Category Archives: General News and Airshow Reviews
SAAF Museum Flying Day 2018-07-07
The first weekend of July, The SAAF museum hosted their annual monthly flying day at Airforce Base Swartkop in Pretoria. Probably one of the colder flying days we have attended and a good X-wind blowing across the field many of the Museum fixed wing aircraft were using the Grass runway towards the Snake Valley side of the base.
Harvard Club
Visitors from all over came to support the museum, as a small donation upon entry into Swartkop that’s goes to maintaining the Museums aircraft fleet and restoring future projects. The Windsock was busy with their filling breakfast, lunches and a piece of memorabilia for purchase to take home.
These flying days also give the public and opportunity to visit the Hangars and get up close and personal with past aircraft and the history of the South African Airforce. Its also a chance for volunteers to help rebuild or donate to the Museums Spitfire restoration and getting involved with the friends of the museum. And for the adrenaline junkie, one can go fly in a Harvard at a reasonable price at the Harvard Club of South Africa.
Museum Harvard
The SAAF Fire and Rescue crew opened the proceedings with a runway inspection, before the Atlas C.4M Kudu got airborne with the Golden Eagles Parachute Team. Most of the Museum Harvard’s and the odd Harvard Club machines took off and completed a series of currency flights and flips for the day. The Museum Choppers like the Alouette II and lonesome Puma were out and about also busy with currency flights and flipping.
SAAF Firetruck
Atlas Kudu
Museum Alouette II
A former workhorse of 44 Squadron the Cessna 185 also took to the skies and was joined by the Museums second C185 former 42 squadron bird. Most of the Museum Flying Exhibits should be seen at AAD2018 later this year. The closer we get to the 19-23 September 2018 we will see more flying from the Museum Flying days to come.
Cessna 185
Well done to the hard working ground crew keeping the museum aircraft in flying status, also giving up their Saturday to be on standby at the Museum. We look forward to the next flying day in the first week of August. Till then…..
“Keep them up where they belong”
Border Aviation Open Day 2018
Border Aviation Open Day 2018
By Bradley Rutters
My name is Bradley Rutters and I am a aviation photographer in the Eastern Cape. This past weekend (the 30th of June) there was a aviation open day held by Border Aviation Club and Flight School at Wings Park. Not only were there a few Border Aviation aircraft on display, but there was also a Fly – Inn held on the same day and altogether there were around 32 fixed wing aircraft and 2 helicopters. It was amazing to see the variety of aircraft that were on display, ranging from a Jabiru to a Sling 2. Seeing as though I’m a member of Border Aviation Club I did my duty and I worked from 8:30-11:00 where I helped load passengers for the family flights hosted by Border Aviation. This was an incredibly fun event, and I really enjoyed taking the photo’s there.
Click to enlarge photos below
Race for Rhinos 2018
Race for Rhinos 2018
The 2018 edition of Race for Rhinos finally arrived for all the eager competitors taking to the skies of Sua Pan in Botswana from the 28th June -1 July.The Sua Pan or Sowa Pan is a large natural topographic depression within the Makgadikgadi region of Botswana. It is located near the village of Sowa, whose name means salt in the language of the San.The Race for Rhinos in now in its forth year running and this year was the biggest amount of aircraft taking part in the race, a new world record.
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The vision for the race came from veteran pilot Chris Briers who has planned all four races to date, with the help of the Botswana government ,Botswana Tourism and the Botswana environmental Department.This is all to help stop the poaching of Africa’s most majestic animal the Rhinoceros . These animals are being poached on a daily rate and need to be protected before they’re are extinct.
Air racing is a highly specialised type of motorsport that involves aircraft or other types of aircraft that compete over a fixed course, with the winner either returning the shortest time, the one to complete it with the most points, or to come closest to a previously estimated time.
After arriving from Wonderboom National Airport in Pretoria on the Thursday before day1 of the Race. We were greeted by all of the known faces in the Southern African Region of the aviation community,while many aircraft were still arriving over head the pans above us. We had a fun-filled flight from Pretoria to Pilanesberg to clear customs and from their on to Sua Pan on ‘Little Annie’ An2 piloted by Jon-Marc and Mark Hill.We were allocated to our accommodation in comfortable tents that were placed up before arrival. Each day our tents were cleaned, beds made and all our valuables all in one place!
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The oldest aircraft in the race was the Navion, 1046, race 38
A few of the rarest aircraft; Race 14 a Rockwell’s Collins 112, first time in the Race for Rhinos, possibly early 70s model, a Rockwell Collins 114 Race 105 first time racing in the Race for Rhinos, and very rare to have both a 114 and a 112. Another rare aircraft was Race 40, the Dornier DO 27, also a first time at Race for Rhinos, the Harvard also rare as well as Little Annie
Biggest air race to date was in Bloemfontein in central South Africa with 111 entries, The 2018 Race for Rhinos is 117 entries.
