Category Archives: General News and Airshow Reviews
Lindbergh Lodge Fly-in 2018
Lindbergh Lodge Fly-in 2018
Friday 19th October 6 aircraft, five From Eagle’s Creek and one from Rand airport flew to Lindbergh lodge for the Flyin weekend 19 to 21 October. Aircraft that flew in ZU-FRX – SLING 2, ZU-LSA – Sportcruiser, ZA-IJL- Beech K35 V-tail Bonanza, ZU-FWB – Vans RV-10, ZS-KWN – Mooney M20J 20, ZS-KWN – Piper PA-28RT-201T
Diana Lindbergh, 3rd generation owner, decided to host the Flyin in Memory of her Dad that used to fly from to lodge all over, mainly to Lanseria where he had his little VW Beetle parked to do business in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The 5 pilots and family that flew in the Friday spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool, then off to the Lapa for sunset drinks. Afterward we were treated to a fantastic dinner in a real old-fashioned English dining room, after some good chats, laughter and fun we all headed out to our rooms just before 11pm.
Saturday morning, we were joined by the last arrival and we had a lekker breakfast. This was followed by a short 2.8km walk into the bush and some drinks after the long walk followed by Lunch. Once again, all relaxed at the pool while we went for a game drive and surprisingly we got lost. After about two hours we got back to the lodge. Spend a short time with the others at the pool. About an hour before sunset we walked off to the Lapa again for sunset drinks, bonfire and a lekker braai. Tbone, Wors, Pap & sauce and salads followed by malva pudding.
Sunday was up early, Lekker breakfast and the aircraft departed and landed safely at Eagle’s Creek and Rand airport. We stated a while longer and went for another game drive with Doolie Lindberg.
We left Lindberg lodge at about 14:40 and drove back home.
The Lodge was inactive for some time and now Doolie decided to go full out and get Getaway weekends going. Doolie is committed into smoothing out the Runway and sort out a few other minor issues. I must say Lindbergh lodge is a fantastic venue and hope to see more small aviation related events. The next Aviation event is a Skydive event in January 2019. Aviation Central will attend the event.
AAD2018 closes off in a spectacular fashion
AAD2018 closes off in a spectacular fashion
The 10th edition of Africa’s premier exhibition of air, land and sea technologies, held 19th-23rd September 2018 – ended on high note with a spectacular showcasing of air-acrobatics gracing the Tshwane skies. The 2018 version of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) brought together African and global business leaders and high-ranking military delegations for weeklong engagements and robust discussions on a myriad of topics, notable cyber security and the global contribution to peacekeeping efforts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa certainly signaled his support not only for the event as such, but also for an outreach to our neighbours and captains of the industry around the world and for expanding relationships with them, as AAD was his inaugural opening as the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force.
In keeping with this year’s theme of “Unlocking Africa’s aerospace and defence potential”, AAD2018 presented business opportunities on a continental and global front. “The African Aerospace and Defence exhibition offer a massive opportunity for all present to identify areas of synergy and convert them into joint ventures,” the President said.
The exhibition played host to 415 exhibitors from 40 countries, as well as 71 official delegations and attracted over 32000 trade visitors on the three trade days. On the two open days over the long weekend, no less than 55 000 members of the public passed through the gates. This attendance is an example of the growth of the exhibition despite the hard-economic times being faced in South Africa and globally.
Several highlights were witnessed this year and included amongst others:
The Paramount Group’s announcement of the establishment of Paramount South Africa, a transformed Black-Owned Enterprise constituted to provide the future capability requirements of South Africa’s defence, police, border and peacekeeping forces.
Denel showcased its RG41 8×8 armoured, fitted with a 30 mm modular combat turret. The RG41 is a new generation wheeled armoured combat vehicle and a cost-effective solution for clients who require a combination of high mobility, protection and fire power.
Airbus fixed the spotlight on its South African industrial partnerships, alongside its product portfolio.
Some of the returning exhibitors who notably intensified their participation included MILKOR, a South African defence company, which develops and supplies a wide range of defence and security products.
East Africa was also well represented by SAFAT, a division of the military industry corporation MIC- Sudan who exhibited for the second time, showcasing 122 products including static aircraft and their latest technology in Smart Air Surface Pumps guided by GPS known as precision guided bombs (BK-3).
The Airforce of Zimbabwe K-8 Karakorum light attack fighter aircraft was also flown with a support CASA 212 on static display. Squadron 2 was well represented at the show once again as audiences were able to see six Gripens in formation, two Gripens in the mini-war and a solo gripen display flown by Major Geoffrey ‘Spartan’ Cooper and a 2v1 combat routine.
