Category Archives: Team AC

Hercules C130 aka “Flossie”

C130 Flossie
February 2, 2021   NewsLetter, NewsLetter – Review, Pilots and Aircraft, Team AC   No comments

Hercules C130 Flossie aka “Flossie”

C130 Flossie

A while back, whilst we were running a series on SAAF aircraft, the question arose as to how the Hercules C130 got the nickname ‘Flossie’. Well, here we have it courtesy of Jan Marais from Who’s Who in the SAAF.

Here is the story of where the name “FLOSSIE” came from.

Not many years after the arrival of the C130B’s onto the SAAF register, South Africa became embroiled in a Border War along the South West African/Angolan border. There has been much good and bad written about that conflict and I am not going to add further to that issue, other than to point out that the C130’s were used on a daily basis to convey troops and material to and from the border, and in later years SAFAIR, operating L100’s, were contracted to assist in the air transport effort. To the casual observer the C130 and L100 look so much alike that one could be forgiven for thinking they were the same. Having said the above I can now get on with story.

At 28 Squadron, the operators of the SAAF C130’s, was a Flight Engineer named Phil or “Flippie”. He was a most dedicated man who ate, slept and dreamed C130. In his private life he was a most disciplined man (real old school, soldier), who never did a half job of anything. You all know the type, “if its worth doing, do it properly or don’t do it at all”

Phil was married to a lady with the real old English name of Florence. In her family she was called Flo, and among her siblings she was called Flossie. (by now you can see where this is going)

Presidential Inauguration 2019

Photo: Johan Stephens

Being the consummate professional Phil would ALWAYS walk out, long before the rest of the crew, to the aircraft he was scheduled to fly in and do a proper pre-flight inspection. A few of his fellow flight engineers would pull his leg and tell him the aircraft was only due for a major technical inspection at a future date. His standard reply was “Chaps, if you treat and look after your aircraft like you look after your wife, she will never let you down” This comment always gave all of his Squadron mates a smile. Over the months, whenever his crew were due to walk out to the aircraft they would ask “where is Flippie, is he at Flossie? or Come guys we shouldn’t keep Flossie waiting” or comments along those lines.

In time the reference to Flossie was made more often at the movement control section at Air Force Base Waterkloof and more and more people became attuned to this reference and this then morphed into all troop transport, becoming known as “FLOSSIE”

You may ask how I know this bit of history. The simple answer is that Phil was my Father and “FLOSSIE: was my Mother.

Flying the BDF C130
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10 Years – Aviation Central 2009 to 2019

September 13, 2019   General News and Airshow Reviews, Team AC   No comments

Aviation Central celebrates 10 Years

10 Years Long

Adrenaline Show

Adrenaline Show – Wonderboom National Airport

Aviation Central was founded in September 2009, just days before the 2009 Swartkop Airshow.

The drive behind the team that makes up Aviation Central, the time and effort spent in taking photographs, traveling across multiple countries to report on events, is all about the love and passion that the team has for aviation.

We have managed to see and witness some incredible moments in aviation in Southern Africa, and even witnessed some incidents we wouldn’t want to see again.

From the ups and the downs of regional air shows, to the fantastic Africa Aerospace and Defence show we eagerly attend every second year,

Race for Rhinos at Sua Pan in Botswana, The Botswana International Airshow and other neighbouring countries airshows around Southern Africa.

Gaborone International Airshow 2017

To flying in some exotic aircraft with friends we have made in the industry, to all the people behind the airshow scenes and fans we have met along the way.

We can’t thank you, all our fans and supporters, enough for all the positive feedback we have received on all our social media sites and our webpage, which was introduced in 2017.

Our team has all visited shows in their youth, but it started at the Wings N’ Wheels Airshow that was held at Airforce Base Swartkop in 2009, where we got to see a number of fighter aircraft display including

The SAAF Museums Mirage IIICZ ‘Black Widow’ and Aerosud Mirage F1AZ. To see those aircraft in formation at the end of the day, will stay in our memories for years to come.

It was also an opportunity to see the New Gripen and Hawk Fighter jets display as they were put through their paces for the Pretoria crowds for the first time.

Aviation Central’s mission is to bring as much information to the public about upcoming airshows and aviation related events that take place in Southern Africa.

We get messages from all over the world when it comes to airshows and people want to know more about the event before attending.

As a non-profit organisation, our purpose is not to make money, but rather to bring the joy of aviation pictures and stories to the public to their mobile phones, PCs and now even on YouTube. We will now be

posting aviation videos from airshow MOs and events so you can also witness the sights and sounds of the magnificent aircraft.

We look forward to continue providing everyone with up to date news on all aviation events in Southern Africa, for many, many years to come.

Aviation Central Timeline

  1. Formed 13 September 2009 by Elan Hoffman
  2. June 2011, Flippie van Emmenis joined as a Follower to Aviation Central
  3. March 2012 Flippie van Emmenis was granted admin right to help run Aviation Central
  4. Sep 2012 John James joined Team Aviation Central, John is currently inactive.
  5. Dec 2013 Aviation Central had it 1st 1000 likes
  6. Dec 2013 Lettie van Emmenis  Joined Aviation Central  (Admin) 
  7. March 2014 Trevor Viljoen Joined Aviation Central
  8. May 2015 Jarryd Sinovich joined Aviation Central, Jarryd has become one of the most active members of the team.
  9. Feb 2016 Aviation Central passed all other Aviation Media related pages with followers on Facebook
  10. September 2018 Alan Richert joined Aviation Central
  11. March 2019 Niel Swart Joined Aviation CentralJuly 2019 Aviation Central reached the 30 000 likes mark on Facebook

The Team

Team AC AAD2018

Team Aviation Central AAD2018

Elan Hoffman
 I love flying. I love watching the aeries soar, the smell of jet fuel in the morning, the feel of the throttle in my hand.

I remember the internet boom and wanting to catch into that. Long ago, in a land down under, I built a website that could connect flyers, enthusiasts, aviation businesses. I left that land back home to South Africa and started that idea again.

And then Facebook happened and with it came a fast moving need that I could not manage on my own.

Fortune brought a good man to Aviation Central who had assembled a great team. They have taken Aviation Central to heights I only dreamed of. Their photographic prowess on display, their service given to this idea now showing in an Aviation Central Calendar on as many digital channels I know.

May an idea taken from humble beginnings keep on ascending!

Alan Richert

Since as a young lad watching Vampire’s, Hawker Hunter’s and Alouette III’s of the then Rhodesian Air Force flying over Lake Kyle returning from their missions, I have always been fascinated by aircraft.

However, it was only in the 1990’s that I got to experience air shows, and then trying to photograph them with my trusty old 35mm film point and shoot automatic camera! It was around 2012 I decided to do something about my interest in taking photographs, got myself a proper DSLR and dived head first into the world of photography. It was a natural progression to then bring the two passions together.

With a stressful day job in the Information Technology world, the relief of getting out and doing photography is very rewarding and helps keep me focused.

My passion is aviation photography, but I do enjoy shooting most types of action sports. To keep sane and when I want some me time, I indulge in a bit of landscape photography.

Having joined the Aviation Central team late 2018 I am still learning the ropes of all the behind-the-scenes activities, but I thoroughly enjoy the privilege of being able to share with you my photographs of these magnificent flying machines.

