By Garth Calitz

On Saturday, 27th August, the residents of the small Free State town of Bethlehem enjoyed an airshow. The early morning weather likely caused concern for the organizers, as the low clouds appeared to be settling in for the day. Despite the freezing temperatures and bone-chilling wind, with the temperature only reaching 3° by 8 am, spectators began arriving early in the morning.

The organizers made a significant effort to engage the local youth, aiming to foster a passion for aviation among the schoolchildren who were brought in by the busload for the event.

With a slight adjustment to the display schedule, the show began on time with Andre Coetzee showcasing one of Henley Air’s Bell 222 helicopters. Henley Air, a Charter and Flight Training Company based at Rand Airport, has been in operation since 1995.

Little Annie, the Antonov AN2, was the next to soar into the overcast skies. Mark and John-Marc Hill, a father and son duo, expertly maneuvered this remarkable Russian aircraft, showcasing its impressive capabilities. This specific AN2 is now 30 years old and continues to perform admirably.

Despite the clouds being quite low and the temperatures chilly, Matthew Zalewski was undeterred in showcasing the Magni Gyrocopter. As a commercial and test pilot, Matthew takes great pleasure in demonstrating the true capabilities of a Gyro.

Ivan van der Schaar soared into the sky in his beautifully restored Boeing Stearman, a project he and his wife Sonica spent five years fully rebuilding. After barely warming up from the flight from their home base at Petit Airfield near Kempton Park, Ivan performed his display.

As the clouds began to clear, the performers requiring more altitude had the opportunity to showcase their skills. Team Xtreme captivated the audience in Bethlehem with an impeccable display of close-formation aerobatics. The team included two Sbach aircraft piloted by Jason Beamish and Mark Sampson, an MX2 flown by Mark Hensman, and led by Nigel Hopkins in his Extra 330sc.

The Silver Falcons received clearance for their performance and, as usual, captivated the audience with their remarkable display. This November, they will celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Finally, the clouds cleared enough for the skydivers to take off. Little Annie was their "jump ship," and the jumpers had to deploy their canopies immediately upon exiting because they couldn't reach a high altitude.

A skydiver leaped with what is believed to be Africa's largest flag, weighing 82 kg, and it must be jumped by a qualified tandem skydiver using a very large canopy.

Neville Ferreira, piloting his Slick 540, captivated the audience with a chorus of collective "Ohhhs" and "Ahhhs" during his high-speed, high-impact, high-energy performance. Next month, Neville will compete in the Unlimited World Aerobatic Championships in Malelane.

Veteran SAA captain Pierre Gouws piloted an L-39 Albatros. The Aero L-39 Albatros, a high-performance jet trainer aircraft, was developed by Aero Vodochody in Czechoslovakia. It was created in the 1960s to succeed the Aero L-29 Delfín as the main training aircraft.

Following that was the first performance by the Pitts Special Teams, The Goodyear Eagles. This team, made up of four Pitts Special S-2B aircraft, was expertly piloted by four of South Africa's top display pilots: Johan von Solms, Paul Coetzer, Nigel Hopkins, and Jason Beamish. They captivated the audience with their tight formations and high-speed maneuvers.

Scully Levin, Arnie Meneghelli, Sean Thackwray, and Ellis Levin filled the sky with the deep roar of Pratt and Whitney radials. The Puma Energy Flying Lions have been one of the longest-running airshow displays, and for as long as I can remember, they have been performing displays.

As the day became warmer, the excitement increased as well. Pierre Gouws and Larry Beamish appeared to be enjoying themselves, showcasing two RV7s with Mark Hensman joining them in his MX2.

Gary Whitecross impressed everyone with his exceptional skill in piloting a Pilatus B4 glider. Gary is the Chief Flying Instructor at Air Play Flying School, located in Springs. To reach the appropriate altitude, Gary depends on a tow plane piloted by Derek Hopkins, who was flying a Lambada Touring Motor Glider.

Slick aircraft were prominently featured, with Conrad Botha performing a skillful routine in his Slick 360. The "prototype" Slick 360 was designed drawing inspiration from the Laser and Extra 230. It shared the basic design of the Laser, including the same wing profile, elevator, and rudder, while incorporating the control system of the Extra. The composite wing was engineered to withstand stresses of +/- ten g's.

Jet fans enjoyed another performance by Pierre Gouws in the L-39, with the added excitement of Mike Wiengaartz as a wingman in Dawid Laas’ Impala. Mike, a Denel test pilot, has logged more hours in an Impala than anyone else globally.

George Orsmond, an experienced commercial pilot with years of expertise in agricultural aviation, provided everyone present with an insight into crop spraying and fire-bombing using the brand new Ayres Turbine Thrush, equipped with a General Electric engine.

Neville Ferreira took to the skies for his second performance, showcasing the low-level display that is quickly earning him fame.

Scully, Arnie, Sean, and Ellis performed an impressive display in the Torre Pitts Specials. The combination of one black and three white Pitts aircraft creates a stunning exhibition.

Gary Whitecross's silent but striking display is quickly becoming a favorite, particularly due to the high-speed low-level pass before the teardrop landing.

Little Annie performed a second display after releasing another group of skydivers. This time, one of the skydivers was using the Capital Sounds canopy. Capital Sounds ensures that audiences at major airshows in South Africa and neighboring countries are both entertained and informed. Kudos to Brian Emmenis and the rest of the Capital Sounds team.

Finally, the eagerly awaited visit from the Bidvest Boeing 737-400 arrived, expertly piloted by Denis Spence and his co-pilot Michelle Dreyer. Denis and Michelle were accompanied by the Goodyear Eagles, providing a spectacle rarely seen in South Africa.

A brilliant show was then closed off by the Silver Falcons.

Congratulations to all the organizers for a fantastic and safe event. We look forward to seeing you all next year.

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