By Charles Hugo
Photos by Charles and Fiona Hugo
The 2024 rendition of the Newcastle Airshow was originally scheduled for the 18th of May but was rescheduled to October due to national elections. Even with this delay, the road to the airshow had some speed bumps, and the final go-ahead was only given in the week of the airshow. The delays inevitably had a knock-on effect, but Champ Marketing managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat.
With great support from the Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant-General Wiseman Mbambo and the South African Police Services (SAPS), along with a glorious spring day a successful airshow was the result.
After the traditional emergency vehicle parade the show was on. Graham Field, flying the giant South African flag demonstrated his skill and landed on target. The general then delivered his opening address to the crowd. The Chief hails from the region and has a passion for fostering the youth and this result is an extensive display of various career opportunities within the SAAF. Hundreds of learners were hosted as part of the airshow.
The SAAF’s participation in the flying display was a Hawk, the Siver Falcon's two-ship synchro pair and an Augusta A-109. The planned Rooivalk display unfortunately did not happen due to a technical fault. The rest of the flying displays were a demonstration of a Vans RV-10 and a superb display by Grant Timms, flying Richardt Lovett’s L-29.
The highlight of the show had to be the SAPS simulated high jacking and apprehension of the criminals and recovery of the highjacked vehicle. Due to the shorter display area all the action took place in front of the crowd, it was a high-energy display consisting of two Airbus H-125 helicopters, a PC-6 Turbo Porter and two highway high-speed patrol cars. Lots of smoke, bangs and action.
Brian Emmenis with his Capital Sounds team kept the spectators constantly informed throughout the day with his enthusiastic and informative commentary.
Comentários