Top Photo: A. Dyason.

A wet Johannesburg on the morning of 19 November 2005 did not deter a few enthusiasts to make the road trip to Welkom for the annual Air Carnival hosted by Brian Emmines in his city of residence. This year the Air Carnival formed part of the Harmony Matjhabeng Wings, Wheels & Water festival with the staging of three events in the Welkom region to offer great entertainment regardless of your interest. The events included Pakhisa Raceway for all aspects automotive, water recreational activities at Thikwe Lodge and an Air Carnival with a fly-inn and limited airshow staged at the Welkom airport.

A109 no 4007 take-off for Bloemspruit.

Rainer Frieboese in the Samba XL.

Weather-wise the reports could not have been any worse with a severe storm forecasted for the Saturday. Most of the aircraft did not attend the fly-inn due to the weather and the two Rooivalks elected to return to Bloemspruit immediately. They were followed by the A109 but only after a fly past of Pakhisa and the Welkom airport. The crews from two Oryx ( no 1246 & 1248 ) and a single Alouette III ( no 117 ) however remained at Welkom for the moment with the Oryx ( no 1246 ) crew as part of the mini air show routine.

Some of the very last aircraft to arrive were the Wesbank Pitts Special team with Glen Warden & Dennis Spence and Rainer Frieboese in the Samba XL.