Falcons set to perform at EL air show
THE Silver Falcons, the SA Airforce aerobatics team, are set to be a highlight at Buffalo City Municipality’s action-packed third annual Airfest. It will be the Falcons’ first visit. Flying clubs from around the country will descend on Wings Park Airfield on May 27 and 28 for a weekend of aviation fun, live entertainment, aerobatic performances and flips in aircraft for adrenalin junkies.
The airfest was pioneered by the Border Aviation Club, which is organising the event.
Jason Mark, the Airfest’s marketing coordinator, said: “We’ll have a beer garden, live music and entertainment throughout both days, a kids’ and family zone, and static aircraft displays. People can tick off a few bucket-list items, like going for an aircraft ride. Braver people can try tandem skydiving.”
Jason said this would be East London’s biggest air show since 2009. Here is a taste of the lineup: ● The Silver Falcons will perform on both days. An SAAF BK-117 helicopter and a SAAF Gripen fighter jet will also make an appearance in the skies;
● SA aerobatic champion Patrick Davidson will perform in his SU-31 aerobatic aircraft;
● Local aviator Mark Oostingh, who recently flew his WWI Tigermoth aircraft from Crete to South Africa, will do an aerobatic display in his Zlin aerobatic aircraft;
● The Savannah, an aircraft built in Gonubie, will take to the air;
● A man will jump from 6 000 feet, gliding through the air with the aid of a wingsuit;
● Freestyle motocross star Jason Hannan will defy gravity his way;
● The Daily Dispatch cycle tour MTB race will start and finish at the Airfest on May 28. Riders entering the MTB challenge get free entry; and ● Rugby games will be screened. The show opens at 9am on both days. Tickets, on sale at the entrance, are R70 for adults, R30 for children free for babies under two. —