Capability Demonstration - Aviation Central

Armed   Forces    Day   2019
Capability Demonstration
The South African National Defence Force showed off their
muscles in the Sunset beach area after a successful parade
moments before.
A capability demonstration was shown off to the public from
land, sea and air. The bay was in good hands with a large
presence of Navy Frigates, Lima Boats and a Submarine. Some of
the vehicles we don’t see to often. A big treat for the
Johannesburg based media!

A mock scene was set up of a hostage scenario on the
beach,where the aggressive enemy took hostage of civilians.The
task came out to take over the situation and restore peace.

A C130BZ from 28 Squadron flew into the tense area and
delivered a boat and troops with parachutes into the area
where most navy vessels were visible.

A recce run was than called in,this in the form of two Hawk
Mk120s from 85 Combat Flying School and escorted by two 2
Squadron Gripens.
An Oryx helicopter then came in for some tropping,escorted by
two 16 Squadron Rooivalks also providing top cover for troops.

The Lima boats then made their way towards the shoreline to
bring much needed troops to obtain the beach area. The
Fighters were then called in for a bombing run, yet again with
two hawks and gripens. The fighters also released flares while
they exited the bombing area.

One of the troops got injured while the bombing run was taking
place, a Agusta A109LuH came to the rescue as well as an Oryx
helicopter. A 22 Squadron Lynx also provided top cover for
both the troops and the navy vessels out in the bay. The
situation was now in the hand of the SANDF.

This capability demonstration was the best Aviation Central
has witnessed with all different elements of the SANDF.A big
well done to everyone who made this exercise a success.

Armed Forces Day 2019 Parade
The day finally arrived for the 2019 Armed Forces Day
celebrations in the form of a parade and capability
demonstration on the shores of Sunset beach in the Table View
area.

The South African National Defence Force celebrate this
particular Armed Forces Day every year, as each province gets
a turn to host the event and this years forms of arms was the
South African Navy that would be part of the planning in their
home town.

The SS Mendi was a British 4,230 GRT passenger steamship that
was built in 1905 and, as a troopship, sank after collision
with great loss of life in 1917.

“As Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence
Force, it is a great honour to address you on this National
Armed Forces Day.
It is the day on which we acknowledge the men and women who
have dedicated their lives to the service of this country.

You have answered the most noble calling – to defend the
Republic, to protect her sovereignty and guard her territorial
integrity.
You have sworn to serve South Africa and its people in
accordance with the Constitution, and to uphold its values.
Ngokwamkela lengubo yamalungu ooMkhosi, nibonisa ukunyaniseka
kwenu kwiLizwe lwenu; ukuzibophelela ekusebenzeleni iLizwe
lwenu ngentlonipho, ngesidima, ngesibindi nokuthembeka.
Kungoko ke ndiyanibulela; nesizwe ngokubanzi, siyanibulela.

The 21st of February holds deep significance for us as South
Africans.
It marks the day of the sinking of the troop carrier vessel
the SS Mendi.
On that fateful day in 1917, 805 souls perished in the English
Channel on their way to the Western Front during the First
World War.
The soldiers aboard the SS Mendi were volunteers in the then
South African Native Labour Corps.

They were among 25,000 others who joined the corps during a
war that began in Europe but soon became a global conflict
affecting people on nearly every continent.
The men who died on the SS Mendi and others of the Native
Labour Corps who served in the trenches in France did not
enlist to further the advance of imperialism.

They volunteered at a time when the 1913 Land Act had cut a
devastating swathe across black communities in this country,
and they hoped with their service to get a chance to provide
for their families.
They also saw it as a chance to play their part in defence of
the freedom and preservation of humankind.

They are our heroes, and it is our duty to impart to our
children the story of their bravery and courage.
I wish to congratulate the Ministry of Defence for ensuring
that this important part of our history is kept alive; and
wish to acknowledge the survivors and their descendants, some
of whom are here with us today.

Today, we wish to extend our condolences to the family,
friends and unit of Corporal Randal Jacques Krynauw.
He lost his life on Wednesday the 6th of February, while he
was travelling to be part of preparations for today’s event.
I also wish his injured colleagues a speedy recovery.
Ons gedenk vandag alle gevalle soldate wat in opdrag en belang
van ons land gesterf het.
It does not matter how or where they fell – they paid the
ultimate price.
Ons sal hul opofering vir altyd onthou – en vereer.

