Pretoria AirShow - Adventure Farm, Rhino Park AirField
By Russell Dixon-Paver
29.08.2026
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The much-anticipated Pretoria AirShow 2026 edition dawned to a glorious warm late-winter day. There had been a lot of marketing awareness on social media, billboards and the screens at centres such as Menlyn Park.
The huge poster stand at the entrance to the Adventure Farm, where Rhino Park Airfield in situated.
Capital Sounds had setup most of their equipment the day before and were fine-tuning their sound levels early in the day, and emergency services vehicles and facilities were ready in place. Thankfully, their services were not required as the airshow ran safely and without incident.
Drone, video, Capital Sounds (with Brian Emmenis testing sound levels) and Show Box areas.
Due to the relative closeness of the runway to the crowd-line, a line of hay-rolls were set up, secured with steel cables securely anchored to the ground, in case of a runway departure, that thankfully did not occur.
Four huge daylight screens were already in place in front of the crowd line and their purpose was to stream live feeds from drones and action cameras in aircraft cockpits, to give the spectators an additional perspective to the airshow experience. David le Roux, one of the co-organisers of the airshow announced spot prizes for people who waved when they saw themselves on the big screens from the drone camera feeds.
Drones, big screens, safety hay roll line and drone over VIP area.
Many vendors had set up their tables and gazebos under the trees, which provide a really comfortable environment for a relaxed family day out at this superb venue.
Vendor area under the trees.
Briefings for Emergency Services, Media and Pilots were led by the Flight Display Director (FDD), Keith Fryer of AirBoss SA and Chairman of Air Shows South Africa (ASSA). These briefings covered site layout, designated areas and roles and responsibilities of various officials and participants in fine detail, so there were no uncertainties. Pertinent aspects of the relevant plans were highlighted. There was also a briefing for young folks as part of their exposure to become accredited photographers and marshals to become active in future events.
Keith Fryer with pilot's briefing in progress.
Some other airshow officials were busy with their tasks from early in the day.
Mark Kelbrick (Flight Safety Director) and Keith Andrew (Ramp Director) in their natural habitats.
Helicopter flips were undertaken throughout the day, away from the runway and aerobatic box.
One of the helicopters doing flips.
The aircraft parking areas were arranged so the team display's aircraft were close together, so they could move out for their displays easily.
Classic Flying Collection Stearman, Tiger Moths, Stampe and Chipmunks. Radio Control Trailer. Puma Flying Lions Harvards. Marksmen Team. Master Power Extra Team.
Prior to airshow commencement there were a few flypasts by the Piaggio Albatross before landing. She could be heard long before she was seen approaching with her twin "pusher configuration", engines - she was not known for any kind of stealth operations! This aircraft was used by the SAAF for maritime patrol and is now kept in pristine private hands.
Piaggo Albatross flypasts and landing.
The official airshow start commenced with the emergency vehicle parade.
Emergency vehicles on the runways and SAPS Hughes 500 Helicopter.
Skydivers departed and went into a hold until their drop was scheduled.
Juba Joubert in his Llama helicopter loads skydivers, Graham Field, Harry Laing and Denis Howe and flys past to greet the crowd.
Harvards took off next to hold for their scheduled display slot.
Characteristic puff of smoke as the Pratt & Whitney 550 horses are coaxed into life, and the two-part formation takeoff of the Puma Flying Lions Team.
The Skydivers performed two displays during the day.
Skydivers descending with aplomb to fast landings.
With the Skydivers safelyback on the ground, the Puma Flying Lions gave their polished display. Team members are Ellis Levin, Arnie Meneghelli, Deon Raath and Nigel Hopkins, who is the soloist.
Tristan Eales had two opportunities to deliver a superb aerobatic display, with running commentary by his Dad, Barrie.
Tristan Eales shows his skills.
The Sling team consisted of a High Wing, TSi tricycle undercarriage and a Taildragger.
Sling formation piloted by Grant Timms, Riaan Denner and Jason Adriaan.
The Marksmen Team performed their exceptional display twice during the day.
Mark Hensman, Gary Glasson and Eugene du Preez doing their magic.
The Radio Control team put on a spectacular pair of displays with amazingly detailed both piston and jet powered models - Extra, a pair of F-16's and an L39.
Pilots were Richard Hickman, Malan Moolman, Joshua Twomey and Chan Waiman
The Master Power Extra Team flown by Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish gave their spirited, precise formation display twice in the day.
Jason and Nigel round off their display with double opposing and "normal" formation knife edge manoeuvres along the crowd line.
Andre van Zyl and Juba Joubert did some dissimilar formation display work and raced cars, because they can!
Formations and races with cars - Magni-Gyro and Gazelle.
The Classic Flying Collection provided formation displays with Chipmunks and separately their Tiger Moths and a Stampe were joined by the Stearman after Steve Brown did a solo display.
Classic Flying Collection flown by Steve Brown, Grant Timms, Ryan Briggs and Duncan Ritchie.
A Gazelle and Llama formation was displayed.
Juba Joubert in the Llama.
The ex-SAAF Bosbok was displayed twice during the day by Grant Timms.
Grant Timms performs aerial ballet with the Bosbok.
Time to love and leave the Pretoria AirShow until 2027.
An aerobatic heart...
The Pretoria AirShow went off without any incidents and was able to present a varied field of displays, even in the current trying economic times, due to hard work and generous sponsorships. Every aspect was well organised and safely conducted. Sadly, with the Spingboks vs All Blacks second test in Cape Town, many people left early.
Pretoria AirShow has some own unique attractions, including a great venue, with the most impressive being the big screen live video streaming from drones and action cameras in aircraft. They were placed second in "airshow of the year" in 2025 and should be in strong contention for the 2026 title - what say you, South Africa?
Piper Turbo Arrow III Rand Airport to Baynesfield KZN 136
