By Jarryd Sinovich

The long-anticipated event of the year finally took place. The Langebaanweg Airshow 2017 was held at the Air Force Base on December 9th. Located on South Africa’s West Coast, Langebaanweg houses the Central Flying School and the Silver Falcons Aerobatic team. Recently, the Falcons marked their 50th Anniversary, with former team members attending to witness the current team's performance. The stakes were high!

Silver Falcons

When we arrived at the base at 6:00 AM on Saturday, the wind was already howling, and throughout the day, it reached speeds of over 65 km/h. This made flying conditions quite challenging, yet the show continued as planned. The Air Boss for the event was Col Keith Fryer, and the Ramp Director was Col Keith Andrews. With the support of professional air traffic controllers, they ensured the show ran promptly and smoothly.

The event began with a display by the SAAF fire and rescue services, featuring a heritage flypast of the Puma Flying Lions Harvards. This was followed by a solo Impala flight and concluded with a performance by the Silver Falcons Aerobatic team, showcasing the evolution of Silver Falcon aircraft from past to present.

The flying lions proceeded with their performance, evoking numerous memories for the veteran pilots and ground crew, who had formed a strong connection with the Harvard before it was succeeded by the Pilatus Pc7mkII.

Under the leadership of Pierre Gouws, the Raptors RV formation team demonstrated their precise aerobatic skills despite the extremely windy conditions. They were followed by Team Extreme, showcasing high-energy formation aerobatics performed by Nigel Hopkins, Mark Sampson, Mark Hensman, and Jason Beamish.

Raptors

Team extreme

Shaun Constable demonstrated the capabilities of the Pilatus PC7 MkII, illustrating the aerobatic maneuver training that "Pupes" undergo. He was later joined by fifteen additional PC7 MkIIs to form a "50" in celebration of the Silver Falcons' fifty-year anniversary.

PC7MkII

The SAAF helicopters included an Oryx and an A109, while a 16 Squadron Rooivalk demonstrated its combat capabilities with its 20mm cannon. Although there was no Lynx display, its absence was compensated by its friendly companion, the C47TP, piloted by former Silver Falcon leader Major Scott Ternent.

Oryx

A109

Rooivalk

C47TP

28 Squadron, which arrived from AFB Waterkloof in the morning for the event, performed a low, tight display because strong winds and the extremely dry terrain prevented the C130BZ from releasing its flares.

C130BZ

On the day, two squadrons of jets were present. Major Geoffrey Copper once again demonstrated the capabilities of the Gripen, and later, Rehan Venter broke the sound barrier at 34,000 feet.

SAAB Gripen

The BAE Hawk from the 85 Combat Flying School was expertly showcased by Lt Col Craig Lesson, the Officer Commanding of the 85 Combat Flying School at AFB Makhado in Limpopo Province.

BAE Hawk

Glen Warden piloted the L39 'ZUTEE', while Mike Weingartz, a former Silver Falcon No.3, flew the Impala MKI, both representing the civilian jets on display.

L39

Impala MKI

The Nashua Extra 300, piloted by Andrew Blackwood-Murray and the EC145 managed by AMS, offered the public outstanding photo opportunities.

Extra 300

The Mango 737, accompanied by the Silver Falcons, brought the large crowd to their feet. Each display was expertly narrated by Brian Emmenis, Leon Du Plessis, and Keith Fryer. The team at Capital Sounds ensured the audience stayed well-informed with speakers lining the extensive taxiway!

Mango 737 and the Silver Falcons

The day concluded with a final performance by the Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team, marking the last display for Major Mark Gentles, who was departing after serving as the Leader for the past two years. Notably, he was the most experienced Falcon leader. Team 81 has made the Airforce proud.

The organizers truly surpassed expectations by providing numerous SAAF assets for the show, making the journey to Cape Town highly worthwhile. Kudos to Brig Gen Matanda and his team, and thank you for the exceptional hospitality.

Video by Ryno Potgieter

Please Browse our Gallery of this Event

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