We are joined here today by Mr Jany Fournier the Mayor of the
town of Longueval in France.
Longueval is where our National War Memorial commonly known as
Deville Wood is situated.
To you and your delegation, Sir, I say Bienvenue, Wamkelekile,
Welkom.
On National Armed Forces Day we honour our veterans and those

still in uniform.

We also honour their families, for the sacrifice of serving in
uniform is also the sacrifice of a family and of a community.
You have given us the best of your men and women, who left you
in the bloom and enthusiasm of youth, and who returned wiser,
disciplined and stronger.
It is said that it is only in the service to one’s fellow
human that one’s mettle is truly tested; and the armed forces
of democratic South Africa can be justifiably proud of having
produced soldiers of resolve, of steadfastness and of great
patriotism.

Through National Armed Forces Day we want to display to our
people the capabilities and state of readiness of our armed
forces.
We also want to expand the public’s understanding of the
military’s function and purpose in our society.
The roles that the military plays are diverse.
We all recall the iconic image of a young mother, clutching
her new-born baby Rosita as she was pulled to the safety of a
SANDF chopper during the Mozambican floods of 2000.

We also recall with pride the deployment of the South African
Military Health Service across hospitals in Gauteng in 2017
after industrial action nearly paralysed services in the
province.
A year later, military health personnel were dispatched to
Mahikeng Hospital in the North West, where their intervention
averted the near collapse of health services in the facility.
At present we have a specialist team of army personnel working
in the Vaal area to contain a sewage spillage that is
threatening the health and well-being of millions of people.

The SANDF has also been involved in international peacekeeping
missions on the continent, notably in the Democratic Republic
of Congo under the UN Stabilisation Mission.

We currently have around 1,200 troops in the DRC and are also
part of the Force Intervention Brigade together with Tanzanian
and Malawian troops.
We continue to support operations in Africa under the United
Nations and the African Union.

Whether it is engaging in anti-piracy patrols in the
Mozambique Channel, battling veld fires in the Cape, doing
border patrols as part of Operation Corona or attending to
critical infrastructure, our national defence force is a
source of enduring pride.
It is a pride we want to impart to the next generation.
For the SANDF to effectively carry out its mission, we need to
recruit high-calibre individuals into its ranks.

The armed forces are a home for the youth of this country.
It is the means through which they can serve, through which
they can also step forward and say: Thuma Mina, send me.
In 2018, 1,700 young people were recruited through the
Military Skills Development Programme and successfully placed
in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Medical Health Services.

They commenced training in January at their respective
training units and we wish them well.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The role of the armed forces has over the years had to evolve
in response to ever-changing global military, political,
social and economic conditions.

Our Navy, the host of today’s event, has a particularly
critical role to play.
We have a 3,000 km long coastline, the third largest in
Africa, and are strategically located on one of the world’s
most vital shipping lanes.

Over 96 per cent of our own exports and imports are carried by
sea.
South Africa’s exclusive economic zone is currently the extent

of one and a half million square kilometres.

With such a large ocean jurisdiction, the need for effective
maritime protection by our navy has never been greater.
This has become all the more important since South Africa,
together with other nations, adopted the UN Sustainable
Development Goals in 2015.

Goal 14 obliges countries to take measures to conserve and
sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
The South African Navy is, and will remain, key to supporting
our National Maritime Security Strategy and advancing our
vision to grow our oceans economy.

Like many other coastal countries, we are impacted by the
illegal exploitation of our marine resources, which seriously
threatens the sustainability of our oceans.
It is upon our Navy that we rely to protect our trade routes,
to cooperate with neighbouring countries and international
bodies to promote regional maritime security, and to advance
our developmental objectives as a country.

We are also aware of the impact of climate change on our
oceans.
Coastal communities in particular are vulnerable to the
effects of rising sea levels.
The resulting extreme weather will require the SANDF to
provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during
General Military Assistance operations both in the country and
in the SADC region.

