Wednesday 9 August 2017
Saturday 24 June 2017
Middelburg Airshow 2017
by Garth Calitz
On a cold
misty highveld morning the airshow “circus” made its way to the industrial town
of Middelburg in Mpumalanga. Fortunately the mist burnt off rather rapidly
allowing the show to start on schedule. Richard Lovett and his wonderful wife
Irene led a dedicated team to once again deliver one of the top airshows in the
country. Every detail of this show was meticulously planned and there were contingencies
in place for any eventuality.
The
expectant crowd started streaming in from very early in the morning, filling up
the long crowd line and they were not disappointed. The show got under way at
10:00 sharp with Andrew Blackwood Murry taking to the now blue sky in his Extra
300, Andrew is a captain with SAA Cargo.
Andrew Blackwood Murry |
Another airline
captain this time from Comair was the second act on this busy programme, Ivan
van der Schaar in his beautifully restored Boeing Stearman masterfully showed
off this Pre WWII machine.
Ivan van der Schaar |
Bobby Rowe
entertained all present with the locally built Bathhawk, this Bathawk is pretty
unique as it is the first of type to be fitted with the Rotax 914 motor, The Bathawk
is currently being used extensively in anti-poaching operations as it is very
cost effective and it makes a wonderful observation platform.
Bobby Rowe |
Mark Hensman and Pierre Gouws had the crowd gasping as the performed a very tight
formation routine in the MX2 and RV7, Pierre and Mark both recently competed in
the World Formation Aerobatics Championships albeit in two different teams.
Pierre Gouws and Mark Hensman |
As soon as
they landed the Middelburg airspace was filled with very fast jets, not full
size examples but radio controlled machines, the Ultra lightning displayed by
Dean Grobbelaar is the current South African speed record holder achieving speeds
well in excess of 300km/h.
Ultra lightning |
A simulated
Rhino Poaching scenario was played out by the members of the HI-Risk response
team with the assistance of Anton von Willich in his AĆ©rospatiale Gazelle
manned by members of the Canine unit. The dogs abseil down from the hovering
helicopter with their handlers to rapidly apprehend the poachers.
Anton von Willich and the HI-Risk response team |
While the
arrested poachers were lad away the sky filled up with parachutes, members of
the Witbank Skydiving club landed all along the flight line demonstrating the
wonderful handling of the modern canopy. One of the jumpers was flying the
massive 80kg SA Flag.
SA Flag |
No sooner
had the skydivers collected their parachutes when everyone turned their eyes
skywards again, Gary Whitecross started his aerial ballet sequence in his
Pilatus B4, Gary has smoke generator canisters mounted on each wing which leave
wonderful smoke trails in the blue sky. Gary ended his display by racing
against a highly supped up Camaro, one could not help feeling bad for the
driver as Gary streaked silently past him at close to 300km/h.
Gary Whitecross |
The four
ship Torre Pitts Special team wowed the crowd with their formation flying ability;
Scully Levin, Arnie Meneghelli and Sean Thackwray man the three white machines
with Ellis Levin taking care of the solo work in the Black aircraft.
Torre Switchblade |
In yet another Aircraft Motorcar race, Neville
Ferreira in his Slick 540 was pitted against an Audi R8 unfortunately the car
did a bit of farming when he arrived at the turning point slightly faster than
he should have. After the race Neville went straight into his unique hi-energy
aerobatic display.
Neville Ferreira and the Audi R8 |
After a
slight hold up early in the morning due to the misty conditions in Johannesburg
the Goodyear Eagles took to the air delivering a stunning display. Glen Warden,
led the formation with Johan von Solms on one wing and Paul Coetzer on the
other.
Goodyear Eagles |
XDL Stunt
bikes kept the large crowed entertained, these guys can do things on
motorcycles that are nothing short of crazy, they are very seldom on both wheels
except when they burning out the back tyre.
XDL Stunt bike |
East meets
West with a wonderful display by Pierre Gouws and Mike Wiengartz. Pierre
representing the east in Richard Lovett’s beautiful L39 and Mike flying the
flag of the Western world in Dawid Laas’ Impala.
Mike Wiengartz and Pierre Gouws |
From Jets
to Rotor wings, Mathew Zalewski displayed the abilities of the Magni Gyro, The
Magni Gyro hails from the small town of Besnate just outside Milano in Italy.
Mathew Zalewski |
Keeping
with the rotors Johan “Juba” Joubert teamed up with Dylan Smith to form a rapid
response team. Dylan’s dirt bike gets strapped to the skid of the Aloutte II.
Juba lands and Dylan very quickly removes the bike and chases the bad guys.
Johan “Juba” Joubert and Dylan Smith |
Neville Ferreira took to skies again this time in a Yak 52, Neville is very experienced in flying Yaks and has represented South Africa in the Yak world championships.
Neville Ferreira |
As the
shadows started to grow long many of the displays were repeated, the Jets came
out for a late afternoon display this time the Impala was out numbered as the
L39 was joined by two L29’s flown by Glen Warden and Koos Kieck. Everyone was
caught off guard when beautiful pyros were released as they flew past.
Jet formation |
The flying programme
was concluded by a beautiful twilight display by the Puma Energy Flying Lions,
Scully, Arnie Sean and Ellis had a ball strafing the display line accompanied
by fireworks.
Puma Energy Flying Lions |
The Grand
Finale was a beautiful fireworks display put together by Dominik Fireworks,
Brian Emmenis and his team form Capital Sounds keep everyone informed and very
entertained with his humour throughout the day.
Fireworks |
The
organisers of the Middelburg Airshow can be exceptionally proud of the show it
was definitely of the highest standard. In a first for SA airshows every
display had an individual sponsor I personally think it is a wonderful idea,
due to their generosity the entrance ticket prices can be dropped significantly
making the show more accessible to more people.
Well done
Richard and Team see you at next year’s show.
Please browse through our gallery of this event
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