New Silver Falcon colours unveiled
Date: 16 September 2008
The eagerly awaited new colour scheme for the Silver Falcon aerobatic team was unveiled at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show at AFB Ysterplaat this evening.
Amid smoke and lasers, the curtains were pulled, revealing the new colour scheme, consisting mainly of dark blue with a stylised Falcon in white and outlined in silver. The tail includes a reference to the South African flag. The assembled dignitaries were astounded as the new colours look amazing.
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 training colours of red and white.
The team had lobbied long and hard for a new identity and the new design was approved earlier this year.
In his speech at the unveiling, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAF, said "for the first time the team is equipped with colours to fulfil their role as cockpit ambassadors representing both the Nation and the Air Force". Gagiano continued that the unveiling of the new colours "speaks of belief in the future of the South African Air Force".
In order to curtail costs, a sponsor was 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.
The Team also made use of the occasion to announce that the number of display aircraft was being increased from four to five with the new member of Team 67 being Maj N Frylink. Frylink joins existing Team 66 members Maj. S Ternent (No 1), Capt. G du Sautoy (No 2), Maj. A Macphail (No 3) and Capt. D Deetliefs (No 4).
The team also announced that after the AAD opening performance due to take place on Wednesday 17 September 2008, Maj. A Macphails' Number 3 spot would be taken by Lt. Buti Tsebe. Tsebe wa spreviouslt the Falcon Ground Liaison Officer (Falcon No 5).
Congratulation Silver Falcons, you can be proud of your new mount!
