The annual Smoke on Go Hotazel airshow was held at Wonderboom airport on Saturday 26 October. Despite the extreme temperatures this year's show had a very good line up and the crowds poured in to the airport. Notably was the participation of the SAAF to the flying display line-up, which most certainly convinced many spectators to brave the heat.
The show was opened by skydivers of the JHB Skydiving club, jumping from the Alouette 3 flown by Juba Joubert, as well as some RC skydivers of the SAMAA, flown by Alec Groenewald.
The 3 ship Flying Lions team then took to the air for their opening display of the day. Flown by Arnie, Sean and Ellis, the rumbling of the Harvards and the thick display smoke quickly filled the air around Wonderboom while the Harvards gracefully swooped through the air during their well-known display.
Next up was a flying display by Joshua Twomey, flying his Extreme Flight Extra 300 RC plane, performing some physics defying manoeuvres to the delight of the steadily growing crowd. Unfortunately, due to the erratic windy conditions, the large-scale RC Hawk was unable to do its flying display.
Then with the familiar theme song of Top Gun playing over the loudspeakers, the spectators eagerly awaited the arrival of the Tour de Force this show, the SAAF 2 Squadron Gripen! The Top Gun theme played over a fighter jet display should in all fairness be a massive cliché by now, but alas it stills gives one goosebumps every single time!! Undeniably, the flying display participation of the Gripen definitely boosted the attendance! Massive credit to the SAAF for pledging our number one fighter for the show for not one but two flying displays, and more importantly actually being able to follow through, despite all sorts of logistical and operational challenges!
Following the Gripen it was time for the 4-ship display of the Goodyear Eagles. Yes, that is right, 4 ship! With the most recent addition to the team being none other than Sally Fleck (Levin), daughter of renowned Scully Levin. Sally flew together with Trevor, Johan and Gareth. With extremely tight formation flying despite the difficult conditions, it was a pure delight watching the team perform. With the density altitude due to the heat having been in excess of 8000ft, this really made for some challenging flying for the display teams.
The density altitude is the altitude relative to standard atmospheric conditions at which the air density would be equal to the indicated air density at the place of observation, given as a height above mean sea level. High temperatures result in an increase in density altitude and the density altitude at a particular location may be significantly higher than the true altitude. This affects the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft and most significantly the power delivered by the aircraft's engine.
With the crowd eagerly watching the flight line for the next display, a dodgy character in a black flight suite sneakily made his way towards the (still hot after just arriving) helicopter of Bennie de Jager. With the commentators noticing him and immediately requesting help from the security teams, this person got into the helicopter and promptly began with the start-up procedure. With Bennie and Henco frantically waving their arms at him, he suddenly took to the air and began to erratically fly in circles around them.
After some comical flying around the pair, the rabbit was let out of the hat that his was in fact none other than the legend himself, Johan “Juba” Joubert flying the helicopter and that this all was just a light-hearted display. Funny flying acts are not new to the air show scene (recalling Jason Beamish also stealing an Orion Cub during the Potch airshow earlier this year), however doing it with a helicopter requires exceptional flying abilities, of which Juba has plenty and some to spare!
Juba then went on to do his flying display in the Aérospatiale Gazelle, again showing why he is regarded as being one of the best helicopter pilots in the world.
Next up was another legend, this time Scully Levin doing a remarkable display in his Cirrus SR-22. Although not typically flown in display routines, in the hands of the legendary Scully he showed just what the aircraft was capable of!
The Master Power Extra team then took to the air and flew their renowned duo performance, exhilarating crossovers and fly-past manoeuvres, ending off with their signature modified synchronized knife edge pass.
Comnetating at the 2024 Wonderboom Airshow was done in conjunction with Hot 102.7, and well-known “Just Plain Drive Show” host Dylan Rodgers. The format was more of a radio broadcasting style, which with the invitation of expert commentators to each flying display, made for very interesting commentating. Unfortunately, this did also mean some missed cues to the spectators to specific key events in the routine, but this could certainly be worked on and improved. Although it is human nature to want to be resistive to change, the commentating team must be complimented for doing a great job with good quality sound on their first show.
Mark Berg of the Paramount Group then did a very good flying display with the Paramount Mwari. Not an aircraft which you see often apart from events such as AAD, it was a true delight to see this magnificent aircraft showing its nimble manoeuvrability to the crowd. We hope to see more of the Mwari at our other public air shows, and just perhaps might there be something with an afterburner in the future Paramount...?
Next up was a duo Alouette display by the SAAF Museum, flown expertly by their pilots, with their well-known “dancing display” entertaining the crowd.
Following the Alouettes was the well-known Raptors RV team. They flew a very tight 4 ship display and showed why they are one of the best display teams in the circuit!