Niel Swart

Niel has been a member of Aviation Central since March 2019. He is based in the Cape but travels to events when and where possible and has actively been taking photos since 2007.
Niel has covered events like AAD and air shows at Swartkops, Stellenbosch and Rand. Some of his other work cover the Coca Cola World Cup B737 visiting South Africa as well as the first landings of the three British Airways reto B747’s.
He also has a fond love for trains, both big and small. His fondest memory is of chasing a train in a 1953 Chipmunk as a passenger by taking air to ground photos with the cockpit filling with the amazing smell of burning coal while banking and experiencing the sensation of flying.

Jarryd Sinovich

From the day my father brought home a toy 747 from his business trip to Cape Town,i have been devoted to aviation in South Africa. I attend my first ever airshow at the tender age of 3 that being DEXSA that was held at Airforce Base Waterkloof in 1998.To this day I remember sitting in the then Shurlock  Sponsored Pitts Special Aerobatic aircraft and the R=roar of thundering jets from above as my ears took a beating. I was hooked!

As the years went on I attend airshows all over the country from Cape Town to Polokwane, but one of my favourite shows I attended was the only and lets hope not the last fighter meet at Airforce Base Makhado in the Limpopo province. It was where I got to see a number of fighter jets fly as well as hear the then cheetah fighter jet break the sound barrier. I also got to witness Ivan “Viking” Pentz display the new Hawk Mk120 for the first time.

Since then I got my PPL in 2013 and continue to travel and enjoy the South African Airshow circuit. I look forward to a big celebration in 2020 with the South African Airforce 100th anniversary  and the Aero Clubs 100th too.

Flippie van Emmenis

Flippie Van Emmenis

Aviation Central’s Flippie Van Emmenis receiving an Honorary Membership Certificate from Eagle Air

I use to be the guy attending air shows sitting on my camping chair form the start of the show until the end of the show, without moving from myspot even if it caused dehydration as I did not want to miss a thing. At first I did not own a camera, nor did I ever consider getting one as it was about my love for air shows, the aircraft, the fuel and smell from the vendors all while listening to Brian doing commentary.  Facebook started to gain popularity in 2009 and in order to find out more about upcoming air shows, I started following aviation pages to.

I joined Aviation Central as a normal follower which had about 140 likes at that stage. Soon afterward following, I started commenting and asking many questions. Elan Hoffman, the creator of Aviation Central, asked me if I would like to help him with the admin the page. This totally caught me off guard as I never expected myself to be doing something like this. I thought that my writing skills were not up to standard for this but this will not stop me! About one year later the page had grown to over 1300 likes. Elan phoned me and offered me to take over the ownership of the page, once again shocked, but I accepted. So yes, I never planned something like this let alone dreamt about it. Now, my love for air shows has also grown into a passion that my wife and I as well as the rest of my team can share with all air show lovers all over Southern Africa and abroad.

Trevor Viljoen

My passion for Aviation started as a young boy going to the Virginia Airshows and from there it was just aviation that was in my head and all I could think about and still up to today, Flippie ( Boss Man) and I got to meet each other for the first time in 2014 after being chatting to each other and sharing our passion and love for Aviation on Facebook for sometime. My first post for Aviation Central was the first Sky GO held at North Beach in Durban and from then it has been one Fantastic ride with this team!

To be apart of this team is something that I never ever thought would happen but when Flippie asked me to join the Team I was not sure if i was good enough to be apart of Aviation Central but just took it by the horns and said yes for the love of Aviation and I have never looked back, it’s hard work but it’s an Honour and I am truly greatful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to share my passion for Aviation!

Lettie van Emmenis (Admin)
Since I met Flippie he took me to the first Air show. I saw the Vampire flying and the Silver Falcons I could not wait for the next airshow just to see them flying again. My love for Aviation was triggered by Flippie and I enjoy it a lot.

Thank you!

We would also like to Thank all the Guys and Gals that helped us with phots and stories over the last ten years, below is a list of Some of them!
Dries Beetge, Pieter Cronje, Ryno Albrecht, Koos Smit, Andre Nel, Andre Venter, Michael Combrink, Mark Mansfield, Annette Visage Nel, Russell Dixon-Paver, Ben van der Walt, Bennie Henning, Justin de Reuck, Brent Best, Ruan Du Rand, Dian Townsend and Charmaine Oliver.

We Would also like to send out a BIG thank you to Mr Brian Emmenis form Capital Sounds that was always willing to guide us and advise were we can improve, Brian, Thank you and please continue with your valuable input.

Mark Mansfield, Your guidance and Support to the Team is also very much appreciated, You opened many doors to Team Aviation Central and always supported us!

Thank you to all our Fans and Followers out there. To Our Critics, Thank you for showing us where we can Improve

Some Birthday Messages

Air Show South Africa – ASSA

Many happy returns to all our friends at Aviation Central on their 10th anniversary – Congratulations on the huge success and we look forward to continuing relationship for another 10 years at least

Trevor Cohen

Congratulations Aviation Central on achieving your first 10 years. You guys have provided the greater flying community with awesome up to date info pertaining to flying and flying events. Flippie you have guided this ship expertly and you should be proud of your achievement. Keep up the good work and loads of respect.

DJA Aviation

DJA uses Aviation Central to ensure that it stays up to date with all industry events and happenings.

DJA applauds Aviation Central on the availability and accuracy of information on their platform.

Simone Helen Stoop Lekker FM

Happy 10th birthday Aviation Central. This community has given me a platform to get updates about airshows, aviation news and to be part of a community that share my love for avaition. Thank you for your hard work and sharing your passion with all of us. Here is to another 100years of Aviation Central

Puma Energy – Flying Lions

Congratulations to Aviation Central on a decade of authentic aerobatic news. Although I have not worked with Flippie van Emmenis and his flaring team for the longest time, I am truly impressed by their dedication to the flying scene. Self-funding excursions to capture the greatest airborne photographs and creating emotional stories about our beloved pilots http://bit.ly/ArniesLoveStory. Aviation Central is our loyal Airshow support, without them, fans wouldn’t know about Airshows happening across our African skies. We are sincerely grateful to the Aviation Central team for collaborating on events to ensure we all experience the love for flying with the Puma Energy Flying Lions! We continue to praise you for your amazing work and together we bring you the roaring action from above.

Brian Emmenis Capital Sounds

What started out as a dream has now become an essential part of our everyday life. Congratulations FLIPPIE, you and your team are doing sterling work to promote aviation in South Africa. We at Capital Sounds are proud to be associated with your on-line forum.

Omphile Mutloane, Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team Leader

In an ocean of negativity, AC is a glimpse of what we can be in the professional world of aviation in SA, their professional approach to all that involves the saaf ,GA and corporate is highly appreciated! Carefully over the years you guys chose to highlight and promote the saaf and the Silver Falcons aerobatic team to the general public Cheers 🥂 to the next 10 years . Thank you so much for y’all professionalism.

Elvis Manene Capital Sounds

Well am proud of Aviation Central as the online magazine, they keep us updated with what’s happening in the aviation circle and they always accurate with the news they give us, one can rest assured when reading the news you guys give to the people that those news a correct as you get your story straight you don’t just head the bush, as for me am over the moon the be associated with Aviation Central.

Justin du Reuck

Wishing Flippie and the team at Aviation Central a very happy 10 year anniversary. Love what you guys do for aviation in SA. Keep up the good work.

Dian Townsend

Wishing Flippie and the team at Aviation Central a very happy 10 year anniversary. Love what you guys do for aviation in SA. Keep up the good work.

