Tag Archives: Botswana
Puma Donates Aircraft Fuel to Botswana Police Service Airwing
Puma Energy Botswana has donated Aviation (Jet A1) fuel worth P70 000 to Botswana Police Service in Gaborone.
Speaking at the Handing Over Ceremony, the General Manager of Puma Energy Botswana, Mr Mahube Mpugwa said that in answering the government’s appeal to contribute towards the fight against Covid-19, his company found it imperative to donate 10 000 litres of Aviation fuel to the Botswana Police Service. He said the fuel will be used for the police helicopters that are currently involved in operations around the country to fight the spread of Covid-19.
Mr Mpugwa said the donation was also to encourage, support and appreciate the efforts the BPS are putting in their operations to ensure public safety during this hard times.
When receiving the fuel on behalf of the BPS, the Director Air Support Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Arthur Johnson acknowledged the noble gesture by Puma Energy and said it came at the right time when the Government has called on companies, businesses and individuals to assist in any way possible to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mr Johnson said the fuel will be put to good use as the police helicopters are engaged in aerial surveillance to enforce the State of Public Emergency Regulations, border patrols where the police are doing everything to prevent, and possibly apprehend persons who cross the border at ungazetted points of entry thereby compromising the health of the citizens.
Mr Johnson further urged Batswana to cooperate with Health and law enforcement authorities by staying home and comply with prevention guidelines to prevent the virus from spreading.
We Fly the C130B -Botswana Defence Force
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed. Now known as Lockheed Martin, which is capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft.
The Botswana Defence Force received their first of three C130 B models in the late 90s as their medium transport resource.The last C130 which was . The latest addition to the transport fleet was an ex-AMARC C-130 Hercules to complement the two existing aircraft. The C130s belong to the Z10 Transport Squadron, made up of the Lockheed C-130, Casa 212 and CN235 – Maparangwane Air Base (Thebephatshwa/Molepolole in Botswana.
The C-130B model was developed to complement the A-models that had previously been delivered, and incorporated new features, particularly increased fuel capacity in the form of auxiliary tanks built into the center wing section and an AC electrical system. Four-bladed Hamilton Standard propellers replaced the Aero products three-blade propellers that distinguished the earlier A-models. The C-130B had ailerons with boost increased from 2,050 psi (14.1 MPa) to 3,000 psi (21 Mpa), as well as uprated engines and four-blade propellers that were standard until the J-model’s introduction.
An electronic reconnaissance variant of the C-130B was designated C-130B-II. A total of 13 aircraft were converted. The C-130B-II was distinguished by its false external wing fuel tanks, which were disguised signals intelligence (SIGINT) receiver antennas. These pods were slightly larger than the standard wing tanks found on other C-130Bs. Most aircraft featured a swept blade antenna on the upper fuselage, as well as extra wire antennas between the vertical fin and upper fuselage not found on other C-130s. Radio call numbers on the tail of these aircraft were regularly changed so as to confuse observers and disguise their true mission.
At Aviation Central we’ve had the privilege of also flying with the South African Airforce C130BZs from 28 Squadron based at Airforce Base Waterkloof in Pretoria on a number of occasions. A big thank you to the Botswana Defence Force for allowing us to join you during the 2019 Makgadikgadi Skydiving Epic in the beginning of July.
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Makgadikgadi Epic 2019-Skydiving Boogie
The Magadikgadi Epic once again took place with some of Africa’s finest scenery along the salt pans of Sowa,which lies in the Central District of Botswana. The event consisted of a number of skydivers from across the world sharing their knowledge with one another and using jumping platforms from both the Botswana Defence force and a lonely South African based Atlas Angel.
The Sua Pan or Sowa Pan is a large natural topographic depression within the Makgadikgadi region of Botswana. It is located near the village of Sowa, whose name means salt in the language of the San. The Sua salt pan is one of three large pans within the Makgadikgadi, the other two being Nxai Pan and Nwetwe Pan.
