New team

Well not so new actually. There are two stalwarts on the air show circuit who go back many, many years. In the case of the Goodyear/Wesbank team, Dennis Spence is the leader. Dennis can trace his way back all the way to the original Smirnoff Pitts team almost 25 years ago, which was (and still is) the longest single sponsor of any aerobatic team. This time though the Goodyear/Wesbank team had a twist to it. In their new 3-ship formation team (which became active late in 2008) led by Glenn Warden with Larry Beamish in the #2 slot and Ian Billing in the #3 position and Dennis himself commentating, the Polokwane crowd were treated to a thrilling display of aerobatic precision.

The other grand old father of the SA air show circuit, Scully Levin was up next with the Academy Brushware Castrol Flying Lions Harvard team with Arnie Menighelli and Ellis Levin making up the formation display team. The soloist was Pierre Gouws who hopefully will return as a regular on this year’s air show circuit.

ZU-HIT displayed by Pierre Gouws

Unlike most recent South African Air Shows there were not too many repeats, Chris Breiers was one though and he was followed by ZU-HIT, an L-39 from Skyraiders ably flown by Pierre Gouws. I for one have missed the displays performed by Pierre in recent months with the various L-39s. Will we see more of you during 2009?

Scully, Arnie and Ellis were back with us in the Gabriel Pitts team to continue thrilling the crowd with tight, precision aerobatics. The Goodyear/Wesbank Wizards along with the parachute team led by Graham Field followed on and performed their signature drop out of the top of the loop display. ZU-IMP returned and upon completion Warren Haslem in the RIPP-It Zlin continued with thrilling aerobatics in his solo display.