Keeping with tradition, AAD2018 also enabled the unlocking of the potential of South Africa’s youth. AAD’s youth development programme (YDP) ensured that thousands of school learners got exposed to the aerospace and defence technologies on display. They had the opportunity not only to engage with exhibitors, but also to explore career possibilities in the high-technology industry and military environment.
As Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said: “Since much of the world has already entered the fourth industrial revolution with its nano-technology and artificial intelligence (AI), South Africans should be part of it.”
CAASA, the commercial aviation association of South Africa, was the lead partner for AAD2018. At the close of the exhibition, the baton was handed over to AMD: The South African Aerospace Maritime and Defence Association.
President Ramaphosa observed that AAD is a national asset that has value for many departments and agencies of government and pledged the highest office’s support to this expo as it brings together the largest gathering of the aerospace and defence industry players and buyers.
‘AAD lives by the mandate of showcasing high technologies for the benefit of South Africa, its neighbours and the world at large and so we wish to thank all our exhibitors and sponsors for their contribution to another successful edition. We look forward to welcoming them all back in 2020 on 16 to 20 September” said Leon Dillman, CEO of CAASA in conclusion.
AAD2018 IN NUMBERS:
Number of Exhibitors: 415
Countries Exhibiting: 40
Country Pavilions: 15
Indoor Exhibition: 12687
Outdoor Exhibition: 17409
Aircraft Static: 128
Hospitality Chalets: 40
Public Day: 55063
Trade Visitors: 32538
Countries as visitors: 102
Official Delegation: 71
Media: 287
Secunda Spring Festival 2018
Secunda Spring Festival 2018
By Charmaine Oliver
The weekend of 5 – 6 October was the end of the annual Secunda Spring Festival.
It was celebrated by Scully and his team with a brilliant display in the Pitt’s Flying Cows.
As usual Secunda did not disappoint with the magical sunset and you could feel the festivity in the air.
On Saturday there was a total of 23 aircraft that participated in the Speed Rally hosted by Secunda Flying Club and SAPFA. A well organised event and the first of its kind. It was enjoyed by skilled pilots and navigators. Herewith are a few photos of the event.
Race results
1st Race no 15 ZS-CNY Cessna 210 Phil Wakeley & Mary de Klerk
2nd Race no 1 ZU-CXK Yakolev YAK-52 Jonty Esser Jonathan Esser
3rd Race no 8 ZU-IHH Van’s Aircraft RV-7A Johannes Jurie & Cor Esterhuizen
4th Race no 14 ZU-FHZ Van’s Aircraft RV-6A Thys vd Merwe & Bernard Jansen
5th Race no 2 ZU-FBJ Evektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar Plus Leon Bouttell & Martin Meyer
Shortest route Winner
Race 4 ZS-SOK Cessna 210A Richard van der Heijden & David Bartholomew
Click to enlarge photos
Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow 2018
Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow 2018
The 10th edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence trade and airshow has come and gone, what was definitely the most exciting show we all looked forward to panned out to be a great success once again. The event took place over the 19th-23 September 2018 at Air force Base Waterkloof, Centurion, City of Tshwane.
Static Park
The apron was full of aircraft and most of the hangers were full of all different companies showing off their technology to the world. The crowds were kept busy with all the walking through the halls and interacting with aircraft and pilots.
Crowds flocked to the gates around the base from the 22-23 September to get the best seat along the crowd line,this to insure they don’t miss any part of the exiting program Colonel Keith Fryer(flight director) and Keith Andrews and their team put together to excite and show off air capabilities of the South African Airforce (SAAF). The Saturday show started off with the Sound of Freedom, that been the sound of jets, six Gripens from 2 Squadron and 3 Hawks from 85 Combat Flying School took to the skies and put a formation flypast over the crowds.What a way to start a airshow!
With Airforce Base Swartkop down the road from Airforce Base Waterkloof, Swartkop was used as a second base for aircraft including the new microlight display team known as the Misasa Aerial Display-MAD Team. The team is made up of Adrienne Visser as lead, Pieter Kriel at the number two, Gary Heyenreich at number three, Gavin Van Der Berg at four and number five Marius Nel. It was great to see a microlight display team after the absence at airshows for some years now,we hope to see them on the regular airshow circuit in the future. There was a Airplane Factory Sling 4 and a Raven 500 formation Flypast.A mass Bathawk display was put on show, and is shown why its a great aircraft for Anti-Poaching missions.A light sky jeep was also thrown into the formation as well as the wagtail gyrocopter, all aircraft not shy to the African bush!
