Christine and I drove to Tempe on Friday afternoon so that we could attend the annual airshow. On Friday afternoon I had an appointment to photograph the new Pipistrel Panthera based at this airfield and the first example of the type on the African continent. Thanks to the Stanley and his team at Ferriera Aviation the beautiful new plane was really looking amazing as they pushed the aircraft into a position we have chosen far away from the hangars and airfield activity.
Later we met up with all the airshow officials and organisers as the busy airfield was being prepared for the crowds that would pour in the next day. Arriving early on Saturday morning we found that we were the only official media present at the Tempe airshow, which came as a surprise. The day was clear with only a light breeze, perfect for an airshow and as the sun warmed the air up, we could peel off outer layers of clothing. Brian Emmenis and his Capital Sounds team were ready for the show that started at around 10h00 and continued on time throughout the day. Probably the highlight of the entire day were the skydivers from the Bloemfontein Skydiving Club who jumped from the Atlas Angel based at the airfield and frown by Conrad Botha who was also the main airshow organiser. Except for a brief lunch break, several of South Africa’s top aerobatics pilots both as individual and teams displayed their aircraft keeping the sky busy all day. In much the same way as he did at the Lowveld airshow, Nigel Hopkins prepared a ‘mass formation’ of most of the participating pilots in the afternoon. I will prepare a full report for the June edition of African Pilot with commentary from some of the participating crew members. However, thanks to the Bloemfontein Skydiving Club for the use of its excellent facilities over the weekend as well as the organisers that staged another excellent airshow that was fun for all who attended on Saturday.
Videography & Photography by Athol Franz, visit africanpilot.co.za for more info.
Video edited & compiled by Björn Bottin, visit bjornbottin.co.za for more info.
Music Credit: www.epidemicso...
3 окт 2024
