Book launch of Cheetah Guardians of the Nation by Winston Brent.

Winston Brent who publishes the African Aviation series launched his latest book on the subject of the Cheetah at the phasing out function. The book covers the Atlas Aircraft Corporation Era with focus on the double seat conversions, Boeing in flight refuellers, Cheetah E, Cheetah C, and Squadrons amongst others. A number of narratives are included. The book is well illustrated with a large number of photos and thirteen pages of full colour artwork by Piet van Schalkwyk.

In his address the CAF, Lt Gen C. Gagiano gave a brief overview of the type while in service with the SAAF. He pointed out that behind the technical jargon was ordinary people who with a sense of great pride served as part of the “Cheetah Family”.

No 354 on static

The OC of 2 Sqdn, Lt Col Glen Gibson in his address thanked a dedicated team from AFB Makhado to make the event possible. Various sponsors funded the event and for this aspect the Sqdn was most grateful. He also commended each and every aircrew and ground crew member for their effort in an aerial show of note. Everyone was asked to stand and during the toast to the Cheetah, the cockpit area of no 354, as the static display aircraft inside the hangar, was covered in black.

Sadly the end

Col Le Roux Greeff served as the auctioneer offering memorabilia to the highest bidder while Brian Emmenis was the master of ceremony. Later in the evening Lt Col Ettienne Potgieter paid tribute to Nancy Turner as it was her voice the pilot would hear during audio cues in the Cheetah C. Sadly, so ended another fighter aircraft’s career with the SAAF.