Category Archives: General News and Airshow Reviews
The Grand Rand Airshow 2022
The Grand Rand Airshow, one of Johannesburg’s most favourite airshow on the airshow scene for many years now, finally made its way back after a three year absence.
One of the few airshows that take place on a Sunday, Rand Airport in Germiston is home to many of the South African Airshow performers .
This years show would not be possible to Menno Parsons of Master Power Technologies. Who displayed his beautiful and only airworthy P51D Mustang in South Africa. With a new display routine, Menno also provided his Bell UH-1 Huey as the jump ship for Skydivers as the opening slot of the program.
Alister Brown from National Airways Corporation (NAC) and Menno also flew a dual helicopter Bell 407 display. The helicopter duo was also joined by Nigel Hopkins in the Iveco Sponsored Extra 330 and hovered just like the helicopters momentarily. Menno also raced a formula f1 car vs his Bell 407.
Capital Sounds Brian Emmenis provided sound and commentary for the show as he is known as Mr Airshow South Africa.
The Puma Flying Lions Harvards flew their roaring radial display. The Harvard’s also joined up by two Extra 300s for a new display combining both teams. The team also did a missing man formation for the South African Police Airwing Pilatus Porter a few days before the show, unfortunately five people lost their lives.
The Hired Gun Coffee Pitts display led by Scullly Levin. The Goodyear Pitts Specials flew their four ship display as they were also present at the Children’s Flight on Friday at Orient airfield near Magaliesburg.
Patrick Davidson displayed his RedBull sponsored Gamebird for the first time on the highveld. Barrie Eels and Elton Bondi flew competition aerobatics in two Extra 330s.
The Classic Flying Collection from Springs airfield flew a two ship Tiger Moth display by Grant Timms and Steve Brown, later they flew three Chipmunks led by Rodney Chinn.
Jason Beamish also a flew a Chipmunk solo display. Nigel and Jason Beamish also flew the Iveco Extra 330 high energy display.
Andre van Zyl who flies the best Gyrocopter display one can see at an Airshow in his Magni Gyrocopter. Henley Air provided a Bell 230/222 display consisting of six helicopters. Biggest formation of its type seen at an airshow ever.
Pierre Gouws flew Richard Lovetts L39ZA ZU-IBN which is based at Middelburg Airfield, Mpumalanga. Pierre also led the Raptors RV team with close formation aerobatics.
Airlink did their first Airshow display at Rand Airport in an Embraer E190 flown by Jaco Henning. Was great to see an airliner put through it paces, as we remember days gone by as we saw Boeing 747s,737s and Airbus A340s also at past Rand Airport Airshows.
Ivan and Jeandre van der Schaar flew a Boeing Stearman and RC Extra 300 display
A first for South African Airshows.
A big well done to all role players behind making the Rand Airport Airshow happen. Airshow South Africa Rikus Erasmus as show director, Colonel Retired Francois ‘Hose’ Hanekom as safety director and all other’s at ASSA,and Rand Airport Manegment, media houses,vendors and exhibitors for directing a safe rand airshow once again.
See you next year Rand Airport Airshow. For now we see you all at Africa Aerospace & Defence at AFB Waterkloof 21-25 September 2022.
Pictures by Jarryd Sinovich,Flippie van Emmenis,Anton Wannenburg & Capital Sounds
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Also Read About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022) and USAF Aircraft Coming to AAD
SAAF Chopper Reunion 2022
The 27th August 2022, hovering into Airforce Base Swartkop, home to 104 Squadron, 17 Squadron, Airspace Control Unit, and the South African Airforce Museum Historic Flight.After a couple years absence due to Covid 19.
The chopper boys were welcomed back to the base to reminisce about their helicopter flying tasks from days gone by and present during their time in the South African Air Force.
A chopper reunion wouldn’t be the same with out the sounds of helicopter blades twirling through the crisp August day with a 17 Squadron Flypast and the Museum Puma flown by General (Ret) John Church and Piet Burger. And not to forget their flight engineers and ground crew that keep these helicopters serviceable.
