Category: Pilots and Aircraft

News about Pilots, Display teams and Aircraft

Team Xtreme Airshows

Team Xtreme Airshows

With their high energy aerobatic manvureves, Team Xtreme is surly a display to watch  at airshows, Led by SAA Captain Nigel Hopkins and South African World Aerobatic champion,the team is internationally renowned for displaying in China. Team Xtreme Airshows is a Formation Aerobatic Team flown by South African aerobatic pilots. The Team was started in 2010 by Mark Hensman & Nigel Hopkins flying two MX2 aerobatic aircraft in a high-energy duo display. Click here to goto the Team’s website

The team fly high performance aerobatic aircraft ranging from the Walter Extra 330SC and the Extreme Air XA42 Sbach,both aircraft are built in Germany. Team Extreme is a four ship Aerobatic Team,the pilots perform manures  which includes formation & freestyle aerobatics, cross-over passes, synchronized maneuvers and solo gyroscopics.

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The team members often take part in regional and international aerobatic competitions and are regular performers on the airshow circuit, if they arent flying aerobatic aircraft at an airshow.They flying warbirds or jet airliners, each member having different flying experience.Each pilot is an active member of the Sport Aerobatic Club of South Africa and holds an Advanced or Unlimited Aerobatic Rating in addition to the required Display Ratings. The pilots have a combined experience of 47,700 flight hours.

This year already the team has displayed at the FAW Ermelo Airshow in Mpumalanga. Next show on the cards is the SAAF Museum Airshow at Airforce Base Swartkops in Pretoria.The Pretoria airshows are always big and large crowds gather to see some of South Africa’s best pilots perform both civil and military.

The Aerobatic Team has performed nearly 100 displays in South Africa, Southern Africa and China since 2010, Team Xtreme is voted in the top 3 civilian Aerobatic Teams at the inaugural Formation Aerobatic Challenge (FAC 2017) held in Zhengzhou, China.

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Pilots

Nigel Hopkins#1 (Leader) 

Is a training Captain at South African Airways on the Airbus A320,he has flown all types of aerobatic aircraft and warbirds including the T28 Trojan and L29 Delphin.
Total Flying hours: 18,500+ hrs

Mark Sampson#2 (RH Wingman)

Mark is a Captain on Boeing 747s at Cathy Pacific,he is an Ex South African Airforce Pilot.His total Flying hours: 11,500 hrs

Jason Beamish#3 (LH Wingman)

Jason Beamish is a Aircraft Engineer at Absolute Aviation based at Lanseria Airport.His father Larry Beamish taught him to fly at a young age.He has been surronded by avaition his whole life,he has also flown AN2s,Piper Cub,KingAirs,Pc12s and Caravans and much more.His Total Flying hours: 2,700+ hrs

Mark Hensman #4 (Box & Solo)

Is the Team Manager & Aircraft Technician,he was recently Nigel Lambs Aircraft Technician on the Red Bull Air Race Series.He also has a helicopter PPL. His Total Flying hours: 15,500+ hrs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Noisy Bushbuck,The AM.3C Bosbok

The Noisy Bushbuck, The AM.3C Bosbok

The AM.3 used the wing design of the Aermacchi AL-60 utility aircraft, strengthened to incorporate two hardpoints. The fuselage was a new design.
The first prototype, constructed by Aermacchi, flew on 12 May 1967, and it was displayed at the Paris air show in June that year.The second prototype, constructed by AERFER, flew on 22 August 1968, but the aircraft lost the Italian Army contract to the SIAI Marchetti SM.1019. Nevertheless, Aeritalia continued development.

Above-Bosbok over the bush

The third prototype used a more powerful Piaggio-built Lycoming GSO-480-B1B6 in place of the original Continental GTSIO-520-C, and this variant was designated AM.3C
Pilot and observer are accommodated in tandem positions, and the craft features dual controls. Aft space is utilitarian, providing space for two stretchers or seat space for additional passengers. Additional configurations include freight transport.