Team AC and Falcons

Team Aviation Central and Silver Falcons – Wonderboom 2016

Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team 82
Wishing Flippie and the team at Aviation Central a very happy 10 year anniversary. Love what you guys do for aviation in SA. Keep up the good work.

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Articles, Reviews and Stories Archive

October 24, 2018   General News and Airshow Reviews, Get into Aviation, Radio Controlled, Team AC, Upcoming Aviation events news   No comments

View all Our previous Articles, Reviews and Stories Archive

Aviation Central Archive

2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017

2024 (21)2023 (44)2022 (53)
  • December 14th SAPS Johannesburg air support operations receives a boost with new H125 Airbus Helicopter
    The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has officially handed over a brand new H125 airbus...
  • December 14th Pilatus Delivers First PC-12 NGX to Tradewind Aviation
    Tradewind Aviation accepted delivery of their first PC-12 NGX during a ceremonial handover at the Pilatus US subsidiary in Broomfield, Colorado. The...
  • December 6th AAD2022 closes on a high note
    Working against the clock in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers of AfricaAerospace and Defence (AAD) stand proud for having delivered...
  • December 5th ICAD Heidelberg Airshow 2022
    The International Civil Aviation Day was celebrated with an airshow at Heidelberg Airfield just to the south of Johannesburg on the 3rd December...
  • November 28th SANDF Exercise VUK’UHLOME 2022
    With Exercise VUK’UHLOME already been on the way for the last month at Combat Training Centre Lohatla in the Northern Cape of South Africa, the...
  • November 21st The Arrivals and Training week for the 22nd World Rally Flying Championships
    The Arrivals and Training week for the 22nd World Rally Flying Championships by Rob Jonkers (photos Rob Jonkers & others) The 22nd World Rally...
  • November 21st The 22 nd World Rally Flying Championship
    The 22nd World Rally Flying Championships by Rob Jonkers (photos Rob Jonkers & others) Also, read The Arrivals and Training week for the 22nd...
  • November 7th ANGLO AMERICAN PLATINUM DONATES BAT HAWK LIGHT AIRCRAFT TO ASSIST CONSERVATION WORK AT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
    Aviation Central recently received an invitation to attend a handover ceremony of four Bat Hawk aircraft to the South African National Parks....
  • November 3rd Bell Completes U.S. MARINE CORPS Ah-1Z Program of Record
    Bell Completes U.S. MARINE CORPS Ah-1Z Program of Record Completes United States Military program of record for H-1 Helicopters Middle East (Nov. 03,...
  • November 2nd Royal Jordanian Air Force Purchase Bell 505
    Royal Jordanian Air Force Agrees to Purchase Bell 505s to Boost Training Capabilities Ten advanced trainers purchased by the RJAF Aqaba, Jordan (Nov....
  • October 10th EAA Sun and Fun 2022 Rally
    EAA Sun and Fun 2022 Rally by Rob Jonkers This year’s EAA Sun and Fun flying event is the 7th in the series of rally events held yearly in support...
  • October 5th Season Finale Speed Navigation Rally ’22
    The Holborn Assets Springs Season Finale Speed Navigation Rally – 1 October 2022 by Rob Jonkers (photos by Jaco Pitout, Rob Jonkers) The South...
  • September 30th Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022
    The Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition Trade show and Airshow made a welcome return to Air Force Base Waterkloof in the City of Tshwane from...
  • September 28th Flippie van Emmenis – #AAD2022
    #AAD2022, Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022, After a 4-year absence and the SAAF100 celebrations being missed in 2020, all South Africans were hungry...
  • September 27th SANParks AIR SERVICES GETS FUEL BOOST FROM TotalEnergies
    TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa Managing Director and CEO, Mariam Kane-Garcia handed a cheque at a symbolic handover to the value of R4, 5...
  • September 16th Airshow 2022 Program Final
    The Airboss for #AAD2022 released the Final Air display program to us.Saturday and Sunday program is almost similar for the two days.Note although...
  • September 11th AAD 2022 is Ready!
    With Africa’s Largest Trade Exhibition and Airshow around the corner that will be taking place at Air force base Waterkloof in the city of...
  • September 7th The Childrens Flight 2022
    Dawn broke on the foot hills of the Magaliesburg mountains, as is it was time for the 2022 edition of the Children’s Flight that was held at...
  • September 7th 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...
  • September 6th Share your AAD Photos
    Use this page to share your photos of Africa Aerospace and Defence all the way back to SAAF75Maximum of two photos per person. By uploading your...
  • August 29th 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...
  • August 24th 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...
  • August 23rd 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...
  • August 21st 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...
  • August 1st Exercise Shared Accord 2022
    Exercise Shared Accord 2022 is a Joint and Multinational Peace Support Operation andHumanitarian Relief Exercise with the US Army Southern European...
  • July 21st 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...
  • July 19th 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...
  • July 18th AAD 2022 Aircraft list
    To be finalized in September 2022 This is a preliminary list of aircraft to be expected to be seen at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022. This is not...
  • July 12th 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...
  • July 5th William Reaches his dreams in the SAAF
    Second Lieutenant William Bradley Naidoo of the South African Air Force. Is one of sixteen of the SAAF’s Latest Qualified Military Aviator’s of...
  • June 28th The Middelburg Speed Navigation Rally – 26th June 2022
      by Rob Jonkers This is the 2nd Speed Rally in Season 4 for 2022, which has been fraught with challenges to get going, what with a venue...
  • June 13th SAAF Mach Plus Reunion 2022
    The first time a SAAF pilot hit transonic speed was way back in September 1956 when an unauthorised Sabre flight at the then home of the SAAF’s...
  • June 13th Air Côte d’Ivoire opens new route to South Africa
    Air Côte d’Ivoire will be launching the quickest route between Johannesburg and Abidjan, in Côte d’Ivoire, in June. The Johannesburg-Abidjan...
  • June 7th Newcastle Airshow KZN 2022
    What now is the longest running airshow in South Africa, for the last 10 years the KwaZulu-Natal town of Newcastle has managed to have a decade of...
  • May 31st Parys Airshow 2022
    The long awaited Parys Airshow on the banks of the Vaal River was finally here, with legendary airshow veteran Scully Levin as the host of this first...
  • May 23rd A wet and cold PTAR 2022
    A wet and cold PTAR 2022 at New Tempe Bloemfontein – By Rob Jonkers This year’s Presidents Trophy Air Race was held at New Tempe Bloemfontein,...
  • May 8th SAAF Museum Flying Day May 2022
    And so we were already into the May edition of the South African Airforce Museum Flying day at Airforce Base Swartkop in the city of Tshwane. The...
  • May 6th AAD 2022 Media Launch
    We are exactly 137 days to go until AAD 2022 officially opens its doors to the world and it is indeed an exciting occasion to be launching AAD 2022...
  • April 26th Aero Club Air Week- Middelburg 2022
    The Aero Club Airweek held from Friday 22 nd to Sunday 24 th April is an event showcasing all ofGeneral & Recreational Aviation as an annual...
  • April 20th All Systems go for AAD 2022
    It is all systems go for the return of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD) in September 2022. With 22 years since its inception, AAD...
  • April 18th SAAF & SAPS Airwing in KZN Flood Relief Efforts
    15 Squadron “Charlie Flight” based at Airforce Station Port Elizabeth are assisting in the flood relief efforts in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The PE...
  • April 18th SANDF at the Rand Easter Show 2022
