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Return of the Sky GP to Durban


Durban residents and aviation enthusiasts from all over South Africa and the world are thrilled at the news of the Sky Grand Prix of Aerobatics returning to the air in June 2023. The 2014 and 2016 editions were held on the Durban beach-front and Greyville Racecourse respectively proved to be a great success, this year the event will be held at the historic Virginia Airport.

Sky Grand Prix is basically a timed version of Aresti aerobatics, which in a normal competition would be flown at the pilot's chosen pace. Unlike, a standard aerobatics competition the Sky GP format is massively entertaining for the spectators as all the action takes place in an 800m x 800m area and is pretty low. The Pylons are used as markers for each individual run of figures.

As in the past, the Sky GP has attracted a number of top local and international pilots and has received approval from both the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and FAI Aerobatics Commission (CIVA) placing the format squarely on the world stage.


Pilots:

Nigel Hopkins

Boeing instructor and professional aerobatic pilot

Resides – Pretoria

Age – 50

6 x SA Unlimited Champ

World Air-masters Champion 2011, 2nd World Aerobatic Championship

Sky Grand Prix 2014 & 2016

Patrick Davidson

Business director and professional aerobatic pilot

Resides – Port Elizabeth

Age – 40

1x Sky Grand Prix Champ

7x SA Unlimited Champ

8th in AWAC Hungary 2012

Sky Grand Prix 2014 & 2016

Red Bull Air Race Veteran

Elton Bondi

Qualified business scientist and business director in IT, professional aerobatic pilot

Resides - Johannesburg

Age - 52

3x SA Advanced Champ

30+ Years of Flying

Sky Grand Prix 2014

Eugene Du Preez

Businessman and professional aerobatic pilot

Resides - Johannesburg

Age - 50

Advanced World Aerobatic Competitor

SA Advanced Champ 2019



Aude Lemordant

Pilot for Air France and a professional aerobatic pilot

Resides - France

Age - 40

2015 World Champion

2013 World & French Champion

2012 French Champion & World Champion Runner Up

Sky Grand Prix 2016 Competitor

Barrie Eeles

Business owner and professional aerobatic pilot

Resides - Johannesburg

Age - 56 Years Old

1x SA Advanced Aerobatic Champion

Competed at 6x world championships - best place 26th

30+ Years of Flying

Sky Grand Prix 2014 & 2016 Competitor

Mark Hensman

Professional aerobatic pilot

Resides - Cape Town

Age - 57

2x SA Champion

Competed 5x at World Champs, best placing 2nd in 2007 & 2010

5th at 2010 China International Air Sports Fiesta

4th in World Air Masters, China 2011

Sky Grand Prix 2014 & 2016

Aarron Deliu

Professional aerobatic pilot

Resides – Australia

Age – 38

World aerobatic championship 2022 – 7th

Australian Unlimited Aerobatic Champ (current)

Australian Unlimited Freestyle Champ (current)

Australian Advanced Aerobatic Champ (2018)

Red Bull Air Race Veteran

Ticket Prices:


Bronze Wing A & B Unreserved Grass – R250 pp (Ages 13+); R100 pp (Ages 2-12 years); R100 pp (Pensioners)

Silver Wing A & B Unreserved Grass – R295 pp (Ages 13+); R100 pp (Ages 2-12 years); R100 pp (Pensioners)

Silver Wing A & B Picnic Sites – R3,000

Gold/VIP – R400 per person (All Ages)

Children under 2 enter free of charge

Please note: Pensioners will be required to present proof of ID at the gate for entry with pensioner ticket.


Tickets availble at



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