Category Archives: General News and Airshow Reviews
Langebaanweg Airshow Program 09 Dec 2017
Langebaanweg Airshow Program 09 Dec 2017
The most anticipated Airshow for the year 2017!
For the past 50 years, the South African Air Force Silver Falcons have been dazzling crowds all over the country. Now, for the first time, we have an opportunity to celebrate their 50th Birthday at their Home Base at AFB Langebaanweg with an all-out Air Show in their honour. With a full complement of Air Force Aircraft and numerous Civilian Display Teams joining together to make this an Air Show you won`t forget and don`t want to miss.
Due to the unique location for the Air Show, that lends itself to experience the South African Air Force and its power to the max.
Official show hashtag #seeithearitfeelit
Did you get your tickets yet, if not then click here!
Remember to bring along Camping Chairs, Hats, Sunblock and keep Hydrated!
You are welcome to bring your own picnic basket, but no alcohol is allowed to be brought in, a Beer Garden is available at the show with reasonable prices! Wright your phone number on a card and hang it around your kids neck or as an armband, it’s not uncommon for kids to lose sense of direction at a big event like this.
For more information on what to expect please go to this page.
The Langbaanweg Airshow team made the Programe available to us.
Please note this can change at any time!
Please note this can change at any time!
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The Pride of the nation, The Silver Falcons
The Pride of the nation, The Silver Falcons
The Silver Falcons are the South African Air force official display team. The team of five Pilatus Pc7mkii plus 3 additional spare aircraft are based at the Central Flying School,Air force Base Langebannweg in the Western Cape South Africa. The main purpose of the Silver Falcons is to enhance the image of the South African Airforce, encourage recruitment and restore national pride.
The team was originally formed in 1946 as the Bumbling Bees display team. The team flew a 4ship formation flying the de Havilland Vampire. By the 1950s the team disbanded and left a major gap in South African Aviation. In 1967 at the opening of the Atlas Aircraft Corporation known today as Denel Aviation, there was an idea to change the name of the team to something a bit more bold. The Silver Falcons team which was chosen as they gave their first display at the event in November 1967,under the leadership of Col Chris Prins.
In 1986 the team was expanded to a five ship to bring more exciting displays and to include a solo display, at this team the aircraft were painted up in old South African flag display colors. The team operated out of AFB Langebaanweg until the early 1990s,when all impala jet training was moved to Air force Base Hoedpsruit on the Kruger National Parks door step in the lowveld region of South Africa.
Falcon 1 – Photo: Russell Dixon-Paver
ex -Silver Falcon Impala
ex -Silver Falcon Impala
ex -Silver Falcon Impala
Photos Credit Stefaan Bouwer
1995 Red Arrows and Silver Falcons photo credit unknown
This formed part of 85 combat flying school which is now located at AFB Makhado in Limpopo flying the Hawk m120. In 1994 with the new South African national flag, the teams aircraft were repainted to represent the colors of the South African Air force:blue, light blue and white. With SAAF75 in 1995 the Silver Falcons had the opportunity to tour South Africa with the RAF Red Arrows all over South Africa.
During 1998, the team moved back to AFB Langebaanweg and commenced training on the new Swiss Pilatus Astra turboprop trainers. The decision was taken to display the Astra trainer to the public, as the time was near for the retirement of the impala aircraft in 2005. The air force was getting ready for the introduction of the Bae Hawk mk120 into SAAF service.
At AFB Langebaanweg the team was reduced to a four ship in the standard red and white paint scheme, known to pilots as flying coke cans on the Astra fleet. At this point of time the aircraft had no eye catching paint scheme on the aircraft.
In September 2008 at the African Aerospace and Defense (AAD) Expo at AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town, the aircraft were specially painted in a unique blue and white and other additional liveries and the team was expanded to 5 ship once again. The paint for the aircraft was donated by a local paint supplier, First African Paints. The first display was flown at this major show.
From then on the Silver Falcons have been a hit at every airshow they’re attended, if they not flying with an SAA Airbus in formation. They up close and personal with one of Mango Airlines Boeing 737-800s.
Something new was when they started is flying with a fighter jets, including Hawk and now Gripen. The Gripen formation is also known as the “Aviation Central Formation”. Many of these particular formations have the crowds on their feet every time they are flown!
The team also made history when they opened the Fifa Soccer World cup in Soweto in 2010,the world had all eyes on them. Today the Falcons lead Major Mark ‘Katana’ Gentles is the most capped leader in the whole Silver Falcons history. With the rest of the team made up of Major Bheki Shabangu,Major Sivu Tangana,Major Wendy Badenhorst,Major Omphile Matlaone and the GLO Corne Deventer and don’t forget Falcon 8 Brian Emmenis who has commentated for almost every team.
