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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 Aérospatiale 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