Tag Archives: Wonderboom National Airport
Aero Expo South Africa 2022
Aero Africa was passionately welcomed back to Wonderboom National Airport in the city of Tshwane, South Africa, this past week and adding Saturday for some of the public to attend the now 2nd edition of the general aviation trade show.
This being Africa’s largest general aviation trade show, covers the full spectrum of services and products for the aviation industry. Discover what direction developments in the General Aviation industry are going.
This years expo was a bit smaller as the previous Aero Africa that took place for the first time back in 2019.
Due to the fact that planned returns of the expo were to take place in 2020/2021, got cancelled due to the all now well known covid-pandemic.
As that being said, we can now appreciate the event is back and we and the industry can only grow stronger going forward.
Visitors were welcome to fly-in to AERO South Africa in their own aircraft for the proceedings of each of the three days.
That including free landing, approach and ground handling fees for fly-ins to the event.
Potential buyers had the opportunity to experience aircraft features first hand as aircraft manufacturers and distributors having the opportunity to host demonstration flights during the event.
A workshop area hosted reputable speakers covering relevant topics were available during the course of the days of all different products, companies ect.
Aero South Africa attracts a broad and international exhibitor base with innovative products new to South Africa by incentivising product launches and global imports.
An interactive platform offering exhibitors and visitor the perfect environment to build and foster relationships with current and future business partners.
Features at AERO South Africa 2022
A private workshop area is available to host seminars and talks at AERO South Africa 2022.
As well as a medium size static park with a number of fixed wing and rotary aircraft on display.
Some of the big aviation companies that were exhibiting such as Absolute Aviation, National Airways Corporation, Cirrus South Africa, Airbus Helicopters, Excujet, DJA Aviation, Flight Schools, Air Ambulances just to name a few.
The airport itself was still busy with charter flights, flight training schools, test flights from the airports local maintenance facilities.
This made up for some as many of the general public thought the event was an airshow but in fact and expo.
Aero South Africa 2019
The General Aviation Global show of the world which has been taking place in Lake Constance in Germany for the last 40 years and now the show has made its way to South Africa. This is due to the close partnership between Messe Friedrichshafen and Messe Frankfurt.
The much anticipated Aero South Africa finally arrived on South African shores at the Wonderboom National Airport in the city of Tshwane. This was the first of its kind in South Africa to introduce this type of expo to the General Aviation Industry. The purpose of the event was to see an interactive trade show with demonstration flights of the different aircraft, aviation exhibitors, flight schools and other products in the industry that were showcased, a fly-inn was also part of the proceedings during the entire duration of the event.
4000 square meters of space was provided for exhibition space, consisting of indoor, outdoor, park and sell plus and aircraft display area. This included general aviation most of all types seen in South Africa, a couple of warbird aircraft that also flew in for the event, such as the P51D Mustang, De Havilland Tiger Moth and also part of the De Havilland family the Wonderboom based De Havilland T55 Vampire, a number of helicopters were on static display and in the park and sell area.
The Saturday saw the entire apron full of aircraft both that flew in and that of who were present from day 1.Lieutenant Colonel Keith Andrews from the South African Airforce was Ramp Controller and made sure he could accommodate any type of aircraft for parking purposes for all three days of the event.
The Park and Sell area was pointed out as a new attraction to any aviation event in South Africa sponsored by the well know Auto Trader which made a perfect opportunity to sell previously owned aircraft. A total of 80+ exhibitor’s were present. The new Cirrus vision jet of CDC aviation was a favourite for us to see south Africa’s first of its type face to face for the first time. Absolute’s Aviation Citation XLS+ was also one of the bizjets on static display shadowed by a Cessna Grand Caravan EX.
Team Extreme’s Jason Beamish and Nigel Hopkins in their Extra 330 Aerobatic Aircraft closed day 1 of Aero South Africa with a short aerobatic display, while day 2 and 3 were closed off with Jason in his Extra 330 and Mark Sampson in his Sbach 341.They also met up with Menno Parsons on the final day of Aero in his P51D ‘Mustang Sally’ with some formation flying before the day concluded.
Century Avionics was many of the many exhibitors of the event, their products were put to show were the static display of both Team Extremes MX2 owned and flown by Mark Hensman’s and Mark Sampson’s Sbach 341 with GPSs and other avionics the aircraft are fitted with.
Villa San Giovanni’s Restaurant made sure pure business visitors and the general public didn’t go hungry with excellent Italian cuisine during the three days of the show, as well as accommodation on the airports premises.
Little Annie the well known Airshow Antonov 2 owned by the Hill Family, was on static display and visitors were able to look and interact with. They also had a raffle for a new set of Bose Headsets with R20 000 which is available with Wings n Things from Lanseria International Airpor.Wings ‘n Things is a pilot supplies store established in 1990. We are authorised dealers of the world’s leading aviation brands such as Jeppesen, David Clark and Bose, as well as a reseller of many other aviation products.
A huge well done to all the organisers of the event both local and overseas officials. Lets hope this becomes and annual event with the next Aero South Africa even bigger.