To the very special ground crew who keep the aircraft serviceable and fix snags before shows at the last minute. If it wasn’t for you guys we would have no aircraft flying but hopefully taxing lol.
This year the Silver Falcons are celebrating their 50th Anniversary with an airshow at AFB Langebaanweg on the Capes West Coast on December 9th. With some of the rumors going around its definitely a show to attend, with a major SAAF presence. We would like to wish the Silver Falcons all the best and many more safe sorties. To the past team members,once a falcon …always a falcon!
Team Update 2018-07-17 “A new Number 2”
As we are well into the 2018 South African Airshow season,recently we saw the Falcons preform at the Total Air Newcastle Airshow in KZN in June.The Falcons are set to preform at the Bethlehem Freestate Airshow on the 25th August and the big one Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo at Airforce Base Waterkloof on the 19-23 September,this is promising to be the biggest show to date.This week the Falcons announced their new Falcon 2 Major Tiaan Stander!
Major Tiaan Stander
Major Stander will be flying in the number two position in the team, Tiaan joined the South African Airforce on the 23 April 2002!
Pilots Wings Course 03-2004-Wings Date 8-07-2008
Completed RWCC 18-05-05
A109LUH Commander 01-12-07
Oryx NVG Commander-22-11-09
Instructors Course 03-03-16
Aircraft types and Hours:
PC7MKII-842.8
Alouette III 49.9
A109LUH-376.2
Oryx-1510.7
Total-2779.6
Major Tiaan Stander is married and has two children.We look forward to seeing the new Number 2 preforming at the Bethlehem Airshow in August.The team will now be back to a 5ship and remain as team 82.
Silver Falcons Team 82
Falcon 1-Major Omphile “Biggy” Matloane (Flown the Pc7MKII,A109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 2-Major Tiaan “Excell” Stander (Flown the PC7MKII,Alouette III,A109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 3-Major Corne “Stilbo” van Deventer (Flown the PC7MKII,HawkMK120)
Falcon 4-Major Bheki “SwaziBoy”Shabungu (Flown the PC7MKII,Cessna 208 Caravan)
Falcon 5-Major Sivu “Sivuple” Tangana (Flown the PC7MKII,AgustaA109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 6 GLO- Major Musa Dlamini (Flown the PC7MKII)
Falcon 7 PRO- Captain Xander Albasani (Flown the PC7MKII)
Falcon 8- Commentator Brian Emmenis
See Falcon One’s Story here-https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/2018/04/05/from-soloist-to-lead-omphile-mutloane/
SAAF Museum Flying Day 2017-12-02
SAAF Museum Flying Day 2017-12-02
The South African Air Force Memorial is located at Swartkop. It contains a roll of honour of SAAF personnel who have been killed on duty as well as a memorial to personnel of all nations that died during the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in South Africa. Airforce base Zwartkop hosted its final flying day for the year,which saw most of the flying exhibits flying on the day.The base is located in Pretoria and its South Africa’s oldest airforce base in the country and second oldest operational base in the world.
Apon arrival on Saturday the 2nd December,condtions were overcast with a slight breeze, the cloud base was high enough for flying to take place.The flying procceding started with a para drop with various members of the SANDF from the Museums C.4M Kudu.
Many pilots gave some of the public flights in the museums Alouette and Puma helicopters.While the Harvard club gave flights to customer’s who wanted a bucket list flight in a Harvard. The windsock café treated the public to some delicious and reasonable meals they have to offer.
The friends of the Museum had the Spitfire Restoration project gazebo up and the public had the opportunity to buy some memorabilia,where all thr funds raised go towards rebuilding the Museums Spitfire.
It was also a sad day for Gen Hugh Paine who was retiring from flying at the SAAF Museum,During his career in the SAAF, the General flew many types of aircraft including Harvards, Impalas, and many helicopters such as Alouettes, Pumas, MBB BK117s, Gazelles and more, whilst holding the positions of Officer Commanding 87 Heli-copter Flying School, Chief Project Officer Rooivalk Helicopter Project, Chief Director Force Preparation, Director Air Capability Plan and Director Helicopter Systems just to name a few.
A special tribute was put together with a 5ship helicopter formation and a 4ship Harvard formation, as soon as Gen Paine landed in front of the bright yellow tower which is common sight at Museum Airshows.,2 Air force fire engines sprayed water as a final salute over the Alouette two he was flying.
