a L39 ZU-IBN owned by Middelburg’s Richard Lovett and flown by Pierre Gouws joined up with Mike Weingartz in the Impala MK1 ZU-IMP. The Airlink Embraer E190, flew a beautiful tight display. Airlink have displayed at most Nelspruit airshows now, and the E190 is definitely a crowd favourite.
Helicopter displays included a Gazelle flown by Juba Jourbert who raced to Jaguar cars, he also joined up with a Airbus Helicopters H125,Bell Huey and a Enstrom. We don’t often see such choppers in a display like we did. It was like a licorice all sorts formation. Three Working on Fire Hueys flew a sunset display with the use of two bambi buckets throwing water in show centre. The Flying Lions ended the display flying with a sunset show mixed with pyrotechnics to end another safe airshow.
We would like to thanks Monica Fourie, Naranda Leeuwener and the rest of Kishugu for taking the time to keep the media up to date with the show months before. Also big thank you to StayEasy Emnotweni, Nelspruit for the wonderful accommodation!
Till next year, Thanks Nelspruit for the support!
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
New date set for SAAF Museum Airshow 2019
The South African Airforce Museum Airshow is set to take place at Airforce Base Swartkop in Pretoria on Saturday 7th September 2019.The Officer commanding of AFB Swartkop confirmed with Aviation Central the official date has been set for the 7th September and NOT the 31 August 2019.
We look forward to working with the SAAF and the Museum as we get ready for another successful airshow that will once again take place over Pretoria skies.
Keep an eye out on our social media pages for more information on the upcoming Airshow.
Also read
Excitement building for the SAAF Museum Airshow
Mercedes Day-Brakpan Airfield
A different type of fraternity, The Mercedes Benz club of South Africa, get together every year with the last event taking place at Brakpan Airfield. The same venue under the Brakpan Aero Club Members including organiser Hilton Wolff and many other role players put together a day which many visitors of the day wont forget for years to come.
The history of Mercedes-Benz in South Africa by far outstretches the history of the marque’s club here. Although the enthusiasm, interest and involvement of “fans” of the marque throughout its history, this cannot be denied and underplayed, it was not until the late 1970’s that this was harnessed and organised into the beginnings of the Mercedes-Benz Club.
The purpose of the day, was to give members of the club, a taste of flight in small aircraft, and not just any aircraft but some unique and modern flying machines. With vintage era up to the modern Mercedes vehicles parked in the vicinity of the club house, both aircraft and car enthusiasts were in their element.
Grant Timms flew in a Rand Airport based Harvard ‘7526’ which belongs to John Wright, the aircraft was a major draw card as its not to often to see a Harvard at Brakpan Airfield. It made a excellent photo opportunity as some Mercedes Benz photo bombed the aircraft.
Very well known helicopter pilots at Brakpan airfield Rob Osner and Charles Fuller flew both an Alouette II and III. Nothing like flying in ex air force helicopters and flying over the once rich mining areas of the east rand of Johannesburg.
Other aircraft that gave flips, namely the Cessna Grand Caravan flown by Frederick Kotzee, Dornier Do 27 flown by Rodney Benn,An2 ‘Little Annie’ flown by Jon-Marc Hill. A Piaggio Albatross,Cessna 210 and many more!
At non airshow type events its always crucial to have safety as your main priority, Both Colonel Keith Fryer and Colonel Keith Andrews from the South African Airforce kept all flights as well as the ramp safe and running smoothly during the course of the day.
The Brakpan Aero Club welcomed guests with muffins and coffee and provided boerewors rolls and Hamburgers for the rest. Local flight schools and Mercedes Benz dealership also provided excellent offerings of their latest deals on both pilots licences and car purchase deals.
Well done Hilton Wolff and the Mercedes Benz Club Members as well as all the pilots and ground crew who made the event possible and safe. We look forward to the 2020 edition of the event.
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
SAAF Museum Flying Day 2019-05-04
Pretoria residents once again got woken up to the sounds of some of the South African Airforce Museum aircraft as they took to the skies above Air Force Base Swartkop ,Valhala Pretoria this past Saturday.
These flying days take place every first Saturday of the month to get pilots current on aircraft and test fly some aircraft, and the same time giving the public an opportunity to visit the SAAF Museum.
The flying day as always starts with a parachute jump with members of the Golden Eagles Parachute display team and other military parachute members. They did two jumps during the course of the day. Their jump ships were both a C4M Kudu and Aerospatiale Puma.
The rest of the fixed wing aircraft took the skies, with the Museum Harvard’s, followed by the one of two airworthy Bosboks and Cessna 185s.The Puma flown by General John Church, displayed the helicopters hoisting capabilities.
Warm referments were made available at the Windsock Café as well as from the Friends of the Museum Boerewors stand. The Spitfire restoration fund committee were guarded by the former 2 Squadron Cheetah C ‘Spotty’ in one of the exhibit Hangers.
We look forward to the next flying day, with a date to be confirmed soon as well as the Airshows new date. Till then keep them up where they belong.
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
