Flight Test Centre readies for airshow
Date: 20 March 2012
By Dean Wingrin
AFB Overberg, home of the airforce's Test Flight and Development Centre (TFDC) near Bredasdorp in the southern Cape, is getting ready to wow the public with its own distinctive brand of airshow on Saturday 21 April 2012.
The TFDC airshows are unique because it is the only airshow in South Africa, and one of the very few in the world, where the public can witness an Air Capability Demonstration with live weapons delivered from jet aircraft and helicopters.
While this year's kykNet Overberg Airshow will celebrate 25 years of test flying at AFB Overberg, the main theme is "Sport and Recreational Flying", for which over 150 private light aircraft are expected to fly in. In addition to the usual food stalls and other vendors, spectators can also visit the "Outdoor Life Expo".
The Silver Falcons, the official airforce aerobatic team, will be in attendance, together with a limited number of other airforce aircraft, such as the modern Gripen fighter, Hawk jet trainer and the PC-7 Mk II turboprop trainer. Helicopters such as the Agusta A109, Oryx, Rooivalk and Super Lynx will also be put through their paces. A large number of civilian ‘warbirds' will provide additional excitement, such a World War Two P-51 Mustang fighter and a Harvard trainer, an Antonov An-2 biplane and an Aero L-39 jet trainer. Two fire-bombers and a Huey helicopter will drop water on burning objects, while a number of civilian aerobatic teams will also be present.
The organisers have also promised some extra "surprises".
Gates to the airforce base open at 7:00 and flying commences at 10:00 and continues until 17:00 (5:00 PM). Entrance fee is R50 for adults and R20 for students/pensioners. Further information is available at www.flyin.org.za.