    After a two year absence it was the return of the Rand Easter show at Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. One of the big attractions of course would be...
  • April 18th Sixteen candles for SA’s only Mushshak
    The PAC MFI-17 Mushshak is a license-built fixed-gear basic trainer aircraft used by the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Air Force. An improved...
  • April 13th SAAF BK117s on their way to Durban
    In the last couple of days Durban Kwa Zulu Natal has been hit with enormous amounts of rain bringing damage throughout the province. Unfortunately...
  • April 5th SAAF Museum Flying Day April 2022
    The first Saturday of the month means its the annual SAAF Museum Flying day,a day where some of the SAAF Museum inventory get to fly, pilots get...
  • March 31st SANDF to take Part in Rand Easter Show 2022
    The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be participating in the 2022 edition of theRand Show in NASREC. The SANDF will once more...
  • March 30th Meet Elizabeth Mapatle –  Flight attendant to Pilot training
    Meet Elizabeth Mapatle- who went from Lift Airlines flight attendant to pilot in training Elizabeth Mapatle’s love for aviation started as a little...
  • March 28th The Witbank Speed Navigation Rally
     26 March 2022 by Rob Jonkers This first of the 4th Season Speed Rallies for 2022 has been held at Witbank, organised by SAPFA and hosted by the...
  • March 18th AERO South Africa confirmed to take place from the 7-9 July 2022, at Wonderboom National Airport, Tshwane
    Messe Frankfurt South Africa is excited to announce that the second edition of AERO South Africa, Africa’s premier event for the General Aviation...
  • February 22nd Armed Forces Day 2022-Mbombela Mpumalanga
    After an absence of two years thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. Armed Forces day made a welcome return to Mbombela previously Nelspruit on the 21st...
  • February 8th RHINO POACHING IN SOUTH AFRICA IN 2021
    8 FEBRUARY 2022 Not Aviation related, But something we carry close at heart and Aviation can play a BIG roll in preventing RHINO POACHING Also see...
  • February 7th SAAF Prestige Parade 2022- Free the Eagle
    The South African Airforce hosted its annual prestige parade at Airforce Base Swartkop last week Friday with both a parade, flypasts and a solo...
  • January 17th EAA Breakfast Fly-In Kitty Hawk
    By Dian Townsend We arrived at a wet and rainy Kitty Hawk Aerodrome early on Saturday morning. Although a low cloud base over Gauteng made for less...
2021 (34)2020 (157)2019 (121)2018 (103)
  • December 10th Launch of Ultimate Heli-port Midrand
    Ultimate HELI, a well respected operator that flies fixed wing aircraft and helicopters out of Grand Central Airport. Grand Central Airport which is...
  • December 10th ICAD 2018 – Nelspruit Airfield
    ICAD 2018 – Nelspruit Airfield #ICADSA2018 International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) was held on Saturday, 08 December 2018 at the Nelspruit...
  • November 30th Best of 2018
    Best of 2018 Best of 2018 submitted by Aviation Central’s followers! This page is dedicated to our Followers giving you the opportunity to...
  • November 30th Photo upload 2018
    Upload your top photos from 2018 and we will share them for you for everyone to see! Before uploading your photos please have a look at the...
  • November 19th Aero Club of South Africa 2018 Awards
    Aero Club of South Africa 2018 Awards The past weekend the Aero Club of South Africa hosted their annual Awards dinner in a stunning Black-tie event...
  • November 4th Visit to the SAAF Museum 03 November 2018
    Visit to the SAAF museum 03 November 2018 Since 1973 the SA Air Force Museum has been the custodian of South Africa’s military aviation...
  • October 28th Eagle Air’s State-of-the-art Flight Simulator
    Eagle Air’s new State-of-the-art Flight Simulator SACAA approved Simulator was launched by Eagle Air Academy based at Wonderboom National Airport...
  • October 24th Articles, Reviews and Stories Archive
    View all Our previous Articles, Reviews and Stories Archive...
  • October 23rd Lindbergh Lodge Fly-in 2018
    Lindbergh Lodge Fly-in 2018 Friday 19th October 6 aircraft, five From Eagle’s Creek and one from Rand airport flew to Lindbergh lodge for the...
  • October 15th Armed Forces Day Celebration 2019 Dates
    Armed Forces Day Celebration 2019 Dates The purpose of the Armed Forces Day is to commemorate the sinking of the SS MENDI, where on 21 February 1917,...
  • October 10th AAD2018 closes off in a spectacular fashion
    AAD2018 closes off in a spectacular fashion The 10th edition of Africa’s premier exhibition of air, land and sea technologies, held 19th-23rd...
  • October 7th Secunda Spring Festival 2018
    Secunda Spring Festival 2018 By Charmaine Oliver The weekend of 5 – 6 October was the end of the annual Secunda Spring Festival. It was...
  • September 26th Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow 2018
    Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow 2018 The 10th edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence trade and airshow has come and gone, what was...
  • September 21st Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow programme
    Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow programme Click on day below to open! Or  ...
  • September 20th AAD2018 Day 2
    AAD2018 Day 2 Thursday day two of AAD2018,saw a bigger influx of trade visitors then day one of the event,the media were kept busy with a number of...
  • September 19th AAD2018 Day 1
    AAD2018 Day 1 The Africa Aerospace and Defence day one of the trade day finally arrived, visitors from across the world have made their way to...
  • September 19th Air Power Capability Demonstration 2018
    Air Power Capability demonstration  2018  One of the more exciting events the SAAF invites media and VIP guests to is the Air Power Capability...
  • September 19th Official Opening of AAD 2018
    Official Opening of AAD 2018 The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) is Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo that combines both a trade...
  • September 17th Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential at AAD2018
    Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential at AAD2018 The annual Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade and Airshow is finally on our...
  • September 17th AAD2018 Programme 22 Sept 2018
    AAD2018 Programme Please note the Program can change at any time! AAD Airshow Programme 22 Sept 2018        ...
  • September 17th AAD2018 Programme 23 Sept 2018
    AAD2018 Programme Please note the Program can change at any time! AAD Airshow Programme 23 Sept...
  • September 16th AAD2018 Aircraft Arrivals Update
    With the build up to AAD2018,the excitement is building with aircraft arrivals. Each day until Tuesday 2018-09-18 we will update on each aircraft...
  • September 15th Falcon 1 gets his Gold Wings
    Falcon 1 gets his Gold Wings Omphile Mutloane who is currently the leader of the Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team.The team is the official aerobatic...
  • September 15th Kitty Hawk RV Fly-In 2018
    The now annual Kitty Hawk RV Fly-in was again a huge turnout from both RV aircraft owners and other general aviation aircraft who made the outing to...
  • September 15th Children’s Flight 2018
    Children’s Flight 2018 “The Children’s Flight’s origins lie in a music video called ‘Paper Plane’, which is essentially about a...
  • September 13th ATO hosts exclusive school Open Days
    ATO hosts exclusive school Open Days Nelspruit, 11 September, 2018 Almost 30 Hoërskool Nelspruit (NHS) aviation enthusiasts visited the Kishugu®...
  • September 13th Kishugu SAPS Students graduate from ATO
    Kishugu SAPS Students graduate from ATO Nelspruit, 11 September, 2018 The Kishugu Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) bids farewell to the South...
  • September 12th 2018 Eswatini Airshow 
    2018 Eswatini Air show Aviation Central’s Jarryd was not Media for the Weekend, that was done By Flippie. Jarryd was part of the Little Annie...
  • September 6th AAD 2018 Aircraft List
    AAD 2018 Aircraft List For all those airshow Fan’s out there, we are compiling an unofficial list of aircraft to attend AAD2018.  Please not that...