Then it was time for another much-anticipated flying display of the day, the Black Beauty Airlink Embraer E195. The jet-black paint scheme was done by Airlink to put some glamour and style back into flying, with Black being the highest colour in the Skybucks reward program. The flying display was flown by Captain Jaco Henning, gracefully showing off the beautiful lines on this magnificent aircraft. Flown against the backdrop of pure white clouds, this was really a visual delight spectacle!
Unfortunately, the euphoria left by the Airlink display was shattered by the announcement that a vehicle was just stolen inside the airport car park. Luckily according to Matrix tracking, the vehicle was still inside the compound and was being tracked by their team. The next moment a Hilux bakkie sped into view and onto the tarmac in-front of the crowd line. A pursuit of the suspects then started by the team of … using both ground-based vehicles as well as a specialized chase helicopter. Luckily this turned out to only be a special demonstration of their recovery capabilities. The Bell 407 helicopter was expertly flown by none other than Henley Air CEO, Prof. Andre Coetzee!
Andrew Blackwood-Murray was up next with his Nashua Extra 300. Despite the difficult flying conditions, Andrew gave us one of his best flying displays of the year, perfectly framing the stunning blue and white Nashua against the white clouds and blue-sky backdrop! Andre and Nashua recently celebrated their 20th year of sponsorship partnership, one of the longest standing sponsorships of its kind. Pilots Post also wants to specially thank Andrew for giving myself a lift to the show - as previously this is one of the most amazing experiences you could have, with a few special treats added by Andrew on this flight!
Juba and Henco then took airborne again in the green Alouette 3 to take the JHB skydivers up for their second jump which they did expertly as they did in the morning. The consistency of these skydivers is simply remarkable!
Next up it was time for the North American formation, consisting of the Altitude Wealth Navions and orange dayglow Harvard. Reyno Coetzer and Mike George piloted the Navions while Deon Raath piloted the Harvard. What an amazing flying display this was, transporting you back to the 1940's with these graceful machines performing a beautiful flying display.
Following the North American display, the Harvard broke away and the Navions started their duo display. What a privilege it is to have these Navions added to the local airshow scene by Latitude Wealth, with some exciting rumours that the Navions family might soon be growing!
The Harvard solo display was cut short by another exciting announcement - Gripen was airborne from Waterkloof! Less than 5 minutes later the Gripen roared overhead entering the display box at high speed this time! If you might have gotten a bit sleepy after lunch and in the heat, it was time to wake up! The Gripen display at the Wonderboom show was expertly flown by “Cipher”. The afternoon show was most probably the best Gripen display of the year, with the Gripen jet wash creating the most stunning “jelly” effect against the pure white clouds in the background. We are very excited for what the future holds for “Cipher”, if this is any indication of what is to come, he will become of our greatest Gripen display pilots!
With the Gripen display completed, unfortunately the crowds began to leave as well, which could be understood given the high temperatures of the day. Total spectator count for the day was estimated at around 5000 people, a spectacular turnout for this event!
The Harvard then got airborne again to do its Solo display. The freshly painted orange day-glow painting showing beautifully against the clouds!
Next up was the second display for the Good Year Eagles, which was equally as impressive as the first.
Andre van Zyl then took to the sky in his Magni Gyrocopter. Andre's commitment to the local airshow scene is nothing short of remarkable, he probably attended 90% if not all of the airshow's this year! Andre again gave us a superb flying display in the gyrocopter, showcasing why he is regarded as one of the best gyrocopter display pilots in the world!
Following his solo display, he was joined by his good friend, Juba Joubert in the green Alouette. Together they flew a unique duo flying display, something which is not done anywhere else. For these two machines which are vastly different in their response and handling, flying a close formation requires exceptional skill, which both these pilots showed!
Andre then broke away and Juba carried on with an exceptional solo performance of the Henco Alouette 3. Juba sadly suffered the massive financial and personal loss recently when their homestead burned to the ground. In support of this great man and exceptional pilot, a “Back-a-Buddy” campaign has been launched to raise funds in aid of Juba and his family. Andrew Blackwood-Murray generously donated a unique flying experience with the Nashua Extra 300 - For each R300 donated to the campaign, you will be entered into a lucky draw to win this exclusive experience! Details on the campaign will be added at the end of the article. Let's all unite together and give back to this exceptional helicopter pilot!
The last flying display for the day was that of the Flying Lions. Against the most stunning clouded backdrop, their display was simply mesmerizing!
And so came to a close a spectacularly Hot (102.7) Wonderboom 2024 Airshow. A huge congratulations to the show organisers, ASSA FSD team and especially to all our display pilots; without you and your professional commitment there would be no more air shows for us to enjoy! We respect you and salute your efforts - a friendly challenge to all the airshow organisers on the ASSA circuit to share in this attitude and to fairly compensate our pilots for their valued contributions!
