RC Airshow Stellenbosch Airfield 13 April 2013

What an incredibly beautiful autumn day for an R/C airshow which was hosted at Stellenbosch airfield in the Boland today.

Young and old attended to come and see how these radio flyers  put their scale models through their paces.

Unique SAAF Atlas Oryx spotted in Cape Peninsula skies today.

At last something unique to write about spotted in our Cape skies today. 

A vary rare SAAF Oryx helicopter was operating over Helderberg today. 

Oryx 1208 is one of a kind operated by 17 Squadron, and one of a number of  SAAF aircraft to be deployed in a COMINT/EW role for the Air Force. Other similar platforms include a mission modified C47TP Dakota of 35 Squadron operated from Cape Town.

Oryx no 1208 of 17 Squadron, is based at AFB Waterkloof. This COMINT/EW airborne platform is able to pinpoint, intercept and interrupt communication during air, land and sea battles and flies with similar sensors which were once used on 60 Squadron's EW Boeing 707s. 

Read more about the history and retirement of the SAAF's Boeing 707-328C fleet here.

Open sources such as Janes Defence reveal that this Oryx deploys warflying in a frequency spectrum ranging from 20-1000Mhz, with extension to the 1.45Mhz band, and can be deployed against voice and data links, such as those used on the SAAF Super Lynx (22 Squadron) and the Gripen C and D fighters.

 Indeed a rare and unique visitor of the Air Force to Cape skies. 

Warflying has evolved today and missions can be flown by small remotely controlled drones which are as hard to spot as they are to shoot down.

FASHKOSH Fly-in 2011 Stellenbosch Flying Club

The annual FASHKOSH Fly-in was held at Stellenbosch Flying club today (Saturday 7 May 2011).

The fly-in held at the Stellenbosch airfield, drew a fair crowd of enthusiasts who came to share the day with display pilots and fellow aviation enthusiasts.

The weather played along nicely, although a strong South Easterly wind meant flying displays for the day ended at around 4pm.

The flying program included the following aerial displays: Pitts Special, a glider display, Chipmunk trainer, aerial displays by two local Tigermoth bi-planes, a Gyrocopter display, a Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros aerobatic display, a Glasair II, Rutan Long-EZ, a Cessna 180, Vans RV7 and a Christen A1 Husky aerial display.

Two rare T6 Harvards flew in to form part of the static display and both Airlink and SA Express respectively flew by to say hallo to the crowd below.

Air Traffic services was provided by ATNS while the local Stellenbosch fire brigade provided fire services, and Emergency Medical Operations (EMO) offered first aid medical emergency services for the day.

Virtual aviation was represented by VATSIM and the Shackleton Sim.

Other highlights included a Mustang and Harley Davidson procession and numerous vintage sports cars where also on display.

Photos from the today's fly-in:

Bosbok 953 returns to the Western Cape skies - 10 July 2010

AM-3CM Bosbok number 953 (SA civilian register ZU-ADI) took to the sky again on Saturday afternoon after being officially unveiled at Stellenbosch Flying Club in the Cape Winelands.





Bosbok 953 was stripped down and meticulously repainted by her owners. She is sporting her original olive drab and dark earth colours, and all the correct stencilling has been applied including the SAAF 5 pointed castle emblem on the rear fuselage which was typical of the era in which she saw service.

During the aircraft's service with 42 Squadron (SAAF) the Bosbok was based at Potchefstroom, and was used in various roles in the operational area; including FAC, Reconnaissance, Telstar, Liaison and Casevac.

On Saturday the partnership of owners unanimously decided to name her "Lulu" in honour of Louise who kept the project rolling. After being unveiled she completed her first official flight after the refurbishment.



The flight was uneventful, and needless to say she made her owners very proud.



The bubbly flowed and an informal braai (barbeque) was enjoyed by all after the formalities and speeches.

Stellenbosch airfield is home to Bosbok 953 and an Auster AOP which dates back to the Korean War era.

Both of these aircraft where used in similar capacity while in service with the SAAF and both are flown and maintained today in their original authentic SAAF colour schemes.

Despite the cold wintry weather, Bosbok 953 is warming the hearts of this group of aviators as they get to fly her again after months of absence from the Cape skies.