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Above-Bosbok Cockpit

The Bosbok came to the fore during military operations in SWA and Angola during the late 1970s and 1980s. The aircraft was used extensively on the border and several were shot down during the course of the war. One of the best known exploits by a Bosbok and its pilot was that of Captain Danie Laubscher when he was awarded the Honoris Crux medal for bravery. After several unsuccessful attempts to neutralize a particular anti-aircraft emplacement which was hampering the Army’s advance captain Danie Laubscher dived down low on the target to make sure it was effectively marked with his 68 mm smoke rockets. Despite being fired at by 23 mm anti­aircraft cannon, he actually wiped out the site with his own marker rockets.

Above-Bosbok ZU-ADM Nylstroom 2016

The 40 AM.3C’s were delivered between May 1972 and December 1974 and were allocated the serials 920 – 959. The aircraft was given the name Bosbok by the SAAF. The first Bosbok to be produced for the SAAF made its debut at the Turin Air Show in 1972, although it still wore its Italian civil registration (I-TAM). The variant operated by the SAAF was the AM.3CM version which had provision for four NATO M-4A stores attachment points. The inner points were stressed for 375 lb (170 kg) and the outer points for 200 lb (91 kg) loads. During its service with the SAAF the Bosbok was operated by 41 and 42 Squadrons, usually operating from Potchefstroom but also from Lanseria and numerous airfields in northern SWA.

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Difference between the Bosbok and Atlas C.4 Kudu

The original aircraft were delivered in a matt light grey finish with dark grey serials and anti-glare panel. This was soon replaced by a wrap-around olive drab and dark earth scheme. The defense cuts of the early 1990’s lead to the retirement of the Bosbok from SAAF service in 1992.

 

Above-SAAF Museum Bosbok with 41 Squadron markings.

42 Squadron

The squadron was first formed in Bari, Italy during World War II on 23 January 1945. Many of the pilots were selected from the South African Air Force and given extra training to prepare the pilots for their artillery-spotting duties. The flight flew Auster aircraft in Europe. The flight relocated often as they moved from base to base in Europe as the German forces retreated from Italy until the end of the war. At the end of the war, 42 AOP Flight and their Auster aircraft were shipped back to South Africa and were based at Potchefstroom, home of the SA artillery. The flight’s first two army pilots that were not taken from the SAAF were trained at Central Flying School SAAF during 1949.

n the 1950s, the SAAF was given control of 42 Flight and the flight became 42 Squadron SAAF. 42 Squadron received Auster AOP9 and Auster AOP6 aircraft between 1953 and 1957. In May 1962, the Cessna 185 aircraft entered service with 42 Squadron and the Austers were phased out. In 1974, the Atlas Bosbok was added to the fleet, and later, the Atlas Kudu was then added to the squadron.

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Today

with the Atlas bosbok being withdrawn from service in 1992,most of the aircraft were sold to private individual’s.The SAAF Museum operates two aircraft which are seen at the regular flying days and Pretoria based airshows. More aircraft are flying across the rest of the country for fun flying.

See the Bosbok at the SAAF Museum Airshow 2018 click here

 

 

Indian Airforce Museum ,Palam

Hidden away on the far side of Delhi’s International Airport is a significant collection of historic aircraft,The Indian Air force Museum is an excellent and is one of the lesser known museums in the world today.

The Indian Air force Museum located at the  Palam Air force Station in Delhi, India.This particular Museum was the only one of its kind in India until the opening of the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa in 1998 and HAL Aerospace Museum in Bangalore.

Above TS-11 Iskra

The museum entrance is free to the public,and the entrance features an indoor display gallery that contains historic photographs and other sorts of memorabilia of the Indian Air force from its inception in 1932.The Gallery leads to a hanger exhibiting small aircraft and Air force inventory including anti-aircraft guns,vehicles and etc.

Helicopters are also a welcome sight at the museum on the outside exhibits area including a Russian MIL Mi-4 and a Sikorsky S55.The S55C had a 600hp(472) R-1340 engine.

Above Mil Mi-4

Above a Sikorsky S55C

Larger aircraft are exhibited outside of the hanger due to space needed for the bigger are the larger aircraft take up.The outdoor gallery contains aircraft that also display several war trophies,radar equipment and captured enemy vehicles.

Above C-119 Flying Boxcar

The vintage Aircraft Flight services that have some rare aircraft that are maintained in a airworthy condition,these aircraft are off limits to the public to view.Large aircraft are also  stored on the apron of the airbase due to the lack of space.These aircraft are only displayed on the annual Air Force Day.

