We were kindly invited by Mango’s Grant Timms to witness the first test flight as Mango (One of South Africa’s low cost airline) introduced the first of eight aircraft that will have the Split Scimitar Winglets fitted to their fleet.
In what will be its first widespread commercial use, Split Scimitar Winglets have officially been giving the go-ahead to grace Boeing 737-800s all across the world. While winglets themselves are nothing new, this more aerodynamic incarnation should cut fuel costs by 2%—in other words, pushing their total winglet-related savings to $200 million.
S Training Captain Rodney Chinn &Training Captain Danie Jacobs before the test flight
Inspired by the scimitar, the new winglets retrofit a blended ventral fin to the plane’s wings, essentially making it look like two very thin (and presumably self-loathing) dolphins jammed themselves head first into either side of the plane. Because it makes use of both the split/ventral singlet design and the high-performance scimitar tips, United has managed a cruise performance gain of 30-40%. So how do these winglets manage to reduce so much drag?
Because winglets curve upward, the higher air pressure on the wing’s lower surface flows toward the tip and curls with the winglet. Since the air is pushed upward, this reduces the vortex and subsequent energy loss that is created by air flowing around the wingtip. The split design of the new ones, then, further reduce the vortices formed behind the wing, which in turn further reduces energy loss.
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
Stellenbosch is situated in the Western Cape, South Africa. The area is known for its scenery, wine, university and the kindness of the community. Stellenbosch Flying Club is located just off the R44 leading out of Stellenbosch and has a relaxed atmosphere where flying, local craft beer and good food makes for lazy Saturday afternoons. On the 23rd of March 2019 this changed to a hive of activity and the day where it all came together, months of meticulous planning with hard work and preparations came together. The scene was set, the queue at the gates forming just after sunrise and the weather being almost perfect.
Capital Sounds Brian Emennis and Silver Falcons lead Major Omphile Matloane
The packed program list and the variety of participating aircraft is proof of a wonderful show that warmed the hearts of many. The biggest flag in Africa was parachuted in from a C206, the emergency cavalcade was on display and the props of the aircraft of the first display were turning… out came the Silver Falcons to open the show. With the mountains and greenery from the surroundings being the scenery, the Silver Falcons took to the sky and gave a shortened but wonderful display. Really being the cockpit ambassadors for the South African Air Force.
SAAF Silver Falcons
Special mention is to be made of Mr Air Show, Brian Emmenis. As many will know, he is the voice of air shows in South Africa and abroad. While the first few displays where happening, interviews were performed with James Vos: MEC Tourism and Economic Affairs, Major Omphile Mutloane, Phillip du Preez: Head of ExecuJet Cape Town, Franz Smit: Pilot insure and Graham Smith who received a lifetime membership from Stellenbosh Flying Club.
The program consisted of The Silver Falcons, Team Extreme, a Mango B737, Ex-SAAF Bosbok, Working on Fire display consisting of two Hueys, a Cessna and AT-802, L39, NAC Bell 407, Shock Cub, Raptors RVs, Tigermoth, J51C Glider, Boeing Stearman, Howard Vintage, Radio Control Models, Husky, Harvard T6, a display by TSU/AGA involving vehicles, dogs and a EC145, M16 Gyro, NAC Mirage PA 46-350.
Team ExtremeMango 737-800Mango 737-800 & Ex SAAF Bosbok
The list of pilots being as impressive as the list of aircraft consisting of Scully Levin, Pierre Gouws, Trevor Warner, Nigel Hopkins, Glen Warden, Trevor Milton, Ivan V/D Schaar, Jurie Steyn, Trevor Milton and many others. These pilot put up energised displays that had the crowds entertained, camera shutters clicking all day long (making downloading, editing and posting a challenge) and made this show a memorable one.
NAC Bell 407NAC Bell 407
throughout the day there were constant movements by staff between the crowds to collect litter which easily makes this the cleanest show I have witnessed. After a long hot day, the warmest in weeks, with loads of liquids consumed and the crowds leaving, there was not a single piece of paper or empty bottle lying around.