Memrobilla of all sorts were on sale during the course of the day from 17 Squadron, Air Force Museum Swartkop and a number of others.
The SAAF Museum ground crew also placed some of the museum static exhibits including Alouette IIs, Alouette IIIs, Puma, Prototype Rooivalk and a Super Frelon.
With many friends meeting up with one another after the absence and sharing their flying stories as if they were back in their once flying office together again. And not forgetting the famous chopper boys song being sung jutting out loud.
We look forward to attending next year’s event.
The Holborn Assets Groblersdal Speed Navigation Rally – 20 August 2022
by Rob Jonkers
This is the 3rd Speed Rally in Season 4 for 2022, which after the weather challenges of the first three in this season turned out with pristine conditions on Saturday morning, albeit very windy later on, giving some good challenging flying conditions to contend with.
For this event the organisers looked at changing the format slightly, where instead of a Friday arrivals with
test flights and an evening briefing with dinner for an early start on Saturday changed to a Saturday &
Sunday event with competitors arriving early Saturday and a mid-morning briefing. As many of the competitor aircraft have previous test flown handicaps or event history, the number of test flights would only be limited to new entrants which could be done in the early morning prior the briefing. The idea was that first take-off would take place around midday with a finish around 2 PM, where after results would be available in the late afternoon with a prize giving and dinner for the Saturday night. This would allow a good opportunity to network and engage with friends and the local club community.
The Groblersdal Club went to great lengths to make the event successful, and also combined the Speed
Rally with a fly in, and prepared an excellent surface taxi-way in this last week to accommodate operation to both ends of the runway. Also some more firsts for the Speed Rally series, previous Race Director Rob
Jonkers passed the baton fully on to Iaan Myburgh to prepare and run the event together with David le Roux as the Race Master, and took the opportunity to fly a race type event for the very first time, prior to this either having been in the back office, route planning and directing since 2016. It was great to be taking a back seat and be on the other side of the fence….
And given this, can now report first hand the experience of flying at speed. SAPFA Chair Leon Bouttell
offered to fly the event in his Sportstar as a late entry, and after some discussion decided fly with him
navigating given my navigation skills being more rusty. At papers time I collected the envelope and had to take a brisk walk to get to the aircraft parked some 200 m away, strap in while Leon started plotting,
essentially I got a map with the route highlighted and he went to prepare the 2 nd map with minute markers to allow us to assess progress along the route.
This was concluded prior start-up and after taxi to the holding position we still had some 5 minutes to go
through the route and discuss altitudes to fly at. Barreling down runway 05 we first had to pick up speed in ground effect and have positive rate of climb prior the first turn after the end of the runway which was a steep left at almost 180 deg (the preferred take-off direction was actually Rwy 23 but changed due to wind conditions favouring 05 and it being downhill).
Not having flown the Sportstar for some time had to get used to the very light controls (compared to a C182), so the first leg was a little skittish in heading and it took most of that leg to get oriented, which resulted in a turn-point miss on turn-point 1, which most competitors found difficult to find. After that we settled down and could get on with finding the next turn-points, checking track position relative to the far field and close in features.
Around half way we sighted the Ercoupe in front of us, and proceeded to haul them in, but not long after that the Cessna 150 with Ron & Von overtook us, just to see them almost miss turn-point 8 having to jinx left and then right to get around the turn-point, this brought them closer to us again before disappearing into the distance. For sure it remains important to not lose energy around turns. Thereafter we overtook first timers Benjamin & Clinton in their Bushcat coming into the home straight, and I started wondering where were the faster aircraft behind us, and then no less than 15 seconds from the finish line the Comanche ZS-NXG, the 235 ZS-FVV and the C210 ZS-CNY came zooming past as if we were standing still, at least it looked like we must have arrived overhead in 5th place.
