Category Archives: Get into Aviation
67 Days to AAD 2022 Media Briefing
The countdown to 67 days to Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow which will be held at Airforce Base Waterkloof in the city of Tshwane from 21-25 September 2022.
A media briefing plus a youth development familiarisation to the world of aerospace was held at 28 Squadron “Portamus” (We Carry” home of the Lockheed Martin C130BZ under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Nandi Zama.
The Deputy Chief of the South African Air Force, Major General Innocent Buthelezi welcomed the guests on behalf of the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo and said that he is happy that an event of this magnitude had been dissected, reinvented, finally comes to life.
“When we started there was still so much uncertainty on whether we would be able to host the 11th edition. The pandemic still was at its worst and we watched and waited as we gathered every pronouncement made by the World Health Organisation and our Department of Health.
The Deputy Chief of the SA Air force mentioned that he personally likes the theme of this year’s AAD which is: exploring new paths, sharing solutions and showcasing innovation and capabilities.
“For the first time in the history of AAD, we have secured the express permission for the presence and use of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) or drones during the show. It is evident that the future is upon us and still coming at us at the speed of light. Innovation is coming from young minds, minds that can still dream big.
Invited guests witnessed the signing of agreements between the AAD and the City of Tshwane, Gautrain and the South African Airways, we are assured of the success of AAD2022,” said Major General Buthelezi
The 67 learners from Mshuluzani Mayisela Primary School from bronkhorstspruit and said, “these learners are fresh, impressionable minds, we aim to ignite the spark of aviation in their minds so that they can always remember that they were part of this august moment,” he said
The Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Mr Randal Williams welcomed the AAD team to the City of Tshwane and said, “we are thrilled to be associated with the AAD, what is interesting is that it showcases the latest technological innovations.
Ms Nompaza Ndlovu, the chairperson of AAD said, “this is a new dawn as we slowly recover from the shackles of the pandemic, I am pleased that we are back in action because we will bring all the strategic partners together to realise what we have been looking forward to, the best AAD this year,” she mentioned.
Foreign airforces have been invited to the event with a couple already committing their presence at this year’s AAD.
Obviously we will know closer to the event who’s who that will be at AAD 2022. Ticket sales and vendor applications will also be available in August next month.
Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow will run from 21-25 September 2022.
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.
William Reaches his dreams in the SAAF
Second Lieutenant William Bradley Naidoo of the South African Air Force. Is one of sixteen of the SAAF’s Latest Qualified Military Aviator’s of Pilot Wings Course 128.
After going for the SAAFs Pilot/Navigator Selection in 2009. He found himself unsuccessful due to his weight. He was disappointed but nevertheless he always wanted to serve his country as a solider.
He joined as a Technician (Aircraft Mechanic). Did his apprenticeship at 68 Air School and then transferred to Airforce Base Durban ( 15 Squadron ). Qualified as an Aircraft mechanic on the Oryx Helicopter and then immediately moved over to the Agusta A109LUH.
Most recently he became an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) on the Agusta A109 William then headed for the Flight engineer selections. While he was successful there, the dream of being an Airforce pilot never left his thoughts.
Mid-way through the Flight engineer course he made Pilot Selections. There was many frustrations along the way, stop starts,covid -19, etc, but this was that highest level of serving his country that he always dreamed of, “He was never going to let go” and become a military aviator!
The highlights on Pilots Wings Course 128 would definitely be going solo on the Pilatus PC-7 MKll. “My first IF (instrument) landing at Airforce Base Overberg and the Navigation Sortie to Uptington.”
It’s the cross county landings that show you, how much you have grown and what you have become.”
This is his 13th year serving the Republic of South Africa as a Soldier and the first time as an Air Force pilot for my country. He feels really proud to wear this specific wings over my heart, and he is very grateful to The Lord Jesus Christ for this moment and to his family, fiancé and friends who guided him in prayer every step of the way.
“A huge thanks also to a few Hero’s in my journey. My Flight Commander Major L.P Malokane, Major P Moodley, Major M Maal,Major C.R Mnise and Major A.K Maleka”.
” I’m thankful to Major D.L Jacobs,for the over and above instruction, time, sacrifice and effort in getting me to the point of receiving my Air Force wings”.
“Truly I am immensely grateful and appreciate everyone for the love, support and prayers to help me achieve my dream.”