It is also the responsibility of our armed forces to guard our
country’s borders against the infiltration of transnational
criminal syndicates, the flow of contraband, human
trafficking, undocumented migrants and other illicit
activities.

It is imperative therefore that all our armed forces are
supported to enable them to respond effectively to current

realities and threats, as well as emerging ones.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As South Africans ,we are secure in the knowledge that our
combined forces are well-trained, capable, and, above all,
that they uphold the highest values of our Constitution and
Bill of Rights.

Our armed forces are the great unifier; they are part of what
makes us proud to be South African.
As Commander-in-Chief, I say to our men and women in uniform:
we value your contribution.
We applaud your professionalism, your discipline and your
dedication.
The path you have chosen is not an easy one.
Nor has it been easy for your families and your loved ones.

And yet we know that with your service, you join a long and
illustrious line of those who came before you.
Of the brave fallen who lie in Delville Wood and the men of
the SS Mendi.
They set sail for Europe’s distant shores in the defence of
freedom and in the hope of bringing freedom back home.

They did not live to hear the ring of freedom’s bell.
The dignity they were denied in their lifetime, is the dignity
we accord them here, today.
It is the dignity our people enjoy today, especially the men
and women of our armed forces.
 In recognising you, we are recognising them, our heroes.

It is of you that the great Homer speaks in The Illiad:
“Without a sign his sword the brave man draws, and asks no
omen but his country’s cause.”
To our soldiers, yours is a clear mission, to take the SANDF
into the future.
To uphold our constitutional order and the rule of law.
To defend and protect our sovereignty and territorial
integrity.

And above all, to contribute towards the well-being,
prosperity and upliftment of the people of South Africa.”

I wish you strength, and I wish you courage.

We look forward to the next Armed Forces Day that will be in
either Limpopo or Mpumalanga.

Armed Forces Day 2019 Night
Shoot
The mother city, Cape Town came to its awareness that the
South African National Defence Force were going to be visible
in in parts of the city for the Western Capes edition of Armed
Forces Day 2019.Months of work and planning is put in place to
execute from the start of the opening of the fan park to the
parade itself.

The 18th and 19th February,Sunrise Beach near Muizenburg had

been placed out for the night shoot along the shores of the
Atlantic ocean.Public were invited to see what the SANDF fire
power is alot about from both air and land assets.

A number of residents were not partucular happy with the idea
of the SANDF firing and operating in the area.But the SANDF
insured that all remains of what will be left behind will be
rehabiltated and set back to normal for both forms of life and
terrain.

The display of arms of fire of the night shoot,began with two
16 Squadron Rooivalks showing the agility of South Africas
very own attack helicopter.The shoot,moved onto the far left
of the gun line from the smallest of the weapons to the mighty
Bateluar.

As the echos of the thuds moved far into the distance of Cape
Town.Memebrs of the public were wpwed by the mighty firepower
of their defence force.

Flare drops from both the Rooivalk,Oryx,C130,Two Hawks and Two
Gripens lit up the Cape Town skies befpre disappearing into
the night brought the close of the proceedings.

ReplyForward

Stellenbosch Airshow               2019
What to expect

       Stellenbosch Airshow 2019

Dubbed FASHKOSH, a play on Stellenbosch’s official airfield
   name FASH and OSHKOSH, the single biggest airshow and
gathering of aviation enthusiasts in the world which takes
 place annually at Oshkosh Wisconsin in the USA, the 2019
   Stellenbosch Airshow takes place on the 23rd of March
and promises to be bigger, louder and more exciting than in
                      previous years.

 Friday 22nd March is a practice day for the participating
 pilots and the Stellenbosch Flying Club will host a youth
development day with around 200 learners from local schools
attending where they will have the opportunity to gain first
 hand insights into possible careers in aviation. They will
also be able to get up close to the participating pilots and
    aircraft, in particular the South African Airforce.

