First Silver Falcon aircraft arrive for repainting
Date: 19 May 2008
Report and photos by Dean Wingrin
The first step in creating a new corporate identity for the Silver Falcon aerobatic team was taken today when the first two Astra aircraft arrived at AFB Ysterplaat this morning for repainting by 2 ASU.
The aerobatic team performed their first display using the PC-7 Mk II Astra during the 1999 display season. Although their previous mount, the Impala Mk I, was painted in special colours, the Astra retained its standard SAAF colours of red and white.
The team has lobbied long and hard for a new identity and the new design was recently approved. In order to curtail costs, a new sponsor has been found to supply the paint. These aircraft will now have their own identity and therefore distinguished from the rest of the Astra fleet which is used for training.
A number of steps are involved in repainting the aircraft. Soon after arrival, the flying controls (such as ailerons and rudder) are removed. The current red and white paint scheme is then "scuffed" and primer is then applied. Once the primer is dry, the top coat is applied and the artwork is then sprayed on using a negative stencil. According to Flt. Sgt. Janse van Rensburg of the Paint Section at 2 ASU, a negative stencil is used so that corrosion does not build up under a large decal.
The flying controls are painted separately, where after they are weighed and balanced before being refitted to the aircraft. All emergency and maintenance decals are then added before the aircraft is scuffed once again and a clear coat is applied to the whole aircraft.
The aircraft is then weighed before completing a test flight.
Janse van Rensburg said that it takes 26 days for two aircraft to be painted, excluding the time it takes to remove and refit the flying controls. A total of six aircraft will be repainted, with two aircraft being worked on at a time.
The final scheme chosen is being kept a secret, with the new scheme being unveiled at the African Aerospace and Defence show at AFB Ysterplaat in September this year.
