Airweek 2026 Brings South Africa’s Aviation Community Together Despite the Weather

By Garth Calitz

South Africa’s recreational aviation community once again converged on Middelburg Airfield in Mpumalanga as the Aero Club of South Africa hosted its annual Airweek gathering, normally one of the country’s largest fly-ins in the country. This year, the weather had other plans, a combination of tropical moisture and an unstable low-pressure system over the interior created ideal conditions for severe thunderstorms and iclemnet rain, and rain it did.

My original plan was to drive to Middelburg on Friday morning and return on Sunday. After a few days of studying every weather forecast I could get my hands on, I decided that camping in the rain, even around aircraft, is not all it's made out to be. I, however, couldn't simply stay away; the FOMO would kill me, so I drove through early on Saturday morning.

Leaving in the dark at 5 am in the rain didn’t exactly make me all that confident that many aircraft would make the 90-odd nautical mile flight from the Gauteng area. As we got closer to the airfield, the weather improved and it turned out to be a wonderful day. Unfortunately, many of the 300+ pilots who had registered had already made the call to safely leave their aircraft in their hangars; some, however, decided to drive in rather than fly in. Many of the attending pilots and those who decided to give it a miss relied on the expert up-to-date forecasts from Deon van der Mescht from Flying WX SA. Deon is, without doubt, the leading forecaster in South Africa.

On arrival, it immediately became clear that this was by far the most exhibitors the airweek had ever attracted; the credit for this must go to Marie Reddy and her brilliant organising team. Hopefully, this upturn is mirrored by the industry as general aviation navigates a very dark time in its history.

The bulk of the exhibitors were from the insurance industry; all the leading companies were there, both short-term and long-term, with Avionics suppliers coming in a close second. Sling aircraft joined forces with Comet Aviation for the biggest display area. Sling brought along three aircraft from their amazing stable, a Sling TSI painted in their new official colours, a Sling High Wing and my absolute favourite, the Sling II taildragger.

As always, the Aero Club’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of aviation enthusiasts, pilots and crew was on full display. Programmes led by the South African Aeromodelling Association (SAAMA), together with the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles initiative, created a meaningful platform for learners from two local schools, Sofunda Secondary School and Sozama Secondary School. The students took part in hands-on model aircraft building, spent time speaking with pilots and other industry professionals and enjoyed a rare opportunity to fly in a range of aircraft. For many of the learners, it marked their very first time in the air, an experience that may well spark a lasting interest in aviation and open the door to future careers in the field.

A key feature of the programme was a series of workshops, forums and technical presentations covering a wide range of aviation topics. Industry experts and experienced aviators led discussions on subjects including a workshop on aircraft tyre care and basic tyre principles by David-Lee Welzim from Goodyear tyres. Braam Hechter updated NTCA owners on the progress of the AP Scheme on behalf of APOSA. maintenance, Rotax engine operation, safety improvements and regulatory developments affecting recreational aviation. Representatives from the SACAA, Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre and Cold Case Aviation Investigation took part in a panel discussion hosted by Bruce Harrison, Chairman of the RAFOC. Bertus Jansen van Rensburg presented an overview of the current aircraft sales market.

The Puma Energy Flying Lions made a brief appearance, prompting people to rush outside when they heard the powerful Pratt & Whitney radial engines overhead. They executed their trademark flawless display before returning to Rand Airport without their usual landing and interaction with the crowd, as the weather was once again building.

Aircraft judging is always a highlight of the Airweek; sadly, this year, there were not many aircraft to judge. Builders and owners proudly presented their machines for evaluation in several categories. The judging process, by a team from Sport Plane Builders, not only celebrated craftsmanship and restoration excellence but also recognised the dedication and passion that many private owners invest in their aircraft projects.

The South Africa Power Flight Association (SAPFA) hosted an Air Navigation Rally (ANR), as with the rest of the events, the turnout was dismal, the adverse weather took its toll. Tarryn and Ian Myburgh weren't about to let that stop them and went ahead with only 5 entrants. The Sling aircraft team took top honours with a very respectable track flown in the TSI.

As aircraft departed Middelburg, some very early, as the good weather wasn't predicted to last, the organising team were already looking ahead to the next gathering. With its blend of aviation passion, technical knowledge and community spirit, Airweek continues to cement its reputation as one of the most important grassroots aviation events on the South African calendar.

A special thank you must go to Richardt and Irene Lovett, along with all the faithful members from Middelburg Aero Club, for their tireless work in making this a great success despite the nasty weather.

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