It has been almost 4 years since the last Polokwane Air Show (one of the first we reported on) and much has changed on the air show circuit in the intervening years, although much has remained the same. Having travelled through poor weather the IMG arrived in Polokwane early Saturday morning expecting the worst. In fact the IMG almost aborted the trip half way to Polokwane due to the adverse weather conditions. This weather had the various Gauteng airports in IMC thus the display acts scheduled for Polokwane were delayed. Around 10:30 am the arrival of an L-39 as well as the SAA 737 lifted the spirits of the crowds (if not the organisers) and the air show started.

Due to the inclement weather over Rand Airport there was a little shake-up in the proceedings A local radio control aircraft club displayed two of their RC aircraft which included an impressive 1/3 scale Extra. SA Airlink added to this by departing their scheduled flight in front of the crowd.

Macatinis from Maritzburg ?

Then the air show was on. The standard parade of the emergency services heralded the start of the day’s displays. A cultural dance display was performed by the “Macatinis from Maritzburg” (well they had to be with kilts and all).  The start of the Lambada display, flown by Darel Lehman was delayed to allow the remaining Gauteng participants to arrive and this was done in style by Dennis Spence’s Wesbank Goodyear Wizards team in line abreast formation with Warren Haslem’s RippIT Zlin.

Whilst the new arrivals were preparing themselves for the day’s events the air show continued with the display of an Alisport Yuma flown by Jonty Esser. This lightweight aircraft has phenomenal STOL capabilities. Not to be outdone Chris Breiers then displayed the now renowned short field takeoff and landing capabilities of the PAC 750. As always this aircraft’s performance is impressive. Mike Weingards followed this with his Impala display which always appreciated by the South African crowds and Polokwane was no exception. After another bout of culture we had the parachutist’s display which included members of the SAPS Special Task Force.