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Above Westland Lysander

Above HAOP-27 Krishak

Above Supermarine Spitfire

The jet age is also on display at the Museum from the early Mig models to the super Mig-25R of number 102 Squadron IAF on display.

Above Mig 21

Above Mig 25R

Its an awesome sight to see the rest of the world looking after their aviation history.Some of the rarest aircraft can be seen at this museum,when in India make a stop at the museum to see some real Indian Air force Hardware from years gone by.

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Click to Enlarge

Ermelo Airshow 2018

The great Ermelo Airshow has finally returned to the Airshow circuit once again, after an absence since 2011. The show made a welcome return on the 7th April 2018 under the Gert Sibanda Local Municipality. Ermelo is situated 210 kilometers east of Johannesburg. It is both a mixed agriculture and mining region of South Africa.The airfield sits at 5700 feet MSL, pilots took the proper precautions as this was not a usual airfield pilots are used to flying at.

I was fortunate to fly into Ermelo airfield the day before the show with the Hill family in their beautiful strong Russian Antonov An2 “Little Annie” from Wonderboom National Airport in Pretoria.We arrived at the field with full of smiles from organisers and marshals,welcoming us and providing us with some of the best hospitality one can ask for.

That evening we were again treated to a lamb spit braai for all the pilots and VIPs that were invited to the braai.At this point of time the next day would see most display pilots and other aircraft just flying inn for the show.

Apon arrival at the airfield on Saturday the 7th April,we were blessed with beautiful weather for flying.As aircraft after aircraft arrived.The show started off with a parachute drop with SANDF Special Forces ,their jump ship was the An2 “Little Annie”. The An2 was then showed why it is the worlds biggest single engine bi-plane flying in the world today flown by Jon-Marc and Mark Hill.

Ensuring the airshow ran smoothly during the course of the day, safety officers Pete Graham and Trevor Wilson and display directors Kishugu’s Johan Heine was show boss for the day.The Capital Sounds team arrived the Friday before the show to set up for the show, Brian Emmenis and Leon Du Plessis provided excellent commentary and ensuring all information on aircraft and pilots flying on the day.

The Ermelo RC Club was next with two RC aircraft, while Neville Ferreria was soon up after the RC display. His sequence showed part of what the unlimted Aerobatic team level is sitting at. The Magni Gyrocopter flown by Matthew Zalewski from 303 Squadron flying school from Brakpan/Benoni airfield.Johan ‘Juba’ Joubert flew the only helicopter display for the day in the Aerospatiale Gazelle.

The show was a first for Team Extreme made up of Nigel Hopkins, Jason Beamish,Mark ‘Bugs’ Hensman and Mark ‘Sammy’ Sampson. The team flies a range of high performance aerobatic aircraft from the Extra 330, MX2 and Sbach 341. Two aircraft were ferried up from Cape Town just for the show. Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his Nashua sponsored Extra 300 in two spirited displays during the day.

The Rand Airport based team including the Puma Flying Lions T6 Harvard’s led by veteran airshow pilot Scully Levin who still flies for Mango airlines. He also led the new Cows Aerobatic team sponsored by ‘Taillifts SA’ flying the Pitts Specials who were sponsored by Torre for some years. The Goodyear Eagles put a 3ship display,also flying the Pitts Special led by former fighter pilot Glen ‘Gringo’ Warden. The team is also made up of Paul ‘Cruiser’ Coetzer former 85 Combat Flying School Impala display pilot. And lastly Johan von Solms a former Cheetah pilot. Glen Warden also flew the solo L39 ‘ZUTEE’ display and later paired up with Richard Lovett in his L39 ZU-IBN which both L39s are almost identical.

Ivan van der Schaar flew is beautiful Boeing Stearman with gentle aerobatics and also flew his stearman into a immaculate sunset at the end of the day. Denel test pilot Mike Weingartz flew David Laas Impala ZU-IMP, Mike has the highest hours on the type in the world. The kishugu AT802 demostarted simulated fire bombing just as the sun set.