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The huge marquee that was put up just in front of Race Headquarters where Brian Emmenis and his team were Broadcasting from and was our daily alarm clock playing music from 6am in the morning to get the competitors up and amped for the day ahead.At the Marquee we were served three meals a day,obviously that being breakfast,lunch and supper.The bar area was also placed there where we could enjoy many of the sunsets on shores of the pan and the evenings entertainments from various musicians. Most of the competitors were busy with their plotting’s and race briefings before everyone made route for the tents quite early before the start of day one of Thursday evening.
Day 1- Friday 2018-06-29
With our daily alarm clock getting us up nice and early thanks to Capital Sounds, we headed off to freshen up in the portable showers, straight after that to the filling breakfasts and Cappuccinos on tap to get all competitor’s ready for day 1 of the race. Pilots and Navigators then made their way to their aircraft while the Bathawk and Bantam took off for the Telstar mission to communicate with Race authorities if their had to be a emergency from one of the competing aircraft along the route. Chris Briers took media up in the Agusta A119 to get some aerial shots of different competitors. The chopper was donated 20 hours of flying during the race days.
The Kingdom of Sua Pan had its own non-radio station from Capital Sounds, filling us in with any information for the days proceedings with most of the base having sound equipment reaching far and wide into the distance. To make sure no one couldn’t miss out what was taking place. The team comprised of Brian Emmenis, Leon Du Plessis, Rodger Coetzee, Ricky Fouche, Eric Nkomo.
At 10am saw the first takeoff from race 74, a Aerostar/Piper 600A ZS-PCV flown by JZ Moolman and his navigator Jannie Moolman of the 114 competitors with ex President of Botswana Ian Khama waving the Botswana National flag of the start of go time!
Just after mid day the first of the aircraft made their way back to base,once landed and checked back in at Race HQ,Then treated to lunch and competitors getting ready for day 2.We were then treated to some fantastic flying displays from a T6 Harvard flown by Dion Raath, Extra 330 flown by Nigel Hopkins who also led Team Extreme with Jason beamish in the Rv7,Mark Hensman in the RV8 and Mark Sampson in the Sbach XA41.Neville Ferreira flew a great show in his Kitty Hawk based Slick 540,The Raptors RVs were the up next in their tight formation flying and then joined up with other Rv owners in a mass RV formation that has not been seen before in Southern Africa,with a total of 12 RVs in one formation. What a sight it was!
Raptors Rvs
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Team Extreme
Dinner was served and a short race briefing was presented and some of the daily loggers were shown. Day 2 was slowly upon us.
Top 40-Day 1
Day 2- Saturday 2018-06-30
The day once again with our daily alarm clock, shower Breakfast and go time. Day 2 saw all the slowest aircraft getting off the ground first and the route being more difficult then the day before. The flag was waved and the first aircraft was off the ground, that being Race 108 a Piper PA-22 ZS-CET flown by Pilot Richard Fair and Navigator Timothy Fair. At lunch time all the aircraft arrived back and a sight it was to behold seeing many aircraft arriving back at the same time. Not long after that the Puma Flying Lions Harvard’s arrived from Rand Airport. The first four aircraft arrived back and the long wait for who was the winner of this years Race for Rhinos. The late evening airshow took place as like the day before plus the Puma Flying Lions doing their display plus water skiing on the water in front of the marquee was unbelievable, something we don’t see everyday.
The evening saw a dress up of the early fifties of pilots and crew, where some of the beautiful ladies dressed up like cabin crew and some of the men taking the part of early fighter pilots.The Minister of Environment, Conservation, Natural Resources and Tourism Affairs Mr. T.S Khama greeted the competitors of the final results and presented why everyone has to work together to protect Botswana’s wildlife and still keep the country as a tourist attraction for many. He also addressed many with a joke or two, not many ministers one can interact with without having body guards swarming the place!
Mr. H.T Khama
Stephan Fourie nd Derek Bird in Race 99 finished in 3rd place.
Richard and Timothy Fair took 2nd place in race 108.
Overall winners in race 25,Michiel and Greylingh Jansen.
