Return of the C130:

What a great surprise to see a lone C130 parked in the distance and indications by the commentators that it would form part of the air show display. This aircraft enjoys huge popularity despite being fairly large and without the glamour associated with fighter aircraft. In recent years it has disappeared from the air show scene due to SAAF operational requirements to support its efforts e.g. in the DRC etc. Not even the logistical burden brought about by AAD 2006 could sway the C130s from their tasks up North. This was channelled to the other transport aircraft e.g. CASA 235 etc. However this surprise was short lived as one engine was declared unserviceable during the pre-flight checks performed early on the Saturday morning. It has been said the previous SADF and the modern SANDF was/is largely effective due to its highly efficient logistical support structure of which the larger transport aircraft form a key component. Without logistical support any modern fighting force eventually grinds to a halt. The C-130 aircraft make up 28 Sqdn – a Sqdn not known for resting on its laurels but a team known for its ability to get on with the task at hand with whatever resources they have. Sure enough the communication lines between Hoedspruit and Waterkloof (the home of 28 Sqdn) became a fever of activity. The stricken C-130 was re-started and on the power of three engines set-off for Waterkloof. In the mean time the standby teams prepped another C-130, completed the pre-flight and performed the setup for the flight to Hoedspruit. Upon landing the crew from Hoedspruit transferred to the waiting C-130 and took off for Hoedspruit again. Their arrival was very low key with many not realising what had happened. The show went on for the C-130 which demonstrated the assault landing, rapid deployment vehicles exiting under hostile conditions and subsequent recovery of Special Forces teams to even a mini aerial display. This was very popular with the crowd and served as a true testament of the ability of SAAF Logistics Command, 28 Sqdn and the brilliant C-130. The crew of the C130 was Maj Mayer, Maj Naidoo, Lt Col Payne, WO1 van Rooyen, Sgt Makhale & Cpl Rapetswa. Despite the incident with the engine, in terms of the original seven deliveries, the C-130 for its period of operational service is still the SAAF aircraft type with the highest safety record.

Oryx & A109 formation

As part of the “mini-war” staged by members of the Special Forces which were delivered by the C-130, an Oryx and A109 also took part. Both helicopters are from 19 Sqdn the only Sqdn currently based at Hoedspruit on a permanent basis. In addition the Oryx piloted by Jan Meiring also demonstrated the Bambi water bucket. This Sqdn performed the initial integration tests for the Bambi system for use by the SAAF. The chopper display was completed with a tight two ship fly past. Pilot for the A109 was Joe Hattingh.