Category Archives: NewsLetter – Upcoming

About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022)

AAD2022

The 14th Edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022) is set to take place in September 2022. AAD2022 will consist of two parts, 21st to 23rd of September is the Trade days and are aimed at the Aviation and Defence specialists, The Weekend, 24th, and 25th of September are the Public days and consist of Africa’s largest Airshow. The Show is held biannually at Waterkloof Air Force Base in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. AAD is also know by many as Waterkloof Airshow 

THE PREMIER EXHIBITION OF AIR, SEA AND LAND TECHNOLOGIES ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) is Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo that combines both a trade exhibition and an air show. Held biennially in the City of Tshwane – South Africa’s administrative capital, the AAD Expo is one of South Africa’s largest contributors to the country’s GDP in show years, and is regarded as a national asset.

ABOUT THE AIR SHOW AND EXHIBITION

Africa Aerospace and Defence Air show and Defence Exhibition are open to the public.

The air show comprise of a world class air demonstration, mobility track demonstrations, parachute drops, aerobatic displays and many other static displays from some of the biggest names in the aviation and defence industry who will demonstrate their latest and greatest aircraft.

There will also be organised children’s activities and attractions including a Youth Development Programme will be staged in a dedicated Pavilion with a fun fly park where the youth will have interactive activities, such as plastic model building, virtual aviation, simulator, target shooting, first-aid and crime scene investigation.

Also, read USAF Aircraft Coming to AAD 

Also, read AAD 2022 Aircraft list

Public Visitor Information

Also, read Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow

Tickets

Ticket Information

AAD2022 Tickets

Get your Tickets now!

From Computicket in advance
Adult R200.00
Children (5 to 12) and pensioners: R100.00

At the Gate
Adult R250.00
Children (5 to 12) and pensioners: R120.00

Children under 5 are admitted free

Click the Link below to get your Tickets

Click here to get your tickets today

#AAD2022 Tickets

AAD2022 SITE MAP

AAD2022 Site Map

DIRECTIONS TO AAD

From OR Tambo International Airport

From OR Tambo International Airport take exit 46 for R21 N towards Kempton Park / Pretoria.
Merge onto R21.
Take exit 12 for M31 / Nellmapius Drive towards Centurion.
Turn left onto Nellmapius Dr / M31.
Turn right onto Van Ryneveld Ave / M28.

From Midrand (N1)

Head northwest toward Old Pretoria Main Rd.
Turn right onto Old Pretoria Main Rd.
Take the 3rd left to stay on Old Pretoria Main Rd.
Take the 1st left onto New Rd.
Slight right to merge onto N1 towards Pretoria. Partial toll road.
Continue onto Ben Schoeman Fwy.
Take the exit towards M10.
Turn left onto M10.
The destination will be on the left.

Map

AAD2022 Map

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

  • No gazebos, laser devices, firearms, knives, glass bottles, drugs, pets, braais or umbrellas may be brought onto the AFB Waterkloof’s premises
  • Visitors are not permitted to bring their own alcohol to the show
  • Members of the public are requested to remain within the demarcated public viewing areas
  • Ear Plugs will be sold at the Waterkloof Base
  • Radios capable of tuning (Scanners), will also not be allowed on the base. If radios or Scanners are found on the day it will be confiscated by ICASA.
  • The flying of Drones during the event will also not be allowed.
  • Visitors are welcome to bring their cameras to photograph events.
  • Visitors should bring their own camping chairs and sunscreen.
  • Food stalls and a beer garden will be available, but PICNIC BASKETS are welcome
  • ATMs are available throughout for your convenience
  • Medical/first aid facility, access for the disabled, lost child centre
  • Sufficient toilets will be available.
  • Come early and enjoy a full day of wonderful entertainment
  • Tips for parents: Place a name and mobile number on a piece of paper and put in your child’s pocket or write your mobile number on your child’s arm.

FAQ PUBLIC VISITORS

Will public transport be available?

Yes. There Will public transport be available?

Yes. There will be limited public transport buses (Tshwane Buses) and Gautrain Buses departing from the Centurion Railway Station to the AFB Waterkloof. The buses will depart from these locations to AFB Waterkloof in the morning and will return again in the afternoon.

Can I visit the air show in the week?

No. The trade days are strictly open to trade visitors and professionals only.

Is the show the same on both days?

The format of the show is the same on both days. The only difference between Saturday and Sunday is in the flying displays.

