Mercy Air 

Beech 18 from Mercy Air

In my mind the most impressive aircraft on the airfield was a beautiful example of a Beech 18 from Mercy Air. This beautiful aircraft is even more special as it is one of the few Beech 18s converted to the Hamilton nose configuration which provides additional storage space as well as changing some of the COG limits of the original design. This creates a very striking platform when flown in a display. (It has an almost Ventura-ish appearance from the ground)

Highlight of the day

NOT quite - there are other ways of waste disposal

At around 1530 the fire trucks were placed closer to the display area without any obstructions in their way. Having watched CC at various events during this past year he leaves nothing to chance in his pyrotechnic displays. He is very meticulous with his setup and preparations which saw a sprinkler system being set up to dampen the very dry bush at the edge of his airstrip in preparation for the pyrotechnic display. The MAF Beech 18 took off to act as the “bomber” for the display.

The Beech pilot flew a very well choreographed display with attack runs from both sides flying the classic ground attack profiles {all that practicing earlier in the day away from the airfield paid off} This ended the day’s proceedings, well at least until around 1830 when there was a short fireworks display and then back to talking with friends around the braai and the bonfires.

A plain old panel van escaped from the scrap heap