A lot of our questions we get is what is skydiving, another word for skydiving known as Parachuting is a method of transiting from a high point to Earth with the aid of gravity, involving the control of speed during the descent with the use of a parachute or parachutes. If you enjoy skydiving the Sua pan is the best place to view from the sky.
We had a early start, leaving Pretoria in the premature hours of Thursday 11 July 2019. Arriving back at the pans after visiting last year, we were greeted by members of the Botswana Parachute Association and old friends from Botswana. The evening we were briefed for the upcoming days activities. Before going to bed, one could admire the beautiful galaxy the pans bring out with the absence of city lights and other concerning noises one would hear while trying to get some sleep.
Our accommodation was made up tents with comfortable beds, added with warm blankets and pillows for the chilly nights. With the wildlife in Botswana we were spoiled to see many types around the area, including Wildebeest, Zebra, Kudu and many more!
The following morning saw the first jump with a quick briefing at manifest (meeting area) before making our way with the shuttles to Sowa airport, just a few kilometers away from the pans. The first two days the jump ship was the Botswana Defence Force Casa 235, while the next two days saw the welcome return of the Lockheed Martin C130B. The Atlas Angel flown by Dennis Howe took tandems (first time skydivers) during the course of the epic.
The Saturday was open to the people of Botswana to come enjoy a day out on the pans, in addition as listen to some local musicians while skydiving doings took place. This saw mass jumps from the C130B, as said this could accommodate more skydivers in the large cargo hold the aircraft has. One of the jumps saw the aircraft climb to 19 000ft with oxygen fitted to the aircraft for the skydivers use. Helicopter flips were also available with one of the Delta Rescue Bell Jetrangers.
Botswana current president Mokgweetsi Masisi also visited the event on Saturday afternoon. Great to see world leaders visiting top notch events that bring exposure from around the world. The only waterskiing we saw on the pans this year was a hilux bakkie(pick up van), just this time on sand and stone.
A big thank you to the Botswana Parachute Association, Colonel Majama, Botswana Tourism and many others who got us to the event. A big Congratulations to another successful boogie and a safe event.Individually next year is again on our lists to attend without a doubt.
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Closing in fast-The Makgadikgadi Epic
The Makgadikgadi Epic is closing in fast which is set to be another successful skydiving boogie, with skydivers from around the world, are coming see Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and precisely, in the Nata Bird Sanctuary.
Makgadikgadi is synonymous with awesome birding experiences and open natural landscapes that will be a marvel from any view, be it from the ground or above.
The event will take place at Sowa pan, which is the same venue as Race For Rhinos which we have visited in past years. We will see the first jump from 12 – 15 July 2019.
Aircraft that will be jump ships from the start of the event will be Atlas Angels as well as a Botswana Defence Force C130 and Casa 235 which will take bigger loads of skydivers.
The main objective of the event is to give travellers to Botswana, Is a lifetime unique experience to capture the majestic wildlife and a an uncultivated area.
With the Parachute Assosioan of Botswna,Gabarone Skydiving Club,Botswana Defence Force and Botswana Tourism on board and many others, You don’t want to miss out on this event. Stay up to date with our Facebook page and website for more information closer to the event.
2019 Schedule
Thursday, 11 July 2019
18:00
Arrival – Licensed Skydivers
Friday, 12 July 2019
08:30
Briefing – Licensed Skydivers
18:00
Arrival – Members of the Public, Tandem Passengers
Saturday, 13 July 2019
06:00
Start – Tandem Skydives
Monday, 15 July 2019
18:00
Last Operational Day
Facebook pages
Makgadikgadi Epic, 2019 Event page – https://www.facebook.com/events/2316344431977757/
Makgadikgadi Epic, page –
https://www.facebook.com/Makgadikgadi-Epic-1925115194401236/
Parachute Association of Botswana, page – https://www.facebook.com/Parachute-Association-of-Botswana-391366344374851/
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Botswana Airshow Rocks-Wesbank Botswana Airshow 2019
The African themed Oshkosh type fly-inn and airshow at Matsieng Airfield situated a few kilometeres outisde of the nations capital Gabarone. What makes a show so special here is getting the opportunity to camp bush style at an airfield and for some next to you aircraft.