With the crowds heading home and some staying for a last drink or chat with old friends, the departing aircraft made for a mini show as many did the traditional fly by as a thank you. The Silver Falcons being no exception. They took off, the formation was formed and the six ship came past 3 times, almost as if they didn’t want to head home as yet. As the sun set on the mountains, the light being amazing, the dust from the show settled these were observed by a few and was truly magical.
A time to reflect on the day. To cement the memories made. To salute an organising team and everyone involved, from pilots to ground crew and cleaning staff. A massive thank you to all. Not even load shedding could dampen spirits or impact the show!
Raptors RVs
The Stellenbosch Air Show hosted by the Stellenbosch Flying Club is to be an annual event and surely one to diarise! I for one will be there.
Dubbed FASHKOSH, a play on Stellenbosch’s official airfield name FASH and OSHKOSH, the single biggest airshow and gathering of aviation enthusiasts in the world which takes place annually at Oshkosh Wisconsin in the USA, the 2019 Stellenbosch Airshow takes place on the 23rd of March and promises to be bigger, louder and more exciting than in previous years.
Friday 22nd March is a practice day for the participating pilots and the Stellenbosch Flying Club will host a youth development day with around 200 learners from local schools attending where they will have the opportunity to gain first hand insights into possible careers in aviation. They will also be able to get up close to the participating pilots and aircraft, in particular the South African Airforce.
The program for show day provides non-stop adrenalin and entertainment with some of the highlights of the show being the South African Airforce Silver Falcons, a Boeing 737 airliner flypast, the first public display in South Africa of the Pilatus PC24 small business jet and for the first time in the Western Cape a skydiver will jump with the biggest South African flag ever to fly. Team Extreme will thrill with their precision formation aerobatics display, and Working on Fire will demonstrate it’s capable team of firefighting helicopters and fixed wing aircraft that have been seen hard at work around the Cape over the last few weeks. These are but a few of the exciting aircraft to be seen on the day.
World renowned airshow commentator Brian Emmenis and Capital Sounds will bring you informative and entertaining commentary and food and refreshments will be available throughout the day.
Gates open for spectators at 0800 with visiting aircraft of various descriptions flying in until the emergency cavalcade procession at 1015 whereafter the show will be opened by the skydivers
Tickets are available online at Webticket at R150 for adults and R100 for children. Under four years old enter for free. Numbers are limited and very few tickets will be available at the gate so get yours online early.
Wide spread that covers most of the flying disciplines. From paragliders gliders, helo’s, business jets, fighter jets, formation team extreme aerobatics, competition aerobatics, flag jumps, gyro planes, model aircraft, simulated firefighting, simulated armed response and medivac, warbirds, new types on market.
A few not normally seen in the Western Cape. (Hidden in the program are a number of firsts at Stellenbosch.)
Below is subject to availability of aircraft & crew and is not in display order
Power Para Gliders
Large scale model Jets
Biggest SA Flag skydivers
SAAF Silver Falcons
L 39 fighter jet
Aero Machi Bosbok Ex SAAF
Glider and Tug display
Vintage Tiger Moth and Chipmunk display
Emergency vehicle cavalcade
Bell 407 Helicopter
Howard vintage
Cessna 195 vintage
Boeing 737 airliner
“THE HULK” display
Pilatus PC 24 business jet
Motor Glider
Raptors Aerobatic Formation team
RV Aerobatic solo display
Gyrocopter M16
Shock Cub display
Team Extreme Aerobatic team
Aviat Husky short field performance (Stellenbosch first female display pilot)
Nashua Extra 300
Harvard T6 Display
Boeing Stearman Aerobatic display
Black Hawk Helicopter
Huey helicopter
Piper Malibu
Piper Aerostar
Airborne armed response/ medivac demo
Working on Fire demonstration
The above is subject to availability of aircraft and crew. Will be updated closer to the event.
Look for us on Facebook and Instagram or at www.stelfly.co.za