The South African Air force provided an Agusta A109LUH from 19 Squadron AFB Hoedspruit which was on static display. The 2 Squadron JAS39D Gripen flew all the way from AFB Makhado to provide a mini display. The Gripen was flown by Mohau ‘Doberman’ Vundla, this was his first airshow display and in the back seat Marc ‘Bluebird’ Wilson.

The show was tasked by Andre Van Rooyen who had support from most of the members from the Ermelo Aeronautical Society and the support of the sponsoring of the show from FAW Trucks Ermelo. We hope to see the Ermelo Airshow as a regular on the airshow circuit.

 

The next Airshow on the calendar in South Africa is the SAAF Museum Airshow 2018

From Soloist to Lead-Omphile Mutloane

Omphile Mutloane who is currently the number 5 in the Silver Falcons Aerobatic  Team, known as the soloist in the team with the call sign “Biggy”.The team is the official aerobatic team of the South African Airforce, the team is 51 years old  in 2018. The team celebrated their 50th Anniversary last year with an airshow at their home base at AFB Langebaanweg on the Capes West Coast.Originally formed in 1946 as the Bumbling Bees and flying the T-6 Harvard and then the de Havilland Vampire. The Bumbling Bees flew a 4 ship formation and made a name for themselves by regularly taking part in South African airshows. The team disbanded in the late 1950s leaving a gap in South African aviation.The indroduction of the Pilatus PC7MKII in 1995 put the team back to a 4ship and then in 2008 the team went back to a 5 ship and painted in the Silver Falcons livery.

OG short for Omphile was born in a small village just outside the town of Zeerust in the North West Province. His interest  of flying started back in his Primary School days, when a SAAF Alouette three landed on the Soccer field. “It was so cool to see it so close up. All of the kids that’s day ran towards the chopper to get a better look, I still remember the pilot saw us and hovered at a medium height level just above our heads. The noise and dust from the down wash from the spinning rotors were awesome”. Says OG

 

 

Aircraft were  always flying high overhead the village Omphile stayed,but never did himself and the children around him at the time get the opportunity to get up close and personal with  the real thing. That one moment of the SAAF helicopter crew pretty much changed Omphiles life, from that time on he was determined not to have a plan B in his career. Plan A was to wear the green overalls and the well know green chopper helmet.

“I joined the SAAF in January 2005 and reported for basic military training at Air force Gymnasium in Valhalla Pretoria. I qualified three years later in December 2007 at AFB Langebaanweg on the Pc7mkII Astra.Completed Rotary Wings Course Starlight aviation under the guidance of Mr A.C. Hunter (best instructor I have ever flown with) in April 2008,From there I was sent to 87 Helicopter Flying School in Bloemspruit and from there onto 17 Squadron as a Oryx Helicopter co-pilot.”

I served as an Oryx co pilot at 17 squadron in Pretoria from Jan 2009 until November 2012. I did my command course on the Agusta A109LUH in 2013.In 2014 I was posted back to AFB Langebaanweg to become a instructor and subsequently did the famous falcon ‘fly-offs’. The fly offs are basically a selection of instructors who want to join the Silver Falcons and I was able to join the team in October 2015 as the number 3,then moved to the singleton as falcon 5″.

My flying hours are currently sitting at a total of 2200 of both fixed wing and helicopter hours:

750 hours on Oryx Helicopter
300 hours on A109LUH Helicopter
800+ hours on PC7MKII

Omphile will take command of leading the team from the 2018 SAAF Museum Airshow on the 5th May.This will be team 82,as we saw Mark’Katana’Gentles leave team once again after Armed Forces Week in Kimberly in the Northern Cape earlier this year as the former leader.

Some of falcon 5s hobbies interests include him being a serious book worm who loves history and a avid marathon runner. He will be competing in his second comrades Marathon in KZN in month or so time. Wish him all the best of luck!

Rand Easter Show 2018

Rand Easter Show 2018

The South African National Defense Force Wrapped up their Capability Demonstration on the Easter Weekend of the 2018 Rand Show held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre Nasrec.The SANDF  is one of the key partners of the Rand Show,and has committed to giving support to the event for the next three years to come.

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This year we saw all four arms the SANDF has to offer from the SA Navy,South African Air force,SA Army and South African Military Health Service taking up 12 000sqm of space at this years show.The Rand show turned 124 years old this year and introduced a few new displays to stay fresh and current and keep the public entertained.