Wesbank, once again a major sponsor for this years show at Matsieng with the help of the De Wet family, the show would not be possible.
We were flown from Wonderboom National Airport with ‘Little Annie’ the famous Antonov two owned by the Hill Family under the leadership of ‘Just Love Mission.As we cleared customs at Pilanesberg International Airport we made way to Matsieng Airfield, where we joined up in formation by a second An2 in old South African Airways Colours flown by Jon-Marc Hill and a Yak 18T, which made fantastic photo opportunities for the media onboard.
Friday Afternoon we got to see some validations before a late afternoon thunder storm made its way through the area, some of us scattred for the Town Lodge in Gabarone where we were fortunate enough to be
accommodated for the rest of the weekend thanks to the oragnisers. Saturday morning we made our way to the airfield for early arrivals as a perfect blue sky day was installed for the only airshow in Botswana this year.
The show started with a formation of microlights,a display that is not seen to often at shows in Southern Africa, showing off a dead stick landing was part of the show. ‘Little Annie’ An2 flown by Mark Hill and Col Keith Fryer
dropped skydivers including Ralph Ridge was the massive and biggest Botswana Flag. Jon- Marc Hill and His dad Mark flew a solo AN2 display and just to love ‘Little Annie’ even more she dropped marshmallows for the crowd. The vintage formation took to the skies, with this show being the first-time at a Southern African Airshow two Antonov 2s flew in formation with Randolph sponsored Boeing Stearman flown by Comair 737 Captain Ivan van der Schaar and Middleburg based YAK18T flown by Riaan Prinsloo. The crowd also got both a solo display by the Boeing Stearman and Yak18T. Capital Sounds Brian Emmenis and his hard working team rigged the longest sound system for the first time at the show, always a treat to hear the voice of Brian at Airshows as he brings the vibe to each show he attends.
Conrad Botha started the days aerobatic sequences in his RV7, followed by the Raptor RVs led by Nigel Hopkins who also led Team Extreme flying his Extra 330, joining him was Jason Beamish in his new Extra 330, Mark ‘Buggs’ Hensman in his MX2 and Mark ‘Sammy ‘Sampson in his Sbach in new colours. The Goodyear Eagles flew the high energy aerobatic display led by Glen Warden, he also flew the only jet display for the day in the Rand Airport based L29 ZU-AUX.The ex Soviet jet trainer brought much joy to the jet fans at the show. The Puma Flying Lions Harvard’s flew their sequence with their second final show of the day ending with a great wall of fire. Gary Whitecross flew his Pilatus B4 Glider, one of the best glider display one can see at an airshow in Africa.
Andrew Blackwood-Murray flew his Nashua Extra 300 solo display, A gyrocopter display was also flown and a entertaining show to watch as the magni gyrocopter flown by Andre van Zyl was put through its paces. Menno Parsons brought both hisP51 Mustang, Pilatus PC12 and Tiger Huey.All aircraft are such a treat to see fly, the Huey also dropped a car in show center, “remember don’t park your car where it shouldn’t be at an airshow”.the air boss will move it!
Helicopter displays included Alister Brown flying the Netstar Bell 407, a Bell 505 made its Southern African Airshow Debut. Juba Jourbert flew a fantastic display in the Aerospatiale Gazelle 341. Two Krugersdorp based North American Navions flew close formation in a flat show with smoke added to their display. Danie Terblanche flew the crazy pilot display in the Aviant Husky which had some of the crowd worried with the state of his crazy flying, Which is all part of the act. Dennis Spence led the decathlon display with basic aerobatic sequences. True North Aviation Turbo Thrush
demonstrated fire fighting capabilities as well as crop spraying capabilities. We wont forget some of the great RC flying that was also shown in-between displays.
With another safe show hosted at the Matsieng flying club under the AirBoss of Chris Briers and safety direct Colonel Francois ‘Hose’ Hanekom. All 43 acts gave the crowds a day to be remebered.We would like to thanks all the oragisers Wesbank,De Wet Drilling,Matsieng Flying Club, Mark Mansfield our media liaison officer and the Town Lodge.