The wind for sure had an effect on us all, with much turbulence, and even though staying between 3500 & 4000ft, I let the aircraft drift up with thermal / wave lift where it happened, and bled off altitude to pick up speed taking advantage on the conditions. All in all great to fly one of these, and for sure there are strategies to follow, navigation accuracy to be maintained, energy management around turn-points, altitude management, it is not for sure not just a full throttle burn around a track, each element an important ingredient in achieving leader board positions as seconds count, where an average of an hour’s flight is involved.
After everybody was safe on the ground, Iaan and Tarryn got to work with scoring, and concluded this by 4PM, and then awaited the prize-giving at 6PM hosted by David le Roux. A number of competitors were not able to stay over, thus prize giving had a number of winners not being present.
For the Navigation Accuracy category, third place went to Ron Stirk and Von Hamman in their Cessna 150
ZS-NBT, in 2 nd place Willem Kruger & Cris Moolman as first timers in their Alouette 2 ZU-RAH , and in 1 st place Stefan Lombard & Martiens Marais in their Piper Comanche ZS-NXG.
For the Handicap/Speed category, third place went to Phil Wakeley & Mary de Klerk in their C210 ZS-CNY, in 2nd place Stefan Lombard & Martiens Marais in their Piper Comanche ZS-NXG, and in 1 st place Quintin Kruger & Johan Whiteman in their Cherokee 235 ZS-FVV.
Overall Winners in third place went to Phil Wakeley & Mary de Klerk in their C210 ZS-CNY, in 2 nd place
Quintin Kruger & Johan Whiteman in their Cherokee 235 ZS-FVV, and in 1 st place Stefan Lombard &
Martiens Marais in their Piper Comanche ZS-NXG.
Many thanks to the Groblersdal Flying Club for hosting this fantastic event, supporting with logistics and great meals available throughout the day, Iaan Myburgh as Race Director, Nigel Musgrave as the Safety Officer, Shane with his team from Century Avionics for technical scrutineering, David le Roux as Race Master, and all the SAPFA and Grobersdal Club members who supported marshalling and administration.
Also thanks to our headline sponsors Holborn Assets, Pilot Insure, Flying Eyes and our sponsored teams,
Prompt Roofing, Beagle Tracking, Gem Air and Mnandi Signs.
Our next Speed Rally event will be at Springs on the 30th September 2022, which will be the Season 4 finale, with a gala dinner to round it off.
USAF Aircraft Coming to AAD
Also, see About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022)
With this year’s Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade and Airshow around the corner. The anticipation is now here!
A number of United States Aircraft will be coming to Airforce Base Waterkloof from the 21-25th of September 2022.
First on the list is the Boeing C17 Globemaster, the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft that was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. There will be two C17s at this year’s AAD.
Click here to View the full Aircraft list
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an American military aerial refueling aircraft that was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, alongside the Boeing 707 airliner. It is the predominant variant of the C-135 Stratolifter family of transport aircraft.
The C-130J is the newest version of the C-130 Hercules and the only model in production. As of March 2022, 500 C-130J aircraft were delivered to 26 operators in 22 countries.
The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is an American military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft developed by Boeing from its 767 jet airliner. In February 2011, the tanker was selected by the United States Air Force (USAF) as the winner in the KC-X tanker competition to replace older Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers. The US Air Force intends to procure 179 Pegasus aircraft by 2027.
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky submitted the S-70 design for the United States Army’s Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System competition in 1972. The UH-60 will also provide an air display.
More aircraft will be added to the aircraft list soon including a number of South African Airforce Favourites.
Africa Aerospace and Defence trade show will be on 21-23 September and the two airshow days are 24th & 25th September 2022 at Airforce Base Waterkloof, City of Tshwane, South Africa.
Sea Rescue in Stilbaai 20th August 2022
A South African Air Force 22 Squadron Oryx was activated for a Air Sea Rescue mission locating the yacht, panacea that has been missing at sea. The yacht has been overdue to reach his destination. The Squadron received initial coordinates from a passing tanker ship where the yacht was last seen.