“Saturday was the busiest day of the AERO SA trade show weekend. The morning started out quiet but picked up speed after 10h00. The fly-in was a great success. Anything and everything that flies was seen at Wonderboom. Vans RVs, Cessna, Bat hawks and many Robinson Helicopters. Absolute Aviation Group with Jason Beamish took photos with fans and they printed them on customized frames. The day played out beautifully and there was entertainment for the whole family. Definitely one for the 2020 calendar!“-Dian Townsend SAAFMPC Member
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Eagle Air-The Fly Away March 2019
Eagle Air-The Fly Away March 2019
By Marcelle Nienaber – Grade 2 Instructor at Eagle Air.
Its early morning Friday, the 27th of March.
There is a slight chill in the air as 20 pilots assemble with luggage, flight plans and positive attitudes around a fleet of 9 aircraft. Fueled and ready to take to the skies for eagle Air’s first Fly-Away for 2019.
“Cleared for take-off” echoed in all the headsets as we routed to Kruger International Airport. One hour into the flight we had to divert back to Wonderboom (FAWB) due to inclement weather at Kruger. Our fleet met up and re-fueled at FAWB.
With the weather keeping its head up high, our pilots took to the skies again. This time to Bloemfontein (FABL) on route, clear skies greeted us.
After a well-deserved rest at FABL, flight plans were filed for our route to Port Elizabeth via Beaufort West.
Spectacular views of the Indian Ocean ensured excitement among all. PE welcomed Eagle Air with signature windy conditions.
With great anticipation on day 3 of the Fly-Away, the fleet departed for Cape Town via George. Touching down in George revealed adverse conditions and aircraft were secured for the night.
The skies cleared for day 4 as or journey continued on to Cape Town. More spectacular views of the mountains and sea stunned the Eagle Air fleet. We descended into Cape Town International Airport slotting seamlessly between commercial carriers. With a few hours of daylight left, the Eagle Air squad explored the streets of Cape Town, taking in all it has to offer.
Energized by the scenes of the Mother City we set off to Bloemfontein (FABL) to settle in for the final night before heading back to the Eagle Nest.
Midday on the 3rd of April, the Eagle Air fleet safely arrived back at home base.
“Six days, a dozen cities, thousands of nautical miles and immeasurable memories and experience gained” quoted by Percy Rudman.
Photo credits: Eagle Air
Click to enlarge photos
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 South Africa.
The Simulator was acquired at a Cost of few million and has four Aircraft modules build in:
- Piper Warrior
- Piper Arrow
- Piper Seneca
- Cessna 425 Turbines
Video courtesy of Fly Media team and Eagle air
5 benefits of flight simulator:
- Flight simulator allows students to exercise and master specific flight conditions without leaving the ground at all
- Training that takes place in a simulator is predictable without the interruption of unforeseen delays such a poor weather or mechanical difficulties.
- When comparing costs, plane simulator training can be more affordable than live flight time, saving costs for fuel, wear and tear and aircraft rental.
- Student safety is secured during flight simulations allowing flight instructor learners to train under emergency conditions as well as bad weather and technical and mechanical failure.
- Flight simulators allow students in training the opportunity to practice until perfect, mastering technique and decision making and various stress factors during flight.
The Simulator arrived at the Eagle air facilities at Wonderboom National Airport on 4th October 2018 followed by assembly, Testing and SACAA testing and certification. The official opening of the new flight simulator was on 25th October 2018 and Percy Rudman that the Rates will soon be announced. South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) certificated the FNTP 2 Flight Device with RNAV and MCC.
Bennie du Plessis, a well-known figure in the South African general aviation industry and a keen aviator checking out Eagle Air’s new Simulator.
Eagle Air also recently add a new Aircraft, a Piper Cherokee registration ZS-KIM to its fleet, This surprising many with the addition of the Simulator shortly after. Read more on How to become a Pilot in South Africa
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 subsidiary of one of the world’s leading events and fairs companies, Messe Frankfurt South Africa in partnership with Messe Friedrichshafen – the organizer of AERO Friedrichshafen, recently announced the launch of AERO South Africa. AERO SA will be taking place at Wonderboom National Airport, Tshwane, South Africa from 4-6 July 2019.
Speaking at the launch event, Konstantin von Vieregge, CEO of Messe Frankfurt SA, said that “although there is a lot of negative sentiment around the South African economy, we are in for the long-haul, and believe that this is the perfect time to launch a business-to-business show specifically related to general aviation in Africa”. “According to the GAMA report 2017, there has been a steady increase in aircraft registrations in South Africa, and that there is a gap in the market for such an event”, said von Vieregge.
A show like AERO SA will be the perfect place to bring clients and businesses together, “Same as AERO Friedrichshafen, the South African edition will focus on Light/Medium sized aircrafts and it will emphasize the importance of aviation as a key to growing the economy. AERO SA will highlight South Africa on the aviation map as well as ensure that South Africa remains the premiere aviation hub on the African continent”, commented von Vieregge.
AERO SA plans to unite a broad spectrum of the general aviation industry under one show and at one location and will be a platform to engage with all sectors of the aviation community, by bringing business-to-business leads to the fore.
“Wonderboom National airport is the perfect venue to host AERO SA, as it allows for the opportunity to conduct test flights, clients can fly their own aircraft to the show, and there is ample space for exhibitors that allows easy access to trade visitors,” said von Vieregge.
AERO SA will focus on ensuring that the costs to exhibit are affordable and that aircraft on display will be charged per aircraft and not by space. AERO SA will base a lot of its strategy on the world-famous AERO Friedrichshafen show that has become one of the world’s biggest general aviation shows.