The program for show day provides non-stop adrenalin and
 entertainment with some of the highlights of the show being
   the South African Airforce Silver Falcons, a Boeing 737
airliner flypast, the first public display in South Africa of
  the Pilatus PC24 small business jet and for the first time
  in the Western Cape a skydiver will jump with the biggest
South African flag ever to fly. Team Extreme will thrill with
 their precision formation aerobatics display, and Working on
   Fire will demonstrate it’s capable team of firefighting
 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft that have been seen hard
at work around the Cape over the last few weeks. These are but
    a few of the exciting aircraft to be seen on the day.

World renowned airshow commentator Brian Emmenis and Capital
Sounds will bring you informative and entertaining commentary
  and food and refreshments will be available throughout the
                             day.

Gates open for spectators at 0800 with visiting aircraft of
various descriptions flying in until the emergency cavalcade
procession at 1015 whereafter the show will be opened by the
                         skydivers

 Tickets are available online at Webticket at R150 for adults
 and R100 for children. Under four years old enter for free.
Numbers are limited and very few tickets will be available at
             the gate so get yours online early.

           Click here to get your tickets online

 Stellenbosch AirShow Program 2019
Wide spread that covers most of the flying disciplines. From
 paragliders gliders, helo’s, business jets, fighter jets,

formation team extreme aerobatics, competition aerobatics,
      flag jumps, gyro planes, model aircraft, simulated
firefighting, simulated armed response and medivac, warbirds,
                     new types on market.

 A few not normally seen in the Western Cape. (Hidden in the
       program are a number of firsts at Stellenbosch.)

Below is subject to availability of aircraft & crew and is not
                       in display order

  1.   Power Para Gliders
  2.   Large scale model Jets
  3.   Biggest SA Flag skydivers
  4.   SAAF Silver Falcons
  5.   L 39 fighter jet
  6. Aero Machi Bosbok Ex SAAF
  7. Glider and Tug display
  8. Vintage Tiger Moth and Chipmunk display
  9. Emergency vehicle cavalcade
 10. Bell 407 Helicopter
 11. Howard vintage
 12. Cessna 195 vintage
 13. Boeing 737 airliner
 14. “THE HULK” display
 15. Pilatus PC 24 business jet
 16.   Motor Glider
 17.   Raptors Aerobatic Formation team
 18.   RV Aerobatic solo display
 19.   Gyrocopter M16
 20.   Shock Cub display
 21.   Team Extreme Aerobatic team
 22.   Aviat Husky short field performance (Stellenbosch first
       female display pilot)
 23.   Nashua Extra 300
 24.   Harvard T6 Display
 25.   Boeing Stearman Aerobatic display
 26.   Black Hawk Helicopter

27.   Huey helicopter
  28.   Piper Malibu
  29.   Piper Aerostar
  30.   Airborne armed response/ medivac demo
  31.   Working on Fire demonstration

  The above is subject to availability of aircraft and crew.
               Will be updated closer to the event.

Look for us on Facebook and Instagram or at www.stelfly.co.za

SAPFA Rally Flying Training
Camp – Brits Airfield 16
February 2019

SAPFA Rally Flying Training Camp – Brits Airfield 16 February
                    2019 – by Rob Jonkers

As a follow-on to the Rally Navigation Training events held at

Aerosud on the 19th of January 2019, it was planned to fly the

practice route that was plotted on that day. The 16th February
was chosen and as the week unfolded with almost daily rain, it
looked auspicious to get good weather, although it looked a
little promising on Friday. As the day dawned, the clouds were
on the deck throughout Gauteng, north of the Magalies in the

Brits area was a bit better. The cloud base only started
lifting around 9 am, and then only in patches, so even with 12
teams registered to take part, only 4 teams eventually were
able to get to Brits. Frank & Cally Eckard prepared the route
packs for the teams and were on hand to do the scoring.

Frank Eckard – Presenting the
Rally    Flying   Techniques
Course
The focus of the day was more related to flying techniques and
Frank Eckard provided an hour’s presentation on how to prepare
the cockpit, roles of the crew in work sharing, organizing the
photos, flying techniques such as speed management, altitude,
approach to turn points.

Nigel Hopkins & Mary de Klerk
preparing their maps for
their flight
The teams then plotted the course, basically replotted the
course that was previously prepared a month ago, and went to
fly the route. Aerobatics ace & SAA Captain Nigel Hopkins who
has been a previous rally world champion 15 years ago, flew
with experienced navigator Mary de Klerk, and proved by his
excellent score of 64 penalty points that he has not lost his
touch in rally flying.