The show was opened by General Barney Hlatshwayo ,SANDF Chief of Joint Operations on Friday 30th March.He mentioned “we recognize every opportunity for our forces to participate here as a step closer to the hears and minds of our peace-loving citizens ,with the SANDF as the guarantor of that peace.”

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The parade was also opened by a flag fly-past from a pair of 15 Squadron Agusta A109LUHs.The first 4 days from the opening of the Rand Show,the public were excited to see the simulated battle including airstrikes from 2 Squadron JAS39 Gripen operating out of AFB Makhado in the Limpopo Province,a Casa 212 dropping SA Army Parachutes operating out of AFB Waterkloof and lastly the SAAF Helicopters,a 16 Squadron Rooivalk that was both on static display and flying,an Oryx Helicopter and two Agusta A109s all formed a role to play during the capability exercise and from witnessing this showcase the South African Air force was a major hit.

The second part of the show which started later in the day,started off with a simulated bridge laying,new to this years show.The SA Navy’s famous gun run,precision drills,Military Police demo,A Para drop once again from the 44 Squadron Casa 212 and a air display from Major Sivu Tangana in the Pilatus PC7MKII.

Visitors are still able to undertake the Hero’s Quest,which will send them on a hunt to discover more information about the SANDF.For the youth that are interested in joining the SANDF,there are career exhibitions with information on how to sign up and the basic requirements.

The Rand Show carries on till next weekend,its a great outing for the family to get up close and personal with mean and women in uniform.We look forward to the 2019 event,as its the 125th anniversary!

Click to enlarge

 

Gates Learjet 35 RC Model

Gates Learjet 35 RC Model

The Learjet is an iconic plane that made history as the era of Private business jets started in the early 70’s.

Aviatix have modeled the Aviatix L35 as accurate as possible, even the rims, struts and wheels are perfectly scale and well presented by the electric retract system. Lots of other functions like lights and cockpit/cabin scale detail are also included with scale realism that will impress everyone at the field. Just like the real machine the Aviatix L35 fly like a dream and will handle like a jet should – straight and precise. When it’s time for landing she slows right down in landing configuration with the flaps and Gear down and our awesome electric brakes will do the rest. All the parts remove with ease, so getting her to the field is also easy in most Hatchback/midsize vehicles or any SUV despite her decent size.
Competition

Click to Enlarge (Photos by Bennie Henning)

Click to Enlarge

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This Stunning Radio Controlled Learjet is made in Aviatix factory in Pretoria East. We at Aviation Central will visit the Factory soon to bring you inside view of this amazing factory and all models available from them.

Learjet 35 – General Specifications

Crew 1 RC Pilot: – Intermediate-advanced flying skills
Capacity: Ken and 6 Barbie Dolls
Length: 96″ / 2,45m
Wingspan: 78″ / 1,99m
Height: 22″ / 0,562m
Aspect Ratio: 5.74:1
Empty Weight: 19lb (9kg)
Max takeoff weight: Electric 28lb (13kg) – Turbine 37lb (17kg)
Fuel Capacity Electric: 4 x 6S Lipo 5000mAh – Turbine 1.3 Gal / 5 litre
Powerplant:
Electric 2 x 105mm 12 Blade EDF-11 lb / 5kg Thrust each
Turbine 2 x Jetcat or Kingtech Turbine 4,5 – 6kg Thrust Each

 

Construction Photos

Learjet 45 Fuselage

 

RC Learjet 45 Wing

Ready to fly Photos

Learjet 35 – Versions

When you purchase the radio combo or RTF versions of our planes, you will be getting all the servos and radio gear already factory installed professionally! The added cost is comparable or often less than what you would pay purchasing those items seperately. We get a much better deal directly from the manufacturers of Servos for some of the main servo brands and well known brands like Align Helicopters. We also select the perfect servo and weight combination for the application saving you the school fees losing a plane because of a servo failure. On the major flight surfaces we use only Metal or Titanium gear digital coreless servos of and on other functions metal gear and sometimes analog servos for some functions requiring it.
Plug your Receiver in and match the channels as per this table, set the correct control throws, charge the batteries, and you are ready to fly!
Included is the Channel requirements and setup specifications. Note: DL500 in the Receiver channels needed are functions handled by the DL500 Gear Controller sequencer and no radio channels are needed for such operation. The DL500 comes with the correct Learjet software and profile already installed.