Raven 500
Wagtail
Capital Sounds once again had their ever hard working team at the event and this has to be the longest line of speakers that Capital has at a airshow in South Africa. Brian Emmenis and Leon Du Plessis informed the crowd of each aircraft taking to the skies and brought a lot of the airshow vibe to Waterkloof.
Capital Sounds
Lieutenant colonel Craig “Shark” Lesson once again did 85 Combat Flying School proud,as he put the Hawk Mk120 through its paces.The Officer Commanding 85 Combat Flying School displayed both one of the Flag Hawks’271′ and one of the grey aircraft during the course of AAD2018.Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his Nashua Extra 300 and Neville Ferriria flew his Slick 540 with a combined aerobatic sequence with high energy aerobatics and low knife edge passes so the crowd could capture the sleek lines on both aircraft. Neville Ferreria had just returned from Hungry where he is flying the Geneavation Aerobatic aircraft for the country. He is surely doing South Africa proud!
Hawk MK120 ‘Vlaggie’
Hawk MK120 ‘262’
Andrew Blackwood Murray Extra 300
Slick 540 Neville Ferreira
Paramount Groups AHRLAC aircraft did some tight formation flying and was defiantly a way to show it off to the worlds market of defence. Staying with the locally manufactured aircraft the 16 Squadron Rooivalk was put through its paces in the UN white livery by Major Paul ‘Raccoon’ Kempthorn, at the end of his display he released a large amount of flares,a great end to a display!
Paramount Group AHRLACs
Paramount Group AHRLACs
16 Squadron Rooivalk
16 Squadron Rooivalk
The Rand Airport based Puma Flying Lions Harvards and Taillifts Cows Pitts Specials flew their usual display infront of the 45 000+ crowds.The SAAF Museum and Harvard Club Harvards and a single Douglas DC4 did a couple of formation Flypasts over the crowd and brought back many memory’s of the former SAAF trainer before the Harvard was replaced by the Pilatus PC7MKII. The DC4 then went onto doing a solo display flown by Captain Bill Good.
Puma Flying Lions Harvards
Taillifts Cows Aerobatic Pitts Team
Mass Radial Display
Harvard Club
Harvard Club
Douglas DC4
Douglas DC4
The cockpit ambassadors of the South African Airforce The Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team 82,put on a great display led by Major Omphile Matloane who received his Golden Wings a couple of days before the start of AAD2018.Lt Colonel Glen Wraden flew the Aero L29 from AFB Swartkop, The Airforce of Zimbabwe K8 was also flown with a support CASA 212 on static display.
Silver Falcons
Silver Falcons PC7MKIIs
Falcon 5 Sivu Tangana
L29
L29
K8
K8
There were two mini-wars on the day of the show,both from the SAAF Museum and from the current SAAF inventory of aircraft.A vast amount of pyrotechnics and armored vehicles were used during the show.
SAAF Museum Bosbok and Cessna C185
Ratels
Oryx Helicopters
Top Cover Rooivalk and Hawks
Ivan van Der Schaar and Jon-Marc Hill, Juba Jourbet flew the Bi-plane formation that being a Boeing Stearman and Antonov 2 ‘Little Annie’.Later in the day Little Annie escorted by the Stearman dropped a large amount of Manhattan Marshmellows for the crowds.
AN2 and Boeing Stearman
AN2 ‘Little Annie’
AN2 marshmallow drop
2 Squadron was well represented at the show once again,we were able to see six Gripens in formation,two Gripens in the mini-war and a solo gripen display flown by Major Geoffrey ‘Spartan’ Cooper and a 2v1 combat routine.
2 Squadron Gripens
Gripen JAS39D flown by ‘Midnite’ and ‘Bluebird’
Gripens being flown by ‘Cipher’ and ‘Doberman’
28 Squadron was busy during the mini-war delivering troops into the simulated battle-zone, Lt Col Clint Hawtrey also gave one of the best C130BZ displays to date. What a display it was to witness!