Parking

There is ample parking for visitors and parking is free at the Base.

Can I smoke at the air show?

AAD is a no-smoking area, no smoking is permitted in any of the halls or chalets, or restaurants.

Can I bring alcohol to the Show?

No. For the safety of everyone, alcohol cannot be brought onto the Air Show grounds.

Can I bring my dog?

No pets are allowed, for safety reasons. Registered Guide Dogs, as permitted by law, are allowed.

Is there a pharmacy on site?

There are medics on-site and medical services are provided throughout. In the event of an injury or illness, please locate the Medical Centre or contact any of the Organisers or Security Staff who will arrange assistance.

What should I do if I become separated from my child?

Any lost children are taken to the Lost Children Centre (see map for location). In the event of a lost child, the adult should report it to the Lost Children Centre or Organisers Office, or locate any of the show organisers or police at the show for assistance.

Also, read Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow

Aircraft list & Program

The Aircraft list will only be available in September with the Flying Program will be made available Friday 23rd September

Below are Photos from AAD2018

Preparations for SAPFA Nationals Rally

As the final to be held on the 15th, 16th and 17th of April 2021 at Stellenbosch Flying Club are being put in place, it is time to reflect back on the Stellenbosch (practice) Rally that was held on Saturday 27 March 2012.

After some rain through the night, the skies in the Cape were perfect for flying. The day started nice and cool with little to no wind but this being the Cape… wind will always arrive when you need to make that perfect spot landing. Everyone was ready for the SAPFA Rally being held at the Stellenbosch Flying Club. Easily the flying club with the best views (and breakfast as well).

Pilots and navigators met up from early to top up the bodies with some coffee and a warm breakfast have a chat with fellow aviators and friends before the briefing that was to start at 9 am. Once the briefing started, the competitive side of pilots and navigators alike kicked in. Game on…

There was ample opportunity for those who had questions to ask them follow by the prepping for kicking off. Many had made notes during the briefing, clipboards came out, energy snacks and bag prepared, and even press tick to secure the smaller piece of paper that may be needed during the flight. Then the big moment… the locators were allocated and papers handed out. People couldn’t wait to get into the air and experience the beauty of the Cape. The route was to be a challenging one but also promised some good scenery.

With papers in hand, tanks topped up (humans and aircraft) and the day getting better and better the rally was about to start.

As the first batch of pilots took to the skies and getting to their targets, the normal Stellenbosch traffic and visitors were moving around. Some breakfast runs from Morningstar were made as well. As the day progressed and aircraft heading back, the wind started making an appearance. Getting stronger and stronger and I am pretty sure many pilots were hard at focus to stay as close as possible on target with the spot landing being the last major challenge.

The Cape wind just added another level of complexity to the already challenging route, next up… the landings. There was the odd bounce here and there but all in all good and some very great landings were made as pilots kept their cool and tackled the crosswind.

The second batch of pilots took to the air and by now they were fully aware of the wind. As the pilots went to hand in their locators and awaiting their results, the normal club visitors enjoyed the scenery with a cold beer and some lunch, children having fun, dads (even some moms) excited to show their young ones the aircraft… a very relaxed atmosphere while upstairs nervous pilot and navigators awaited their results. With the last pilots and navigators back at Stellenbosch Flying Club and their papers handed in, it was time to relax and enjoy a cold one.

Time for the announcing of the winners and where each team was ranked. Everyone was in agreement that the route was challenging (the route did have a name but there are children here, so we will just go with the route that shall not be named) but everyone was in the same boat. With the competition over, the social started and friends were friends again.

We all now look forward to the SAPFA National Rally Flying Championships held here in the Cape at Stellenbosch Flying Club.

I can only speak for myself but this was a most enjoyable day out. Even though the sanitizing and masks were in place with temperature checks, it was good to be out again. To experience the beauty of our country and back to the thing we love most… flying!

Excitement is building for the SAAF Museum Airshow

Excitement is building for the South African Air Force YOUTH EXHIBITION day and the SAAF Museum annual Airshow!

The the South African Air Force (SAAF) YOUTH EXHIBITION day and the SAAF Museum annual Airshow will be held on 06 and 07 September 2019 from 07h30 to 16:00 and 09h00 to 17h00, respectively. These events will take place at Air Force Base (AFB) Swartkop, Old Johannesburg road in Valhalla, Tshwane.