Competition

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Gates Learjet 35 – Colour options

Custom colors is available at 10% extra.

Spare Parts
Aviatix planes are made of the finest materials using the best equipment and processes. The result is a flyable quality plane that needs little maintenance as long as they are properly flown and treated. Our planes can at least withstand the average bad landings we all have sometime or in rough weather conditions! Please keep in mind that although we do engineer a fair amount of redundancy into parts, in order to make a plane that flies well, it needs to be light. To do that its built and engineered to be flown hard in air an not into something harder than the air! In the event of an accident, we do have the parts to repair!

 

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Win a Tailor Made Fire Resistant Flight Suit

And our Airwear Flight Suit winner is Tokkie Botes from Skeerpoort….
Congratulation Tokkie form Team Aviation Central.   

Tokkie Botes

If anyone requires information on or has questions about the Competition, please direct your questions to Flippie van Emmenis flippie@aviationcentral.co.za

Win a Tailor Made FireResistant  Flight Suit

How would you like to win a Tailor Made Fire resistant flight suit to the value of ZAR3325.00. 
The Flight suite is sponsored by Airwear   “If you value your skin, protect it, it’s the only one you have”

Kriek Helicopters

How to be in the draw

  1. This “Lucky Draw” is run by us, Aviation Central and not by any Airshow organizer.
  2. Send your Name, Surname, Mobile no and email in a WhatsApp to 0813921823 (Text only number)
  3. You will get a WhatsApp reply will be within 24hrs with Banking details to you to make a R50 donation.
  4. Once payment is received you will then be in the draw for the Tailor-Made Fire-resistant Flight Suit.
  5. Entrees can also be done via the “The Spitfire Restoration project” stand at the Swartkop Museum Flying days & SAAF Museum Airshow 2018 (R10 goes to the Project)
  6. EFT Entrees closes 5pm Thursday 03 May 2018.
  7. Entrees via the “The Spitfire Restoration project” closes at the end SAAF Museum Airshow 2018 – 05 May
  8. All names will be listed on our website, please check if your name is on the list!
  9. Sunday 06th May 2018 we will draw the lucky winner.
  10. The Winner will be phoned and the Winners name will be posted on our website and our Facebook page.
  11. Shortly after the draw a representative will contact the winner for sizes and delivery.
  12. For more information on Airwear and this fantastic Flight suite please visit http://www.airwear.co.za
  13. Funds raised by this will be used by Aviation Central to cover cost to attend Aviation Events in Southern Africa.
  14. You may enter as many times as you like. (Simply multiply the entree count you want to enter with R50 when you do the Payment)
  15. The Draw outcome is final, prize cannot be exchanged for cash.
  16. You need to be a South African Resident.
  17.  The Prize can be given to a friend / relative as a gift if you are the lucky winner as long as they live in South Africa.

 Fire Resistant Flight SuitsEntree list

Number Name Last four phone Numbers
1  Graham Walker  5179
2  Johan Roos  7171
3  Heydon Hall  3905
4  Christiaan Richardson  5709
5  Mokgadi Masete  6393
6  Mark Miller  5731
7  Johan Erasmus  3286
8  Elzabe de Kock  2701
9  Rishabh Naran  0232
10  Rishabh Naran  0232
11  Rishabh Naran  0232
12  Bennie du Plessis  7709
13  Bennie du Plessis  7709
14  Elzabe de Kock  2701
15  Courtney Pillay  3873
16  Frank Moody  0000
17  Frank Moody  0000
18  Frank Moody  0000
19  Frank Moody  0000
20  Frank Moody  0000
21  Anton Marais  8991
22 Jacques Germishuys  3152
23  Johan Nell  9325
24  Stephen Kangisser  2260
25  Tokkie Botes  3015
26 Tokkie Botes  3015
27  Tokkie Botes  3015
28  Tokkie Botes  3015
29  Charmaine Oliver  5364
30  Gregory Clegg  1849
31  Gregory Clegg  1849
32  Gregory Clegg  1849
33  Gregory Clegg  1849
34  Thapelo Makhalanyane  2647
35  Joyce Rasetlola  5977
36  Ruan Wiehman  0330
37  Ruan Wiehman  0330
38  Ruan Wiehman  0330
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Poll – Sliver Falcons Formation 2018

