Overberg Fly In 9-11 November 2007

The South African Air Force hosted a fly in at FAOB this weekend.

All in all it was a well presented show, ticket sales could have been faster at the gate - there was only one entry and exit point.

A live air-to-air fire display was executed by a Cheetah D firing an air to air missile at a parachute flare.

Numerous general aviation aircraft where also on static display, these included the Twin Diamond Katana, Seneca V, Turbo B36 Bonanza, PC12, a TMB700 and PAC750XL.

The Air Force had 2 Cheetah C's a BAE Hawk, A Hercules and a A109 Power on static display, as well as a BK117, a Casa, two Oryx and two Altas Rooivalk attack helicopters at the show.

Thunder City / Classic jets had their English Electric Lightnings Buccaneer and Hunters entertaining the crowd with impressive aerial displays.

Weather turned out to be a bit lousy at first, but cleared up later in the afternoon.

Stellenbosch Flying Club Reach for a Dream Day

The Stellenbosch Flying Club together with sponsors hosted a day for the Reach for a Dream Foundation on Saturday 27 October 2007.

The children where treated to flights over the Cape Winelands, and enjoyed lunch while being entertained by a clown and magician.

Turned out to be a beautiful sunny day enjoyed by all.

PAC 750XL Debuts at FASH

PAC 750XL ZS-BLU arrived at Stellenbosch on 18 January 2007

At a glance she hints curves of a PC12; the manufacturers claim that the 750XL is able to climb from sea level to 13,000 feet, make the jump run, and land again in about 16 minutes with 17 sky divers on board.

After having a look inside one notices that she was built as a "no fuss" utility aircraft, the interior again reminding one a bit of a small "para" Dak....with benches for the pax on port and starboard of the cabin.

The PAC750XL has been specifically aimed at the sky diving industry the aircraft comes fitted with jumps door, step, handle, lights and appropriate harnesses.

Add a pretty impressive STOL capability, and an advantageous power to mass ration....she's nothing short of a "home sick angel"

At sea level, 7500 lbs (3405 kgs) MTOW, carrying useful load of 4400 lbs (1997 kgs) she needs a ground roll of 886 feet.

The aircraft can also be configured in a cargo/pax role with an additional "belly slung" cargo pod.

With a 582nm range, could this be the ultimate Safari turbine aircraft? You be the judge...