Ysterplaat mounts an Impala
Date: 8 August 2006
After months of planning, an ex-85 Combat Flying School Impala MkI was placed on its pedestal at AFB Ysterplaat.
Under grey skies, with the sun peeking out to have a look at proceedings, Atlas MB326M Impala MkI 531 (c/n A56) was towed from within the Security Area to its final resting place on a newly built concrete and metal pedestal on the grass at the SAAF Museum campus at AFB Ysterplaat.
The Impala had a metal support structure fitted to its underside. Once positioned near the pedestal, a harness was fitted to the aircraft and, once supported by a crane, the undercarriage was retracted. The crane then lifted the aircraft onto the pedestal. A few drops of rain started to fall as the Impala was lowered onto the pedestal, as if the sky was sad to see the aircraft being attached to earth, never to grace the skies again.
Once lowered into position, a quick check ensured that a slight adjustment was made in order for the aircraft to face in the right direction, taking the approach road and prevailing winds into account. All that was left was for the mounting bolts to be tightened and the hoisting harness was removed.
Congratulations Ysterplaat on your new arrival!
Report by Dean Wingrin