C130BZ
C130BZ dropping flares
C130BZ during the mini-war
A huge of congrats must go to the organisers of AAD2018
Florence Musengi-AAD Chairperson
Simphiwe Hamilton-Excutive Director
Leon Dillman-CEO CAASA
Leona Redelinghuys-Exhibition Director
Marketing and Public Relations-Nakedi Phasha
Youth Development Program-Kholisile Khumalo
General Fabian Zimpande “Zakes” Msimang-Chief of the South African Airforce
The 11th Edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence, AAD2020, will take place 16 – 20 September 2020. 2020 SAAF and the Aero Club of South Africa will be celebrating their centenary birthdays and this creating lots of expectations among young and old to see a Super Show. All we can do is wait and see what they deliver and how many Countries except the invite to join South Africa on this centenary celebrations.
Click to enlarge photos below
Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow programme
Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow programme
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AAD2018 Day 2
AAD2018 Day 2
Thursday day two of AAD2018,saw a bigger influx of trade visitors then day one of the event,the media were kept busy with a number of briefings and different subjects to photograph and report on.Much of the morning,we spent going through each of the halls and seeing the different defence industry’s showing off their products to the world.
A visit to the western side of the base,we had the opportunity to capture pilots and ground crew as they made their way to aircraft for the validation flights for the weekends Airshow.Most impressive capture today was six Gripens on the apron. A sight you don’t see to often at South African Airshows.The rest of the validations were spot on and some great pictures and airmanship was seen!
Rostec suggests using automobile leasing scheme to renew Russian helicopter fleet
The Russian fleet of civilian helicopters numbers about 1,800 helicopters, over 60–70% of which have been operated for 25 years and longer. Most of those helicopters were put into operation as early as at the beginning of the post-soviet period, and a considerable part of the aircraft was purchased by air carriers in early 1990s. According to the aircraft register, the Russian fleet mostly consists of Mi-8 helicopters. Due to the long-standing need to replace a part of the Russian helicopter fleet, Rostec suggests measures that would facilitate purchase of new aircraft for air carriers.
“We are expecting that renewal of the helicopter fleet will be supported by the state program to facilitate purchase of new aircraft for air carriers, similar to the one implemented in the auto industry,” said Director of the Aviation Cluster of Rostec Anatoly Serdyukov. “A take-back program can be developed, and a leasing scheme may be used. For instance, an old helicopter will be taken in as the first payment, and an air carrier will receive a new helicopter in return.”
Canon AAD2018 to Aviation Photography
We joined the Canon team at the Royal Elephant Hotel & Conference Centre near AFB Swartkop, Pretoria. This workshop included the way of Aviation Photography with Justin de Reuck, South Africa’s top Aviation Photographer. The workshop was well attended and we as a team learnt so much and can improve our skills to Aviation Photography. Thanks to Canon and Abri Kriegler
Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates on the final trade day tomorrow!
AAD2018 Day 1
AAD2018 Day 1
The Africa Aerospace and Defence day one of the trade day finally arrived, visitors from across the world have made their way to Africa’s largest trade and airshow in South Africa. This is the 10th annual AAD trade and Airshow taking place of its kind.
The official opening of the event took place near the movements terminal building at AFB Waterkloof, where President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed invited guests and media.
He mentioned “In support of the industry, he outlined the many initiatives to maximise the value of the defence industry, notably the Defence Industry Strategy developed by the National Defence Industry Council, a Defence Sector Charter developed to open space for private participation by small and medium black enterprises and a defence industry fund that was launched in June this year as a funding mechanism for industry.”
Aircraft arrivals continued from Gripen to Hawk and SAAF Helicopters. The cockpit ambassadors of the South African Air Force, The Silver Falcons were busy throughout the day from a 9ship flypast of PC7MKIIs and a validation of their display. The Airforce of Zimbabwe K8 also flew its validation display during the course of the day.
2 Squadron Gripen
2 Squadron Gripen
2 Squadron Gripens
Silver Falcons
85 Combat Flying School Hawk MK120s
16 Squadron Rooivalk
Airbus H125
We look forward to tomorrow, keep a look out on our Facebook page for updates.
Air Power Capability Demonstration 2018
Air Power Capability demonstration 2018
One of the more exciting events the SAAF invites media and VIP guests to is the Air Power Capability demonstration, this year the event was in conjunction with the Africa Aerospace and Defence show which is currently been held at Airforce Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.The purpose of the exercise is to invigorate the SAAF’s combat readiness and its role in peace support operations.
Media and guests were once again flown up to Polokwane Gateway International Airport before been transported by bus to the Roodewal Bombing Range around 40 minutes drive from Polokwane.On a arrival SAAF Fire and Rescue Services had already been fighting ranging fires in the area as well as some Oryx helicopters who were working hard with the assist of the choppers capabilities of using a “babi’ bucket to put the fires out.