Till next year Matsieng, Well done to all.
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Rasesa ready for takeoff- WesBank Botswana International Airshow
The WesBank Botswana International Airshow is almost ready for takeoff to give the people of Botswana and other international visitors a day of spectacular aerobatic sequences from both old and new aircraft.
Matsieng Airfield (ICAO: FBMA) is a new Airfield which has been around since 2011. The airfield is located near Rasesa, 44 kilometres north of Gaborone Botswana.
The highlight for some is definitely the fly-in experience where pilots fly-in for the weekend and camp under the wing of their aircraft or even camp in the set up tent area where ablution blocks are available as well as log fires, that are made available for braai packs and other needed necessities during the weekend.
Aircraft that will be making a welcome back appearance will be the only airworthy P51 Mustang in Southern Africa, owned and flown by Master Power Technologies Menno Parsons. He will also have his Bell 407.Other helicopters that will be displayed will be the NAC Bell 430 flown by Alister Brown. Team Extreme will be making their full team debut made up of Nigel Hopkins in his Extra 330,Jason Beamish in his brand new Extra 330,Mark Hensman in his MX2 and finally Mark Sampson in his Sbach. Other favourites will be the L29 and L39 Jet trainers, AN2 ‘Little Annie’ Harvard’s ,Pitts Special teams and many other aircraft. Program to be posted soon!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Entrance gates: Gate 1 (on site map)https://www.botswana-airshow.com/index.php/info/maps
Gates open: Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00
Air Show ends: 17:00
Entrance fees: P120 per adult; P60 per child (6-17 years); Under 6 years – free if accompanied by paying adults.
Tickets available at the following PUMA outlets
· PILANE
· PHAKALANE
· BBS
· RAILPARK
· TLOKWENG
· FAIRGROUNDS
· PULA SPAR
· GRAND PALM
· KGALE VIEW
· TLOKWENG EXPLOSION
· FRANCISTOWN
· MAHALAPYE
· PALAPYE
· MOLEPOLOLE
· KANYE
· Also available from PHARMA LULU @ Westgate Mall
IMPORTANT NOTICE
- No food or beverages will be allowed through the gates.
- Empty cooler bags will be allowed through the gates.
- No picnic or recreation of any sort will be allowed in the parking area.
- No buses exceeding 8 people seated.
- No admission will be granted without a valid entry ticket or permit.
- The public shall enter and use the parking area as well as the premises at their own risk and the organisers and the owners of the premises cannot accept liability for any loss or injury to any person or property.
- Any form of misbehaviour or criminal activity will be handed over to the members of the Botswana Police Service.
- The public may not enter any fenced off zone allocated to aeroplanes and other vehicles. Trespassers will be escorted off the premises immediately without refund of any kind.
- Members of the public are strictly not allowed to access the Hospitality tent area.
Us at Aviation Central cant wait to share a fantastic day with the people of Botswana in the next couple of weeks, we sure are super excited. Keep an eye on our social media pages and website for more updates to follow!
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Race for Rhinos 2018
Race for Rhinos 2018
The 2018 edition of Race for Rhinos finally arrived for all the eager competitors taking to the skies of Sua Pan in Botswana from the 28th June -1 July.The Sua Pan or Sowa Pan is a large natural topographic depression within the Makgadikgadi region of Botswana. It is located near the village of Sowa, whose name means salt in the language of the San.The Race for Rhinos in now in its forth year running and this year was the biggest amount of aircraft taking part in the race, a new world record.
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
The vision for the race came from veteran pilot Chris Briers who has planned all four races to date, with the help of the Botswana government ,Botswana Tourism and the Botswana environmental Department.This is all to help stop the poaching of Africa’s most majestic animal the Rhinoceros . These animals are being poached on a daily rate and need to be protected before they’re are extinct.
Air racing is a highly specialised type of motorsport that involves aircraft or other types of aircraft that compete over a fixed course, with the winner either returning the shortest time, the one to complete it with the most points, or to come closest to a previously estimated time.