Race 25 at turn point two
Race 25
CENTURY AVIONICS TROPHY Best handicap Performance on day 1
THE RACE FOR RHINOS TROPHY To the aircraft and crew placed first overall
ZU-NKC
KLN / Aveko sr VL-3, 100HP, 3-bl CS, N
Handicap speed: 134.79
Michiel Jansen and Greyling Jansen
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Chris Briers was up next to thank all that took place and made the forth Race for Rhinos take place without any incidents involved, he thanked the Government of Botswana for all their hard work and finance’s put into the race, without them tis race would not be taking place. We would like to thank Chris Briers and the Botswana Government for hosting the media and to Mark Mansfield for organising everything for Aviation Central from all the updates and making sure we were taken good of. We were then treated to again some of the various musicians and Diner .The next day we set sail back to South Africa in ‘Little Annie’ flown by Father and son Jon-marc and Mark Hill. We thank them for getting us to and from Sua pan safe and sound.
We look forward to the 2019 Race as every year gets bigger and better!
Overall Results-Top 43
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Cessna Fly-In Brakapn Airfield
The Brakpan Aeroclubs Social event in June saw the Cessna Fly-in at Brakpan Airfield on the 16th June 2018.As we are definitely in Winter,a cold breeze didn’t keep visitors away from the field,as the Brakpan Airfield is now a very vibrant field. The Clubhouse had a filling breakfast to offer and a warm cup of coffee to get the day started.
Cessna’s from all over Johannesburg made their way to the field,ranging from a Cessna 195 to a Cessna 152.We also had a couple of other aircraft that flew in for the day.We made a couple of visits to greet some of the pilots in their Hangers including Ivan Van der Schaar and his Wife Sonica at the Hangar and Bed and Breakfast .What better way to wake up to the sound of aircraft…
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Rob Osner and Charles Fuller flew their beautiful Alouette III and II around the field,no one gets tired of hearing the Turbomeca Artouste turboshaft engine on the helicopter.We were later treated to a flip around the vicinity of the field.
We had a little surprise visitor from high above the field ,a Boeing C17 of the Qatar Emiri Air Force departing outbound from OR Tambo International Airport.
Once again the Brakpan Aero Club pulled off another great Fly-In,we look forward to another event in the near future.
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AAD 2018 Media Launch
With the upcoming Africa Aerospace and Defense show around the corner, excitement is definitely building as we were invited to the 100 day media launch at AFB Waterkloof officers mess in Pretoria. AAD known as the Africa Aerospace and Defense is a regular trade show and airshow held every two years at AFB Waterkloof in Pretoria South Africa ,this is all part of unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and defense potential. 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.”
In 1995 the AMD organised the hugely successful SAAF ’75 Expo in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the South African Air Force SAAF which is the second oldest air force in the world.During the trade exhibition, companies in the aviation industry were able to showcase their products in an indoor exhibition area, book hospitality chalets and display their aircraft in a static aircraft park.
The air show was open to the public and offered members of the general public the opportunity to view international aircraft.
During the last AAD in 2016,we saw 12 National pavilions,75 Official delegations from 37 countries,532 Exhibitors from 34 countries,33 862 Trade visitors from105 countries,56 924 general public visitors,444 accredited local and international media,146 military and civilian aircraft and 24 978 Exhibition space.
We were welcomed by Mr. Leon Dillman, CEO of CAASA The Commercial Aviation Association Of South Africa.The Youth Development Programme (YDP) forms an integral component of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Show, this years show promises to include the youth and provide as much needed information for them to have a career in the defence industry.
The Chief of the South African Airforce Lt Gen “Zakes” Fabian Zimpande Msimang Keynote Address on the occasion of AAD 2018 100 days countdown:
A UAV quadcopter made a brief appearance in the media room to welcome us with a 100 day countdown message!
The Chief of Staff from the Ministry of Defence and your counterpart from the Mayors Office in the city of Tshwane;Admirals and Generals from the SANDF;Senor Officers;Chairperson of AAD 2018 Policy Committee and senior representatives from the AAD partnership; Executives and Senior Managers from the SA Government in general as well as the Gauteng Province and the City of Tshwane in particular as our host Province and City respectively; Member’s of the Diplomatic Community should any be in attendance here today; Captains of Industry; Member’s of the Media; Ladies and Gentleman…
On behalf of our Minister of Defence and Military Veterans-Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula- who is also the Chief patron for AAD;as well as on behalf of Gen Silly Shoke the CSANDF and custodian of AAD in the SANDF and whom I am effectively representing here today-I greet you and welcome you.
A special word of welcome goes to our guests of honour ,our exhibitors,sponsors as well as other key role-players and Partners on whose invaluable support we depend to make AAD a success especially SAA as our Official Carrier,The Gauteng development Agency-GGDA as well as Gautrain.