AM-3CM Bosbok Stats:

Powerplant: 1 x 340 hp Piaggio-Lycoming GSO-480-B1B6
Speed: 260 kph, 161mph
Range: 990km, 615 miles
Seats: 1+1 or 1 + 2
Length: 8.73m, 28ft 8in
Span: 11.73m, 6ft 6in
Empty Weight: 1 080kg, 2,380lb
Max T/O Weight: 1 700kg, 3,750lb
Period of Service in the SAAF: 1973 - 1992

Armament: A centreline reconnaissance camera pod could be fitted to the fuselage below the cockpit; a Schermuly flare chute could be fitted in the rear of the cockpit of the aircraft which could be used for dispensing leaflets (PsyOps/Information warfare)or flares. 68mm marker/smoke rockets could be carried on rocket pods under the wing hard points.

AFB Overberg Fly In 13-15 November 2009

AFB Overberg (TFDC) held a successful fly in and air show this past weekend.

The TFDC air show has become a bi-annual tradition in the Overberg and draws spectators from far afield. No less than 140 civilian aircraft flew in to form part of the fly-in at Overberg this year.

Thunder City and the Air Force provided a dusk jet fighter air display for media and the pilots who flew in on Friday afternoon.

The overcast weather and a few scattered showers during the show did not keep aviation enthusiasts and pilots from flocking to the air show.

On Saturday morning the air show kicked off with the SAAF Parachute Team jumping from an Oryx helicopter above the field.

Other highlights on the Saturday flight program included a spectacular display by the South African Air Force's Hawk 120 Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT); Gripen D multi role fighter aircraft; and the Silver Falcons flying Pilatus Astra aircraft.

Tragically Dave Stock, a well known South African display pilot and test pilot lost his life when the English Electric Lighting T5 (Registration ZU-BEX) he was flying during the lunch time display sequence; crashed in full sight of the spectators a few kilometres to the East of the airfield.

His aircraft experienced hydraulic failure after which he flew out toward the east to a safe holding area.

The aircraft eventually suffered a loss of control on its final approach path to runway 28. Air Force emergency services where put on readiness to provide support for an emergency landing.

Dave managed to get the under carriage of the crippled aircraft down for landing, but at 12:18 local time the Lightning T5 aircraft suddenly lost attitude and nose dived into the ground exploding in a black cloud of smoke.

There was no chute visible. The 46 year old pilot from Hermanus perished in the crash. The Air Force scrambled an Agusta helicopter to the crash site within 13 seconds of impact. Air Force fire and emergency services followed.

The T5 Lighting is a supersonic twin turbojet; two-seater side-by-side training version of the Lighting interceptor aircraft which was designed during the cold war era. The aircraft was operated by Thunder City in Cape Town.

Photos taken during his final pass of the display line, show that Dave's aircraft had a fire on board towards the re-heat section of the lower Rolls Royce Avon 302 turbojet engine. CAA will be conducting an investigation of the accident.

Dave Stock, piloting the same English Electric Lightning T5 aircraft (ZU-BEX) broke the South African time to climb to 6000m record on 26 November 2005, and the time to climb to 9000m on 3 December 2005.

The Silver Falcons display team flew a missing man formation in honour of Dave later on Saturday afternoon.

A few hours after the fatal accident the Air Force commenced with the display program which included a simulated 1V1 between Aerosud's Mirage F1 and the SAAB Gripen fighter.

Static displays included a Cheetha D, AMS Pilatus PC12 air ambulance, helicopters from Rotorway such as the A600 Talon, two Harvards and the South African designed and built Airplane Factory D6 Sling (ZU-TAF) which fitted with extra fuel tanks, undertook round-the-World flight in July and August 2009, appearing at AirVenture, Oshkosh.

Spectators where also given access to view the visiting civilian aircraft which included aircraft from numerous flying schools and flying clubs in the Western Cape.

Some rare visitors included restored SA 313/SA 318 Alouette II helicopters, a civilian registered C185 in SAAF camouflage colours.

I wish to express my condolences to the Stock family, Dave's fellow pilots and his friends; and a big thank you to Lt Col Marius Van Den Heever (acting Officer Commanding TFDC) for TFDC's hospitality during the air show.