Leon   Bouttell  &    Karyn
Purchase  preparing   their
Plots

Veteran Protea Pilot Thys vd
Merwe preparing the maps with
Navigator Frans Smit
As SAPFA is preparing for the World Rally Flying Championships
in 2020, the focus on these two years prior the event, is to
gain as many South African qualified teams to take part, and
every event being held this year will be an event that can
improve skills.

Nigel & Mary preparing the
cockpit
To achieve world standard qualification, there is a route to
achieve these skills in classes, with Advanced Class as the
definitive level of competition, where existing Protea teams
would compete and new teams would vie to achieve a
qualification standard. The initial Sportsman’s Class is the

entry level where teams gain experience to get to try their
hand at the Advanced Class. There is also an Intermediate
Class, which has a combination of Protea pilots and navigators
that fly or navigate with new team members as further skill
building in a step to achieve an Advanced level.

A competitive score for Nigel
on a route with arcs and
follow the feature
                                                  th
The next rally is being held at Virginia on the 26 March, and
as the weather was not favourable on this weekend, SAPFA will
look at rescheduling this event again at a future date.

Road closures for AFD
  Road closures for 18, 19, 20 & 21 February 2019 for armed
 Forces day (AFD) night shooting capability demonstration at
Sunrise Beach, Muizenberg and the main AFD presidential parade

On Monday 18 February 2019 at about 4am until Wednesday 20
February 2019 at 10am, Sunrise Beach will be closed off to the
public and no public will be allowed into the beach area, as
an assortment of heavy military fighting vehicles and
platforms will be positioned in an extended line on the beach
in preparation for the night shoot that will employ live
ammunition on 19 February 2019. The beach area will be re-
opened on Wednesday morning after the vehicles have cleared
the range.
Preparations on 18, 19 February 2019 will take place as
follows:
From 4am to 3pm, heavy military vehicles will move into
Muizenberg with heavily impacted roads being: Royal, PG Drive,
Boyes Drive and Baden Powell.
Rehearsals for the Night Shoot takes place at 5pm to 10pm.
Night Shoot Demonstration on Tuesday 19 February 2019 is
scheduled for 5pm until 10pm.
Demobilisation

Military demobilisation and clearing of Sunrise Beach by
military vehicles will take place from 4am to 10am with
vehicles withdrawing to their respective bases.
Road Closures for the Night Shoot from 7pm to 9pm on 18 and 19
February 2019
Royal Road/Axminster Road and Sunrise Circle.
Royal and Axminster parking will be closed. This parking will
be for military vehicles.
Bath and Margate Road closed towards Royal Road.
Bath and Recreation closed towards Royal Road.
No vehicles allowed during road closures.
Residents to make use of alternative routes.
Emergency vehicles and other authorised vehicles will be
allowed access.

The following road closures will be effected for the Rehearsal
of the Main Parade by the mechanised column of military
vehicles on 20 and 21 February 2019 as from 4am
Blaauwberg/Popham Residents in this area to enter or exit at
this point Businesses to use Arum Road.
Blaauwberg/Marine Circle No traffic into Marine Circle.
Marine Drive/Athens No traffic onto Marine.
Athens/Claim No traffic towards KFC.
Claim/Visagie No traffic towards Marine.
Otto du Plessis/Marine No traffic onto Marine.
Otto du Plessis/Dolphin Beach No traffic onto Marine.

Residents use Dolphin Beach only.
Marine Circle/Arum No traffic towards Blaauwberg Road. Beach
Blvd/Porterfield No traffic along Beach Blvd.
Exit on Arum Road.
Marine Circle/Coral Rd No traffic towards Beach Blvd.
No traffic into Coral Road.

Coral/Foam No traffic onto Foam.
Beach Blvd/Seal No traffic onto Beach Blvd towards Foam.
Exit down Beach Blvd at Shell Rd or Watsonia.
Beach Blvd/Shell No traffic towards Foam.

