C-130BZ from 28 Squadron

Ever popular C-130 from 28 Sqdn

The C-130 enjoys a large popularity amongst South Africans of every generation. Maybe it is it sheer size compared to other participants on the airshow circuit, or even the way it seems to float through the air while the four Allison engines at an almost inaudible level drive the massive Hamilton props. In essence it is a representation of classic aeronautical design. There have been attempts to improve on the C-130 with larger designs utilising the same basic layout, but the C-130 is still around. To re-supply the fighting elements in the rough outskirts there is only one design which constantly diminishes the load sheets and this is found in the classic C-130. It is a beautiful aircraft built by Lockheed which is renowned for their aeronautical marvels. No 408, which appeared in the “40 Years SAAF Hercs” livery in 2003, was piloted by Dave Owen and his dedicated crew which performed a tight show against the ocean backdrop. Although the airfield is rather small the highly skilled crew carried out the landing followed by their usual crew assisted “aircraft turnaround”. While taxiing to position for the subsequent take-off a green and gold Springbok rugby flag appeared from one of the crew escape hatches. Yes the National team enjoys great support from 28 Sqdn. It is interesting to note the entire crew takes part in the sequence especially while on the ground. With the C-130 disappearing in the distance it received the accolade as one of the best shows of the day.

Jet aircraft

800 at dusk

Despite the current high fuel price due to a worldwide soaring in the oil price with no forecast of an oil price hover on the horizon, nevertheless at least three jet aircraft performed at the Durban Airshow. First up was the ever popular Mirage III CZ no 800 as the only flying example left in the world. A dedicated ground crew ensure 800 is in pristine condition for Glen Warden to display the aircraft. And he appreciates every effort as the number of victory rolls out to sea demonstrates with yet another brilliant display completed.

ZU-IMP - Mike Weingartz

Mike Weingartz as the individual with the highest number of Impala hours demonstrated the beautiful lines of the classic Italian design. It is always a pleasure to watch a skilled pilot in action and this can be easily recognised by a very smooth display no matter the prevailing conditions.

Newcomer on the scene is Dave Mandel in an L-39 (ZU-KIM) who performed one of his first displays in a jet aircraft at Virginia airfield. Flying with him was Mike Weingartz as his safety pilot. Dave Mandel in a dedicated effort arrived earlier in the week at the airfield for the first of a fair number of practise displays to adjust his sequence for the particular airfield. And it showed as his sequence has great potential. 

Due to various operational reasons the attendance of the jetliners was rather slim this year. Only 1Time Airlines demonstrated a MD-82 to the crowd with Air Aquarius attending in a Boeing 737-200 (ZS-GAV). Both featured tight displays which made for some great photography.