The number 100 has taken on a renewed significance for AAD. Not only has our CiC and President of the country recently completed his 100 days in the high office but today we are exactly 100 days from this seminal and 10th instalment of this global show piece and we do so in a year when our nation is celebrating the Centenary for our founding President and CiC.
It is now a matter of record, that AAD 2016 was a resounding success. Otherwise we would not be here launching the shows 10th instalment as scheduled for the 19th to the 23rd of September 2018 and I declare that WE ARE READY!!!
This years theme is “Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential”. As already mentioned, this 10th edition of AAD takes place against the backdrop of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations. The SANDF is deeply honoured to remember Nelson Mandela as its founding Commander-in-Chief and continues to be inspired by his values and vision for a Defence Force that symbolizes unity and service to all our people. It is with this in mind that we have decided that, for the duration of AAD2018 expo, Hangar 1 at Waterkloof Airforce Base will be renamed ‘Madiba Hangar’ in honour of the first Commander in Chief.
Though hosted in our beautiful capital city ,AAD is not just a South African event but a continental spectacle as well as a premier global exhibition. The Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo represents the collective aspirations of our African people.The AAD demonstrates that Africans can be masters of their own density by creating the capability for defending themselves.It also showcases Africa’s defence industrial capability which is an integral part of any country’s ability to defend its sovereignty. At AAD 2016 the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula highlighted the global challenges that we,as democratic South Africa and a leading player in the various multilateral organisations, cannot afford to ignore. Today, I would like to add the regional challenges in the form of conflicts and the twin scourges of piracy and rhino poaching.
In collaboration with our partners on the Continent, we stand ready to face these challenges in the interest of peace and security. without this collaboration our beloved continent would never realise the much-needed socio-economic development that is key to strengthening democracy on the Continent.
We are all aware of the growing cyber-threat world wide that poses a risk to all countries. It is paramount that efficient, powerful and cost effective cyber defence and cyber security solutions are implemented to protect the critical information infrastructure. During AAD2018 a work session is planned to specifically address cyber security and all exhibitors operating inn this environment are invited to be part of and share best practices and innovations.
In context of the above, AAD is not only a national and continental assets AAD is also the means and the platform for sourcing the latest technologies, equipment, services and solutions whilst availing and exposing the to our partners. This ensures we are collectively enabled and empowered to co-operate and complement each otter’s efforts in addressing the challenges as and when the arise. It is for this reason that we will continue to support and host this exhibition and to grow it into a bigger and better show well into the future.
Another important element to this years edition is the transformational part of AAD which has partnered with tow small travel agencies as part of the development of Small Micro-Medium Enterprises. Wayam Travel and Seesa Destination Network are now the official travel partners to AAD 2018.
It is therefore, my honour to officiate at this countdown to AAD 2018. I invite all of you, in your various capacities to engage with the relevant nodal points within the AAD partnership and defence establishment.
I look forward to meeting you all of you at AAD 2018 and make tie to explore and experience our beautiful City of Tshwane as you enjoy this renowned premier defence exhibition
I Thank you and see you at AAD 2018!
Just before the end of the media Launch, The Gen. Msimang mentioned that many foreign International aircraft have been confirmed already for the show, we will announce the aircraft as soon as we know. AAD 2018 will showcase Africa’s largest Airshow, static display and live demonstrations. We were then treated to refreshments before departing AFB Waterkloof, keep your eyes on Aviation Central for more updates on AAD 2018.
Air Total Newcastle Airshow 2018
The 8th annual Newcastle Airshow, the only show in Kwazulu-Natal took place on the 2 June 2018 at the Newcastle Airport on the outskirts of the town of Newcastle. With this show being the only show on the circuit in KZN, members of the public traveled far and wide to the norther KZN town of Newcastle to witness the ever vibrant Airshow. This years theme was ‘Give your dreams some Wings’.
Show day saw some early morning mist around the skies of Newcastle,but didn’t last long due to the sun creeping through the hills in the distance,some early morning arrivals from display aircraft from Gauteng and other parts of the country was a welcome sight like every other airshow as the excitement cannot be hidden before the start of an Airshow.An Aviation Career expo was held in the morning before the days proceedings took place.Other talks from pilots took place during the day.
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The show started with a Para drop from SANDF and Golden Eagles parachutists from a 15 Squadron Oryx helicopter flown by Altaaf Sheik, Warren Jobe and flight engineer Lazola Vumazonke,once the last skydiver had landed safely the Oryx crew then began giving flips to the youth who have never flown in a aircraft ever.The Aerobatics Unlimited L29 ZU-AUX flown by Glen’Gringo’ Warden showed off the eastern block aircraft the to crowds who love seeing a jet in the sky especially in Newcastle.Major Lee-Roy ‘Shinobi’ Goosen and Lt Col Johannes ‘Boerboel ‘Mashaba flew the JAS39D Gripen all the way from Air force Base Makhado in the Limpopo province ,this was the 2nd time the Gripen has flown at Newcastle,the last time was in 2012.The frontline fighter was put through its paces before its final maneuver ,a ‘Upper Charlie’ and disappearing into the blue sky.Major Lone Nel was the GLO for the SAAF Aircraft.