All traffic to exit Shell onto Marine Drive and towards
Big Bay Blvd or onto Watsonia.
Coral/Watsonia No traffic towards Foam.
Otto du Plessis/Perlemoen No traffic towards Blaauwberg
Circle.
Exit towards Big Bay Circle.
Otto du Plessis/ Sir David Baird No traffic towards Blaauwberg
Circle.
Exit towards Big Bay Circle.
Otto du PLessis Ocean/Tides Exit only toward Big Bay Circle.
Otto du Plessis /Waves Edge Exit only towards Big Bay Circle.
Otto du Plessis/Big Bay Blvd No traffic towards Blaauwberg
Road.

TEMPORARY RESTRICTED AIRSPACE
AROUND THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN
SUBJECT: DECLARATION OF A TEMPORARY
RESTRICTED AIRSPACE AROUND THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN AND THE
PROHIBITION OF DRONES,
DIRECTING LASER BEAMS AT AIRCRAFT AND PERSONS DURING ARMED
FORCES DAY
ACTIVITIES

Due to increased aircraft activity around
the City of Cape Town as a result of Armed Forces Day 2019 air
operations by
the SA Air Force, a temporary restricted airspace has been
declared by aviation
authorities in the area.

The intention of Air Operations
within the greater Western Cape airspace is to create
awareness and instil a
sense of pride and patriotism in the people of South Africa.
Military aircraft
operating in the Western Cape Region will conduct fly-past and
aerial displays
within the legal limits of the South African Civil Aviation
Authority and
Military Regulations. All aircraft will
be under control, by both military and civilian air traffic
controllers (ATNS),
and will be monitored closely.

Local and International airspace users are aware of
the military flying operations as the necessary communication
has been
distributed by means of published notices. Additionally,
engagements with the
local flying fraternity from minor airfields and international
airports
management were conducted. These
engagements foster close civil military relationships in the
aviation sector
and create understanding of the planned South African Air
Force
activities.

Furthermore, and in the interest of
aircraft, pilot and public safety, members of the public are
warned against the
use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
(RPAS-Drones) laser beams or any such devices directed
at pilots and aircraft in the sky or persons as this poses
tremendous hazards
to their safety.

The public of the Western Cape are requested to refrain from
interfering
with any aviation activities, civilian or military, as
interference can constitute
a criminal offence. Particular attention is drawn to pointing
of lasers at
aircraft and the flying of RPAS. The South Africa Civil
Aviation Authority
(SACAA) has previously published the following statement
concerning the
pointing of lasers at aircraft (SACAA, n.d.):

“Members of the public using laser pointers
should take note of the risks involved when distracting pilots
or air traffic
controllers on duty. The potential disastrous consequences of
laser beams
directed at aircraft by civilians on the ground cannot be
ignored.

Flashing a light beam or other energy source,
whether visible or not, towards any aircraft, air traffic
control tower or any
person therein is prohibited by the Civil Aviation Regulations
and

contravention could result in a fine or imprisonment of 10
years, or both.”

The public in the Western Cape, in particular residents and
visitors to Khayelitsha,
Gugulethu, Muizenberg and Table View/Bloubergstrand in the
Cape Town metropole
are sensitised that these areas have been declared Temporary
Restricted
Airspace. The flying of RPAS, also referred to as drones, is
therefore
prohibited at these venues at the time when the SANDF is
displaying to the public.
The regulations concerning the flying of drones is summarised
accordingly as
follows:

     Drones
     cannot fly more than 400ft or 120m above the ground, nor
     within 10km of an
     aerodrome or WITHIN RESTRICTED AIRSPACE.
     Drones
     cannot be flown within 50m above or close to a person or
     crowd of people,
     structure or building – without prior SACAA approval.
     Nor can you fly
     drones adjacent to or above:

     A
     nuclear power plant.
     A
     prison.
     A
     police station.

A
     crime scene.
     A
     court of law.
     National
     key points.
     You
     cannot use a public road for the take-off or landing of
     a drone.
     You
     cannot use a drone in adverse weather conditions, where
     your view of the
     drone is obstructed since visual contact must be
     maintained with the
     drone by the operator – unless in approved beyond visual
     line of sight or
     night operations.
     Drones need to give way to all manned aircraft
     and should avoid passing over, under or in front of
     manned aircraft,
     unless it passes well clear and takes into account the
     effect of aircraft
     wake turbulence.