The tanker, has tried to confirm the presence of life onboard the yacht, but due to heavy sea condtitions and vessel size it could not be established with certainty.
The crew with the the help from the NSRI then flew a SAR pattern and managed to locate the yacht approximately 28 nautical miles South South West of Stilbaai on the South Coast.
An NSRI Airborne rescue swimmer was deployed from the helicopter into the sea, he swam to and boarded the yacht where he found the sailor deceased below decks.
With limited fuel remaining the rescue swimmer placed a signalling beacon on the yacht before being recovered into the helicopter. The yacht with the deceased sailor had been recovered and towed back to shore by the NSRI rescue vessel.
Special thanks to the ground crew that works behind the scenes for always ensuring safe serviceable helicopters.
The effort by all involved, for their tireless contributions that helped to bring closure in this tragedy, is commended.
Credit to NSRI, MRCC and SAAF.
Photos were taken by Frank Boekkooi
Exercise Shared Accord 2022
Exercise Shared Accord 2022 is a Joint and Multinational Peace Support Operation and
Humanitarian Relief Exercise with the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
(SETAF-AF) of the United States (US) Armed Forces, took place over a period 05 -30 July
2022 in and around Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. This came about as a result of bilateral
Defence Force Committee discussions that originated in 2009, and was approved by the
Military Command Council (MCC) in 2010.
The exercise was followed by a capability demonstrations including High Altitude
Low Opening (HALO) techniques by paratroopers, US and RSA Medivac, Chemical Spillage
procedures by SANDF and the disaster management, and demonstrations.
Exercise Shared Accord was the fourth exercise of this
nature to be planned and executed in South Africa, with previous exercises that took place in
2011, 2013 and 2017. The last exercise was conducted in Northern Cape at the SA Army
Combat Training Centre (CTC) Lohatlha, and the following scheduled exercise was to be
executed in 2020, but due to outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all exercises were
suspended in March of that year.
The Aim of Exercise Shared Accord 2022 was to improve bilateral military inter-operability in Air
Support Operations and Peace Support Operations (PSO) for landward forces, and to
exercise the provision of medical assistance and humanitarian relief to own forces and the
local population. The South African Medical Heath Service (SAMHS) together with the New
York Army National Guard personnel from US Armed Forces have been in the forefront with
the community outreach programme in providing medical services, like primary health care,
dental, veterinary and ophthalmic services to residents in a number of local rural clinics
around uMhlathuze Local Municipality and uMfolozi local Municipality to name a few.
Pictures by Hein Beukes
About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022)
The 14th Edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022) is set to take place in September 2022. AAD2022 will consist of two parts, 21st to 23rd of September is the Trade days and are aimed at the Aviation and Defence specialists, The Weekend, 24th, and 25th of September are the Public days and consist of Africa’s largest Airshow. The Show is held biannually at Waterkloof Air Force Base in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. AAD is also know by many as Waterkloof Airshow
THE PREMIER EXHIBITION OF AIR, SEA AND LAND TECHNOLOGIES ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT
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.
ABOUT THE AIR SHOW AND EXHIBITION
Africa Aerospace and Defence Air show and Defence Exhibition are open to the public.
The air show comprise of a world class air demonstration, mobility track demonstrations, parachute drops, aerobatic displays and many other static displays from some of the biggest names in the aviation and defence industry who will demonstrate their latest and greatest aircraft.
There will also be organised children’s activities and attractions including a Youth Development Programme will be staged in a dedicated Pavilion with a fun fly park where the youth will have interactive activities, such as plastic model building, virtual aviation, simulator, target shooting, first-aid and crime scene investigation.
Also, read USAF Aircraft Coming to AAD
Also, read AAD 2022 Aircraft list
Public Visitor Information
Also, read Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow
Ticket Information
Get your Tickets now!