TFDC Fly in and Air Show 14 November 2009

Air Show 14 November 2009.

Entrance Fee: R50 per adult - children under 12 free.

AFB Overberg (TFDC) on the coast near Bredasdorp will be the hosting of one of only two air shows that will be presented by the SA Air Force in South Africa in 2009.

The AFB Overberg air show will be combined with a Fly-in. Numerous light aircraft are also expected to fly in to TFDC for the show.

AFB Overberg will be promoting its own part of the SA Air Force's aviation awareness program, Siyandiza, amongst the previously disadvantage youth of the region. Learners from the nearby area will be transported to the event to participate in this weekend.

The 2007 Air Show / Fly-in at AFB Overberg was rated as the best air show in South Africa by Aeroclub SA.

This year AFB Overberg hope to attract an even larger crowd that previous years.

SA Air Force aircraft such as the Gripen, Hawk, Agusta 109, Oryx, Astras (Air Force Display Team - Silver Falcons), Lynx and Rooivalk form part of what promises to be a spectacular air display program. Its also hoped that jet aircraft from Thunder City will once again participate in the program.

Apart from an air capability demonstration by SA Air Force aircraft, a “fly off” between a previous generation jet fighter and the SAAF's new Gripen fighter, is planned. This promises to be a spectacular demonstration of air superiority by the SAAF.

Various other civilian air show participants are also expected.

This aims to be not purely a military event, and the air show committee will rely heavily on civilian participation to make the event a resounding success once again.

Civilian pilots planing to fly in need to register beforehand, a R200 registration fee applies.

For more details about this event visit www.flyin.org.za

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) anchored in Cape Town South Africa

The USS Theodore Roosevelt(CVN 71)- in port. 4 October 2008. CVN 71, a US Navy super aircraft carrier anchored in Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa at approximately 07:30AM local time this morning.

She lies anchored at approx S33 52 11 E018 26 58 between Robben Island and Milnerton beach.

The USS Monterey (CG61) missile cruiser will be open to the public on Sunday and Monday, from 10am to 3pm.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt(CVN 71)is not open to the public.

More photos of USS Theodore Roosevelt's(CVN 71) arrival can be viewed at www.skycam.co.za

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Visits Cape Town, South Africa

On 8 September 2008, USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN 71 left Naval Station Norfolk (her home base) for a 6-7 month deployment to the Middle East.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is currently at sea and sailing for Cape Town at this time, she will anchor here in Table Bay tomorrow, Saturday 4th October 2008.

This is the first time in South African history that an aircraft carrier of this size visits Table Bay; making her visit a truly historic event for any aviation or naval enthusiast or historian. The weather in Cape Town promises to be fine and CVN 71 will be clearly visible from shore.

CVN 71 has extensive combat experience from Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm flying more operational sorties than any other aircraft carrier of the US Navy.

Her Officer Commanding is Captain (USN) Ladd Wheeler who himself is a qualified Naval Flight Officer.

Capt.Wheeler assumed command of USS Theodore Roosevelt on 11 January 2008.

During his career he has accumulated more than 3300 flight hours in 28 different aircraft and has 750 carrier arrested landings to his name.

Construction of CVN 71 began on 31 October 1981. On 25 October 1986, the USS Theodore Roosevelt was placed in active service.

She is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with a displacement of approx 97000 short tons (88,000 MT) and she is longer than 3 rugby fields.

CVN 71's company: 3200 Air wing: 2480

She typically carries the following aircraft compliment:
90 fixed wing and helicopters

Carrier Air Wing 8:

Strike fighter squadrons:

VFA-15 Valions
VFA-31 Tomcatters
VFA-87 Golden Warriors
VFA-213 Black Lions

Tactical EW Squadron VAQ-141 Shadowhawks (EA6B Prowlers)
Carrier AEW Squadron VAW-124 Bear Aces flying the E-2Cs
Helicopter ASW Squadron HS-3 Tridents

A 2nm NO FLY zone (GND to 2500FT MSL) has been imposed around USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for the duration of her stay.

Local pilots are encouraged to read their NOTAMS is this regard and avoid this no-fly zone. Contact Air Force ATC at AFB Ysterplaat on tel 021-5086151/6249 for more details.