The
SANDF urges the public to cooperate with the aviation safety
guidelines
provided herewith to ensure safe demonstrations and displays.
We are proud to
display in the Western Cape and trust that the residents and
visitors of Cape
Town will enjoy the experience.

The full details of the CAA Aviation Regulations
related to RPAS Part 101 can be found on the aviation

authority’s website        www.caa.co.za

AFD 2019 kicks off with the
fan park fanfare opening
ceremony at Khayelitsha’s
Mandela park stadium
South African National Defence force (SANDF) armed forces day
2019 kicks off with the fan park fanfare opening ceremony at
Khayelitsha’s Mandela park stadium.

Note: Photos from Rand Easter show 2018

The Chief of Staff of the South African
National Defence Force, Lieutenant General Vusi Masondo will
officially open
the Armed Forces Day (AFD) 2019 Fan Park at Mandela Park
Sports Stadium in
Khayelitsha on 16 February 2019 at 09:00.

Please click on Advertisement below to help keep
us going! – Continues below advert –

The Fan
Park in Khayelitsha is an entertaining and informative
experience of the SANDF,
its state-of-the-art military hardware and capability
demonstration that
promises to keep the public on its toes with a wide range of
exhilarating
activities.

Some of the adrenalin driven activities at
the Fan Park include:

     Aerobatic displays by the Super Falcons.
     Static displays of State-of-the-Art military
     hardware.
     Free Falling demonstration by paratroopers.
     Rapid Bridge Building demonstrations by SA Army
     Engineers.
     A Mock Attack demonstration by air and ground based
     elements.
     Gun Run.
     Sword Drills.
     Precision Drills.
     A Hostage Release operation simulation.
     A Martial Arts demonstration.

The Static Display of Military Equipment, Live Arena
Military Demonstrations, Presentation of Career Opportunities
and Recruitment
of Prospective Soldiers opens on 16 Feb until 19 Feb 2019 at
Mandela Park
Sports Stadium.

SANDF ARMED FORCES DAY 2019
PROMISES A LONG LIST OF FUN
FESTIVITIES
The
South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is hosting Armed
Forces Day (AFD) 2019 in Cape Town from 16 to
21 February 2019. The event is aimed at honouring the brave
men and women who
sacrificed their lives on the line of duty and those who
continue selflessly
serving our country. The AFD 19 is the highlight on the SANDF
event calendar.
This annual celebration by our country’s armed forces is
hosted on a rotational
basis by each of South Africa’s nine provinces.

The
event also coincides with the commemoration of the fateful
sinking of the SS
MENDI on 21 February 1917 when over 600 South African men
perished in the icy
waters of the English Channel, of which 607 were from the
South African Native
Labour Corps and 33 crew members.

The
event also serves to create consensus on defence by taking the
SANDF to the

people. During AFD, the public is afforded an opportunity to
interact with the
men and women in uniform and is exposed to the capabilities of
our country’s
state-of-the-art military equipment. AFD is also a platform to
test the SANDF’s
logistical capabilities and state of readiness.

AFD is a joint presentation by all arms of service and
divisions of the SANDF and demonstrates unity of effort from
our military.

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The SA
Army will contribute an array of assets ranging from long-
range artillery guns,
tanks and armoured cars, bridge building and water
purification capabilities, advanced
battle field surveillance and intelligence capabilities,
ground based air
defence capabilities and battle winning infantry skills.

SA Air
Force has a number of assets comprising of ground and air
crew, general support
staff, command and control personnel inclusive of
communication as well as safety
and planning elements. Amongst the platforms on display are

helicopters: the Agusta
A109, Oryx, Rooivalk and Super Lynx. The Gripens and Hawks jet
fighters as well
as the transport fleet comprising the CASA 212, King Air, PC
12 will also
feature at this year’s event.

The
SA Navy will contribute two support vessels – (South African
Ship) SAS
DRAKENSBERG and PROTEA, two Frigates – SAS AMATOLA and
SPIOENKOP, two Offshore
Patrol Vessels – SAS MAKHANDA, SAS GALESHEWE and a Submarine –
S101 SAS MANTATISI.