The theme for this year is “Collective Heritage”. The theme appreciates and recognizes the collective and individual sacrifices of the members in pursuit and realisation of the SAAF’s mandate. As the historical aviation hub of the SAAF, the SAAF Museum continues in its efforts by collecting, restoring, preserving and exhibiting the heritage and traditions of the SAAF and military aviation.

The Chief of the SAAF, Lieutenant General Fabian Zimpande Msimang initiated the Project “Embracing our collective heritage” in order to present a holistic history of the Air Force. These records of history include former TBVC (Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei) states and the Armed Wings of former Liberation Movements in relation to the corresponding political, social and economic dispensation of the country. One of the fundamental elements in nation-building and cultivating a cohesive society is the reconfiguration of the heritage landscape to ensure that it reflects the diversity, the unity of society and the triumph of a human spirit.

Youth Exhibition is scheduled for 06 September 2019 at 08:00 in Hangar 4. A total of 1000 learners will attend from different schools around Gauteng and other provinces. The following companies are among those that will exhibit on the day:

1. Standard Bank

2. Armscor

3. Mango

4. Aviation Academy (Cabin Crew)

5. South African Air Force

6. Unisa Robotic Department

The SAAF Museum Airshow (07 September 2019) is designed to attract aviation enthusiasts, the general public as well as current and former members of the SAAF, providing an opportunity to celebrate military aviation in both static and flying conditions.

Aircraft: Members of the public can expect to see the following aircraft on the day:

Operational aircraft: Gripen, Hawk, Lockheed C130, Oryx, Agusta 109, Pilatus 12, Rooivalk

Museum aircraft: Allouette II, Allouette III, SA 330L Puma, Harvard, Atlas C4M Kudu, Aermacchi AM 3C Bosbok, Vampire, Cessna 185 and Explora

Also read Mustang Sally’s Return to SAAF museum Airshow

Tickets: Tickets are available at Computicket at R80.00 for adults and R30.00 for children between 12 – 16 years. Whilst tickets will be available at the gate, members of the public are encouraged to buy tickets before coming to the event.

Gates: Gates will open from 07:00 till 17:30. The Air Show starts at 09:00.

Parking: Parking for people with disabilities will be at the North Gate (Corner Old Johannesburg road & Snake Valley Road). The general public will also park alongside Old Johannesburg Road & Snake Valley Road. Although there will be car guards, members of the public are informed that parking will be at own risk.

Traffic congestion & Noise: There will be traffic congestion and significant aircraft noise. We therefore appeal for tolerance and understanding from the public, especially residents of Valhalla, Centurion and other surrounding areas.

Bus Shuttle: Gautrain buses will be available to shuttle people from Centurion and Pretoria stations to the venue. Gautrain cards are required for the use of this service.

Vendors: There will be food stalls and a beer garden. Alcohol will be served at a designated area. Controlled substances are not allowed.

Also read Do’s and Don’ts attending an Airshow

Prohibited items: Drones and UHF/VHF transmitters.

Also remember to read our air show dos and don’ts for general things to remember. The article can be found here.

Breaking News-SAAF Museum Airshow set for 7th September 2019

Days remaining to Swartkop Airshow 2019

The South African Airforce Museum Airshow is set to take place at Airforce Base Swartkop in Pretoria on Saturday 7th September 2019.The Officer commanding of AFB Swartkop confirmed with Aviation Central the official date has been set for the 7th September and NOT the 31 August 2019.

Join the Facebook event page, click here 

We look forward to working with the SAAF and the Museum as we get ready for another successful airshow that will once again take place over Pretoria skies.

Tickets this year will cost R80 over the age of 16, ages 12 to 16 will be R30 and under the age of 12 free.

Keep an eye out on our social media pages for more information on the upcoming Airshow.

Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!

