Gallery – Potchefstroom Airshow 2025
The much-anticipated second edition of the Potchefstroom Airshow arrived with great enthusiasm, marking a strong start to the year in partnership with the Smoke on… Go! Foundation, Tic Tac Bets, Essential Fuels and Ofm. Following the overwhelming success and positive feedback from last year’s inaugural event, expectations were sky-high – and this year’s show certainly did not disappoint. From seasoned aviation enthusiasts to families enjoying their first airshow, the energy on the ground matched the thrilling displays in the sky. With new acts, improved logistics and an even stronger community turnout, the 2025 edition raised the bar and solidified Potchefstroom’s reputation as
Wonderboom Airshow in pictures
It was billed as “an airshow with a difference” and it certainly lived up to all expectations. The Wonderboom Airshow brought out the best in South African aerobatics and display flying. Images: Jeff Latham The regulars on the airshow circuit turned up for the last event of the season and were supplemented by a few unique displays seldom seen at airshows around the country. Highlights included two displays by a three-ship Puma Fling Lions line-up, and four-ship displays from the Raptors and the Goodyear Eagles, which featured South Africa’s only woman aerobatic pilot with the Eagles, Sally Fleck. Firsts were a tandem
Video and Gallery – The Durban Virginia Airshow 2024
Following the success of the revived Durban Virginia Airshow in 2023, the 2024 Durban Virginia Airshow – in association with Standard Bank, Execujet and Umhlanga Tourism – once again attracted record crowds to Virginia Airport in Durban North where they were treated to some unique and breathtaking aerial stunts and displays. Durban Skydive Centre team got proceedings under way in challenging weather conditions, with a stiff breeze gusting up to 60kph. These seasoned skydivers took it in their stride with precise landings, executing majestic turns and swoops in front of the crowd and between vehicles from Chery Motors, Umhlanga. Virginia Airport-based Starlite
Gallery – Potchefstroom Airshow 2024
With an enthusiastic crowd of more than 7,000 spectators, the Potchefstroom Airshow proved that aviation enthusiasts in rural South Africa are crying out to see our aerobatic and display pilots in action. The last airshow at the Potch airfield took place around 2009 so a revival of this spectacular was much anticipated by the people of the rural North West including Klerksdorp, Stilfontein, Orkney and Carletonville The Potch airfield has its roots in the outbreak of World War II, established as 6 Air School as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan to provide trained pilots and airmen to the South
Farnborough International Airshow 2024 announces first wave of aircraft
The first wave of the aircraft line-up for Farnborough 2024 has been released dominated by Airbus and Embraer. Both manufacturers will bring a combination of civil and military aircraft featured in both static and flying displays. Helicopters in the first wave include the Helioperations AW139 and Sea King, the Lockheed Martin UH-60M (Black Hawk) and a Turkish Aerospace Gökbey. The biennial Farnborough International Airshow taking place from 22 to 26 July, is a highlight for aviation enthusiasts and companies where many iconic aircraft have made their debut and displayed. See the first wave list below:
Gallery – SACAA 25th Anniversary Airshow
The South African Civil Aviation Authority celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and hosted an airshow at Wonderboom Airport in April to commemorate the milestone. Images: Jarryd Sinovich Smoke On … Go! assisted in the organisation of the event and the display line-up which included participation from aerobatic soloists and teams, as well as Airlink, the SAAF and the SAPS. A new formation team, The Navions, made their debut at the show and Elvis Manene, a young broadcaster, debuted with Capital Sounds alongside Brian Emmenis as airshow commentator Aside from the invited dignitaries and CAA VIP guests, including CAA CEO Poppy Khoza
Tried, tested and definitely found wanting
My fellow teammates – Barrie and Tristan Eeles – and I are still trying to figure out exactly what happened at the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships held in Las Vegas, Nevada last month. By Elton Bondi I think we are getting closer to understanding a few important things about the way we train and fly competition aerobatics in South Africa that may have to change if we hope to be globally competitive in future. The international field started with around 60 entrants but, as inevitably happens, the field was whittled down a little as one or two contestants were disqualified or withdrew
All the way to Reno
As the sun sets this week on the Reno-Stead Airport as the venue for the National Championship Air Races after 59 years, we celebrate South African aviation’s triumph at this great event. By Chris Buchanan There are very few pinnacle sporting events where a novice can simply pitch up and win, and the Stihl National Championship Air Races, aka the Reno Air Races, is one of those. Every September since 1964, the best in the business of pylon racing gather at the Reno Stead Airport, named after the Races’ founder Bill Stead, to compete in the fastest motorsport on the planet. It’s
Durban Virginia Airshow – Andrew Blackwood-Murray
This year’s rebirth of the Durban Virginia Airshow features an incredible line-up including Andrew Blackwood-Murray, member of the South African aerobatic team competing in Las Vegas in late October this year. Andrew is a regular on the South African airshow circuit in his Nashua Extra 300LP and competes in the Advanced Category at the SA Aerobatic Nationals. He spoke to Smoke On…Go! at the highly successful Parys Airshow in June this year. To attend what was considered the most spectacular airshow in the country click on this .
Gallery and Video: The Flying Bulls
Mention the word Red Bull, and besides the well-known drink, many people think of sports one way or another. Images Copyright The flying Bulls So who are the Flying Bulls? They are a unique team of aviation enthusiasts with a great passion for rare historical aircraft and helicopters. And they are lots more besides. Not only do they watch over the most beautiful and exceptional fleet of aircraft in the world, they have played a significant role in the creation of Hangar‑7 and Hangar-8. Red Bull’s knowledge of aircraft maintenance and restoration is second to none. We take a look at some
Reno Formula One champ – an inspiring story
Formula Gold Champion, Justin Meaders is a rare breed. This year he won the Formula One Class at the Reno, but what makes this feat unusual, is that he is the only paraplegic air racing pilot in the world. Justin Meaders wouldn’t let a tragic accident derail him, and this year he took home the Gold. As a kid, Justin was always very active, from riding motorbikes at the young age of five and progressing to motorbike racing. He was very motivated and full of energy, becoming a firefighter and EMT after college, but still riding motorbikes. At the age of 22,
Grant Timms – A lover of the classics
Grant was introduced to aviation at an early age, as his father worked for an aviation company. His passion grew by building plastic model aircraft with his father, and later flying his own designed line-control aircraft. Growing up in Valhalla, many aircraft used to fly over his house and soon Grant got to know every make and model off by heart, astounding his three other siblings. Later he and his brother became junior guides at the age of 14 to 18 for the museum at Swartkops. At the age of seven, Grant had his first flight in a Fieseler Fi 156 Storch,
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