We like to wish Gen Paine all the best for the future and look forward to the next flying Day in the new year.
Keep them up where they belong!
Just Love Mission The Journey of Little Annie
Just Love Mission by Jarryd
Just Love Mission The Journey of Little Annie
The Antonov An-2 ,Russian nickname: “Annushka” or “Annie”; “kukuruznik” – corn crop duster; USAF/DoD reporting name Type 22 NATO reporting name Colt,is a Soviet mass-produced single-engine biplane utility/agricultural aircraft designed and manufactured by the Antonov Design Bureau beginning in 1946. Its remarkable durability, high lifting power, and ability to take off and land from poor runways have given it a long service life. The An-2 was produced up to 2001 and remains in service with military and civilian operators around the world. The AN2 is the worlds largest single engine bi-plane.
The Just Love Mission is a charity non profit organization aimed at aviation fraternity, The Hill family who reside in the east of Pretoria South Africa, have a very special family member. This family member never moans or fights with her sister, brother or parents. Her name is Little Annie she recently just turned 30 years old a couple of months ago and each day she gets stronger and stronger.
Mark Hill an ex SAAF Chopper and Fixed wing pilot who went solo in a Harvard 7673 on the 19th November 1981 at the then AFB Dunnottar who he spent with many other delightful pupes known as the Central Flying School.aviation
enthusiast Gary Price suggested the AN-2 as the ideal aircraft type to reach rural areas with
unconventional landing space,especially some of the rugged terrain in Southern Africa.when a personal friend, Mr. Niall Olver, CEO of Execujet Global, he then discussed the idea
with his friend and business associate Mr. Andrei Martirosov, CEO of UTair in Russia ,
that this dream was realized and ratified on condition that “Little Annie” was to
be flown from Siberia to Cape Town as part of the ocean to ocean theme.
The An2 flew all the way from Tyumen (Siberia) to Cape Town and then back to Pretoria, where she now lives at Wonderboom National Airport in Pretoria. Using 19 500 liters and 470 liters of oil on the whole trip, Little Annie got to see some of the most beautiful countries on the trip down to South Africa.
The An2 is used on an outreach program to communities who are not able to get up close and personal with aviation. They give communities hope that they too may achieve their respective dreams in flying in an aircraft and influencing youngsters to become pilots in the near future, by doing this many communities have made Little Annie a great mentor and still follow her on her African Journey and meeting great people along the way.
Little Annie has become a very fond participant both at Airshows and Air Races around South Africa. She performs very gentle Maneuvers and is a great asset to the Skydivers and their jump ship at airshows. She has preformed at the smaller airshows and to the international airshow including AAD at AFB Waterkloof ,both Botswana airshows and Race for Rhinos. Jon Marc Hill who is Mark Hill son,recently obtained his Display rating at the Polokwane Airshow in October.
If you would like to contact Little Annie on their website www.littleannie.co.za and find them on Facebook at Annie Hill.
More Photos , Click to enlarge
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Langebaanweg Airshow, what to expect!
Langebaanweg Airshow, what to expect!
Langebaanweg Airshow, what to expect!
With just over a week to go till what is to be the most awaited airshow of 2017.
It’s the last Airshow for the Year 2017, the 2nd SAAF hosted airshow for the year, the other being SAAF Museum airshow that was held in May earlier this year and then the 1st Airshow in the Western Cape since 2015 that was at Stellenbosch. The last open day for the public at AFB Langebaanweg was in 1995 during the 75th anniversary of the South African Air force. The Silver Falcons have had the opportunity to dazzle crowds all over the country, but rarely the opportunity to showcase its Pride, Passion and Precision at their home base. Due to the unique location of this Air Show, it allows for certain unique displays that would not necessarily feature at other Air Shows around the country. This makes it one show not to miss.
This Air show would allow the SAAF to celebrate a significant milestone with Pride. An Air show planned and executed by the AFB Langebaanweg entirely to allow the greater public the experience the professionalism and pride that we have for the SAAF. It would allow the public to experience the Passion that we have for our Air Force and serving our Country, and through this Air show inspire confidence in our Air Force and provide a platform for the youth to commit to serving their Country as well. This Air show will provide a platform to showcase our Precision. Showcasing our Aircraft operated in a professional manner and in such ways as to highlight our exemplary training and professional members.
Ample Parking is available and Disabled parking with Golf Cart Shuttle available to the display area for those in need.