Air Côte d’Ivoire opens new route to South Africa
Air Côte d’Ivoire will be launching the quickest route between Johannesburg and Abidjan, in Côte d’Ivoire, in June.
The Johannesburg-Abidjan via Kinshasa route will launch on 29 June 2022 and will be the fastest route between South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire offered by any airline in Africa. The airline will be introducing four flights per week between Johannesburg and Abidjan. Bookings opened on 1 June 2022.
Air Côte d’Ivoire’s vision is to be the leading airline in West and Central Africa. The new route also offers ease of access to 16 West and Central African countries: Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, Liberia, Benin, Senegal, Cameroon, Togo, DRC, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau.
Côte d’Ivoire is seen as a strategic partner for South Africa – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last year signed nine cooperation agreements with his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara.
During the Ivorian-South Africa economic forum in December 2021, Ramaphosa said the West African nation is an attractive investment and trade destination for South African companies, and that African countries can fully reap the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) if they work together.
“Côte d’Ivoire is a strategic trading partner for South Africa, and there is tremendous potential to further increase trade in value-added products between our two countries. Having greater and direct access to each other’s markets is a catalyst for investment,” Ramaphosa said at the forum, held at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan.
Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP in 2021 stood at $70.99-billion and statistics from the African Development Bank shows that the country’s GDP could grow by 6.5% in 2022, with the transport, construction, agriculture and petroleum sectors expected to drive much of that growth.
Côte d’Ivoire will host the 2023 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023), the continent’s key event for trade, which actualises the vision of the AfCFTA.
The organisers of the fair, the African Export-Import Bank in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, are expecting deals to well exceed the $36-billion in business deals signed at last year’s event.
Air Côte d’Ivoire CEO Laurent Loukou believes the new route between Abidjan and Johannesburg will be key to opening up opportunities for investment and improving bilateral trade between the two countries.
“Of course, the timing of the new route has been strategic as we lead up to IATF2023. Africa is gearing up to become a strong economic bloc and Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa have a massive role to play in that growth. Intra-Africa trade is key to unlocking industrial opportunities for many African countries, including between Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa,” he says.
“We believe in the future of Africa just as we believe in the future of our airline. We are making bold new plans for our future and that includes this new route to connect South Africa with Côte d’Ivoire. Africa is open for business and we want to make it easier for business to happen.”
“Côte d’Ivoire is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and offers great investment opportunities in West Africa. It makes sense to do business with us. Air Côte d’Ivoire wants to be part of this economic growth in our country.
“We are excited about this opportunity to drive new business between Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa. The possibilities for cooperation and business are endless,” says Loukou.
Meet Elizabeth Mapatle – Flight attendant to Pilot training
Meet Elizabeth Mapatle- who went from Lift Airlines flight attendant to pilot in training
Elizabeth Mapatle’s love for aviation started as a little girl when her father would take her and her siblings to the then Jan Smuts Airport to watch planes take off and land. “It was amazing to watch these magnificent machines take to the sky and what was even more mind-blowing and exciting was knowing that there were real people flying them. That’s where the seed was planted for me,” recalls Mapatle. Now at age 39, Elizabeth has completed her private pilot license and is well on the way to becoming a commercial pilot.
According to 2020 figures published by A3 Flight School in South Africa, only 5% of airline pilots and 3% of airline CEOs are female. “Flight decks are still dominated by males, even with private pilot license acquisitions – women are few and far between,” adds Mapatle. With 11 years in the aviation industry, Mapatle believes there is a lot more room for women and girls to get excited about flying.
As a flight attendant at LIFT airline, Mapatle balances getting in her flight hours with working as a cabin crew on LIFT’s domestic flights between Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Asked how the experience has been, Mapatle is clear that flying planes requires dedication. “Since I work, I need to create time, I currently have 100 hours left until I complete my commercial license.” Another consideration is the costs that go with it. However, if you can manage the costs and time needed then not even the sky’s the limit says Mapatle.
“Flying offers me an escape. When I am up there, I forget about all my problems – it’s really therapeutic,” she says. After completing her commercial license qualification, Mapatle would like to study further and pursue her Airline transport license so that she can one day become a captain.” There are several opportunities when looking to enter the aviation industry and unlike previous misconceptions, you don’t have to have Maths and Science if you are able to pay for your lessons without a scholarship,” she adds.