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Major Diaan Grobbelaar put the 15 Squadron A109LUH through its paces,one of the great A109 displays one can see at an airshow these days. The Silver Falcons Team 82 with the leadership of Major Omphile Matloane, flew the first official airshow display as team 82 flying out of the Central Flying School of AFB Langebaanweg along the Capes West Coast. Other team member’s consists of Major Bheki Shabangu at the number 2,Major Corne van Deventer and the soloist Major Sivu Tangana. It was great to see how hard the ground crew for the Silver Falcons, they’re are the ones who keep the aircraft maintained at all time. A big salute to all of them!
Radials that were present on the day was Menno Parsons Dc3 flown by Derek Hopkins,a first to see a DC3 at the Newcastle Airshow.The Puma flying Lions flying the T6 Harvard’s led by Captain Scully Levin. Ivan van der Schaar flew his Randolph sponsored Boeing Stearman.
Brian Emmenis from Capital Sounds provided the sound for this Airshow once again.commentary for the day was professional provided by Leon Du Plessis and Brian Emmenis, keeping the public informed of all the aircraft and pilots during the course of the day, and always bringing the vibe to the airshow and getting the public excited for each act during the display slots.
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South Africa’s top aerobatic pilots from the likes of Patrick Davidson flew all the way in from Port Alfred in his RedBull sponsored Sbach 342,a first at Newcastle to have him display at this particular show.He will soon get ready for his next Redbull Air Race series in Russia in August this year. Team Extreme two member’s, Nigel Hopkins flying his Extra330 and Mark’Buggs’Hensman flying Mark Sampson’s yellow Sbach in high energy aerobatic sequences. The Goodyear Eagles Pitts Team flew their three ship display routine under the leadership of Glen Warden, Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish flying the other two Pitts.
Neville Ferreira flew his newly painted Slick 540 from Kitty Hawk aerodrome to the East of Pretoria, He then raced a AMG Mercedes later in the day. Matthew Zalewski flew the Magni Gyrocopter, becoming one of the best and only Gyrocopter displays to watch at airshows.
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A big well done to the organizer of this years Newcastle Airshow, from the entire Airshow Committee and Johan Pieters and Christo van der Vyver from Champ Marketing. Johan Neilon, Pete Graham and the ATCs kept the show safe and on time.To all the emergency services that were on standby during the whole day if any incidents had to occur. Thanks to Charlie Hugo for organising the media accreditation and to Capital Sounds for providing commentary and sound during the show, to the South African Air force providing aircraft and promoting and restoring National pride to our country.To all the stakeholders who sponsored the show, this last paragraph is all for the unsung hero’s mentioned above he make these country Airshows possible.We look forward to the 9th edition of the Newcastle Airshow next year.
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Kroon Fly in 2018
Kroon Fly in 2018
8th Annual Fly-in was held at Kroon Airfield this weekend, 02 June and turnout was very good and the Breakfast was just amazing
We arrived just before sunrise and the team already had the fires going and getting ready for the Famous Kroon fly in breakfast.
The arrivals of the Aircraft were bit later than normal due to some airports being fogged in and VFR flights was delayed. Once they start coming, they just kept on coming and the fly in was well supported. ATC got busy at stages. Pierre v d Wald was responsible for ATC on the day and was supported by Dawie du Toit Safety for the day was Jacques Kroon. Marshalling was done by pupil pilots of Rosslyn Microflyers.
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54 Aircraft flew in and 8 local aircraft participated. 160 Breakfasts was sold. Local SAPS air-wing also stopped by for a quick breakfast.
Weather conditions and clear skies even allowed for some airliners to grace the skies at a distance towards the south heading west to east.
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If you are interested in Microlight flying, then contact Marius Nel at 0834196613
Kroon info
Kroon landing strip is 750m, excellent grass strip. Just to the South of the N4 highway to Rustenburg.
RW 11/29 (RW29 now have NO overhead power lines.)