Silver Falcons Formation Swartkop 2018

Falcon Formation 2018

In 2017 we ran a Poll for you to select what aircraft you would like to see the Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team format with.
The Gripen won the vote. we took the results to Air Boss for the 2017 show. They listened to your vote and agreed to the Formation. The Formation was practiced and flew on the last validation day before the show. What a formation that was to see !
On Show Day, 06 May 2017 the Gripen/Silver Falcon formation was the last Item on the program. Every one was looking forward to it, when a technical problem prevented the Formation that was flown just the day before was to be repeated. This was a big disappointed to the crowd, but one that could not be prevented and was excepted as such by all.

2017 Poll Results

2017 Poll
2017 Poll

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Now, It is Airshow Season 2018 and once again we are running the Poll on what you would like to see in the Formation with the Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team. The Air Boss for the SAAF Museum Airshow 2018 will again be monitoring this poll.
Please cast your vote and show the Air Boss what you want to see in formation with our Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team at the SAAF Museum 2018 Airshow to be held 05 May 2018

Cast your Vote below:

 

What will you like to see in Formation with the Silver Falcons

  • Gripen (40%, 123 Votes)
  • Rooivalk (21%, 66 Votes)
  • C130 (11%, 35 Votes)
  • Vampire (9%, 29 Votes)
  • Airliner (8%, 26 Votes)
  • Hawk (5%, 15 Votes)
  • Impala (4%, 11 Votes)
  • Albatross (1%, 4 Votes)

Total Voters: 309

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See Gripen and Silver Falcons in Formation

Photos form past Silver Falcons Formations

(Click to enlarge)

Puppy (Black-Hawk) update 2018

The Puppy (Black-Hawk) update March 2018

Competition
From the owners mouth of this beautiful bird, Mark Jackson
“We have flown the Hawk and she’s sweet. I have sent you some pics and a video from my mobile phone. Let me know if you get them, Regards, Mark.”

Flight Video

Photo’s Click to enlarge

The Puppy (Black-Hawk) update Feb 2018

*No new photo’s as the only progress change was paperwork. 

They had the SACAA audit Monday to be approved for the maintaining of the Hawk at my AMO, Leading Edge Aviation. The inspection went well and it will take two weeks for them to process the approval.
Then They have to apply for the C of A inspection and have the Hawk inspected. This will again take a couple of weeks.
Once that is done they apply for the Hawk to be put on an operating certificate, another two weeks, then we can start flying for reward.

We did ask the question: “Rumors are doing the rounds of a second Blackhawk, is this true?” 
Mark Answer: “At this stage I have no immediate plans to buy another Hawk.“

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The Puppy (Black-Hawk) update Jan 2018

At this stage, visual progress is very slow and the only delay now is Paperwork the she can go flying!

The Rotor Blades has been fitted and The Puppy’s ground runs has been performed and is ongoing. 1st Flight delayed due to paperwork.  Below is some photos and a before and after pic!
The Puppy’s ZA reg is RT-RGA

Info on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter’s

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky submitted the S-70 design for the United States Army’s Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition in 1972. The Army designated the prototype as the YUH-60A and selected the Black Hawk as the winner of the program in 1976, after a fly-off competition with the Boeing Vertol YUH-61.

Named after the Native American war leader Black Hawk, the UH-60A entered service with the U.S. Army in 1979, to replace the Bell UH-1 Iroquois as the Army’s tactical transport helicopter. This was followed by the fielding of electronic warfare and special operations variants of the Black Hawk. Improved UH-60L and UH-60M utility variants have also been developed. Modified versions have also been developed for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. In addition to U.S. Army use, the UH-60 family has been exported to several nations. Black Hawks have served in combat during conflicts in Grenada, Panama, Iraq, Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and other areas in the Middle East.  read more…

Also see Black Hawk arrived in South Africa and Black Hawk “The Puppy” update Dec 2017

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The Puppy

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The Puppy Before
The Puppy After