By Jarryd Sinovich

The SAAF Museum, located at Air Force Base Zwartkop in Pretoria, houses numerous static and flying exhibits, allowing the public to intimately experience the history of the South African Air Force. Typically on the first Saturday of each month, all operational aircraft are flown to maintain pilot proficiency and showcase these impressive machines to the public.

This flying day marked the final event for 2017, featuring the majority of the flying exhibits throughout the day. It began with a Para drop by a C.4m Kudu over the field, with the Golden Eagles Parachute team on board.

Attendees at these events are always well-fed, thanks to the Windsock and the Museum's friends, who prepare delicious meals for purchase. The Friends of the Museum set up in the 2 Squadron Hangar, where the renowned "Spotty" Cheetah C is on static display. Visitors also had the opportunity to purchase items from the Spitfire restoration fund, with all proceeds supporting the restoration of the Supermarine Spitfire to its former flying splendor.

The museum featured a total of four Harvards flying that day, including 'Nelson', likely the most renowned Harvard of the SAAF. Meanwhile, the Harvard Club had its aircraft offering flights around the Pretoria area.

It was a truly special privilege to witness the de Havilland T55 Vampire piloted by Glen 'Gringo' Warden and Vladimir Shultz. It's rare to see early jet fighters flying in South Africa these days, making the experience even more meaningful. We can only appreciate the Museum Technical ground crew and the public who help keep this rare aircraft airborne, as we don't know how much longer it will continue to fly.

Before the conclusion of the flying days, there was a poignant farewell to Major General Hugh Paine, who was departing from the SAAF Museum. Many of you have likely seen General Paine perform impressive helicopter displays at the Swartkop airshows over the years.

Throughout his career in the SAAF, the General piloted various aircraft, including Harvards, Impalas, and numerous helicopters like Alouette II's and III's, Pumas, MBB BK117s, and Gazelles. He held several key positions, such as Officer Commanding 87 Helicopter Flying School, Chief Project Officer of the Rooivalk Helicopter Project, Chief Director of Force Preparation, Director of Air Capability Plan, and Director of Helicopter Systems.

The final salute featured a formation of five Museum Choppers, including a Puma, two Alouette IIs, and two Alouette IIIs, along with four Harvards that performed a formation break after General Paine landed in front of two Air Force fire trucks.

If you haven't been to a SAAFM flying day before, try to attend one next year; it's a fantastic outing for the entire family.

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