The
South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) will provide
medical support to
all SANDF members involved in the event and also exhibit their
capabilities such
as the Air Droppable Surgical Post, Communicable Disease
Isolation Unit and Mobile
Hospitals.

The event comprises a series of planned activities building up
to the main parade on 21 Feb where the President of the
Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF will be the main
functionary.

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These activities are:

Static Display of Military Equipment and
Live Arena Military Demonstrations, 16 -19 Feb at the Mandela
Park Sports
Stadium (Khayelitsha), 08:00 – 18:00 (Daily).

CSANDF/CISM FUN RUN 5km and 10km, 16 Feb
at the Sea Point Promenade, (Registration at 06:00), 08:00 for
08:30.

SA Navy Ships and Submarine Opening, 16 –
17 Feb at the V&A Waterfront, Ships:
09:00 – 15:00, Submarine: 10:00 – 14:00.

Band performance and sea cadets marching through, 16 – 17 Feb
at the V&A Waterfront, 16:00.

Inter-Faith Service, 17 Feb at Cape Town City Hall at 10:00.

Sports
Clinics for primary schools, Grades 6 and 7, 16 – 20 Feb at
Pama Road,
Khayelitsha Stadium.

Night Shooting Rehearsal, at Muizenberg
(Sunrise Beach), 19:30.

Night

Shooting, at Muizenberg (Sunrise Beach). 19:30.

Military
Parade and Capability Demonstration, 21 Feb: Military parade
to include
marching and mechanised columns (10:30 -13:00) and will be
followed by military
capability demonstration (13:00) at Table View Beach.

Entry is free and members of the public are invited to attend.
In anticipation of large numbers expected to attend these
activities, there will be viewing areas with big screens at
the Grand Parade, Mandela Park Sports Stadium (Khayelitsha)
and Table View Beach.

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British Airways and the B747
BOAC Liveries
By Niel Swart

We all have our special airplane, the one that makes you stop
and look when you here the rumbling of an engine but there is

only one that is truly the queen of the skies… the Boeing 747.

The month of February will be a special one as the 9th will
see the 50th birthday of the queen. She appeared in movies,
series, printed media, social media, toys, puzzles, balloons,
birthday/retirement cakes and many will remember the 1995 Ruby
World Cup final, Ndizani, 3 Boeing 747’s over the Union
Buildings, their first Boeing 747 flight or the first time
ever they saw a Boeing 747. She is basically everywhere and
this shows the impact she made on everyday life as we know it.
To make things more special, every now and then, we as
aviation lovers are treated to a special livery Boeing 747.

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Not only is February the birthday of the Boeing 747 but also
the birthday of an icon. A nation’s pride, an airline… British
Airways. Yes, they will be celebrating their 100th birthday
this year. Of course, the British will celebrate like only the
British can with special uniforms, official celebrations and
the cherry on top for us, a special livery Boeing 747. Not
just any special livery… an BOAC (British Overseas Airways
Corporation) livery. Yes, you read it correctly… an BOAC
livery. This means that G-BYGC will be gracing the skies in
BOAC colours as of 18 February when she will leave Dublin as a
newly painted Boeing 747 to return to scheduled service as of
19 February until she retires in 2023. As if this is not
enough celebrating, G-BYGC will be 20 years with British
Airways. At present she mostly does the transatlantic legs but
British Airways did hint at the fact that she will be sent on
scheduled flights to as many as possible destinations. So

there is a chance we may see here either at Johannesburg or
Cape Town.

One of BOAC’s original 747-100s in the 1970s

BOAC Retro Liveries

If you thought that was the end, guess again. British
Airways announces new 100 year related bits of information
often and it is said
that at least another 2 Boeing 747’s are to receive retro
liveries until they
retire. This has not been confirmed as yet but the grapevine
is suggesting
G-BNLY and G-CIVB will also receive retro liveries until their
retirement.
G-CIVB being a frequent visitor to the Cape.

So definitely set alerts on your favourite live flight
tracking app for these airplanes as you do not want to miss
them if they visit
and they have a retro livery.