  • September 5th AERO SA set to change aviation exhibitions in South Africa
    AERO SA set to change aviation exhibitions in South Africa Wonderboom National Airport, Pretoria, Tshwane, South Africa 4-6 July 2019. As a...
  • September 3rd SAAF Museum Flying Day 2018-09
      The South African Air Force Museum houses exhibits and restores material related to the history of the South African Air Force. The museum is...
  • August 28th SAAF 75 Airshow Program
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  • August 28th Bethlehem Free State Airshow 2018
    Central South Africa in the town of Bethlehem took to the Dihlabeng skies on August 25th,with their annual airshow.This show is always known as one...
  • August 27th Free Flight school listing
    Attention All Flight schools or Aviation Academies We at Aviation Central are running a campaign to help making young and old wanting to enter the...
  • August 27th Media Excursion to the Kruger National Park August 2018
    Media Excursion to the Kruger National Park August 2018 Sunday the 19th August we were kindly invited to join up with SANPARKS officials to embark on...
  • August 25th World class technology at AAD2018
    World class technology returns next month when Africa’s Aerospace and Defence (ADD2018) takes place at the Air Force Base Waterkloof from September...
  • August 23rd Grand Rand Airshow 2018
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  • August 14th Large Presence of US Air force Aircraft at AAD2018
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  • August 6th SAAF Museum Flying Day 2018-08-04
    SAAF Museum Flying Day 2018-08-04 The August winds brought the first flying day of the month of August,we were delighted to be invited to go fly in...
  • August 5th The Aero L29 Delfin-The Soviet Trainer
    The Aero L29 Delfin-The Soviet Trainer(English: Dolphin, NATO reporting name: Maya) is a military jet trainer developed and manufactured by...
  • August 1st Airforce Base Waterkloof 80th Anniversary Celebration
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  • July 27th The Flying Lions, Arnie’s Love story
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  • July 16th Nylstroom Taildraggers Fly-in 2018
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  • July 9th SAAF Museum Flying Day 2018-07-07
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  • July 4th Border Aviation Open Day 2018
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  • July 3rd Race for Rhinos 2018
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  • June 17th 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...
  • June 11th AAD 2018 Media Launch
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  • June 4th 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...
  • June 3rd Kroon Fly in 2018
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  • June 1st International Day Of Peacekeepers 29 May 2018
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  • May 28th 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...
  • May 23rd Aero Weather
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  • May 15th Kishugu Lowveld Airshow 2018
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  • May 7th SAAF Museum Airshow 2018
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  • May 4th SAAF Museum Airshow Program
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  • April 29th Destruction is our business, 85 Combat Flying School
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  • April 29th Aerobatics Unlimited-The Goodyear Eagles Pitts Specials
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  • April 28th Aircraft Marshalling
    Aircraft Marshaller A person trained to direct by visual or other means the movement of aircraft on the ground, into and out of landing, parking or...
  • April 27th 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...
  • April 22nd 2018 Airshow Aircraft, Pilots and Teams
    2018 Airshow Aircraft, Pilot and Teams Every year we see Airshows across Southern Africa. Some teams we see at every show and others we don’t see...
  • April 19th 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...
  • April 16th Mercedes-Benz Club Day at Brakpan Airfield
    Mercedes-Benz Club Day at Brakpan Airfield The first car that ever-set wheel on South-African soil was a Benz Velo. Although the “horseless...
  • April 11th 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...
  • April 9th 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...
  • April 5th 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...
  • April 4th WesBank Botswana International Air Show (Matsieng)
    WesBank Botswana International Air Show (Matsieng) This is defiantly an must attend airshow, Fly-in, Drive in or Just pop in for the day, Just be...
  • April 3rd 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...
  • April 1st EAA 2018 FLY AWAY & CONVENTION
    EAA Convention & AGM 2018 at FAVY 27 April – 29 April 2018 Vryheid Airfield, KwaZulu Natal The EAA of SA is pleased to be hosted by Vryheid...
  • April 1st Updates – Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2018)
    17 August...
  • March 30th Rand Easter Show SANDF Capability Demo Day 1 2018-03-30 Gallery
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  • March 29th Rand Easter Show Validation Capibilty Demo 2018-03-29 Gallery
    Today was the final day for validations for the SANDF Capability  demo, below are some pictures from today! Show starts on Friday 30 May 2018. Come...
  • March 28th Rand Easter Show 2018 Media Briefing
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  • March 26th The FAW Ermelo Airshow 2018 – What to expect
    The FAW Ermelo Airshow 2018 The 1st airshow for 2018. This is the 1st Airshow for 2018 and it’s all happening on 07 April at Ermelo Airport. We...
  • March 20th Airshow photography, the Canon way
    Airshow photography, the Canon way. Written by Abri Kriegler – aviation photographer and Canon nut. Airshow photography in South Africa is alive...
  • March 18th Maiden flight of The High Flying Maverick
    Maiden flight of The High Flying Maverick From the 1st Phone call we got from Devashini Govender to d-day on the 17th March 2018 was a busy time from...
  • March 14th Wings Over Howick 2018
    Wings Over Howick 2018 On the weekend of the 9th of March Wings Over Howick ( RC Event ) was held at the Howick Glider Club and with a number...
  • March 13th The High Flying Maverick
    The High Flying Maverick GET READY FOR TAKE-OFF – CLIMB ON BOARD OUR NEWEST THRILL RIDE #GRCmaverick Johannesburg, February 2018: Excitement is,...
  • March 13th Aviation Day 2018 – Springs Airport
    Aviation Day – Springs Airport Hosted by – MACH 1 AVIATION ACADEMY By: Andre Venter An amazing venue which was held in the Classic...
  • March 7th The South African Guild of Aviation
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  • March 4th SAAF Museum Flying Day 2018-03-03
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  • March 1st 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...
  • February 23rd SANDF De Brug Weapons Capability Demonstration Feb 2018
    With the build up to the Armed forces day parade being held in Kimberley, the following day Wednesday the 21 February, much of the public have been...
  • February 20th 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.    If anyone requires...
  • February 20th The Aero Club Air Week
    Do you love Aviation, like we at Aviation Central do? If there is only a small bit of Yes in your thought now, then The Aero Club Air Week is...
  • February 15th Armed Forces Day Kimberley 2018 Fan Park Launch.
      The 21st of February each year, Armed forces day is observed to celebrate the lives of the native labour contingent who died when the...
  • February 11th Rand Fun Rally 10 February 2018
    During the recent break in between the rains Gauteng has been having during the last couple of days, The South African Power Flying Association...
  • February 11th Poll – Sliver Falcons Formation 2018
    Silver Falcons Formation Swartkop 2018 To view the event on our Airshow calendar click here   To view the Facebook event page click here   To...