She is accompanied in Table Bay by USS Monterey(CG 61)which has already docked in Cape Town harbour today.

The USS Monterey(CG 61) is the 15th Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser of the USN, similar to the USS Gettysburg (CG 64) which visited Cape Town in 1994. Her marked the first visit to South African ports in 27 years by a U.S. Navy warship.

Photo: SH-60 Seahawk no 494 from CG64 en-route to AFB Ysterplatt during her 1994 visit...the days before digital.

CVN 71 visit photos to follow tomorrow.

Stellenbosch Flying Club Celebrate 35th Anniversary

The foundation of the Stellenbosch Flying Club was laid 1971, when a group of pilots got together to promote private/recreational flying in the Stellenbosch / Somerset West area.

In 1974, Alan Stuart and Artur Albertyn succeeded in obtaining a lease for Louw Se Bos from Stellenbosch Municipality; a pine tree plantation situated alongside the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. By mid winter they started clearing part of the forest and levelling the area for a runway. A grass runway was cleared 18/36.

Alan Stuart assumed the role of CFI, while Artur Albertyn became the first chairman of Stellenbosch Vliegklub.

In 1974, The University of Stellenbosch started an aviation division on campus under the umbrella of their Sports Faculty; called Die Universiteit van Stellenbosch Vliegklub, chaired by Martin Louw until 1977.

The lecture room and base of the US flying club was located in the Civil Engineering building at the University, and flying was done at D.F. Malan Airport (now Cape Town International Airport)using a C152 (ZS-UCT) owned by the University of Cape Town.

In 1976 the University decided to move their flying club to Fisantekraal (an old SAAF airfield North of Durbanville) where they flew three Cherokee 140’s. The instructors of USV were Fay Bool (the SFC training centre was named after Fay) and Martin Winter. The club also made use of a Cessna C177 Cardinal, ZS-FXT, which was used as the basis for the club logo.

In 1978, die Universiteit Stellenbosch Vliegklub moved to the airfield at Louw Se Bos; Stellenbosch Flying Club, but remained a separate entity. The two clubs used the same airfield and facilities but operated independently, still having two different logos.

Stellenbosch Flying club used a white and red Grumman ZS- IXM and a C172, ZS-CZD, while Universiteit Stellenbosch Vliegklub used a Cessna 152, ZS-JYU. The chairman of Universiteit Stellenbosch Vliegklub was Prof. Rudi Du Preez (1978 – 1980).

Members of the two clubs formed the Stellenbosch Vliegveld Maatskappy to manage the operation, maintenance, fuel and hangarage at the airfield.

Up to 1983 both clubs shared prefab clubhouse of Stellenbosch Flying Club. In July the same year, Universiteit van Stellenbosch Vliegklub started construction of the log cabin club house structure after obtaining a subsidy from Stellenbosch University to pay for half the costs, the remainder of contributions came from members,the deck and dining area was only added in 1991. The log cabin kit was erected by club members who volunteered their time.

By 1984 the clubs merged as Universiteit / Stellenbosch Flying Club, and it was agreed that the US logo would be maintained, as it already had the U.S. displayed on it.

The log cabin clubhouse of US was used as the social centre on the field at the time, while the prefab clubhouse of SFC was utilised by the skydiving club. The club members were like family, having a special camaraderie amongst themselves and continuous efforts where made to improve facilities and promote aviation in the region.

On Saturday 13 September 2008 Stellenbosch Flying Club celebrated its 35th Birthday with a fun day at the airfield and has now grown to one of the biggest Flying Clubs in South Africa.

Numerous pilots who where trained at Stellenbosch Flying Club over the span of 35 years are senior airline pilots or commercial pilots who are still making a valuable contribution to aviation across the globe today.

The day's celebrations included a spot landing competition, a toilet roll cutting competition, veterans where invited to share in the day and a classic car collection added to the flair of the days activities.

The days celebrations was ended off with a traditional South African braai and a dance.

Goshawk 350 airborne surveillance system

In 2006 the SAPS Air Wing helicopters where fitted with a Goshawk 350 gyro-stabilized airborne surveillance system just prior to AAD 2006.

