The old

 In a bygone era, the SAAF operated the Atlas Impala (Aermachi MB326) in the jet trainer and light attack role. Long since retired from active service, one of these aircraft still remains flying (at this time) in South Africa. This aircraft, privately owned by Dawid Laas is the last of the original batch supplied by Italy and assembled at Atlas. This classic ex-SAAF jet trainer is always popular with the South African public. Mike Winegartz is the most experienced Impala pilot in the world and his display of the Impala was as smooth as ever.

 Then it was the turn of the classic Pratt and Whitney radial engine C47 of the SAAF Museum flown by Col Hennie Smit and Steve Odendaal.  Hearing the drone of the radials is always special. Jeff Earl provided an extreme change of pace flying his WWII-vintage Tiger Moth. Another classic trainer from the past.

The new

The first of the SAAF’s new jets made her first Gauteng air show appearance. Hawk 272 (one of the duo of Hawks painted in our National colours) flown by Ivan Pentz (current Chief Test Pilot for Denel) put this aircraft through her paces for us Gautengers. SAAF Museum  The SAAF Museum keeps a number of aircraft in an airworthy condition. In addition to the aforementioned C-47 Dakota there are a number of other retired SAAF aircraft in airworthy condition.

BAe Hawk displayed by Ivan Pentz

These include a Bosbok, flown by Maj-Gen (SAAF retired) Des Barker and a Kudu that flew later in the day by piloted by Steve Odendaal. The dedicated ground crew and support staff of the SAAF Museum must be congratulated for their efforts in keeping these aircraft in the sky.

Vampire displayed by Lt Col Glen Warden

The SAAF Museum also has a number of airworthy jets and the classic De Havilland Vampire with her characteristic whine from the centrifugal flow Goblin motor was put through her paces. Once again superbly flown and displayed by Glenn Warden (hell he has all the good jobs does he not?) In addition the SAAF Museum has a number of airworthy Harvard’s. Two of these were on the flight line although only Harvard 7111, flown by Jeff Earle with Martin Louw as co-pilot flew a display.