Two decades of roar, rhythm and radials: The Puma Flying Lions

Celebrating South Africa’s most iconic formation display team.

For over twenty years, the unmistakable growl of Harvard engines has stirred hearts and shaken skies at airshows across South Africa. The sound is nostalgic. The formation is precise. The team? Unmistakable. The Flying Lions have become more than just a fixture of the airshow circuit – they are its very heartbeat. Blending wartime history with showtime energy, the Flying Lions formation aerobatic
team has captivated audiences with their bold manoeuvres, low-level passes and smoke-trailing elegance. Born from passion, held together by deep camaraderie, and flying in tribute to those who came before, their journey from two-ship humble beginnings to the four-ship powerhouse of today is the stuff of airshow legend.

Now, as Smoke On Go celebrates 20 years of chronicling South Africa’s display excellence, it’s only fitting that we begin with the team that helped define the modern era of the circuit – a team that roars with pride, flies with purpose and never stops inspiring. We sit down with Scully Levin – founding member and aviation icon.
When and how did the Flying Lions begin?
It began in the late 1990s with the rebirth of two historic Harvards – Spook and Casper – rebuilt by South African Airways Technical Services. When it came time to test-fly them, the job was given to pilots with Harvard time, high-performance taildragger skills and a genuine love for the type. That led to Johan Driess and myself. We formed a two-ship aerobatic duo called The Radial Pair, fl ying wherever we could – from Swartkops to Margate. It was raw, real and thrilling.

When did the idea of a formal team come together?
After one of our displays, Arnie Meneghelli saw us fly at sunset and was absolutely mesmerised. He said, “This is what I want to do with my life.” He meant it – and he backed it up. Arnie started buying up surplus Harvards from the SAAF auctions and we began flying together. With a few more aircraft added to the mix and growing momentum, we transitioned into a fully-fledged formation aerobatic team around 1997–1998. And that’s when the Flying Lions were truly born.

Why the name “Flying Lions”?
It goes back to Arnie’s heritage. His family hails from Venice, where the symbol of the city – and its patron saint – is a winged lion. The image of a lion in flight was already part of the Meneghelli family identity, seen in their logos and branding. It felt right. It was powerful, historic, and poetic. That became our name, our emblem and eventually, our brand – The Flying Lions.

Who were the founding members of the team?
The early four-ship team consisted of: Scully Levin, Arnie Meneghelli, Ellis Levin and Chris Twyford. We also flew with Jeff Birch in the early days – a key member whose loss was deeply felt – and Johan Driess, who brought his Harvard experience to the mix. It was a small group, but all in. Everyone pulled their weight. Everyone showed up. It wasn’t about airtime – it was about legacy.
Who makes up the Flying Lions team today (2025)?
Arnie Meneghelli, Ellis Levin, Sean Thackwray and Andrew Blackwood-Murray. It’s a strong team. Each one brings their own flair
– but above all, they bring discipline, pride and absolute commitment.

Who was the team’s first sponsor?
Our first big supporter was Peugeot South Africa. They helped us get off the ground – literally and figuratively. After that came: Nissan,
Castrol, Eqstra, Cell C (short-term) and Puma Energy (current sponsor). Without sponsorship, maintaining and flying four vintage warbirds would be impossible. Each partner played a critical role in keeping the roar alive.

What is the team’s most iconic moment?
The “Water Skiing Harvards” display. We took off, performed tight formation aerobatics, skimmed the aircraft across a water surface in unison, and landed – all in one flight, chained together. It was bold, complex and utterly unforgettable. Looking back. Looking forward.
For over two decades, the Flying Lions have carried the soul of South African aviation into the skies – proudly, loudly and without compromise. With every break turn, every inverted pass, every wall of smoke, they remind us why we come to airshows in the first place: to be moved. Their journey is not just one of aviation. It’s one of brotherhood, heritage and storytelling through flight. And as long as those big radial engines keep turning, the roar of the Lions will never fade.