After arriving from Wonderboom National Airport in Pretoria on the Thursday before day1 of the Race. We were greeted by all of the known faces in the Southern African Region of the aviation community,while many aircraft were still arriving over head the pans above us. We had a fun-filled flight from Pretoria to Pilanesberg to clear customs and from their on to Sua Pan on ‘Little Annie’ An2 piloted by Jon-Marc and Mark Hill.We were allocated to our accommodation in comfortable tents that were placed up before arrival. Each day our tents were cleaned, beds made and all our valuables all in one place!
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
The oldest aircraft in the race was the Navion, 1046, race 38
A few of the rarest aircraft; Race 14 a Rockwell’s Collins 112, first time in the Race for Rhinos, possibly early 70s model, a Rockwell Collins 114 Race 105 first time racing in the Race for Rhinos, and very rare to have both a 114 and a 112. Another rare aircraft was Race 40, the Dornier DO 27, also a first time at Race for Rhinos, the Harvard also rare as well as Little Annie
Biggest air race to date was in Bloemfontein in central South Africa with 111 entries, The 2018 Race for Rhinos is 117 entries.
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
The huge marquee that was put up just in front of Race Headquarters where Brian Emmenis and his team were Broadcasting from and was our daily alarm clock playing music from 6am in the morning to get the competitors up and amped for the day ahead.At the Marquee we were served three meals a day,obviously that being breakfast,lunch and supper.The bar area was also placed there where we could enjoy many of the sunsets on shores of the pan and the evenings entertainments from various musicians. Most of the competitors were busy with their plotting’s and race briefings before everyone made route for the tents quite early before the start of day one of Thursday evening.
Day 1- Friday 2018-06-29
With our daily alarm clock getting us up nice and early thanks to Capital Sounds, we headed off to freshen up in the portable showers, straight after that to the filling breakfasts and Cappuccinos on tap to get all competitor’s ready for day 1 of the race. Pilots and Navigators then made their way to their aircraft while the Bathawk and Bantam took off for the Telstar mission to communicate with Race authorities if their had to be a emergency from one of the competing aircraft along the route. Chris Briers took media up in the Agusta A119 to get some aerial shots of different competitors. The chopper was donated 20 hours of flying during the race days.
The Kingdom of Sua Pan had its own non-radio station from Capital Sounds, filling us in with any information for the days proceedings with most of the base having sound equipment reaching far and wide into the distance. To make sure no one couldn’t miss out what was taking place. The team comprised of Brian Emmenis, Leon Du Plessis, Rodger Coetzee, Ricky Fouche, Eric Nkomo.
At 10am saw the first takeoff from race 74, a Aerostar/Piper 600A ZS-PCV flown by JZ Moolman and his navigator Jannie Moolman of the 114 competitors with ex President of Botswana Ian Khama waving the Botswana National flag of the start of go time!
Just after mid day the first of the aircraft made their way back to base,once landed and checked back in at Race HQ,Then treated to lunch and competitors getting ready for day 2.We were then treated to some fantastic flying displays from a T6 Harvard flown by Dion Raath, Extra 330 flown by Nigel Hopkins who also led Team Extreme with Jason beamish in the Rv7,Mark Hensman in the RV8 and Mark Sampson in the Sbach XA41.Neville Ferreira flew a great show in his Kitty Hawk based Slick 540,The Raptors RVs were the up next in their tight formation flying and then joined up with other Rv owners in a mass RV formation that has not been seen before in Southern Africa,with a total of 12 RVs in one formation. What a sight it was!
Raptors Rvs
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Team Extreme
Dinner was served and a short race briefing was presented and some of the daily loggers were shown. Day 2 was slowly upon us.