A safety briefing was followed by the Chief of the South African Airforce General Fabian Zimpande “Zakes” Msimang and other military personnel,the demo started off with pathfinders who excited an Oryx Helicopter and landed in the simulated battle zone.A recce run was then carried out by a Gripen and Hawk,the Gripen continued to orbit before exciting the battle area.Two Oryx Helicopters then came in for a water drop again assisted with their bambi bucket.
Path finders exciting the Oryx
Pathfinders
Hawk and Gripen Recce run
2 Squadron JAS39C Gripen
Two Oryx Helicopters with Bambi Buckets
The sound of thunder was then echoing the skies of Roodewal with a mock dog fight between a enemy hawk and two friendly Gripens. The fighters then joined up for a friendly flypast. A single C130BZ and a CASA 212 performed a cargo drop before the return of the helicopters followed by a single A109LUH and a BK117 landed in the battle zone bringing in the first of the troops. At the same time two 16 Squadron Rooivalks provided top cover.It was unfortunately not long after that a Oryx had a hard landing resulting to the end of the exercise.The crew and troops were lucky to have light injuries from the landing.
Gripen and Hawk Formation
C130BZ Cargo drop
Agusta A109LUH
15 Squadron ‘C’ Flight BK117
16 Squadron Rooivalk
Oryx Helicopter
“The crash landing happened in front of invited guests, foreign diplomats and the media. As the aircraft hit the ground part of the tail rotor and wheel collapsed. When the helicopter came to a stop quick thinking by the crew saw the engines cut,” he said.
Colonel Eugene Motati of SAAF Corporate Communication said: “The unfortunate incident occurred and as you all know details are not clear. We can confirm the pilot was Lieutenant Colonel King, we are thankful there were no fatalities or major injuries, just a minor ankle injury to one person. You witnessed this occurrence during the trooping manoeuvre, at the moment we do not suspect mechanical failure and we don’t want to speculate further. We hope the board of enquiry will give more details and the cause of the accident.
“I want to emphasise we are happy with the reaction of the aircrew controlling the aircraft without any further damage. It could have been worse if not correctly handled. So we are proud of the performance of our airmen, they displayed excellent airmanship in that space of time, because it happened so quickly.“The crew and troops were able to extract safely from the aircraft.”
The event ended by a c130BZ dropping flares and a single Gripen passing overhead the guests going into a vertical at the same time dropping flares.A quick supper and we were off back to Polokwane and a 40 minutes flight back to Waterkloof.
C130BZ Flare drop
2 Squadron Gripen
Official Opening of AAD 2018
Official Opening of AAD 2018
The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) is Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo that combines both a trade exhibition and an air show. Held biennially in the City of Tshwane – South Africa’s administrative capital, the AAD Expo is one of South Africa’s largest contributors to the country’s GDP in show years, and is regarded as a national asset.
This show dates back to when DEXSA 1975 ,The Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) Expo was born from the Aerospace Africa civilian exhibition that originates from the 1975 Lanseria Air Show and the DEXSA military exhibition.
The first in the series of aviation exhibitions titled “Aviation Africa.”
The show was opened by a 21 gun salute and a flypast by three Agusta A109LUH,the president Cyril Ramaphosa then addressed the crowd with the following:
Agusta A109LUH flag flypast
Agusta A109LUHs
“South Africa views the role of the military in the modern context as a developmental force, both nationally and continentally”, this is the view from President Cyril Ramaphosa in his opening address of the 10th Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition, taking place from 19 to 23 September at the Waterkloof air force base in Pretoria.
President Cyril Ramaphosa
According to the President, the show brings defence agencies and defence industries together in reflections on the evolution of security – and how they must each adapt to the requirements of the future.
“Improved security attracts investment, encourages growth and promotes development. In support of continental economic development, the SANDF forms part of the continental military intervention capability, in the form of regional intervention forces, as well as the centralised capability under direct control of the African Union. He argued that the South African National Defence Force ought to involve itself, with African partners, in peace missions to improve security in strife-torn regions. These intervention capabilities can reduce the risk of major interstate conflict and civil war.”
“From a national perspective, the development role of our defence force implies involvement in border safeguarding, adding that South Africa’s border safeguarding operation, Corona, also focuses on preventing the illegal exploitation of national resources.”
As far as internal security is concerned, the defence force must always be ready to provide additional capacity to maintain order and stability within the relevant governance framework.
“A defence force that is a developmental unlocks substantial peace dividends for states and effectively reduces the investment required in defence over time.”