From Computicket in advance
Adult R200.00
Children (5 to 12) and pensioners: R100.00
At the Gate
Adult R250.00
Children (5 to 12) and pensioners: R120.00
Children under 5 are admitted free
Click the Link below to get your Tickets
Click here to get your tickets today
#AAD2022 Tickets
AAD2022 SITE MAP
DIRECTIONS TO AAD
From OR Tambo International Airport
From OR Tambo International Airport take exit 46 for R21 N towards Kempton Park / Pretoria.
Merge onto R21.
Take exit 12 for M31 / Nellmapius Drive towards Centurion.
Turn left onto Nellmapius Dr / M31.
Turn right onto Van Ryneveld Ave / M28.
From Midrand (N1)
Head northwest toward Old Pretoria Main Rd.
Turn right onto Old Pretoria Main Rd.
Take the 3rd left to stay on Old Pretoria Main Rd.
Take the 1st left onto New Rd.
Slight right to merge onto N1 towards Pretoria. Partial toll road.
Continue onto Ben Schoeman Fwy.
Take the exit towards M10.
Turn left onto M10.
The destination will be on the left.
Map
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
- No gazebos, laser devices, firearms, knives, glass bottles, drugs, pets, braais or umbrellas may be brought onto the AFB Waterkloof’s premises
- Visitors are not permitted to bring their own alcohol to the show
- Members of the public are requested to remain within the demarcated public viewing areas
- Ear Plugs will be sold at the Waterkloof Base
- Radios capable of tuning (Scanners), will also not be allowed on the base. If radios or Scanners are found on the day it will be confiscated by ICASA.
- The flying of Drones during the event will also not be allowed.
- Visitors are welcome to bring their cameras to photograph events.
- Visitors should bring their own camping chairs and sunscreen.
- Food stalls and a beer garden will be available, but PICNIC BASKETS are welcome
- ATMs are available throughout for your convenience
- Medical/first aid facility, access for the disabled, lost child centre
- Sufficient toilets will be available.
- Come early and enjoy a full day of wonderful entertainment
- Tips for parents: Place a name and mobile number on a piece of paper and put in your child’s pocket or write your mobile number on your child’s arm.
FAQ PUBLIC VISITORS
Will public transport be available?
Yes. There Will public transport be available?
Yes. There will be limited public transport buses (Tshwane Buses) and Gautrain Buses departing from the Centurion Railway Station to the AFB Waterkloof. The buses will depart from these locations to AFB Waterkloof in the morning and will return again in the afternoon.
Can I visit the air show in the week?
No. The trade days are strictly open to trade visitors and professionals only.
Is the show the same on both days?
The format of the show is the same on both days. The only difference between Saturday and Sunday is in the flying displays.
Parking
There is ample parking for visitors and parking is free at the Base.
Can I smoke at the air show?
AAD is a no-smoking area, no smoking is permitted in any of the halls or chalets, or restaurants.
Can I bring alcohol to the Show?
No. For the safety of everyone, alcohol cannot be brought onto the Air Show grounds.
Can I bring my dog?
No pets are allowed, for safety reasons. Registered Guide Dogs, as permitted by law, are allowed.
Is there a pharmacy on site?
There are medics on-site and medical services are provided throughout. In the event of an injury or illness, please locate the Medical Centre or contact any of the Organisers or Security Staff who will arrange assistance.
What should I do if I become separated from my child?
Any lost children are taken to the Lost Children Centre (see map for location). In the event of a lost child, the adult should report it to the Lost Children Centre or Organisers Office, or locate any of the show organisers or police at the show for assistance.
Also, read Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow
Aircraft list & Program
The Aircraft list will only be available in September with the Flying Program will be made available Friday 23rd September
Below are Photos from AAD2018
67 Days to AAD 2022 Media Briefing
The countdown to 67 days to Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow which will be held at Airforce Base Waterkloof in the city of Tshwane from 21-25 September 2022.
