Is this the End of the Silver Falcons?

Jun 24, 2020

2 min read

Updated: Sep 21

By Garth Calitz

What would the country's Airshows and National Celebrations be like without the SAAF Aerobatic Display Team? For those of us who are dedicated followers of the South African Airshow circuit, it would signify a missing piece of the South African Air Force's history.

For generations, the Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team of the South African Airforce has captivated audiences throughout South Africa, fostered national pride, and inspired aspiring future SAAF aviators.

The Silver Falcons, the only formation aerobatics display team of the South African Air Force, are currently stationed at Air Force Base Langebaanweg, north of Cape Town. They perform a precise five-ship aerobatic routine using the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, the SAAF's basic trainer. In 2019, the team faced numerous challenges, including the departure of several members who were replaced by less experienced yet capable individuals. Although such turnover is common for teams worldwide, the Falcons experienced an unusually high rate of attrition. Additionally, the team dealt with technical issues, such as corrosion on the engine mounts. As a result, Team #83 had to use the red and white ab initio trainers, dubbed the "Coke Can" version of the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II.

In 2020, the situation worsened with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Airshows throughout South Africa had to be postponed or cancelled due to restrictions on public gatherings. The team is now down to just two active members, and there is no mention of any other members participating in "Falcon fly-offs" to restore the team to its full complement of five ships.

At the 2019 Ladysmith Career Expo and Airshow last October, the team performed a four-aircraft display, featuring two red and white planes and two with Falcon livery, which was originally applied to eight aircraft in 2008. The same four-aircraft team appeared at the 2020 Prestige Day Parade at AFB Swartkop, which was supposed to mark the SAAF's centenary, a milestone that was overlooked by the authorities. During Armed Forces Week in Polokwane, the team had to endure using aircraft that were not painted in Falcon livery.

A few weeks ago, a decisive blow to the "Pride of our Nation" was dealt when a signal, which surfaced on social media, effectively grounded the Falcons indefinitely, with only a quarterly review of the situation mentioned.

It read "Given the current financial allocation priorities, the aircraft (PC7 MKII) must primarily be used for Pilots Wings Course 128 (PWC128) and Pilots Instructors Course 01 (PIC 01) of 2019, as well as for essential flying maintenance. At this time, any other support roles, such as operational support (like Border Patrol) and the Silver Falcons, cannot be accommodated or planned for."

To our knowledge, the Pilatus PC7 has never been utilised for border patrol duties in the SAAF. Instead, this role is typically carried out by 41 Squadron's Cessna 208A Caravans, which are fitted with "Koiler" camera systems. We understand that the Caravans only resumed operations in the middle of last year after being grounded since 2016.