The Nelspruit airshow traditionally enjoyed the status as one of the premier events on the Southern Africa airshow scene. 2003 saw the last airshow at Nelspruit but during 2007 the organisers set itself the goal of claiming back their lost status as a premier event. Early on the Saturday morning the organisers clearly went the extra mile with a well organised and laid out area with trade stalls, static aircraft, chopper area, various food halls, movement area all in separate demarcated areas. Even broadcast equipment strategically placed around the field and not only on the crowd line in order to enable everyone to follow the action. Those with a passion for rugby were accommodated, as both teams to feature in the Super 14 final later in the day were from South Africa – various big screens featured throughout the area.

19 Sqdn Badge

Shark fever - Super 14 Final

Against a brilliant blue sky both an Oryx and an A109 LUH SAAF from 19 Sqdn at Hoedspruit, lifted off for the opening act. On board the Oryx the Golden Eagles parachute team from the SAAF were going through their final checks. Upon landing the parachutists formed up and Genl Schoeman from the SAAF took the salute. On the second jump later in the afternoon, the team jumped both a “Blue Bulls” and “Sharks” flag – the teams of the Super 14 final.  The Oryx, piloted by Jan Meiring with Christo van Zyl and Sarel Barker as Flt Sgt performed an abbreviated show for the crowd. This was followed by the latest SAAF helicopter, the A109 LUH SAAF, piloted by Paul Bester with Barries Badenhorst as Flt Sgt. As part of the routine the A109 also demonstrated hoisting. Interestingly, although the A109 have entered Sqdn service throughout the SAAF during the latter part of 2006 and in 2007, very few actually carry Sqdn badges.