The circuit is always to the North of the Runway, Lefthand for 11 and Righthand for 29
Freq: 124.8 (although we are South of the N4 Highway, our Circuit is to the North)
Circuit Alt: 4700ft for Trikes and 4900 for fix wings
Airfield Alt: 4330ft
Lats: 25°39’33.90″S
Longs: 28°00’00.00″E
Click to enlarge photos
International Day Of Peacekeepers 29 May 2018
The “International Day Of Peacekeepers“, May 29, is “a day to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations Peacekeepers Operations their high level of professionalism, dedication, and courage and to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.The day is marked at the United Nations headquarters in New York City with the presentation of the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, statements by the President of the General Assembly and the Secretary-General, as well as a press release regarding the state of UN Peacekeeping missions and the continued necessity of their work.
There are also observances around the world; often countries will honor their own peacekeepers abroad, but the UN also organizes festivals, discussion forums, and memorials in cooperation with local and national groups.
The South African National Defence Force Commemorated the International Day Of Uninted Nationats Peacekeepers at De Brug Weapons range outside of Bloemfontein,Free State South Africa.More than 50 South African soldiers have been killed in Blue Helmets’ missions in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the course of the last couple of years during peace keeping missions.
A Wreath Laying was placed by SANDF Chief General Solly Shokewho joined families of the SANDF personnel that died while on United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Wesbank Botswana International Airshow 2018
The 2018 Botswana International Airshow held at the Matsieng Airfield a few kilometers outside of Gaborone. We arrived the Friday afternoon an allocated to our tents,all thanks to the Matsieng Flying Club, The theme this year was ‘Wings of fire and wheels of fury’ held over the weekend of the 26th May.
Wesbank Botswana international airshow + Fly-in and camping was a sell-out event this year. 311 guys and gals flew in to Matsieng aerodrome for the weekend. They made use of 128 rented tents and 41 provided own tents for the weekend, this brining a record 169 tents. Some people made use of the Town Lodge in Gaborone.
The Friday and Saturday evening was festive with an excellent band proving entertainment both evenings, Fly in pilots, Display Pilots and crew all braai’ing or getting a burger / steak from the mobile spur that was setup. We can recommend those that can fly in or drive in to attend the 2018 event and social with all other pilots and display pilots plus attend an amazing and adrenaline packed airshow.
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With this airshows,some things were abit different,one had the option to camp over at the airfield where the show was to take place. Not many shows on the African contitnent you can camp over at an Airshow but Matsieng you can. The show at Matsieng Airfield has now been goping since the first show started at the field back in 2012. The Matsieng Flying Club really went all out for this year show, making sure all the pilots and other visitors were looked after and made sure their stay was comfortable in every way. We were treated to a live band on both Friday and Saturday night with the many bond fires that kept us warm during the average winter evening.We were then welcomed the next morning with perfect airshow weather and some of the crowds eagerly wanting to get a front row seat. The two safety directors for the day was Chris Briers and Col.Francois ‘Hosepipe’ Hanekom which made the show flow smoothly during the course of the day.
The show opened by a free fall of skydivers,with their jump-ship a PAC750 flown by Darius Briers,followed after that a two-ship display by the Goodyear Eagles in their Pitts S2Bs flown by Dennis Spence and Larry Beamish. Glen ‘Gringo’ Warden flew the L29 Delphin in its stricking Tiger scheme.Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his Nashua Extra 300LP and Neville Ferreria flew his Kitty Hawk based Slick 540 in his high energy aerobatic sequence.Later in the day Neville and Andrew joined up for a formation pass both in the Extra and in the Slick. Matthew Zalewski put two different Magni Gyros through their paces during the course of the day.The Bathawk flew a great display and showed why its a great asset to combating poaching in Southern Africa.The Raptors Rvs made a welcome return flying RV7s flown by Pierre Gouws,Larry Beamish and Ryan Beaton.
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The welcome appersnce of ex Presidnet Ian Khama and memebrs of the Matsieng Flying Club handed over Charity Cheques to the lady Khama Trust,The Motswedi Rehabilitation Centre,The Masire Foundation and the Movhudi Centre for the Blind.Brian Emmenis from Capital Sounds provided the long speaker line so spectators coyuld get all thr information about aircraft and pilots displaying on the day,assisted by the Capitals sound crew and Leon Du Plessis and Keith Fryer adding to the commentary team for the day!
Menno Parsons made a great appearance with his Bell 407 and his Pilatus PC12,which made up for the absence of the P51 Mustang.The mighty Bell 430 flown by Alister Brown really gave a real thump on his passes and showed the VIP helicopter to its full capability.Other helicopter action saw the Brakpan Airfield based Alouette II and III flown by Rob Osner and Juba Jourbert. True North Aviation saw a three-ship of Citabria aircraft flying gentle aerobatics,the Matsieng Flying Club preformed a formation flypast from two Cessna 210s,a Cirrus SR22 and King Air C90.A solo display from both the Cessna 210 and King Air was a real delight.The Air tractor also part of True North Aviation also did a display of low level passes while dropping water in front of the crowds.
