Smoke, noise and nostalgia: The Master Power Team

Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish are household names in South African aerobatics – display pilots who
have not only earned their stripes through decades of precision flying, but who have helped build the
formation flying legacy we celebrate today.

From flying Boeing jets during the week to carving smoke trails through African skies on weekends, Nigel embodies the dream of living both a commercial and passion fuelled aviation career. His flying partner Jason Beamish is from a family heritage of aerobatic pilots and together they’ve formed a partnership that thrills and inspires at all of our airshows.

When was your aerobatic team officially formed?
The team actually started back in 2008 with Larry Beamish and me. We imported two midwing Extras from the United States and began flying displays together. That was really the birth of the team. Jason Beamish was just starting his aerobatic journey at the time – he
was keen, talented, and determined. So we mentored him, brought him into the fold, and
he and I flew our first airshow shortly after lockdown.

Was it just you and Larry flying as a two-ship until he retired?
Yes, for a good few years, it was just Larry and I. We built up a solid routine, lots of trust and shared a similar flying style. When Larry stepped away from the circuit, Jason stepped up. From there, Jason and I evolved into the duo we are today. We’ve found a rhythm that works – we know each other’s movements instinctively in the air.

Who were your first sponsors – and who supports the team now?
In the beginning, sponsorship was quite individual. We had companies supporting us personally, helping with fuel, maintenance, that kind of thing. Jason originally had Absolute Aviation and I had Ecko Unlimited, but as a team, our first real combined sponsors
were Absolute Aviation and then Master Power Technologies. Master Power, in particular, has been amazing – they’re still with us to this day. Their support has helped us get to shows, represent South Africa abroad and mentor the next generation.

What would you say is the most memorable moment your team has shared?
There have been many, but one that stands out for Jason and me is flying at Malawi’s first-ever airshow in 2023. It was more than just a performance – it was part of a national aviation career day. We weren’t just flying for fun, we were inspiring a new generation. Seeing the
kids’ faces, hearing the cheers – it reminded us what display flying is really about.

What inspired you to get into formation aerobatics in the first place?
Growing up at airshows. Watching the Winfield Team, the Chubb Team – it was magical. Then later being involved in the Sasol Tigers, that camaraderie, the discipline, the wow factor – I just knew I wanted to be part of that world. Both Jason and I feel the synergy and
the camaraderie, it’s about pushing yourself and doing something extraordinary with people you trust.

How have South African airshows changed over the past 20 years?
It’s a big shift. Back then, airshows were more relaxed, more family-focused. Margate, Stellenbosch – those weekends were full of joy. People brought blankets, made a day of it, the vibe was electric but easy-going. Now, there’s a lot more commercial pressure, more
bureaucracy. Jason says there was less politics and more fun. Some of the new regulations are necessary, but others feel like hurdles rather than safeguards. I’d love to see a return to that grassroots, community-driven feeling.

If you could go back 20 years and give yourself advice, what would it be?
Make more time for flying. Work harder so you can fly more. And fly for the people, not just your peers. That’s something I learned the hard way – you can pull off the most complex, technically perfect figure and your fellow pilots might be impressed, but the crowd won’t
necessarily connect with it. What they want is energy, emotion, inspiration.

Part of this book is about paying tribute to those who paved the way. Who do you miss most on the circuit?
For both of us Scully Levin – without question. He pioneered this whole scene. He didn’t just fly – he innovated, he mentored, and he made space for others. His passion gave birth to what we’re all doing now. We also miss Larry who also doesn’t fly on the circuit anymore But most of all Glen Warden. Glen was the definition of professionalism. Everything he did – from his preflight checks to his displays – was meticulous. And he was such a kind, grounded person. He inspired so many of us with his quiet excellence. I think about him often,
especially at shows. His legacy is woven into everything we do.