Whilst the government continues to prioritise socio-economic objectives that provide the best possible future for the youth, he was adamant that the economy is under pressure pointedly saying the means available in the fiscus are finite.
The President acknowledged that the South African National Defence Force was adapting to this economic reality.In this regard, the SANDF was prioritising within the implementation of the Defence Review by focusing on the core roles of the defence force. He said several ideas were being explored to modernise the funding model of defence and reduce its dependency on the fiscus. Still, for both security and developmental reasons, South Africa was looking after its defence industry.
“It is a national asset that has value for many departments and agencies of government,” he said. “It innovates products for the greater economy, such as systems that improve the safety of railway lines or improve the efficiency of shark nets. The common TV decoder in widespread use in South Africa is based on the intellectual property from a military technology project.”
The President noted the industry’s role as an important employer and an incubator of scarce skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Some of our aircraft-related businesses are expanding in a highly competitive environment as suppliers to the biggest players in the global aircraft industry.” The industry is a steady earner of foreign exchange by delivering to the world leading products such as the Husky vehicle for detecting explosives and improvised explosive devices.”
In support of the industry, he outlined the many initiatives to maximise the value of the defence industry, notably the Defence Industry Strategy developed by the National Defence Industry Council, a Defence Sector Charter developed to open space for private participation by small and medium black enterprises and a defence industry fund that was launched in June this year as a funding mechanism for industry.
Government intends to support the industry to become export-driven on the back of international investment, by having a policy stance favouring international joint ventures with local industry. He noted defence industry investment destination, South Africa combines many unique factors.
Local industry still tends to own the full supply chain necessary for conceptualising and manufacturing their end product. Unlike many international ventures, defence production in South Africa does not imply multinational interdependency.
In terms of intellectual property, South Africa is one of less than ten countries that can manufacture missiles of a certain level of sophistication. He used this as an example, saying the development of intellectual property into technology demonstrators is very cost-effective due to the exchange rate between the rand and the major international currencies.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and General Solly Shoke Chief of the SANDF
“Many nations, from different parts of the world, have recently expressed interest in becoming involved in joint ventures with our industry. The African Aerospace and Defence exhibition offers a massive opportunity for all present to identify areas of synergy and convert them into joint ventures.”
The President concluded by saying that South Africa is interested in leveraging intellectual property into tangible products and export contracts. “We assume that the interest of our visitors here is a good return on investment and we are confident that it can be achieved.”
A flypast from nine PC7MKIIs from the Central Flying School concluded the ceremony.
Nine PC7MKIIs from Central Flying School Langebaanweg
Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential at AAD2018
Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential at AAD2018
The annual Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade and Airshow is finally on our doorstep and been held at once again at Airforce Base Waterkloof in Pretoria, South Africa. The event is the only trade exhibition and combined international airshow on the African continent, this marks the 10th AAD exhibition taking place at AFB Waterkloof. The trade show is always an exciting event on the calendar and takes place every second year, the amount of planning and organising really shows the amount each and every role player in the AAD Committee does pay off.
The Hon Ms NN Mapisa-Nqakula
The official media breakfast started off with a address by the minister of defence and military veterans, The Hon Ms NN Mapisa-Nqakula,who welcomed all and present at the briefing.
During the time President Nelson Mandela was the commander in chief, the South African National defence force played a major role during his term in office. When our late president passed away during December 2013,A 28 Squadron C130 flew the coffin of “Madiba” to his home in the Eastern Cape. The final flypast of the C130BZ flanked by two 2 Squadron Gripens over head AFB Waterkloof, the ones who witnessed it will be a formation never to be forgotten over the skies of Pretoria.
“This year the 10th AAD Exhibition takes place against the backdrop of our nation commemorating the centenary of the birth of President Nelson Mandela and Mama Sisulu. We remember them fondly: for their great contribution towards the democracy we are sharing in this country and for bringing our people together in peace. For this reason, we have renamed the Hanger one, which is popular as government precinct the “Madiba Hangar”. We invite you all to visit this hangar and join us and the rest of the country in remembering the first commander in chief of the South African National Defence Force.”
The Minister also mentioned that this show is critical as it is the only show of its kind in Africa, all forms of networking, sharing and exposing todays technology is vital. Developing the youth, which AAD Youth Development program will be taking place during all 5 days of the show. Showing off strategic capabilities in all forms of the defence industry. This show contributes to the value of society, Members of the AAD Committee also mentioned a economic impact analysis will be conducted after the show is completed. We look forward to AAD2018,let the trade and airshow begin!