  • February 4th Updates to the SAAF Museum Airshow 2018
    Updates to the SAAF Museum Airshow 2018 This page is dedicated to the SAAF Museum airshow 2018 & Keeping you updated in what to expect and...
  • February 4th SAAF Museum Flight Training Day Feb 2018
    SAAF Museum Flight Training Day, Feb 2018 Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going! [quads id=3] 03 January 2018 saw the 1st SAAF...
  • February 2nd South African Airforce Prestige Day Parade 2018
    Air Force Base Zwartkop in Pretoria hosted this years Prestige day parade  with the celebration of the South African Air force (SAAF) turning 98...
  • January 27th 2018 Armed Forces Day
    Armed Forces Day 2018 The 2018 Armed Forces Day (AFD) will take place in Kimberley, Northern Cape Province over the period of 15 and 21 February. Plz...
  • January 27th Gripen lands at Grand Central Midrand
    Grand Central airport which is the home to many flight schools and private aviation companies. Today the airport got a very big surprise when one of...
  • January 26th TREVOR PETER VILJOEN ( VIPER )
    I was Born in Durban on the 20th of December  1975 I went to Glenwood Junior Primary and then Parkview Senior Primary and then Westridge High. I am...
  • January 26th SAC Gauteng Regional Aerobatic Competition-Vereeniging
    Vereeniging  airfield situated to the south of Johannesburg, welcomed back 15 competitors to the field as the beginning of the years festivities of...
  • January 19th Puppy (Black-Hawk) update 2018
    The Puppy (Black-Hawk) update March 2018 From the owners mouth of this beautiful bird, Mark Jackson “We have flown the Hawk and she’s...
  • January 14th The life and times of Ivan van der Schaar
    The life and times of Ivan van der Schaar Ivan started by washing aircraft and today he is an Airline Pilot and has his very own aircraft training...
  • January 14th Our 2018 Sponsors
    “Our 2018 Sponsors” Big thank you to all! Please check out our sponsors below and support them as they support us to keep on bringing you...
  • January 9th How to become a Pilot in South Africa
    How to become a Pilot in South Africa How to become a Pilot in South Africa – Do you want to fly Airplanes? Ask yourself; what do you want to...
  • January 9th Patrick Davidson
    Patrick Davidson, 35 Year old Port Elizabeth Aerobatic pilot Patrick Davidson, Port Elizabeth aerobatic pilot Patrick Davidson felt pretty special...
  • January 8th Johannesburg and Cape Town Route becoming more popular by the day!
    Johannesburg and Cape Town Route becoming more popular by the day! South African air corridor between Johannesburg and Cape town is becoming more and...
  • January 7th Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow
     Do’s and Don’ts Attending an Airshow This is just a small article on attending airshows in South Africa, the normal do’s and don’ts. Please...
  • January 2nd Best of 2017
    Best of 2017 In early December 2017 we requested you, our followers to send us your best photos of 2017, we did receive some pretty good photos....
2017 (31)
  • December 31st Advertising Opportunities on Aviation Central
    Advertising Opportunities on Aviation Central Good day We are excited to announce Advertising Opportunities on Aviation Central on our website...
  • December 19th Antonov An-124 at OR Tambo international Airport
    Antonov An-124 at OR Tambo international Airport10 Jan 2019 Antonov An-124 belonging to Volga Dnepr Airlines landed at OR Tambo international airport...
  • December 18th Jarryd Sinovich ( Hawk Eye )
    Jarryd Sinovich ( Hawk Eye ) Jarryd Sinovich ( Hawk Eye ), I was born in Johannesburg on the 20th July 1995.I attended Bedfordview Primary School...
  • December 15th Lettie van Emmenis ( Administration )
      Name: Lettie van Emmenis Age: 48 Full Time Job: Office Manager Town: Pretoria Camera: Oops How Did Your Passion For Aviation Start: The...
  • December 14th Flippie Van Emmenis ( Boss Man
    Flippie Van Emmenis ( Boss Man ) Flippie Van Emmenis ( Boss Man ), Born in Pretoria 1970, Grownup on the KZN coast, Durban, Richardsbay and...
  • December 11th Langebaanweg Airshow 2017
    Langebaanweg Airshow 2017 See it, Hear it and feel it was the theme of the 2017 Langebaanweg Airshow, When talk started of the beginning of the...
  • December 8th Best of 2017 photo album
    Best of 2017 photo album Due to requests from those on holiday, the deadline has been extended to 31st Dec 2017, MIDNIGHT **Final** As we are nearing...
  • December 8th Langebaanweg, Skies are getting busy!
    Langebaanweg, Skies are getting busy! Update: Midday Friday Capital Sounds setting up , Silver Falcons flew for the Wings Parade, Flying Lions...
  • December 7th THE AVIATION ALPHABET
    THE AVIATION ALPHABET (The Phonetic Alphabet) Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going! [quads id=3] In the world of aviation, pilots...
  • December 6th Black Hawk “The Puppy” update Dec 2017
    Black Hawk “The Puppy” update Dec 2017 Progress update on the 1st BlackHawk helicopter (ex US Army) in South Africa To read our 1st article on...
  • December 5th 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...
  • December 4th 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...
  • December 3rd 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...
  • November 29th 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...
  • November 28th 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...
  • November 26th 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...
  • November 24th The Show must go on!
    The Show must go on! By Flippie van Emmenis 3rd June 2017, It’s the Newcastle Airshow KZN 2017 and Ivan Van Der Schaar gets into his Boeing...
  • November 20th Gripen to break sound barrier at Langebaan Airshow
    Langebaan Airshow -By Jarryd Sinovich    **Please register on our site to leave your comments! Gripen to go supersonic at Langebaan Airshow 2017...
  • November 14th 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...
  • November 13th Advertising opportunity for Aviation Events
    Advertising opportunity for Aviation Events We are excited to announce that we will be making out Facebook cover image space available for organisers...
  • November 12th 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...
  • November 12th SAAF Museum Flying Day 2017-11-04
    SAAF Museum Flying Day November 2017 by Jarryd Sinovich Air force Base Swartkops is one of the oldest air force bases in the world and is home to the...
  • November 12th Airshow of the Year 2017
    Aviation Central’s Flippie Van Emmenis and Lettie van Emmenis got invited to attend the 2017 The Aero Club of South Africa Gala awards dinner held...
  • November 12th Black Hawk arrived in South Africa
    History was made for Africa when the first ever Black Hawk arrived in South Africa, Mbombela last week, making it only the second one in history to...
  • November 12th Polokwane Airshow 2017
    Polokwane International Airport, formerly known as Pietersburg International Airport is located 5km north of the city of Polokwane in the Limpopo...
  • November 12th Orient Fly-In 2017
    Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport, in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes using naturally...
  • November 12th South African Airforce Aviation Awareness Day Eldorado Park
    On the 1st of September 2017 the South African Air force ‘SAAF’ hosted an aviation awareness day in Eldorado Park in Johannesburg West just near...
  • November 12th Bethlehem Airshow 2017
    Bethlehem Air Show to airshow regulars and display pilots is always known as the coldest airshow in South Africa.We arrived at Bethlehem Airport with...
  • November 12th 2017 World Aerobatic Championships
    Malelane, Mpumalanga, South Africa 9 – 17 September 2017 ________________________________________________________________ The Sport Aerobatic Club...
  • November 12th Rand Airshow 2017
    Aviation Central team members Flippie Van Emmenis, Trevor Viljoen and Jarryd Sinovich visited the Rand Air Show 2017 the past weekend – Review...
  • November 12th 2017 FAI WORLD AEROBATIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
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TREVOR PETER VILJOEN ( VIPER )