Top 40-Day 1
Day 2- Saturday 2018-06-30
The day once again with our daily alarm clock, shower Breakfast and go time. Day 2 saw all the slowest aircraft getting off the ground first and the route being more difficult then the day before. The flag was waved and the first aircraft was off the ground, that being Race 108 a Piper PA-22 ZS-CET flown by Pilot Richard Fair and Navigator Timothy Fair. At lunch time all the aircraft arrived back and a sight it was to behold seeing many aircraft arriving back at the same time. Not long after that the Puma Flying Lions Harvard’s arrived from Rand Airport. The first four aircraft arrived back and the long wait for who was the winner of this years Race for Rhinos. The late evening airshow took place as like the day before plus the Puma Flying Lions doing their display plus water skiing on the water in front of the marquee was unbelievable, something we don’t see everyday.
The evening saw a dress up of the early fifties of pilots and crew, where some of the beautiful ladies dressed up like cabin crew and some of the men taking the part of early fighter pilots.The Minister of Environment, Conservation, Natural Resources and Tourism Affairs Mr. T.S Khama greeted the competitors of the final results and presented why everyone has to work together to protect Botswana’s wildlife and still keep the country as a tourist attraction for many. He also addressed many with a joke or two, not many ministers one can interact with without having body guards swarming the place!
Mr. H.T Khama
Stephan Fourie nd Derek Bird in Race 99 finished in 3rd place.
Richard and Timothy Fair took 2nd place in race 108.
Overall winners in race 25,Michiel and Greylingh Jansen.
Race 25 at turn point two
Race 25
CENTURY AVIONICS TROPHY Best handicap Performance on day 1
THE RACE FOR RHINOS TROPHY To the aircraft and crew placed first overall
ZU-NKC
KLN / Aveko sr VL-3, 100HP, 3-bl CS, N
Handicap speed: 134.79
Michiel Jansen and Greyling Jansen
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Chris Briers was up next to thank all that took place and made the forth Race for Rhinos take place without any incidents involved, he thanked the Government of Botswana for all their hard work and finance’s put into the race, without them tis race would not be taking place. We would like to thank Chris Briers and the Botswana Government for hosting the media and to Mark Mansfield for organising everything for Aviation Central from all the updates and making sure we were taken good of. We were then treated to again some of the various musicians and Diner .The next day we set sail back to South Africa in ‘Little Annie’ flown by Father and son Jon-marc and Mark Hill. We thank them for getting us to and from Sua pan safe and sound.
We look forward to the 2019 Race as every year gets bigger and better!
Overall Results-Top 43
Please browse through our Gallery below
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Wesbank Botswana International Airshow 2018
The 2018 Botswana International Airshow held at the Matsieng Airfield a few kilometers outside of Gaborone. We arrived the Friday afternoon an allocated to our tents,all thanks to the Matsieng Flying Club, The theme this year was ‘Wings of fire and wheels of fury’ held over the weekend of the 26th May.
Wesbank Botswana international airshow + Fly-in and camping was a sell-out event this year. 311 guys and gals flew in to Matsieng aerodrome for the weekend. They made use of 128 rented tents and 41 provided own tents for the weekend, this brining a record 169 tents. Some people made use of the Town Lodge in Gaborone.
The Friday and Saturday evening was festive with an excellent band proving entertainment both evenings, Fly in pilots, Display Pilots and crew all braai’ing or getting a burger / steak from the mobile spur that was setup. We can recommend those that can fly in or drive in to attend the 2018 event and social with all other pilots and display pilots plus attend an amazing and adrenaline packed airshow.
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
With this airshows,some things were abit different,one had the option to camp over at the airfield where the show was to take place. Not many shows on the African contitnent you can camp over at an Airshow but Matsieng you can. The show at Matsieng Airfield has now been goping since the first show started at the field back in 2012. The Matsieng Flying Club really went all out for this year show, making sure all the pilots and other visitors were looked after and made sure their stay was comfortable in every way. We were treated to a live band on both Friday and Saturday night with the many bond fires that kept us warm during the average winter evening.We were then welcomed the next morning with perfect airshow weather and some of the crowds eagerly wanting to get a front row seat. The two safety directors for the day was Chris Briers and Col.Francois ‘Hosepipe’ Hanekom which made the show flow smoothly during the course of the day.