Mapatle studied travel and tourism and when she completed this qualification, she became a flight attendant and did her research to find a reputable flight school to pursue her dream. “I went to Rand Airport in Germiston. Finding the finances was challenging but I decided never to take no for an answer, and pursued my dream to fly.” Mapatle encourages other young girls and women who have the flight bug – to go for it. Her advice is to disregard some of the negative comments you’re likely to hear from some who don’t think women are capable of flying. “Don’t take it personally or seriously, just go for what you want,” she says. Finding support from other female pilot students and colleagues has been very beneficial to her too. “I have a group of women who offer me that support. These are mothers and other working women who are pursuing similar goals and I too am always open to offer advice to other women looking to enter the aviation sector,“ she says.
Her dreams for the future include flying commercially – whether airlines or private jets and freelancing as a drone pilot too. That’s not all, Mapatle also plans to pursue her LLB since law is another passion and possibly merge the two by pursuing an aviation law degree.
AERO South Africa confirmed to take place from the 7-9 July 2022, at Wonderboom National Airport, Tshwane
Messe Frankfurt South Africa is excited to announce that the second edition of AERO South Africa, Africa’s premier event for the General Aviation Industry, will take place from the 7-9 July 2022, at Wonderboom National Airport in Tshwane. The first edition was an overwhelming success and welcomed over 4200 visitors, with over 100 exhibiting companies showcasing the industry’s latest innovations from 14 aviation sectors, across 4000sqm. The three-day event is organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa in partnership with fairnamic GmbH – the new joint venture of Messe Frankfurt and Messe Friedrichshafen who organise Europe’s largest General Aviation Show – AERO Friedrichshafen.
“The feedback from the inaugural edition of AERO South Africa was extremely positive. We have already seen an unprecedented level of interest from companies wanting to exhibit at the event. To date we are proud to announce that we have confirmed Bose, Bell Helicopters, Concorde Battery, Airbus Helicopters Southern Africa, Pooley’s, Spidertracks, Avcon Jet, Wings n Things, DJA Aviation, Aviation Direct together with SA Weather Service, Aeronautical, Blue Chip Flight School, Sling Aircraft, Get-Wings International, Vektor International, Readiness Squared, Flyfofa and Vitalmed,” says Annelie Reynolds, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt South Africa.
“We are also honoured to have the support of the City of Tshwane as the host city. Wonderboom Airport is the ideal location for our event as it is one of the only venues in South Africa that can accommodate aircraft fly-ins for visitors and demo flights for aircraft OEMs and distributors, allowing for a first-hand experience to a prospective buyer during the purchase process. This not only allows our exhibitors to demonstrate their products, but also makes it more convenient for people to attend the event from around the country. In 2019, AERO South Africa welcomed over 250 fly-ins“‘ Says Reynolds.
Tobias Bretzel, Show Director of AERO Friedrichshafen adds: “We are very pleased to see how AERO South Africa is evolving and I`m strongly convinced that the show will become/ be the most important platform for the General Aviation for both fixed and rotary wing but also for Business Aviation industry in the region. AERO Friedrichshafen taking place from 27 – 30 April 2022 in Friedrichshafen Germany will strongly support the 2nd edition of the South African event.”
The event will benefit the local economy, as it brings South African and international suppliers to the City of Tshwane and connects them to private airplane and fleet owners, pilots as well as potential buyers.
“We in the Economic Development Division believe the City of Tshwane is the host of choice for the biggest General Aviation Exhibition in Africa, because the City is the hub for General Aviation in Southern Africa. We are fully committed to support Messe Frankfurt in hosting the AERO 2022, 2023 and 2024 General Aviation Exhibitions at Wonderboom National Airport and believe these editions will eclipse the successful event of 2019“, said Christiaan van der Wath, Deputy Director: Aerospace Sector Support at City of Tshwane.
Both exhibitors and visitors expressed their satisfaction with this first-time business-to-business showcase, focusing solely on the niche market of General Aviation. “The show was a roaring success and certainly met our expectations and those of our exhibitors and visitors. We are confident that AERO South Africa will become the premier promotional platform for the General Aviation and we look forward to participating at the next edition,” said Guy Worthington, Executive Director at Absolute Aviation after the 2019 event.
Fanie Jansen, the GM of Hiconnex, an aftermarket parts supplier commented that “AERO South Africa connects the right people with the right industry. It is a firm platform to market your brand to a niche market.”