January 26, 2018   General News and Airshow Reviews, Team AC   No comments

I was Born in Durban on the 20th of December  1975
I went to Glenwood Junior Primary and then Parkview Senior Primary and then Westridge High.
I am a Qualified Locksmith with over 20 years in the game

My Aviation Passion started when i was a very young boy ( which i think i was born with it some how) my mom use to take me to the Virginia Airshows every year and in those days we had the Silver Falcons in the Impala, Mirage F-1, Spitfire, Yak 3, BF-109, Safair C-130 and the SAA 747-400 and SP. Ones a year we would have the SAAF Air to Air camp at sea level where 15 Squadron would be full of Inpala MK1 & MK2, Mirage F1AZ & CZ, Mirage lllCZ & BZ and then came the Cheetah and in those weeks my eyes would be out the window watching them flying back to 15 Squadron and with my mom working for the news papers we got to go to 15 Squadron and walk around and meet some of the pilots like Maj Johan Venter as he landed with the F1AZ.

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My Favourite Airshow had to be the Virginia Airshow which was awesome and a lot of fun with fantastic memories but sadly its no more so it has to be AAD which is held every second year at Waterkloof Airforce Base and then The Adrenaline Show is close behind BUT just being at any airshow is simply awesome and great fun.

My most memorable moments was flying to and from a Margate Airshow with the Yak Display Team and of course just being at a airshow with family and friends is always a memorable moment and that is what makes a airshow.

I started building model aircrafts also at a young age, which i would only do SAAF Aircraft and Aircraft that i have seen on the ground or in the air AND THEN i was bitten by the world of RC Flying and with that came must be one of the best Christmas gift i have ever had and the was a Cessna 350 Corvalis from the lady ( Sharon ) that has made me into the man i am today and today after having sold a few, i have the Corvalis, MX2, Extra, Eagle 580 and a Super Cub which i fly from time to time and when the weather is right!

Aviation is me and that will never change as long as i am on this earth and i am very blessed to have a family and friends and a member of a fantastic team which is also family and i look forward to many more years with Team AC!

So from Me, i would like to wish all of you nothing but the very best for 2018 and hope its a safe and happy one and hope to see you during the 2018 Airshow Season.

God Bless                                    

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Our 2018 Sponsors

January 14, 2018   General News and Airshow Reviews, Get into Aviation, Pilots and Aircraft, Radio Controlled, Team AC, Upcoming Aviation events news   1 Comment

“Our 2018 Sponsors”
Big thank you to all!

Please check out our sponsors below and support them as they support us to keep on bringing you the latest news on Aviation Events and news.
For more information on how to become a sponsor click here

Our 1st Sponsor for the year is HANDLED, they are sponsoring our Website and web-hosting!

Big thank you to Harold Scholtz from HANDLED

HANDLED

HANDLED

HANDLED was established by passionate individuals who recognised a gap in the market for a streamlined customer relationship management (CRM) system suitable for all business’ and business models. In this ever-changing technological age, HANDLED focuses on addressing everyday business problems, often including workflow and automation, procurement, sales management, customer specific portals and so forth. In partnership with 1CRM, HANDLED offers online based solutions completely customisable for specific business industries and your client’s needs. With combined experience of more than 20 years, we’ve got it HANDLED!

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Aeroweather

Aeroweather

The internet has become a mine field of weather information giving aviators a false sense that they have briefed themselves appropriately with weather information before their flights.

The aviator and aviation meteorologist have become strangers.  We aim to do thing differently.

We want to build a working relationship with the aviator, through our dedication to adding value to the planning phase of flights.

Our 2018 Shirts are sponsored by SI Branding and Flightdeck Instrument Systems

SI Branding

SI Branding

SI Branding
SI Branding is a dynamic company, big enough to provide for your every need but small enough to go the extra mile. Our mission is to make your company stand out. Make yourself and your company known with your own personalised promotional material and branding.

No job is too big or too small, we cater for all your needs, corporate and private. Promotional items from vinyl decals to key chains, business cards to pens; corporate wear to casual head to toe; fund raising items you name it the possibilities are endless. Branded items can be embroidered, heat pressed or screen printed to suit your needs.

Have your staff wear your name with pride and in style. Perhaps your sports team needs a boost with some vibrant new uniforms, office kitchen needs a pick me up with some personalized branded mugs or an awesome gift for a loved one. SI Branding is the place to go.

We pride ourselves in our quality, variety and diversity and ‘can do’ attitude. Make SI Branding your first and only stop, quality guaranteed.

Contact:
Lisa Bennetts
specbranding@gmail.com
083 609 6260

FLIGHTDECK INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS

FLIGHTDECK INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS Flightdeck Instrument Systems (AMO 999) was founded in 2005 under another well-known name. The company started operating full time in 2008 and the name was changed.

We specialise in all aircraft instrumentation, avionics and autopilot repairs, overhauls and installations, including EFIS installations. We also have a wide variety of loaner units to reduce time on the ground for your aircraft, and all work will come with a free quotation if required.

Flightdeck Instrument Systems currently holds the agencies for JP Instruments (engine monitoring), Alcor (engine management), Aircraft Spruce, EDMO and MGL Avioincs to name a few, with others being added all the time. We are also authorised installers for Aspen Avionics.

Flightdeck Instrument Systems operates out of Tempe Airport in Bloemfontein. We have just moved into new premises which boast a massive state of the art workshop as well as a spacious hangar, so your aircraft can be looked after like it is our own. Give us a call for you instrument, autopilot and avionics requirements.

Contact Andrew Bennetts on:
Tel: 073 513 3205
Email: andrew@aibloem.co.za
http://www.flightdeckinst.com/

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http://www.airwear.co.za

AIRWAER

What we do is make pilots safety clothing (specialising in fire resistant flight suits and 100% cotton flight suits for people flying and working in and around aircraft.) Think top gun and you know what they look like!
And instead of using standard sizes like other manufacturers, we do tailor made flight suits, so you’re guaranteed a great fit!
The use of Avgas makes it crucial to kit out pilots, crew and engineers with the best fire resistant gear… we also provide pilot boots made to armscor specifications, gloves and headgear.
To download our guide to getting the right kind of fight suit and other gear you can download it for free from http://www.airwear.co.za/flying-suit-aviation-safety-buyers-guide/
Alternatively you can call Kerry the owner on 031 765 2069
For a free “whats right for me” discovery session.