The show opened by a free fall of skydivers,with their jump-ship a PAC750 flown by Darius Briers,followed after that a two-ship display by the Goodyear Eagles in their Pitts S2Bs flown by Dennis Spence and Larry Beamish. Glen ‘Gringo’ Warden flew the L29 Delphin in its stricking Tiger scheme.Andrew Blackwood Murray flew his Nashua Extra 300LP and Neville Ferreria flew his Kitty Hawk based Slick 540 in his high energy aerobatic sequence.Later in the day Neville and Andrew joined up for a formation pass both in the Extra and in the Slick. Matthew Zalewski put two different Magni Gyros through their paces during the course of the day.The Bathawk flew a great display and showed why its a great asset to combating poaching in Southern Africa.The Raptors Rvs made a welcome return flying RV7s flown by Pierre Gouws,Larry Beamish and Ryan Beaton.
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
The welcome appersnce of ex Presidnet Ian Khama and memebrs of the Matsieng Flying Club handed over Charity Cheques to the lady Khama Trust,The Motswedi Rehabilitation Centre,The Masire Foundation and the Movhudi Centre for the Blind.Brian Emmenis from Capital Sounds provided the long speaker line so spectators coyuld get all thr information about aircraft and pilots displaying on the day,assisted by the Capitals sound crew and Leon Du Plessis and Keith Fryer adding to the commentary team for the day!
Menno Parsons made a great appearance with his Bell 407 and his Pilatus PC12,which made up for the absence of the P51 Mustang.The mighty Bell 430 flown by Alister Brown really gave a real thump on his passes and showed the VIP helicopter to its full capability.Other helicopter action saw the Brakpan Airfield based Alouette II and III flown by Rob Osner and Juba Jourbert. True North Aviation saw a three-ship of Citabria aircraft flying gentle aerobatics,the Matsieng Flying Club preformed a formation flypast from two Cessna 210s,a Cirrus SR22 and King Air C90.A solo display from both the Cessna 210 and King Air was a real delight.The Air tractor also part of True North Aviation also did a display of low level passes while dropping water in front of the crowds.
The An2 ‘Little Annie’ was displayed by Jon-Marc Hill and South African Air force Airshow Air Boss Col.Keith ‘Fulcrum’ Fryer.The day before they treated some pupil from some schools around the vicinity of Botswana in a flight in Little Annie,and did they enjoy it!
The Randolph Boeing Stearman flown by Ivan van der Schaar also showed off the gentles aerobatics of the aircraft and the beautiful sound of the Radial.Conrad Botha flew his slick 360 and becoming a great aircraft to watch at airshows after an absence for some time
Cliff Lotter flew in his Klerksdorp based Rv7,he then joined up with Marin Venn in his RV7.Neville Ferreira flew Jonty Essers Kitty Hawk based Yak 52 adding some russian flavour of aircraft to the program.
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
The Puma flying Lions led by Captain Scully Levin performed their usual display routine and taking part in a fly-by with a big wall of fire,having most of the crowd on their feet and heart beats been raised.
The Puma Flying Lions then closed the show off with their spectacular night display,once again another successful airshow from the Matsieng Flying club,well done to all involved and we look forward to seeing the team again next year!
“The mini Oshkosh of Southern Africa,if you love airshows come to Matsieng next year”Jarryd Sinovich
“What an amazing show, the guys from Matsieng has once again showed what an Airshow should be like. To the Airshow team, Camping team and Media Boss, Well-done to you all. See you at the 2019 Matsieng Airshow and Fly In” Flippie van Emmenis
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Please browse through our Gallery for more pictures from the show:
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 there!
The Botswana Airshow to be held at Matsieng Aerodrome (FBMA) in Botswana on 26 May 2018 is not only about having a tremendous day of fun and excitement for aviation enthusiasts all over Southern Africa.
All the proceeds, after accounting for all costs of presenting the event, is donated to local charities and worthy social institutions.
The organisers of Botswana Airshow 2018 would like to express its gratitude to the many sponsors, benefactors, participants and the visiting public which all contribute towards making the Botswana Airshow a success for seven consecutive years and we are all looking forward to welcoming everybody on 26 May at Matsieng Aerodrome for Botswana Airshow 2018.
