The new Rand airshow is synonym with the following: 

• Flying starts around 11h00.
• First display features a mass radial flypast.
• Featuring the most display routines in the allotted display time.
• Always something new or unique.
• Rand being “home” to most of the participants, the displays are of a very high standard.

Due to commercial air traffic out of Oliver Tambo International (Jhb International) with the relevant runways in use on the day at OT Intl, ATNS imposed restrictions on the Rand airshow.  Displays at Rand were restricted to within the boundaries of Rand airport and depending on the time of day and requirements from OT International, height restrictions were also imposed on the displays. This had the affect that most teams had to resolve to a type of flat show with a severe impact on spectator brilliance.

Wesbank sponsored displays

As Wesbank was the main sponsor of the day a fair number of routines were staged by the Wesbank sponsored teams. First up was the crowd favourite of a Wesbank Pitts Special flown by Dennis Spence against one of the modified saloon cars from the Wesbank motor sport series. The saloon car demonstrated some incredible driving and even tried to outfox the Pitts with the use of almost all the runways - the day however belonged to the Pitts. Still many had the view point this was great entertainment! Later in the day the regular two man team of Dennis Spence and Glen Warden in the Wesbank Pitts Specials presented their usual polished routine. Upon landing the canopies were removed and piloted by Dennis Spence and Neil Trollip took two Wesbank skydivers, Ricci Bucceri and Graham Field to the top of the height restriction. In an inverted loop the parachutists exited the aircraft where upon the Pitts aircraft turned away while trailing smoke.

Marker for parachutist

Graham Field

Cross-over