The suite includes Denel’s Kenis continuous zoom thermal imager, daylight TV camera and auto tracking system and a digital microwave downlink system.

The surveillance system allows the SAPS Air Wing the capability to deploy their helicopters for day /night crime prevention, law enforcement and border surveillance operations.

Goshawk-350 E/O and IR (with optional laser range finder) is also a payload option for the Bateleur Surveillance UAV offered by Denel Dynamics enabling this UAV with a compact light weight real-time day and night (E/O and IR) surveillance capability.

Visit Carl Zeiss Optronics stall and the SAPS Air Wing exhibit at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2008 (AAD 2008)in September (Trade days 17-19 September) for more information on the GOSHAWK 350 Airborne Observation System.

Applications include:

Law enforcement
Search and rescue
Paramilitary /military reconnaissance
Border /coastal patrol
Public safety (fire & rescue)

Photo(top): Goshawk 350 operationally deployed on a Boelkow - Blohm (MBB) B105 helicopter of the SAPS Air Wing in South Africa - September 2008

AAD 2008 International Airshow Ysterplaat Air Force Base Cape Town

Its Spring and the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2008 Expo and Air Show is back in Cape Town.

Preparations are well on the way at Air Force Base Ysterplaat as Cape Town welcomes visitors and exhibitors from across the globe who will be exhibiting and attending this international expo of aerospace technology in the Mother City.

The expo will showcase the leading edge in aviation technology and related services available to Africa.

Exhibitors include companies from the general aviation, commercial aviation and military aviation sectors.

20-21 September 2008 are public open days and will offer the public to view the technology on show and they will be entertained by a show stopper of an air show spanning these two days.

An event not to be missed this September.

The Public Information telephone number is 021 508 6414
or e-mail aad2008@ysterplaat.org.za for any additional Information

For more information on the flying program etc visit www.aadexpo.co.za

Earthrounders Luncheon at FASH

The Stellenbosch Flying Club hosted the Earthrounders at a club luncheon on Saturday 10 March 2008.

The luncheon was arranged by the Hettlich-family, who lost their husband and father, Dr. Frank Hettlich, a year ago in a aircraft accident.

Earthrounders is a spirited group; all being pilots who have a unique achievement in common. All of them have flown around the globe in a light aircraft.

Earthrounders was conceived to unite these adventurous pilots whom have crossed vast expanses of land and ocean in a full circumnavigation of the Earth. Since the dawn of aviation only a small number of pilots have embarked on these challenging voyages across the globe.

The Stellenbosch airfield is one of the largest GA airfields in South Africa. The airfield plays an important role in the economic development of the Cape Winelands, providing an light aircraft access for business men and high profile visitors who frequent this region.

WOF fighting fire against Helderberg

A MI-8-MTV-1 helicopter and a Cessna Spotter aircraft (based Stellenbosch airfield), where dispatched today to fight a fire on the Western slopes of the Helderberg.

Photo depict a ZS-RIX from Working On Fire, dropping water onto the fire line close to residential property high up on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain in Somerset West this morning.

The heat wave experienced in the Cape Peninsula and the strong winds doesn't help ...winds are pretty strong higher up against the mountain), but it looks like WOF and the local fire services on the ground pretty much have this one contained.

The Cessna and Mi-8 where still at the scene at 13:00B today.

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...

Working on Fire's water "Camels" arrive

Three Dromaders (Camel) have arrived at FASH (Stellenbosch) to do standby for aerial fire fighting operations during the Western Cape's fire season. The fleet of Dromaders will be assisted in fire fighting operations by Working on Fire's Cessna "Spotter 1" that arrived at Stellenbosch airfield earlier last week.

Dromaders are also successfully utilized in Australia for aerial fire fighting.

The restoration project of Vampire 241 (SAAF) came to conclusion during the unveiling ceremony of this Vampire Mk FB 52 at Stellenbosch airfield (FASH) this afternoon.

The Vampire has been meticulously restored to pristine condition by a team of volunteers and will remain on static display in front of the training centre.

This aircraft type was the first operational jet to be flown by the SAAF, Sabres flown in Korea where on loan to the SAAF from the USAF.