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Sky Grand Prix of Aerobatics Thrills Durban Crowd

The 3rd edition of the Sky Grand Prix of Aerobatics (SkyGP) took place on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Virginia Airport in Durban, marking a significant aviation event for the city. Durban had not witnessed such a large-scale aviation spectacle since 2017 when the Armed Forces Day was held in the region.

Building on the success of its previous editions, the SkyGP first debuted at the Land, Sea, and Air Festival in 2014, followed by the second edition at Greyville Racecourse in 2016. Notably, the last air show in Durban occurred as far back as 2013. This year’s event was greeted by fantastic winter weather in Durban, complemented by the fact that it coincided with a public holiday. As a result, eager crowds flocked to Virginia Airport, eagerly anticipating the breathtaking displays by the participating aircraft.

The SkyGP competition is a timed and judged event encompassing three categories: Known Sequence, Unknown Sequence, and Freestyle Sequence. The event was skillfully hosted by Dave Guselli, renowned for his work on East Coast Radio, and seasoned aerobatics pilot Mike “Spanky” Gallaway from Texas, USA. Mike expertly provided detailed commentary throughout the day, enlightening the public about the aerobatic maneuvers, timings, and aircraft information, ensuring everyone remained well-informed about the proceedings and what they could expect.

The event kicked off with a pilots parade, allowing spectators to catch a glimpse of the talented contestants. The roster of pilots for this year’s SkyGP included:

Mark Hensman – South Africa – MX2 (registration N540MX)
Aarron Deliu – Australia – sharing Nigel Hopkins’s Extra EA-330SC (registration ZS-XSC)
Eugene Du Preez – South Africa – Extra EA-330SC (registration ZS-THS)
Aude Lemordant – France – sharing Mark Hensman’s MX2 (registration N540MX)
Nigel Hopkins – South Africa – Extra EA-330SC (registration ZS-XSC)
Barrie Eeles – South Africa – Extra EA-330SC (registration ZS-XBE)
Patrick Davidson – South Africa – GameBird GB-1 (registration N71PD)

Following the pilots parade, the Durban Skydive Centre added to the excitement with thrilling displays and pinpoint landings in front of the enthralled spectators.

Tristan Eeles, who was not competing, delivered a remarkable warm-up display for the known sequence category. This display served as an opportunity for the judges to assess the aerobatic “display box” and practice scoring, while Mike Gallaway guided the crowd through the sequence, explaining the maneuvers and the scoring and timing systems. Tristan’s almost flawless sequence display highlighted his potential as an upcoming aerobatics pilot, making him one to watch in the future.

The known sequence category commenced with the participating contestants flying in the order determined by a pre-event draw. Pilots had prior knowledge of the sequence, allowing them time to practice it. However, they were required to complete the sequence within a time frame of 2 minutes and 45 seconds to 3 minutes to avoid penalties. Each maneuver was meticulously judged, contributing to the contestants’ overall score.

Unfortunately, Aude Lemordant’s disqualification in the known sequence category resulted from a mistake during one of her maneuvers, causing her to cross the safety “deadline” between the display box and spectators. The deadline ensures ample space and safeguards for both the participants and the audience.

As some pilots shared aircraft, intermissions were filled with Cliff Chen’s captivating display. Cliff, a South African and world RC champion, showcased the capabilities of a Radio Controlled Slick 580, leaving the crowd gasping and cheering as he performed remarkable maneuvers that pushed the limits of what the R/C aircraft is capable of.

The unknown sequence category followed, with the pilots flying in the same predetermined order. Unlike the known sequence, the pilots were provided with the sequence on the evening prior to the event, allowing them time to study it but leaving no room for practice. Judging and timing were carried out similarly to the known sequence category.

During the lunch break, the skydivers treated the crowd to another thrilling display, while the NetCare 911 helicopter’s departure to attend to an emergency presented an opportunity for spectators to witness the takeoff of the Bell 430 helicopter.

After the break, the remaining pilots showcased their skills in the unknown sequence category. Each pilot strived to outperform the others, with mistakes opening doors for competitors to score higher. Ultimately, the competition remained fiercely contested, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish, flying his Extra EA-330LX (registration ZS-EXT), delighted the audience with a sensational airshow display following the completion of the unknown sequence category. Their high-energy performance included close formation flying and breathtaking passes, captivating the crowd from start to finish.

Next up was the freestyle category, where the contenders had the freedom to perform their own routine. However, they were assessed on various disciplines and had to adhere as closely as possible to a 4-minute time frame while showcasing innovation, artistic flair, and flawless execution of individual maneuvers. Scores were based on the overall performance and innovation displayed.

Closing the flying portion of the day was a mesmerizing display by the Marksmen Aerobatic Team, comprising Mark Hensman, Jonnie Smith flying his Extra EA-330LX (registration ZS-SMI), and Eugene Du Preez. The team wowed the crowd with breathtaking close formation flying and high-energy passes, concluding their performance with a massive heart drawn in the sky, earning resounding cheers and applause from the appreciative audience.

The day concluded with the official results announcements and podium presentations, acknowledging the outstanding achievements of the participants across all categories.

The final results for the SkyGP events in their respective categories were as follows:

The organizers of the event deserve sincere gratitude for hosting the SkyGP in Durban, and appreciation goes out to everyone who contributed to its successful execution, particularly the sponsors.

The Sky GP was presented by Sky Grand Prix (Pty) Ltd, represented by Roger Deare and Nigel Hopkins, under the auspices of the Sport Aerobatic Club of South Africa and CIVA (International Aerobatic Commission).

