IPMS South Africa - Planes In The Platteland

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Planes In The Platteland - Kroonstad 2007

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A large farming community is present around Kroonstad and this area hosts the “Noord Vrystaat Antieke Klub” with a large contingent of vintage tractors and relevant early diesel engines used for e.g. in water supplying applications. Members of this club presented their pride and joy from early on in an area close to the Capital Sounds broadcast tower. Despite being perceived as old by some, pure power was the requirement in various tug of war, drag racing and forging plough events. In all great entertainment for the crowd.

Diesel Power

Despite a smaller show by air carnival standards the organisers presented a show according to a textbook layout of note. Bob Allison who used to be based at Oliver Tambo International (Johannesburg International) acted as the local air traffic controller for the weekend. It was Mannie DeDousa from Capital Sounds first time in the seat of show producer and it went very well despite power interruptions.

Regular air show safety director, Fred Bebington, travelled all the way from Kwa-Zulu Natal to act in this capacity for the show. In his spare time he is a member of the soaring society and an accomplished glider pilot instructor. He was offered the rare opportunity to perform a glider display for the crowd on the Sunday. It was the first time in 10 years this was possible as he is normally involved with show safety. After a polished display he completed the display with a landing on the glass strip in front of the crowd. And in all probability the only time he was “air side” without a safety jacket.