The An2 ‘Little Annie’ was displayed by Jon-Marc Hill and South African Air force Airshow Air Boss Col.Keith ‘Fulcrum’ Fryer.The day before they treated some pupil from some schools around the vicinity of Botswana in a flight in Little Annie,and did they enjoy it!
The Randolph Boeing Stearman flown by Ivan van der Schaar also showed off the gentles aerobatics of the aircraft and the beautiful sound of the Radial.Conrad Botha flew his slick 360 and becoming a great aircraft to watch at airshows after an absence for some time
Cliff Lotter flew in his Klerksdorp based Rv7,he then joined up with Marin Venn in his RV7.Neville Ferreira flew Jonty Essers Kitty Hawk based Yak 52 adding some russian flavour of aircraft to the program.
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The Puma flying Lions led by Captain Scully Levin performed their usual display routine and taking part in a fly-by with a big wall of fire,having most of the crowd on their feet and heart beats been raised.
The Puma Flying Lions then closed the show off with their spectacular night display,once again another successful airshow from the Matsieng Flying club,well done to all involved and we look forward to seeing the team again next year!
“The mini Oshkosh of Southern Africa,if you love airshows come to Matsieng next year”Jarryd Sinovich
“What an amazing show, the guys from Matsieng has once again showed what an Airshow should be like. To the Airshow team, Camping team and Media Boss, Well-done to you all. See you at the 2019 Matsieng Airshow and Fly In” Flippie van Emmenis
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Please browse through our Gallery for more pictures from the show:
Aero Weather
Aero Event Weather by Aero Weather 
This page is dedicated to informing you about the weather forecast for a coming weekend, Weather information proudly provided by Aero Weather. For more detailed weather or weather for other locations please contact Aero Weather at info@aeroweather.co.za, Deon standing by to assist you!
AIRFIELD FORECAST Ballito – 26/05/2018
| DATE | 26/05/2018 | |||||||||
| SYNOPSIS | The surface high pressure shifts eastwards, with low cloud trapped seaward of the escarpment. Low cloud advances as far north as Hoedspruit. | |||||||||
| TIME | WIND | VIS | WEATHER | OCTAS | TYPE | BASE | TOPS | T/DPT | QNH | |
| 03Z | 21005KT | >10km | NIL | 6/8 | SC | FL015 | FL035 | 17/15 | 1021 | |
| 06Z | 27004KT | >10km | -RA | 7/8 | SC | FL015 | FL050 | 18/15 | 1023 | |
| 09Z | 08005KT | >10km | -RA | 6/8 | SC | FL015 | FL050 | 21/16 | 1022 | |
| 12Z | 07009KT | >10km | -RA | 7/8 | SC | FL015 | FL050 | 21/16 | 1020 | |
| 15Z | 05011KT | >10km | -RA | 7/8 | SC | FL015 | FL050 | 20/17 | 1020 | |
| 18Z | 03010KT | >10km | -RA | 7/8 | SC | FL015 | FL050 | 20/17 | 1021 | |
| 21Z | 03010KT | >10km | NIL | 5/8 | SC | FL015 | FL050 | 19/17 | 1021 | |
| 24Z | 02009KT | >10km | NIL | 5/8 | SC | FL015 | FL035 | 19/17 | 1020 | |
| DATE | 26/05/2018 |
| ROUTE | Inbound from inland |
| SYNOPSIS | A surface high pressure pushes low cloud in south of the escarpment with very low bases where terrain rises. |
| SIGNIFICANT WEATHER | Bases too low in rain to approach from the north – only low level along the coast may by flyable. |
AERO WEATHER (PTY) LTD Reg 2014/118701
For a detailed enroute forecast, please send an email to info@aeroweather.co.za
GENERAL ENROUTE WEATHER OUTBOUND FROM FATP 26/05/2018 (Afternoon)
| DATE | 26/05/2018 (Afternoon) |
| ROUTE | Outbound towards KZN and Mpumalanga. |
| SYNOPSIS | A surface high pressure forces low cloud in over areas seaward of the Drakensberg and Nelspruit escarpment. |
| SIGNIFICANT WEATHER | Rain and low base south of the Drakensberg (IFR only). FAKN Mountains closing in after 1500 local. |
| DATE | 26/05/2018 |
| ROUTE | Outbound towards Northern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, NW and Eastern Cape |
| SYNOPSIS | A surface trough extends from Upington to Port Elizabeth, with limited amounts of altocumulus above FL120 over N Free State, NW and Gauteng. |
| SIGNIFICANT WEATHER | No low cloud. |
| DATE | 26/05/2018 |
| ROUTE | Outbound towards Western Cape |
| SYNOPSIS | A cold front is present just south of Cape Town, with isolated rain showers in places south and west of Laingsburg. |
| SIGNIFICANT WEATHER | Mountains obscured in cloud south of Laingsburg. |