The Gates open at 07:00 and show starts at 09:00 and is expected to come to an end with the Gripen Breaking the Sound barrier at about 17:00. Read more…
What to bring along, Sunscreen and a Hat, camping chair or a blanket to sit on and Picnic baskets are welcome, however many Food and soft drink vendors will be onsite! A Beer garden will also be onsite for those a bit thirstier! ATM facilities will be available. We do recommend to bring cash, as at an Airshow cash is always King and to avoid long lines at the ATM’s.
Silver Falcons Team 81 for this 50th Anniversary show is:
Major Wendy ‘Electra’ Badenhorst
Major Corné ‘Stilbo’ van Deventer
Major Mark ‘Katana’ Gentles
Major Sivu ‘Sivuple’ Tangana
Major Omphile ‘Biggy’ Mutloane
Major Bheki ‘Swaziboy’ Shabangu
Read more on the Silver Falcons
View full Airshow Program here
The following is a list of the various aircraft that are confirmed to take part in this Air Show:
SAAF Aircraft:
3 X Oryx (Static, Flying and Backup)
1 X Lynx
4X Hawk (Static, Flying and Backup)
7X Gripen (Static, Flying and Backup)
2 X C208/1 X C212
2 X C47TP
1 X C130BZ
6 X Silver Falcons
18 X Astra’s (PC7’s)
2X Rooivalk(Static, Flying and Backup)
Civilian Aircraft:
Puma Flying Lions – 4 X Harvard
Raptors 4 X RV 7/8/9
Nashua Extra 300LP
Mango B737-800
Neville Ferreira Slick 540
Impala ZU-IMP Impala
Mother City Skydiving Jump Platform Required
AMSRCC 7 x RC Aircraft
Team Extreme 4 x Cirrus/Extra 300
Little Annie AN-2
CTFC TBC Static
Working on Fire AT802/C206/Huey
Robin Cross 6 X Static Display
CTFTC DV20 Static + Air
SFC (C152+C172) 2 X Static Display
AMScor EC145 Static + Air
Below is a photos of all the Aircraft to fly at this wonderful Langebaan Airshow 2017!
Photo’s from various photographers with the SAAFMPC group and Team Aviation Central members!
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Swartkop Warbirds fly-in
Swartkop Warbirds fly-in
25 and 26 November saw the Military Radio Control club annual Warbirds fly-in at Swartkop Air Force base. Warbirds was to be on Saturday and Civilian Aircraft on Sunday, However the much needed rain prevented any flying on the Saturday. Sunday was a perfect weather day for any sort of flying, including Radio Control. Not many aircraft turnout for the fly in, most likely due to pilots thinking the entire event was cancelled due to Saturday’s heavy rain. The show organized by Lieutenant Colonel Gert de Klerk and the Military Radio Control flying club
First in the air was Wesie with Lockheed P-38 Lightning twin, what an amazing aircraft this is.
Lockheed P-38 Lightning
Next was Local boy Pierre Le Roux with his Bell JetRanger III, Pierre put this Jetranger thru its paces with almost perfect flying.
Bell JetRanger III
Pierre was followed by Arno Janz in his Red Bull Yak 55, Not his is an powerful Airplane, powered by a 210cc four stroke engine!
Red Bull Yak 55
This was followed by Arno with his RV4 and Wesie with P38, spoiling us with two aircraft in the sky!
This was followed by the ‘Red Baron’ a Super Stearman powered by a Laser 360 build and flown by Humphrey Le Grice, Now she is a Beaut!
Red Baron
Next up, BAE hawk flown by Dirk Visser.
BAE Hawk
Direct after the BAE Hawk it was once a gain Dirk Visser with a Playboy F14 Tomcat, Twin turbine and sweepback wings! After struggling to get the right-hand engine going all systems was go for this amazing Radio Control airplane to fly.
Playboy F14 Tomcat
Next up was the Star of the day with young, 8 year old Ger-Drie de Beer with his Extra 330LP powered by a 60cc Twin Engine, Can this youngster fly! Take-off was immediately followed by a 1/4 Rolling circle, some stunning aerobatics and low-level flying. Die Seun mag maar vlieg!
Ger-Drie
Young Ger-Drie was followed by with his American levy Yak 55, once again some excellent flying routine.
American levy Yak 55
Lastly we saw Dirk Visser in is Airwolf like chopper, what a lovely Chopper this is!
Click to view large photo!
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The Show must go on!
The Show must go on!
3rd June 2017, It’s the Newcastle Airshow KZN 2017 and Ivan Van Der Schaar gets into his Boeing Stearman as his slot in the show get close. The Stearman does not want to start and on investigating Ivan found out that the Starter motor of the Stearman had packed up. They start phoning around and then Riaan Kamffer from Secunda could help him out with a replacement.