Mafikeng Airshow 2019, a sneak peek

The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show

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About The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show

On 22 June 2019 the skies above Mafikeng will be filled with the sound of aircraft when the Mafikeng Air Show takes place. Visitors to this year’s show can expect some of the best aerobatic displays that are available in South Africa. A variety of solo and formation aerobatics and parachute jumping will be presented to the spectators. Apart from the air show, there will be a learner expo on Friday 21 June where the focus will be on introducing aviation to the learners of Mafikeng. The air show will have something for everyone. A kiddie’s zone, food and hawker stalls and a beer garden will be there to make the day enjoyable. For the adventurous there will be helicopter flips. This year the air show is presented and organised by MAMCO, the company that manages the Mafikeng airport and Neo Heights, an aviation services company. There are a number of other role players such as Air Traffic and Navigational Services, the SAPS, the local Mafikeng Traffic Department, the Emergency Services and staff of the Mafikeng airport. Capital Sounds will be giving live commentary and music. Air Show South Africa coordinates these various groups to ensure that the air show will be safe for participants and spectators. This is the first air show in the North-West Province in the last few years and the only show in North West this year. The Mafikeng Air Show on 22 June is an event that everyone must attend. It promises to be a real monate experience.

Tickets for The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show
Tickets available online at ticketpro, click here to get yours now

R50 – Kids

R100 – Adult

R500 – VIP

VIP benefits includes:

– Golf cart carriage to VIP Marquee

– VIP Parking

– all day finger foods

– pilot meet and greet

Aircraft @ The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show

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Some of the Aircraft that will be attending is The Flying Lions led by Selwyn “Scully” Levin, Dennis Spence and the Goodyear Eagles, Little Annie, Menno Parsons and Mustang Sally, Pierre Gouws and Many more. The South African Air Force will also take part at The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show.
SAAF Aircraft includes SAAB Gripen, CASA, Silver Falcons, Oryx and the A109


Fly- in to The 2019 Mafikeng Air Show

The Mafikeng Air Show will host an early morning Flyin with a breakfast for Flyin Pilots and crew. Airshow officially starts at 12h30, Lots of time for you to Fly in and have a Brekkie with the Guys at Mafikeng Airshow

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I Can Dream – Newcastle Airshow 2019

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I Can Dream – Newcastle Airshow 2019

Newcastle Airshow 2019

All systems are a go for the 2019 ‘I Can Dream’ Newcastle airshow that will be taking place 1 June 2019 at Newcastle airport, Amajuba district.

Since the show first started nine years ago, the theme has been ‘I Can Dream’, “The reason behind this is that people can dream to become pilots or dream that they will also one day have the opportunity to fly in an aircraft. 95% of the local Amajuba community have never flown in an aircraft, while 80% had never seen a Boeing or an Airbus up close”, said Johan Pieters, one of the organisers of the event.

The driving forces behind this year’s event is the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs of KwaZulu Natal and KwaZulu Natal Tourism with the event organisation been handled by the Champ Group of Companies lead by Johan Pieters and Christo van de Vyver.

A major bonus for visitors this year is that there will be no entrance fee to the show. “We had a look at the economic situation of the district and the country and together with our sponsors decided to make it a free airshow for 2019”, said Pieters.

The Newcastle airshow has become one of the largest one-day events in the Amajuba District and boosts the local district and Newcastle by R5 million.

Amongst the many highlights for this year, AON will host an educational guidance day on the day of the airshow. The educational guidance day is geared at Grade 11 math and science learners from the Amajuba district with around some 1000 learners attending. The learners will be addressed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), The South African Airforce (SAAF) as well as the SAAF Silver Falcons, and will be given the chance to learn more about aviation as well as possible career paths that can be chosen in the various aviation fields.

This year promises to be a jammed-packed day with plenty of activities for the entire family. The show will open at 10:30 with a spectacular Airbus A320 display. For the adrenaline junkies all the action will be found in the sky and visitors can look forward to a fun-filled day, and will see acts from South Africa’s top aerobatic teams, the SAAF will be in full force at this year’s show and visitors will get the chance to see the SAAF Silver Falcons, fast jet action will be the Gripen as well as a SAAF Oryx helicopter will be put through its paces.

For the car-crazy visitors, there will be Hot Rods on display as well as a car and plane race.

For the family members that would prefer to do a little shopping, there will be plenty of stalls, a Munro Art exhibition, as well as various motor vehicle dealerships offering advice on your next vehicle purchase, as well as plenty of food and drink stalls and a beer garden. KZN Tourism will have a virtual reality stand where you can experience KZN live, a stand not to be missed.

For those that would like to view the show from a more VIP point of view this year members of the public can buy VIP Tickets at Computicket for R100 – that ticket will give you an experience in a Marquee with upholstery chairs, shade and VIP toilet. Limited tickets are available.

By the end of the show, which will be around 17:00, if you still have enough energy there will be an after party hosted by Tree Tops.

Newcastle Airshow VIP

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