Top photos: A.Dyason.

Fellow aviation enthusiasts: Dave Becker, Ron Belling (dec.) & Aidan Owen remarked at various times, what an interesting experience an air show at Port Elizabeth always turned out to be. Over the years some rare aircraft took part and saw legendary SAAF aircraft e.g. Mirage III RZ, F1 etc participate on a regular basis. This year saw the first fully SAAF supported and organised air show for the past ten years. However for the past few years’, local aviation legend, Stu Davidson has kept the aviation interest in P.E. with various mini air shows from his private collection of rare aircraft – at some of the shows the SAAF participated although in a very reduced capacity.

Despite the overcast weather and the prevailing veld fires in the surrounding areas, the morning looked quite promising with bright clear skies. Organisation was generally good with the crowds accommodated on a freshly cut green lawn in front of the Algoa Flying Club. As is the norm nowadays static aircraft was almost non existent with a Alouette 3 and Yak 52 forming the main components. Display aircraft was fenced in and strictly off limits, with the powerful jets hosted on the apron in front of the Port Elizabeth terminal building.

Sea Fury emerging from hanger.

Lt Col L. Bsongwana, OC Port Elizabeth Air Force Station with Brian Emmines.

Paul Prinsloo piloted the TP-Dak from 35 Sqdn with the payload of only two parachutists. As the wind picked up considerably, the strong wind called for highly experienced jumpers. Butch Webber & Jonny Webber, members of the Reconnaissance Unit of the SANDF and Golden Eagles display team made effortless landings in the high wind to take the salute. All throughout the day the display sequences were interrupted for commercial traffic as this popular tourist destination and industrial area are frequently serviced by all the South African airlines.