By Trevor Cohen

Photos by Rayno Snyman and Trevor Cohen

On a chilly, rainy Friday morning, May 1st, we departed from Johannesburg, heading towards the Lowveld. As we descended along the N4 escarpment, the sun emerged, prompting us to shed our layers upon arriving at FANS. Enjoying a toastie and a cold drink at the Lowveld Aero Club, while watching aircraft manoeuvre in the warm sun, was truly a privilege.

After leaving the airport, we checked into our hotel, allowing sufficient time for a shower before returning at 4 PM for a VIP show dedicated to sponsors and paying guests. The Bloemfontein Symphony Orchestra, after enduring a coach trip from hell, managed to get their instruments tuned and complete a sound check in only twenty minutes. They began at exactly 5 pm, albeit in their travelling clothes, and delivered a remarkable performance despite all the challenges.

The show commenced with three parachutists dropping from an Alouette 3 piloted by Juba Joubert. The South African flag, skillfully managed by Corne Voster, was released as the orchestra played the National Anthem. As Corne landed, a burst of smoke erupted behind him, enhancing the spectacle. Johnnie Smith then took to the skies in his Extra 330 XL, performing a stunning sunset display accompanied by the orchestra and additional fireworks.

The Puma Flying Lions followed suit with their classic sunset performance against a pink sky, delighting the audience with a rendition of "Il Silenzio" by Nini Rosso. It was an extraordinary experience.

The primary goal of the show was to create a high-impact, fast-paced four-hour event with no repeats, a formula that has earned the show the "Air Show of the Year" title for the past two years. The show day kicked off at 2:30 PM with a mass flypast featuring four Harvards from the Puma Flying Lions, along with three members of the Marksman Aero Team and Johnny Smith in his Extra 330 XL, followed by displays from fire and medical vehicles.

The Puma Flying Lions, flown by Ellis Levin, Arnie Meneghelli, Nigel Hopkins, and Dion Raath, officially launched the displays, showcasing a polished and captivating performance that set the tone for the event. Andre Van Zyl demonstrated his new gyro with a well-executed and controlled display. The Marksman team elevated the show’s tempo with their three-ship display, which included a seamless manoeuvre around two aircraft before a switchblade formation, led by Mark Hensman in an MX2, Eugene Du Preez in an Extra 330 SC, and Gary Glasson in his newly acquired GameBird.

Juba Joubert, the ever-showman, then engaged in a friendly but unfair race against a Toyota Gazoo racing car and a few motorcycles, showcasing the superiority of the Alouette III. Kishugu Working on Fire presented an impressive firefighting demonstration with their air tractor and UH1, illustrating how aerial assets combat fires effectively.

Nigel Hopkins of Master Power delivered a solo display in his Extra 330 SC, reaffirming his title as South Africa's best aerobatic pilot for seven years. His performance was exceptional, complemented by a calm commentary that engaged the crowd.

The parachute jump featuring Corne Voster with the South African flag was another highlight, as the Capital Sounds played the National Anthem, sung passionately by the audience. Following this, Johnny Smith executed another thrilling display in his Extra 330.

Grant Timms showcased the Bosbok, effectively demonstrating its capabilities from its previous operational life. The Puma Flying Lions performed their sunset display once more, followed by an impressive Tora Tora flypast, complete with fireworks and colored smoke trailing behind.

The Lions halted on the runway, facing the crowd as a dramatic wall of fire erupted behind them, leaving a lasting impression. Juba, in the Alouette, teamed with Lieutenant Colonel Darryl Sloan and Flight Engineer Sergeant Warren Pillay in a SAAF 109 for a captivating two-ship display, culminating in a fireworks and smoke spectacle.

The day concluded with a breathtaking balloon and fireworks display, accompanied by a full micro moon rising over the bushveld, a perfect end to an outstanding airshow. The audience remained on their feet for most of the event, enjoying ample food and beverages from various vendors.

Security was tight, and the public displayed commendable discipline. The turnout was impressive, highlighting the demand for airshows, with attendees still trying to enter the venue an hour after the show began—traffic backed up to the Kaapsechoop road. It took us 20 minutes to return to Nelspruit after the event, around 8:20 PM, more than an hour post-show.

Brian Emmenis, Elvis Manene, and Capital Sounds effectively coordinated the show. Brian’s meticulous work in capturing the orchestra’s sounds contributed significantly to the swift setup and execution. Their engaging commentary, especially during the fireworks, kept the audience captivated.

A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to the success of the show, particularly Christian, for assisting the media team with our needs. Keep up the great work, everyone!

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