IPMS South Africa - Alouette III - Final Formation Flight

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Alouette III - Final Formation Flight - Bloemspruit

Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 31 May 2006

Page 1 of 2

Original article by Capt W. Wolbeek & Maj J. Steynberg - AFB Bloemspruit

Final formation fly-past

N'Thaba Nchu Mountains

On 4 May 2006 the Alouette III’s at AFB Bloemspruit participated in a final formation flight. This was an event of great historic value and in many ways also a sad farewell. Veteran pilots and flight engineers in the Bloemfontein area who had a history with this helicopter were present on this day and came to bid the Alouette helicopter farewell. The last training sortie on the Alouette III for the Rotary Wing Conversion Course - Phase 1 was a flight to the N'Thaba Nchu Mountains. At approximately 13:30 the Alouette formation flew overhead AFB Bloemspruit and the group was led by Lt Col Louter van Wyk. Members present at the Base viewed this historic occasion and one could see the odd individual standing with eyes filled with tears. After the flying procedures and shutdown, champagne flowed in abundance and the Chopper song was sang, led by Col Charlie Marais. Participants and guests alike admired this agile little helicopter and stories from days gone by were told and remembered, if then only by those who flew and worked on this remarkable aircraft also fondly known as the “Draadkar” (Wire Car).

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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 August 2007 )

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