The SAAF Forum

In this defenceWeb article http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-ev ... r-the-saaf, the names and callsigns for two new Gripen pilots and one Nav are mentioned. I had the impression that this was generally not done in publicly-accessible articles.

If I'm wrong and there are no restrictions, let's start a list of SAAF callsigns - I can remember a few 2Sqn pilots but lots more have been wiped out by age and alcohol.

The SAAF only started allocating callsigns to pilots in the early 90's, with no two pilots allocated the same callsign, even if one had retired.

Initially the call signs were not publicly disclosed, but members of the Silver Falcons were publicised. In the last few years, even official SANDF publications and press releases state the call signs of pilots.

I've compiled a list of about 70 callsigns and pilots, but I'd prefer to not publicise my personal list here.

_________________
How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

I can think of a couple from back in the day:

Bishop - Des Barker
Murdock - Petri van Zyl
Castle - Rick Culpan RIP
Lynx - Dave Stock RIP
Pluto - Stefan Galinetti RIP
Wildcat - Blokkies Joubert

There's more, but will need a couple of beers to remember.

I thought Blokkies was "Cobra"? Wildcat was usually Johan Venter if I am not mistaken.

On a side note, most Air Forces assign callsigns which are not very flattering - mostly assigned based on a personality trait or incident/joke during training. Looking at SAAF callsigns this does not seem to be the case. They seem to fall more in line with self chosen callsigns. Anybody care to elaborate?

_________________
MAMBA

Keep your feet on the ground, and reach for the skies!

Correct Mamba, Blokkies was "Cobra" and Johan Venter was Wildcat.

Yup, a callsign is provided to the young pilot by his/her mates after gaining their Wings. I think a few options must be forwarded to HQ, who then make the final decision.

_________________
How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

I thought Mike Edwards was Wildcat?

Now confirmed, Johan Venter's callsign was Scorpio, Wildcat was the squadron callsign.

_________________
How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

At AAD 2018 I asked 2 Squadron to sign my cap with their call signs - Johann Venter signed at the top with Wildcat.

Yes, he prefers to use that as his personal callsign, but it is not his official SAAF callsign.

_________________
How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

He was the 3 Squadron Demo pilot so that is perhaps why he prefers Wildcat to Scorpio?

_________________
MAMBA

Keep your feet on the ground, and reach for the skies!

I agree - that's what I thought!