Tzaneen airfield has seen a number of unique events over the years. One such an event was the filming of the movie “Freedom Run” which celebrated its 21st anniversary during 2007. The story line is based around two youngsters who escape the darkness of Africa in a Piper Cub and their ordeals to outwit the ensuing enemy forces. Twenty one years ago Piet van Schalkwyk served as the SAAF liaison officer, with Mike Weingartz as one of the pilots for the “enemy” Impalas and Scully Levin as the pilot for the Piper Cub.

P v Schalkwyk, M Weingartz, S Levin

The ever popular Cheetah

As per previous years the SAAF fully supported Tzaneen with amongst others the Oryx, Golden Eagles parachute team, the Cessna Caravan and a rare Beechcraft  KingAir. But the day belonged to the ever popular Smiley de Villiers in the Cheetah demonstrating the aircraft in two immaculate fast paced displays. This is Smiley’s second tour as display pilot for 2 Sqdn based at the nearby Makhado AFB. Sadly it was the last time a Cheetah was seen at Tzaneen as the SAAF is due to enter the Gripen era in earnest as from 2008.

  Displayed for the first time at Tzaneen was the latest helicopter type of the SAAF, the A109. Piloted by Joe Hattingh with Barries Badenhorst their routine included a hoisting demonstration. Interestingly during the bow performed from a stationary hover the pilot flashed the powerful landing lights to acknowledge the enthusiastic crowd.