Let us all make a special effort to have great fun and excitement while knowing that proceeds go for very worthy charitable causes.
Gates open at 08h00 and the show will finish at 17h00
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Tickets Sales
Ticket: P120 (Adult) / P60 (6-17 years)
(Free for children under 6 accompanied by paying Adult)
VIP Tickets are available. Tickets include:
- VIP Access to Airshow Grounds
- VIP Parking Access (Including Security guards) VIP Shuttle service to VIP tent and back to VIP Parking.
- Free Delivery of VIP tickets before Airshow Date Free drinks (Beer/Wine/Soft drinks/Water) and cash bar for liquor other than beers and wine.
- Exclusive viewing deck next to airstrip
- Free Snacks throughout the day
- Free Lunch
Price: P1200
For VIP Tickets please contact us for more information or buy them online on www.events.co.bw
Available at all Computicket Outlets Shoprite / Checkers / OK Furniture
Camping for the weekend
Please note: Camping is strictly for pilots flying in with their registered passengers. NO PUBLIC CAMPING!!!!!!
Accommodation options for two nights
P220.00 p/p/p/night – you bring your own tent, mattress, pillow and bedding (the cost includes entry tickets for the Air Show on Saturday)
P360.00 p/p sharing p/night (2-man tent provided – you bring your own mattress, pillow and bedding) – IMPORTANT: Tents provided for people not sharing will be charged at the full amount of P800 p/night. (the cost includes an entry ticket for the Air Show on Saturday)
P545 p/p sharing p/night (2-man tent provided + matrass and bedding)
P600 p/p sharing p/night (2-man tent provided + bed, matrass and bedding)
Booking for all options are essential.
Pula/Rand rate will be fixed at the rate of R1.30 for P1.00
Please contact camping@botswana-airshow.com for more information.
Fly-in, information go to http://www.botswana-airshow.com/index.php/pilots-corner/fly-in
Ground Layout
Plz Browse Advertisement(s) below to help keep us going!
[quads id=3]
Matsieng Airshow 26 May 2018
Participating aircraft:
09:00 Opening: Pierre Jacobs/ Hot Air Balloon
09:30 Botswana Skydive Parachute Drop
10:00 Slick 360 Conrad Botha
10:15 Boeing Stearman- Ivan van der Schaar
10:45 Pitts Special Formation: Good Year Eagles
11:00 Slick 540 Neville Ferreira
11:15 T5 Harvard’s- Puma Energy Flying Lions
11:30 L29 Albatross Jet- Glen Warden
11:45 EXTRA330SC- Nigel Hopkins
12:00 Team X-treme- Nigel, Mark H, Mark S, Jason
12h15 Bell 407 Altech Netstar Alister Brown
12:30 Antonov AN2 Little Annie- Mark Hill
12:45 Raptors RV-Formation- Pierre Gouws
13:00 Extra 300- Absolute Aviation- Jason Beamish
13:15 R44 Helicopter True North Aviation/I-CAT
13:30 Extra 300LP- Andrew Blackwood-Murray
13:45 Botswana Skydive Parachute Drop
13:55 CHARITY Handover Ceremony
14:00 Botswana Model Aircraft- Thero Matenge
14:15 EXTRA330SC- Nigel Hopkins
14:30 R22 Helicopter- Danie Terreblanche
15:00 Aerospatiale SA316 Alouette 11&111 Helicopter- Juba/Rob
15h15 Slick 540 Neville Ferreira
15:30 Raptors RV-Formation
16:00 L29 Albatross Jet- Glen Warden(Vlam)
16:10 Air-Tractor- True North Aviation
16:30 Pitts Special Formation: Good Year Eagles
16:45 Magni Gyrocopter- Matthew Zalewski
17:00 Team X-treme- Nigel, Mark H, Mark S, Jason
17:30 T5 Harvard’s- Puma Energy Flying Lions
17:45 R22- Danie Terreblanhe
18:00 CLOSE