AERO WEATHER (PTY) LTD Reg 2014/118701
For a detailed enroute forecast, please send an email to info@aeroweather.co.za
Matsieng AIRFIELD FORECAST FBMA (3320ft) 25-27/05/2018
| DATE | 25/05/2018 | |||||||||
| SYNOPSIS | A surface high pressure south of the country forces low level cloud inland south of the South African escarpment. The escarpment prevents the cloud from moving in north of the Orange River and Drakensberg, leaving the interior clear. | |||||||||
| TIME | WIND | VIS | WEATHER | OCTAS | TYPE | BASE | TOPS | T/DPT | QNH | |
| 03Z | 31003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 15/02 | 1018 | |
| 06Z | 26003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 16/02 | 1020 | |
| 09Z | 27004KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 25/00 | 1019 | |
| 12Z | 25005KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 28/-4 | 1015 | |
| 15Z | 22006KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 26/-4 | 1015 | |
| 18Z | 19005KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 20/-6 | 1017 | |
| 21Z | 20003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 19/-5 | 1018 | |
| 24Z | 22003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 16/-5 | 1018 | |
| DATE | 26/05/2018 | |||||||||
| SYNOPSIS | The surface high pressure shifts eastwards, with low cloud trapped seaward of the escarpment. Low cloud advances as far north as Hoedspruit. | |||||||||
| TIME | WIND | VIS | WEATHER | OCTAS | TYPE | BASE | TOPS | T/DPT | QNH | |
| 03Z | VRB02KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 14/-5 | 1018 | |
| 06Z | VRB02KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 17/-4 | 1021 | |
| 09Z | 36003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 26/-3 | 1020 | |
| 12Z | 33004KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 28/-3 | 1016 | |
| 15Z | 10003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 25/-1 | 1016 | |
| 18Z | 06004KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 20/-3 | 1018 | |
| 21Z | 36004KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 19/-3 | 1019 | |
| 24Z | 35004KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 16/00 | 1020 | |
| DATE | 27/05/2018 | |||||||||
| SYNOPSIS | A surface high pressure moves in over Mpumalanga, with morning low cloud expected to the east of a line from Gauteng to Ellisras. | |||||||||
| TIME | WIND | VIS | WEATHER | OCTAS | TYPE | BASE | TOPS | T/DPT | QNH | |
| 03Z | 04003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 14/03 | 1021 | |
| 06Z | 03003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 16/04 | 1022 | |
| 09Z | 03005KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 23/06 | 1021 | |
| 12Z | 33005KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 28/02 | 1018 | |
| 15Z | 04003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 26/02 | 1017 | |
| 18Z | 05004KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 21/01 | 1020 | |
| 21Z | 36004KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 18/02 | 1021 | |
| 24Z | 35003KT | >10km | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL | 17/02 | 1021 | |
AERO WEATHER (PTY) LTD Reg 2014/118701
For a detailed enroute forecast, please send an email to info@aeroweather.co.za
| DATE | 25/05/2018 |
| ROUTE | Inbound from Gauteng |
| SYNOPSIS | A surface high pressure pushes low cloud in south of the escarpment with clear weather north of Lesotho. |
| SIGNIFICANT WEATHER | None |
| DATE | 25/05/2018 |
| ROUTE | Inbound from Free State |
| SYNOPSIS | A surface high pressure pushes low cloud in south of the escarpment with clear weather north of Lesotho. |
| SIGNIFICANT WEATHER | None |
| DATE | 27/05/2018 |
| ROUTE | Outbound towards Gauteng |
| SYNOPSIS | A surface high pressure causes some low cloud over parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in the morning. |
| SIGNIFICANT WEATHER | Morning cloud only seaward of escarpment. |
| DATE | 27/05/2018 |
| ROUTE | Outbound towards Free State |
| SYNOPSIS | A surface high pressure causes some low cloud over parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in the morning, but clear weather to the west of the Vaal Dam. |
| SIGNIFICANT WEATHER | Morning cloud only seaward of escarpment. |
AERO WEATHER (PTY) LTD Reg 2014/118701
For a detailed enroute forecast, please send an email to info@aeroweather.co.za