On arrival at Virginia Airport the parking was already filling up around the area and people were streaming into the venue. This was confirmation that the show would have a good crowd for the event. The spectator areas soon filled up and the various food and drink stands appeared to be doing a roaring trade throughout the day. The weather was sunny and the only drawback was a constant south westerly wind of around 22 km/h gusting higher on occasion. This of course would make it tricky for the pilots who would need to adjust their flying to compensate.
The show began slightly later than scheduled with the traditional opening parachute drop. This time the jump platform was an Alouette III (ZU-RFA) flown by the legendary Juba Joubert.
The highly experienced jumpers showed their skills in the stiff wind to land spot on target at show centre. Ground liaison officer on the day was the highly experienced jumper Ian Douglas who also commentated on the jump. The jumpers were Michael Nyman, Francois Wagenaar, Dave Ladell and Chris Grosch.
The show was off to a good start. The skydivers were followed by Andre van Zyl in his Magni M16 autogyro (ZU-CSO). Andre put his little machine through a testing display of manoeuvres, showing off the capabilities of this type of machine. The performance is always impressive and I overheard several people saying afterwards, that it was their favourite part of the show!
After the solo display ended the gyro was joined by Juba Joubert flying in the amazing Aerospatiale SA-341F2 Gazelle (ZU-RNV) for a combo display. Juba formatted on the slower gyro and the pair gave an interesting display of contrasting flying machines. Not your usual type of formation flying.
Andre landed and Juba Joubert proceeded to give his solo display in the sleek Gazelle. Juba is a legendary helicopter pilot with vast military and civilian experience. His displays are always a must to watch and this one was no different.
Next up were airshow staples, the Puma Flying Lions in their North America Harvards or Texans as they are known in the United States (ZU-BEU, ZU-BET, ZU-BMC, ZU-BVK). The team comprised Ellis Levin, Arnie Meneghelli, Dion Raath and Andrew Blackwood-Murray. The iconic growling radial engines powered yet another display of precision formation aerobatics.
Then there was another unusual event. When it was announced the spectators became very interested and many pushed forward for a better view. This was a plane versus motorcycle race. The aircraft was an Extra EA-300L (ZS-DCR), flown by aerobatic champion Elton Bondi and the motorcycle was ridden by Lyle Blakeway. The result was unimportant but it demonstrated the speed and handling of two very different sporting machines. Elton then flew his solo display in the Extra showing off his aerobatic prowess.
After this drone pilot Simon Mulholland flew the length of the crowd line capturing footage of the throng of spectators.
Following this the Master Power Aerobatics team of Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish took to the air. These two pilots are firm favourites at air shows around the country, flying their Extra 330 high performance aircraft (ZS-XSC 330SC and ZS-EXT 330LX). Their dynamic display is breathtaking and the highlight for the writer are their two precision knife edge passes, the one canopy to canopy and the other side by side. This team is one of the best and would thrill crowds anywhere in the world.
The South African Airforce then presented the MBB-Kawasaki BK-117B-1 (382) helicopter which was put through its paces by Colonel Jared Oliver. The unusual looking machine, in full camouflage, was given a good workout to demonstrate its full capabilities.
We then had the Nashua Extra Aerobatics display flown by Andrew Blackwood-Murray in the Extra EA-300LP (ZS-AEC), sporting Nashua colours. Andrew is a highly experienced aerobatic pilot and is a regular on the airshow circuit.
Next was the second SAAF helicopter the Agusta A109 (4001) flown by Lt. Colonel Darrel Sloan. The 109 is a beautiful and impressive helicopter and it was shown off in a great display of flying.
After this there was another regular and a favourite team on the airshow circuit, the Goodyear Eagles in their Pitts S2B Specials (ZS-MZN, ZS-MZM, ZS-MSY). The team on the day were Nigel Hopkins, Jason Beamish and Trevor Warner.
The Eagles were followed by the Alouette III and Gazelle combo - Bennie de Jager and Juba Joubert. Another interesting combination and demonstration of fine flying in these iconic helicopters.
Next was a second display by the Puma Flying Lions. The display culminated in the missing man formation to honour well known pilot Captain Laurie Raath, father of one of the team, Dion Raath. Dion decided to fly despite the recent passing of his father in order to honour him in this way.
Local businessman Roger Deare followed the Lions in his smart Standard Bank sponsored Extra 300L (ZS-OLR). Roger is a regular aerobatic competitor and is an avid aviator based at Virginia and gave a good demonstration of the skills he has developed.
The SAAF's A109 and BK117 then teamed up to give a coordinated display of formation and choreographed flying in these military helicopters. Darrel Sloan and Jared Oliver were again at the controls.
The Master Power Aerobatics team followed with a second outstanding display.
The Puma Flying Lions then departed for the trip home.
Juba Joubert demonstrated the Alouette III again.
The penultimate display was the Veteran Flight in a Cessna 140 (NC72513) flown by Elton Bondi. The scenario was that the pilot (played by Bondi) was a 97-year-old ex WW2 pilot whose wife had stopped him flying when they got married. In old age he decided to fly one more time. He staggered and fell on his way to the aircraft and when he was helped into the plane it took off with the old man in it. The plane then flew erratically around the field looking for all the world like it was about to crash. The SAPS were alerted and two police vans chased the aircraft along the runway, expecting the worst. Very entertaining and some awesome flying by Elton.
The day was rounded out by the Goodyear Eagles second display.
So, it was a small airshow by the standards of years ago but that is a sign of the economic times in this country. The show was safe and well managed by the Smoke on Go group and their main sponsors Standard Bank, aQuellé and Atlas Aviation (who supplied the oil).
Many parties came together to ensure the show ran smoothly and safely. To name a few of them: SAAF, SAPS, ATNS, ASSA, Ethekwini Fire and Emergency Services, Netcare 911 and the Community Policing Forum. (Apologies to any that have been overlooked.)
All in all, an enjoyable day out for all the spectators in attendance. Onwards and upwards.
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