Other officials who played key roles in the event include:

Contest Organiser: Roger Deare
Contest Director: Annie Boon
Contest Safety Officer: Cliff Lotter
Registrar and Scorer: Natalie Stark
Jury President CIVA: Mike ‘Spanky’ Gallaway
Chief Judge: Quintin Hawthorne
Judges: Guy Augur (France), Laszlo Liszkay (South Africa), Johnie Smith (South Africa)
Marketing: Katey Watkin
Medical team: Netcare 911

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SAAF BK117s on their way to Durban

In the last couple of days Durban Kwa Zulu Natal has been hit with enormous amounts of rain bringing damage throughout the province. Unfortunately there has been a number of lives lost as well as still people missing.

15 Squadron “Charlie Flight” based at Airforce Station Port Elizabeth are on route to Durban to be tasked to help in any way the unit can in a flood relief manner. At this point of time two Bk117s are on route with a third to join later.

BK117 during sunset at East London Airport yesterday evening.

SAAF Chopper crews

Crew so far from 15 Sqn C Flight is Maj Corrie Oberholzer, Maj Jarred Oliver, Sgt Carel van Dalen and Sgt Nengo Mahlakwana

A109 with Major Simphiwe Moloi and WO2 Jason Buglass

Oryx with Lt Col Charles Tarentaal cmdr, Capt Robo Muthwa and WO2 Allister Prince.

Additional crew to arrive: Maj Aobakwe Gaelejwe, Flight Sergeant Coert Steynberg, Sergeant Lungelo Mcanyana

Ground crew on deployment is Flight Sergeant Larry Williams, Flight Sergeant Brian Reynolds, Sergeant Thanduxolo Madyo, Corporal Sara Ramlingam

The first 15 does it again!

At 14h43, Friday, 14 August, the SA Air Force (SAAF) 15 Squadron, NSRI Durban rescue swimmers and Netcare 911 rescue paramedics were activated to prepare to patient evacuate a 36 year old Indian crewman, suffering a serious injury, off a 330 meter crude oil tanker near to Port Elizabeth. A SAAF 15 Squadron Oryx helicopter, accompanied by two NSRI Durban rescue swimmers and 2 Netcare 911 rescue paramedics, departed Durban Air Force Base and arrangements were made for refuelling to take place at East London and at Port Elizabeth.

After refuelling was completed in East London, on arrival at the ship, off-shore of Algoa Bay, 2 NSRI rescue swimmers and a Netcare 911 rescue paramedic were hoisted onto the vessel accompanied by a rescue stretcher. The patient, in a serious condition, suffering a compound fracture to a leg, reportedly sustained in a fall, was taken into their care from the ships medical crew.

The patient was airlifted to a Port Elizabeth hospital in a stable but serious condition where he is recovering post operation. The SAAF Oryx helicopter refuelled at Port Elizabeth 15 Squadron, Charlie Flight and on the return route to Durban refueling took place at East London. The operation completed at 02h39 on Saturday morning.

The crew involved in the rescue was Lieutenant Colonel Zungu (Commander), Major Sandi (Co-pilot) and Flight Sergeant Vumazonke(Flight Engineer).

15 Squadron is one of the coastal helicopter squadrons based at Air Force Base Durban. It is currently a transport/utility helicopter squadron, utilizing the Oryx and A109LUH Helicopters.Their sister based Squadron “Charlie” Flight at Air force Station Port Elizabeth flying the BK117.

15 Squadron Choppers conduct another successful sea rescue off Durban coast!

Jonathan Kellerman, NSRI Durban station commander, said:

At 09h30, Tuesday, 07th January, NSRI Durban, Netcare 911 ambulance services and the SA Air Force (SAAF), were tasked by MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) to prepare to respond to rendezvous with a Heavy Lift Vessel, that was approaching Durban, to assist 5 adult Brazilian male crewmen suffering injuries sustained in an accident onboard.

A Brazilian adult male crewman suffered fatal injuries in the accident and on the ship’s Captain’s request the body of the deceased man would remain onboard the ship.

MRCC had arranged a Western Cape Government Health EMS duty doctor to provide medical advice to the ship’s medics while the ship diverted from deep-sea and headed towards Durban.

Telkom Maritime Radio Services assisted with communications.

A SAAF BK-117, 15 Squadron, Charlie Flight, helicopter was tasked to respond to Durban from Port Elizabeth and a 2nd SAAF helicopter, a SAAF Oryx, 15 Squadron, helicopter, was made ready at Durban while the ship came closer to Durban.

15 Squadron Charlie Flight BK117

At 16h42 the sea rescue craft Alick Rennie launched from our Durban Sea Rescue station, accompanied by a Netcare 911 rescue paramedic and an IPSS rescue paramedic, to respond towards the ship to stand-by on the scene.

At 17h30 the SAAF 15 Squadron Oryx helicopter, accompanied by two Netcare 911 rescue paramedics and an NSRI medic and the SAAF 15 Squadron, Charlie Flight, BK-117 helicopter, accompanied by two NSRI rescue swimmers, responded from Durban.

Oryx Helicopter

On arrival on the scene, 28 nautical miles off-shore East of Durban, the SAAF Oryx helicopter landed on the ship’s helicopter pad.

The SAAF BK-117 helicopter and the sea rescue craft stood-by on the scene while Netcare 911 rescue paramedics and the NSRI medic took over care of the 5 patients from the ships medical crew and the patients were transferred into the Oryx helicopter.

Medical treatment continued in the helicopter and the 5 patients, 1 in a critical condition and 4 in stable conditions, were airlifted to a hospital in Durban.

On behalf of all services involved Condolences are conveyed to family, friends and colleagues of the deceased man.

It has been confirmed that all 5 patients are in stable conditions and they are recovering in hospital.

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