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There is really not that many trees in the west Coast...

Final countdown for large Cape airshow

By Dean Wingrin

With a bye-line of “See It, Hear It, Feel It,” aviation enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the opening of the gates for the AFB Langebaanweg and Silver Falcon 50th Anniversary Airshow this Saturday, December 9.

The last airshow held at AFB Langebaanweg was in 1995 during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the South African Air force. Situated just over an hours’ drive north of Cape Town, this highly anticipated event is an integral part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the SA Air Force’s (SAAF) Silver Falcons aerobatic team.

Enthusiasts will be able to see virtually all the types operated by the air force. The line-up for the West Coast airshow includes the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II’s of the Silver Falcons the type operated by the locally based Central Flying School, Rooivalk, Oryx, Super Lynx and Agusta A109 helicopters, Cessna C208, Casa C212, C-47TP TurboDak and C-130 Hercules.

Providing much of the hearing and feeling component, the jet pride of the SAAF will also be in attendance, with four Hawk trainers and seven Gripen fighters. The Gripen will, in a South African first, break the sound barrier in front of the public at an airshow.

Not to be outdone, the Rooivalk attack helicopter will be shooting flares, whilst 18 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II turboprop trainers will perform a mass flypast.

Civilian aerobatic teams and aircraft will also be in attendance, including the Harvards of the Puma Flying Lions team, the RV7, RV8 and RV9 of the Raptors, Aero L-39 Albatros, the Nashua Extra 300, a Boeing 737-800 of Mango airlines, Slick 540, Atlas Impala Mk1, Cirrus and Extra 300 of Team Extreme, Antonov An-2 (Little Annie), Diamond DV20 Katana, the AMS Eurocopter EC145.

Working on Fire/Kishugu Aviation will demonstrate their wildfire fighting capabilities with their UH-1 Huey, AT-802 water bomber and Cessna C206 spotter aircraft. Show organisers are also expecting to have skydivers and radio-controlled aircraft present.

Static displays of aircraft and classic cars will be complemented by the Silver Falcons stand where the public will be able to meet and interact with members of Team 81. There will also be food and refreshment stalls, a beer tent, memorabilia stalls and ATM facilities.

Entrance tickets are R90 per adult, with children under twelve free and are available from Computicket, the kiosk in Shoprite / Checkers and at the gate on the day.

Note that umbrellas, gazebos, alcohol and braais of any kind are not allowed. Chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are welcome. Disabled parking and a shuttle service is available for those who require assistance.

Gates open at 0700 and the show starts at 0900. Finish at about 1700.

As seasoned airshow spectators, we at defenceWeb remind all visitors to bring their cameras, lots of batteries, hat and suntan lotion.

looks like its going to be a good one.

What are the chances of it becoming a regular event?

SAAF 100 better be country wide!

What a day!
The wind was unbelievable and proved a massive challenge for all pilots and crews today!
Today proved the skill and experience that exists within the SAAF and private aviators.
Much respect.

I personally found the conditions very difficult for photography. Very windy (even with a tripod) and hazy. Hopefully the others had better luck with their catches.
And wow...I found it extremely hard keeping up with the Gripen and Hawk with the camera!
I had lengthy conversations with both Gripen pilot - two young chaps. Major Cooper, who did the Gripen display and Major Venter who performed the supersonic boom.

Will post some pics when I get a chance.