General Aviation businesses are booking their space at the event at a rapid pace, and it is advisable to enquire about stand availability soon! For stand bookings, contact Annelie Reynolds, Show Director on annelie.reynolds@za.messafrankfurt.com or on 083 308 1251.
Website: www.aerosouthafrica.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AEROExpoSA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AEROExpoSA
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. The Group employs approximately 2,300* people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 30 subsidiaries around the world. In 2021, the company had to contend with the challenges posed by the pandemic for the second consecutive year. Annual sales will be approximately €140* million after having been as high as €736 million in 2019 before the pandemic. Even in difficult times caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we are globally networked with our industry sectors. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are expanding our digital expertise with new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
* Preliminary figures for 2021
Independent Aviation
IndependentAviation would like to introduce itself as a completely new concept in aviation training.
Independent Aviation is an innovative, new student-instructor-flight school relationship concept.
We’re for the training Industry:
At www.independentaviation.co.za we know that the relationship between the instructor and student is the most vital aspect of a successful flight training journey. Every person learns differently, which is why it is very important for the student to find an instructor to whom he or she can relate.
We’re for the students:
www.independentaviation.co.za presents a directory of independent flight instruction professionals that you, the student, can browse. This directory of independent flight instructors, enables you make direct contact with professionals of your choice, which helps you decide for yourself whether this person is competent and able to guide the journey upon which you are about to embark.
We’re for the Instructors:
As a flight instructor registering on www.independentaviation.co.za you the have the freedom to choose whom you would like to teach. You decide which flight school you would like to use. You make the arrangements with the flight school, and you are in control of how much you get paid for your services. The idea is to put the instructor back in control of the flight training experience.
We’re for Flight Schools:
The school benefits by receiving students for whom they did not have to do any advertising. The instructor will bring in his/her own students to the flight school and train them under its ATO while maintaining industry best practice and SACAA legal requirements. Ultimately the flight school will still be responsible for ensuring the optimum standard of training that is being done under their ATO.
In this model everyone wins. The student gets to choose a professional instructor with whom they can establish a personal relationship and who can teach them according to the way that they need to learn. Instructors decide how much they would like to earn and determine their own rates. The flight school receives students and income for which it did not have to do any advertising or marketing.
Independent Aviation knows that this will have a tremendously beneficial impact on the South African and worldwide aviation training industry, positively impacting training standards, resulting in a better pilot in the cockpit.
The Website is live and if you’re an instructor you can already start signing up. We are keeping the service free to instructors until 31 March 2022 so hurry and sign up.
You can contact the Independent Aviation Team at:
Name: Carl Kieck
Email: carl@independentaviation.co.za
Website: www.independentaviation.co.za
Lookout for Social Media Channels coming soon!
Awards Function – Eagle Air 2019
Awards Function – Eagle Air 2019
Also read
Eagle Air-The Fly Away March 2019
Eagle Air’s State-of-the-art Flight Simulator
Aviation Central was invited to attend the glamorous Eagle Air 2019 Awards and Year End function. With Eagle Air being Aviation Central’s flight school of choice in Gauteng North, we simply could not pass up on this offer. The evening was also attended by SAA Training Captain and DFE Francois Naudè and MANGO Training Captain and DFE Marc de Klerk.
The evenings proceedings kicked off at 18:00 at Morgenzon Estate in the famous Airport road. We were all welcomed with a glass of champagne on arrival. The evening started with a casual chat followed by starters, an amazing biltong soup! After starters the Initial Solo and PPL certificates were handed out.
The proceedings then continued with certificates handed out for Night Rating, Initial Multi, Engine Rating, CPL Multi-Engine Instructor Rating, Grade III Flight Instructor Rating, Grade II Flight Instructor Rating and ATPL. We were then treated to a top-notch main course for dinner.