A media briefing plus a youth development familiarisation to the world of aerospace was held at 28 Squadron “Portamus” (We Carry” home of the Lockheed Martin C130BZ under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Nandi Zama.
The Deputy Chief of the South African Air Force, Major General Innocent Buthelezi welcomed the guests on behalf of the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo and said that he is happy that an event of this magnitude had been dissected, reinvented, finally comes to life.
“When we started there was still so much uncertainty on whether we would be able to host the 11th edition. The pandemic still was at its worst and we watched and waited as we gathered every pronouncement made by the World Health Organisation and our Department of Health.
The Deputy Chief of the SA Air force mentioned that he personally likes the theme of this year’s AAD which is: exploring new paths, sharing solutions and showcasing innovation and capabilities.
“For the first time in the history of AAD, we have secured the express permission for the presence and use of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) or drones during the show. It is evident that the future is upon us and still coming at us at the speed of light. Innovation is coming from young minds, minds that can still dream big.
Invited guests witnessed the signing of agreements between the AAD and the City of Tshwane, Gautrain and the South African Airways, we are assured of the success of AAD2022,” said Major General Buthelezi
The 67 learners from Mshuluzani Mayisela Primary School from bronkhorstspruit and said, “these learners are fresh, impressionable minds, we aim to ignite the spark of aviation in their minds so that they can always remember that they were part of this august moment,” he said
The Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Mr Randal Williams welcomed the AAD team to the City of Tshwane and said, “we are thrilled to be associated with the AAD, what is interesting is that it showcases the latest technological innovations.
Ms Nompaza Ndlovu, the chairperson of AAD said, “this is a new dawn as we slowly recover from the shackles of the pandemic, I am pleased that we are back in action because we will bring all the strategic partners together to realise what we have been looking forward to, the best AAD this year,” she mentioned.
Foreign airforces have been invited to the event with a couple already committing their presence at this year’s AAD.
Obviously we will know closer to the event who’s who that will be at AAD 2022. Ticket sales and vendor applications will also be available in August next month.
Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow will run from 21-25 September 2022.
Aero Expo South Africa 2022
Aero Africa was passionately welcomed back to Wonderboom National Airport in the city of Tshwane, South Africa, this past week and adding Saturday for some of the public to attend the now 2nd edition of the general aviation trade show.
This being Africa’s largest general aviation trade show, covers the full spectrum of services and products for the aviation industry. Discover what direction developments in the General Aviation industry are going.
This years expo was a bit smaller as the previous Aero Africa that took place for the first time back in 2019.
Due to the fact that planned returns of the expo were to take place in 2020/2021, got cancelled due to the all now well known covid-pandemic.
As that being said, we can now appreciate the event is back and we and the industry can only grow stronger going forward.
Visitors were welcome to fly-in to AERO South Africa in their own aircraft for the proceedings of each of the three days.
That including free landing, approach and ground handling fees for fly-ins to the event.
Potential buyers had the opportunity to experience aircraft features first hand as aircraft manufacturers and distributors having the opportunity to host demonstration flights during the event.
A workshop area hosted reputable speakers covering relevant topics were available during the course of the days of all different products, companies ect.
Aero South Africa attracts a broad and international exhibitor base with innovative products new to South Africa by incentivising product launches and global imports.
An interactive platform offering exhibitors and visitor the perfect environment to build and foster relationships with current and future business partners.
Features at AERO South Africa 2022
A private workshop area is available to host seminars and talks at AERO South Africa 2022.
As well as a medium size static park with a number of fixed wing and rotary aircraft on display.
Some of the big aviation companies that were exhibiting such as Absolute Aviation, National Airways Corporation, Cirrus South Africa, Airbus Helicopters, Excujet, DJA Aviation, Flight Schools, Air Ambulances just to name a few.
The airport itself was still busy with charter flights, flight training schools, test flights from the airports local maintenance facilities.
This made up for some as many of the general public thought the event was an airshow but in fact and expo.