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Jarryd Sinovich ( Hawk Eye )

December 18, 2017   Team AC   1 Comment

Jarryd Sinovich ( Hawk Eye )

Jarryd Sinovich ( Hawk Eye ), I was born in Johannesburg on the 20th July 1995.I attended Bedfordview Primary School from 2002-2008 and then attended Jeppe High School for Boys from 2009-2013.I started flying at the age of 16 and went solo at the age of 18 at Springbok Air Academy owned by Flippie Vermulen flying Cessna C150s to be more exact that being two C150s from the old Defence Flying Club which was based at AFS Zwartkop ZS-IOP and ZS-EZX. My hobbies consisted of flying, fishing, game viewing and photography. During my early days before I started flying I spent my weekends at Rand Airport in Germiston. Where I interacted with pilots, including Dennis Spence who took me for my first aerobatic flight in a Pitts Special. I also got to fly in some really exotic aircraft, A PBY Catalina being one of them, from a military point of view ,flying in my favorite SAAF helicopter an Oryx from 19 Squadron, Casa 212 and C130s.
I joined Aviation Central in May 2015,I have been following the page since January 2013,which kept up to date with airshows and other information aviation in South Africa. My first post was the 2015 Lowveld Nelspruit Airshow, which was very interesting for me as I had never done any article for any publisher. Today the Lowveld airshow is in the top three category for best airshow in South Africa. The country airshows are a favorite for me as you get interact more with pilots and the aircraft then the bigger airshows that one attends.
Before I mention anything else, let me tell you where it all started the bug I caught and could never get rid of it again. That bug was called Aviation. My dad came home from a trip to Cape Town, when I was at the age of 2,he bought for me a model of a 747.I didn’t know how to explain how happy and interested I was in that aircraft, I used to play with it day in and day out. Every time my parents went to the shop they had to buy me  a present, that present being another aero plane, over time I had a large collection of toy aircraft and then starting buying a magazine by the name of Aero Africa which I paged through to see the different aircraft pictures shown throughout the book. I then was taken to my first airshow at AFB Waterkloof in 1998,back then the show was known as DEXSA and today it is know as AAD.
During the late 90s the SAAF Museum hosted a number of flying days, which were more as airshow days, as the Museum had a large number of aircraft in flying condition at AFS Zwartkop in Pretoria. I was luck enough to go to a number of those flying days and remember seeing aircraft that we would not see flying in South Africa today. But being at Zwartkop was not just about seeing the aircraft flying, but the aircraft on static display, soaking up the art in the display halls, meeting the pilots, model display aircraft built by some of the best model fanatics out there, hearing the commentary of Brian Emmenis and probably the best lump in my throat moment would be, seeing a deadly delta behind Bays Hill screaming towards the display box.
We may not be spoilt in South Africa like other countries that have airshows with lots of warbirds and military aircraft on display, I have sure appreciated the presence of what we had, over the years I had the opportunity seeing Thunder City’s Jets, that being the Buccaneer, Lightning and Hawker Hunter. Menno Parsons in his P51 and T28 , Stu and Patrick Davidson in their Sea fury and P51 and Ron Wheeldon in his Hawker Hunters and T2 Buckeye.
It now being 2017,I have attended more than a 150+ airshows, seen people and aircraft come and go. Shared tears with others as we lost loved ones to tragic accidents, experienced some of the worlds best pilots showing off aircraft. My best airshow that I wish I could  go to one more time would be at Airforce Base Makhado, which held South Africa’s first ever Fighter Meet in 2005.The thunder in the sky from that day still gives me goosebumps. My worst airshow experience was the 2013 Secunda airshow, when Glen Dell crashed in his Extra 330.
There has been two new airshows that I have ticked off, that I attended this year that being the Matsieng airshow and Gaborone airshow in Botswana. I have one last Airshow that I will be going to with the mass SAAF participation and it being the 50th anniversary of the Silver Falcons Aerobatic team at AFB Langebaanweg on the Capes west coast.
I have so much more I can talk about in this short experience this bug has given me, I will continue doing what I love doing, and bring aviation to the world following Aviation Central and attending airshows until the day I die. Through the years there’s one person I would like to thank and for getting me this far and taking the time to take me to airshows ,my dad if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunities I have had.
J.Sinovich
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Lettie van Emmenis ( Administration )

December 15, 2017   Team AC   No comments

 

Name: Lettie van Emmenis
Age: 48
Full Time Job: Office Manager
Town: Pretoria
Camera: Oops
How Did Your Passion For Aviation Start: The Bossman
At What Age Did Your Love For Aviation Start: 42
What’s Your Favourite Current Airshow: Middelburg
What’s Your Favourite Airshow To Date: Matsieng
What’s Your Most Memorable Moments: Race for Rhinos Botswana

 

 

 

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Flippie Van Emmenis ( Boss Man

December 14, 2017   Team AC   No comments

Flippie Van Emmenis ( Boss Man )

Flippie

BOSS MAN

Flippie Van Emmenis ( Boss Man ), Born in Pretoria 1970, Grownup on the KZN coast, Durban, Richardsbay and Empangeni.
I was introduced to RC flying in the 80’s while in primary school. My 1st RC Club was Zululand Aero Modelers. My Instructor at that time was Carl Enslin and what a great man he is!
My dad was my number 1 supporter and he was always there to support me with my interests.  He always helped me build my RC airplanes and accompanied me to the air fields, he assisted me with startup and help maintaining the Radio controlled aircraft flying.  At the Age of 15 in 1985, I flew RC at an Airshow that was hosted at Empangeni Airstrip, I again competed in 1986 at the Empangeni Airshow and the 1986 Richards bay Airshow. We moved to Pretoria in 1988 where I completed my last two years of schooling and was a member of the Rosslyn Aero Modelers RC Club.

Flippie van Emmenis

In 1990, just after completing school, I did my National Services (Army) and was called up to Youngsfield Army Base in Cape town. I was luckyvery lucky to be selected for the Skylift team and what an experience it was. We flew RC aircrafts for the Anti-Aircraft group for practice. Myself, Rob Hearn and Andrew Imrie were based at Lohatla, in the Northern Cape. We damaged/pranged more aircraft than what were shot down.

After my Army years, I started working at Telkom, called the Post Office at that time. I am still with Telkom and it is still my day job.
My Best Airshow ever was the SAAF75 held at Waterkloof AFB in 1995. My best Aviation Event Ever was the 2017 Race for Rhinos held at Sowa Pan! #ILoveBotswana and the most fun I had at an event was at the Durban Sky GP held at Durban North Beach!  My most loved small-town shows are the, Middelburg and Newcastle shows. On my bucket list to still attend is the Lowveld show in Nelspruit.  The ultimate experience would be to attend the The International Russian show called the MAKS in Moscow. I Attended in 1985 the South African World Masters Aerobatics Champs La Mercy held in Durban and the WAC 2017 held at Malelane.

My additional Hobbies are building model trains and observing wild life and just driving the open road.

My life as the Team lead of Aviation Central started in 2010 when I joined Aviation Central as n normal “Like” at that time. Aviation Central had at that stage about 260 likes and I ,as an Airshow fan, started commenting and posting. After a while, the owner at that time, Elan Hoffman, asked If I can assist him on the page and made an Administrator on the page. I had the time in hand that Elan did not have. With more posts and information on the Aviation Central page, the likes were growing and in 2013 we had 1600 likes, Elan contacted me again and handed owner ship over to me. By that time, I had already sourced/lined up John James to help me on the Page. Shortly after I was handed over the ownership, I started looking out for two more team Members to join us on Aviation Central. Soon after that I recruited/found Jarred and Trevor.  I want to send you a big thank you to my lovely wife, and AC Admin lady, Lettie, for supporting with my love of Aviation

The Aviation Central Team, Team AC, is a very dedicated team and backed by our Admin Lady Lettie (Also my stunning wife). I was given the Callsign “BossMan” by my team. I used to be the Guy onom my camping chair at an Airshow, or sitting next to an Airport, just looking at the aircraft!
Now, we are dedicated to bring Aviation, Aviation Events, Radio Controlled and the Real Deal to all Aviation Fans in South Africa. From the Guy Attend airshows, Plane spotters, RC guys, Aviation Support crews, Pilots and the Guy always looking up if a plane goes over… You are our biggest fans.

My hobby becomes my passion and my passion becomes my life. We are doing it for the love of Aviation and therefore our time we spend are free and with love.

Read about the rest of the Team….

Thank you all

“BossMan”

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