About Eagle Air
TR Eagle Air (Pty) Ltd has been in operation as an elite flight school for more than 10 years and has as such been registered as an Aircraft Training Organization with the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
Initial Solo
Ahmed Helmy
Hardus Venter
Ivus George Mkuralinda
Ashleigh Mogane
Omphemetse Phetoe
Joseph Ene-Okon
Nedaal Asaad
Quinton Stewart
Mark Mangeni
Maria Mwanza
Thabiso Ramosamo
Ayman Kayyali
King Malema
Krestah Hanongo
PPL
Sheref Ahmed
Abdelrahman Aldelmagid
Trinity Jongwe
Louis Minnaar
Rhyno De Grange
Bambihlelo Gobingca
Ahmed Helmy
Lene Hurter
Night Rating
Ashwin Sylvester
Ahmed Helmy
Trinity Jongwe
Diana Ndouvhda
Vulindlela Ndolvu
Ibrahim Elmostafa
Initial Multi Engine Rating
Ravi Vansia
CPL
Timothy Brandt
Mariska Wisse
Kennedy Tshivhase
Multi-Engine Instructor Rating
Hennie Botes
Marcelle Nienaber
Grade III Flight Instructor Rating
Hennie Botes
Timothy Brandt
Grade II Flight Instructor Rating
Huzaifa Umar
ATPL
Damian Shima
The Eagle Air Story: (Taken from their website http://eagleair.co.za/home/ )
“OUR STORY
Eagle Air is owned by Percy Rudman, Chih-Jen Tseng, Iemei Tseng and Brandon Mendillo. We believe that our owners, management, instructors and students are all owners of Eagle Air and together we build our own future.
This family atmosphere is the basis of our training at Eagle Air without jeopardising on standards and degree of discipline. Our pledge to all our clients is to provide safe, efficient and cost effective flight training. Eagle Air uses the most reputable maintenance organisation on the airport. Safety is our main concern! The maintenance facility exposes pilots to the mechanical aspects of aircraft maintenance thus enhancing their total understanding of aviation.
Our application for a licence charter division (Part 135) that exposes pilots to the real aviation ‘day to day’ flying world is pending. Our application for a charter licence includes medical evacuations (Part 138). The application should be finalized within a number of months. The latter would also enhance our pilots opportunities for successful employment We have a wide range of aircraft available for training, advanced training and type ratings. Eagle Air’s Operational Specifications enables us to provide training on aircraft ranging from Single Engine Piston, Complex Single Engine Piston, Piston Twins and Jet (Twin Turbine).
Although we have a company structure which we adhere to, we have a so-called open-door approach enabling students and pilots to liaise directly with Management and even with the Directors. At Eagle Air aviation is our passion and students and pilots will immediately experience the camaraderie that exists at Eagle Air. Be prepared to become part of the Eagle Air Team the moment you walk through the door!
All our Directors, members of the Management Team and personnel are qualified pilots and therefore have appreciation and understand the challenges in the field of aviation. Eagle Air has a broad base of international students from Kenya, Mozambique, Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi, China, Ghana, Angola and India, to name but a few.
Our experienced and focussed family of experts are well trained with the skill and qualifications to carry out their functions with diligence and skill. It is our vision that Eagle Air may be of service to all prospective students in the Private, Professional and Public sector.
Our wide variety of aircraft available will give our student the edge in the aviation community.”
Click on photos below to enlarge
SAAF Museum Airshow Youth Development Program 6 September 2019
The South African Airforce Museum Airshow 2019 hosted a Youth Development program on the Friday before the show the following day. One of the exhibit hangers to be precise, Hanger 4 was furnished into a career hall where the youth could get involved and put into the aerospace world with lots of information from all different forms of aviation from the South African Airforce, Private Flight Schools and other aerospace industry’s including Paramount Group, Civil Aviation Authority, Denel and Mango Airlines.
At the same time, learners from different schools got to witness some validation flying from both the SAAF and civilian aircraft that were taking part in the show the following day. This also encouraged learners to be back at the base the next day for the airshow. The enthusiasm from learners expression are sure to be going into the right career path, as the future will have future aviators, technicians and ATCs.
Learners got to have a small piece of flying an aircraft with the SAAFs Impala MKI Flight simulator, where they got to taste the thrill of flying a fast jet.
The Museums display halls were also open for the learners to visit the past SAAF aircraft that are preserved by the museum and friends of the museum. Learners were also informed on the development on locally manufactured aircraft including the Cheetah and Rooivalk projects.
These days surely invest in our youth in South Africa and will surely make a mark in encouraging the youth to get involved with Aviation. 2020 will be a bigger year for Aviation in South Africa and in the SAAF as our Airforce turns 100 years old.
Click on the link below of the days SAAF Museum Airshow Youth Development Program 6 September 2019
Please click on Advertisement below to help keep us going!
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.