Next problem, the starter needs to be fetched from Secunda that is about 190km away. Derek Hopkins volunteered to fly up to go and fetch the starter, but once again, this option was not that simple as Derek had to do the Glider Tug for Gary Whitecross’ display. So, Neville Ferreira Aerobatics then took the Glider Tug job over form Derek. Okay, now that the starter was found, Derek set off
to Secunda while Neville doing the Glider tug. All that was needed was the field technical assistance, although Ivan had the skills, he could do with help on emergency field repairs skills. The Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team support crew saw the need for help and immediately jumped in to assist Ivan with the replacement.
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So, in the end Ivan got to fly his Boeing stearman at the Newcastle Airshow 2017 as the closing slot and this also being the top slot for any airshow!
This just show how dedicated the South African Airshow pilots and Support crews are to the Airshow industry. Well-done to all that was involved in Helping Ivan on his day in need to let The Show Go On!
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Large Scale Aerobatic Champs Howick 4th & 5th November 2017
Large Scale Aerobatic Champs Howick 4th & 5th November 2017
Large Scale Aerobatic this weekend was at the Howick Model Flying Club which is situated in the Natal Midlands, just off the R617 Rd in the town of Howick,the town is more commonly known for Howick falls and for the Midmar Mile held at Midmar dam during the year.HMFC is an RC club flying everything from electric to gas,gliders,helicopters and aircraft. A radio controlled aircraft is a small flying machine that is controlled remotely by an operator on the ground using a hand-held transmitter .
On the weekend of the 4th & 5th of November saw the Large scale Aerobatics Championships held at the field, with some great weather and an awesome atmosphere between spectators, pilots and the organizers. Rc aerobatic aircraft ranging from 30cc to the bigger 150cc models were put through their aerobatic paces. There were category’s the pilots fall under that being the Freestyle up to the Advanced category’s the pilots flew.
It was fantastic to watch and be part of CMC Hobbies which are based nearby in the town of Hilton, who offer a great spread of Rc hobbies to the South African public. To the private generous individuals and LSA South Africa who were present, the clubs chairman Clive and his team of organizers on a safe a successful event.
Aviation Central looks forward to visiting the club again soon ,hopefully with more members, who can also taste the world of Rc flying in Natal. Thanks to all who were not mentioned we gladly appreciated your hard work being placed in this sport. To all the participants well done on your achievements. If you need any info on this Club or future events, please contact Clive on 0735007177 or clive@cmchobbies.co.za 
View photos from the Gauteng Large Scale Aerobatic Champs
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Radial Breakfast Fly inn 2017-11-11
Radial Breakfast Fly inn 2017-11-11
Brakpan airfield situated in the south east rand is home to the Brakpan aero club which was established in 1953.The field is 17km from from Or Tambo International airport and is in the middle of many sounding metros.The new renovated club house a favorite for its new lounge, pub ,braai and pool facilities.
On the 11th of November saw the Radial Breakfast Fly, many aircraft flew in from around Johannesburg area. While many aircraft that are based at the field were out and about, allowing the public and visiting public to admire their aircraft.
Photo Bennie Henning
The field is home to a rare warbird that will hopefully be gracing the skies of South Africa one day, a sky raider which is being rebuilt to flying condition. The project has so much interesting information to view and was a definite had to view on the day.
The event was planned by Ivan and Sonica Van Der Schaar,They have recently just become new residents at the field after being based at Petit for quite some time. Ivan is a airshow regular which he displays his Boeing Stearman and Pitts S2A.They have also recently purchased the airfields B&B.We look forward staying over a night or two soon.
Some interesting aircraft flew in on the day including the only one of its example flying in South Africa, the PAC MFI-17 Mushshak which is a Pakistan built training aircraft, flown in by Jon Marc Hill and owner Hilton Wolf.
Resident Gordyne Dyne flew his Nanchang CJ-6A,very similar to the Russian built yak52,where 2 examples were present on the day.
The theme being a radial fly inn, the day saw three Boeing Stearmans at the field including Ivan Van Der Schaars machine. The other two examples flew in from the near by Fly Inn Estate.A lone Waco flown in by Nico van Staden from the Hekpoort Valley airfield near Brits was a great surprise.
The Fly inn was a great success and a great turnout. We salute you Ivan and Sonica and the Brakpan Aero Club. We look forward to many more great events at the Brakpan Airfield in the future.
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SAAF Museum Flying Day 2017-11-04
SAAF Museum Flying Day November 2017 by Jarryd Sinovich
