The Elder's Flight is an annual event that seeks to give the experience of flight to senior citizens, especially from less-privileged backgrounds. Felix Gosher spearheads the organization of the event and all requirements to run the event are sourced from volunteers and sponsors. About 500 Elder VIPs were flown at the 2025 event and some Military Veterans were also honoured at the event.
Everyone was nervously watching the weather very closely, after Wonderboom Airshow had to be closed early the previous Saturday, when the weather rolled in.
It was very misty with intermittent rain and variable wind early on, but the Krugersdorp locals assured us the low cloud base would lift after about 09:00, which it did!
The tent was ready with tables in place and Belinda Gosher and her team were hard at work from very early on putting the final touches to the setting of tables, getting goodie bags ready and making sure everything was ready for the VIP Elder guests to start arriving.
Some locally based aircraft started positioning, and the emergency crews were ready, even before the cloud base lifted.
Aircraft positioning while Brian Emmenis from Capital sounds was checking that everything was in place with the emergency vehicles already on standby.
Felix Gosher was running around the site making sure all the last-minute co-ordination worked like clockwork. He kept his faith that the weather would turn!
The event banner in the reception area was hoisted into place by able and willing hands.
As soon as the Master Power diesel generator was operating, Homebake's coffee trailer was in full production as there was a healthy demand for coffee in the very cold weather from the early arrivals. This also allowed Capital Sounds to do final sound-checks and start making some initial announcements.
Menno Parsons' super-quiet Master Power generator ensured power was available for the coffee trailer and the PA systems. Homebake's coffee trailer and gazebo for wors-rolls were soon serving long queues of thirsty and hungry elders and volunteers.
The Chief of the South African Air Force, Lt General Wiseman Mbambo and his wife Dr Mbambo arrived by road.
Brian Emmenis went to greet General Mbambo at his car and reminisce about the many times they had worked together in the past. Brian then returned to the broadcast van and welcomed the Elder-guest VIP's.
Thamsanqa Elvis Manene from Capital Sounds Team, then enthusiastically took to the microphone to welcome the guests in their own languages and judging by the cheers and clapping, he certainly warmed their hearts!
General Mbambo and his wife, Dr Mbambo, are escorted to the broadcast van by Felix Gosher (Elders Flight Event Director) and Bill de Pinho (SAAF Association, Pretoria Chair), Brian Emmenis then introduced the General.
Daryl Hardy opened with the Lord's Prayer and then the National Anthem was played while General Mbambo took the salute. The National Flag drop with a parachutist had to be cancelled due to low cloud base.
General Mbambo then made a short, but rousing, speech in which he emphasised the greatness of honouring our Elders and giving without any expectation of reward and declared the Elder's Flight event 2025 officially open.
Many of the Elder VIP's were keen to have "selfies" with General Mbambo and others filled the waiting tables, that had been set in their honour, in the big tent.
Roelf Rossouw, SAAFA East Rand Chair, presents Dr Mbambo a token of appreciation for her support.
While another group of VIP Elder guests arrives, the first Huey, Ambulance and Alouette II helicopters position in to their allocated operating areas.
During the various experience flights "golden oldie" tunes were played over the PA system for an old-time atmosphere.
While some sponsors banners flutter in the breeze some of the RV and Sling aircraft are parked in front of the groups waiting their turn to fly in a helicopter and others are serenaded on the red carpet by the Marimba Band.
As the cloud base lifted further, the groups allocated to fly in fixed-wing aircraft assembled and started their flying experiences.
Ronell Myburgh, from EAA Chapter 322, waits with those who are to fly in fixed-wing aircraft and some of the flights in progress.
Francois Naude piloted the Cessna Grand Caravan for around 3.5 hours, carrying a large number of the fixed-wing VIP Elders.
Some of the helicopter VIP Elders returning from their flight experience, while others get airborne in the Hueys.
While some guests enjoyed the Gospel singer, others took a photo-opportunity.
Some aerial displays were flown to show the VIP Elders that may never have been able to attend an AirShow some typical displays.
The Puma Flying Lions Harvard Team put on a short display with a two-ship team.
Grant Timms displayed Menno Parsons' L39 jet superbly.
Menno Parsons in P51D Mustang Sally and Jason Beamish in his Extra closed off the Master Power Team displays.
Two parachutists were dropped from one of the Huey helicopters.
There was then a unique opportunity to honour one of the first of 8 lady pilots in the SAAF. Major (Ret) Amalie von Maltitz took her first flying lesson in 1967 and joined the SAAF Reserve force in 1976 and accumulated more than 2000 military flying hours with 114 and 111 Squadrons. She also flew commercially and studied fine art and is a respected sculptor. Quite a pioneering achievement!
Amalie being interviewed by Brian Emmenis and then being treated to a circuit with Hennie Delport in his Harvard.
Other Military veterans were treated to flights in various aircraft including a C185 and various BosBok machines.
The SAAF Museum based at Mobile Deployment Wing (formerly Air Force Base Swartkop) were granted permission for static display of two of their Harvards and a Bosbok, which undertook some formation flypasts prior to the return to Swartkop.
Col (Ret) Martin Louw and Maj (Ret) Daan Conradie flew the Harvards and Capt (Ret) Carl Bolweg flew the Bosbok.
With the G20 Summit underway, various SAAF assets were patrolling Gauteng airspace and a Hawk flew past as the event was wrapping up.
Safety at such an event is paramount and there were many layers of safety and security in place.
Col (Ret) Kobus Toerien was the Safty Officer and Col (Ret) Keith Andrew was the ramp Director.
To manage the many moving parts of such a complex event is a huge achievement and Felix Gosher and the many often unsung heroes that make this all happen - the volunteers, the sponsors, Krugersdorp Flying Club as the host and so many other individuals and organisations are to be complemented on a successful and safe 2025 Elder's Flight event!
As usual, the last Pilot's Post report for 2025 will be published on 10 December and publication will recommence on 10 January 2026.
If your business wants to connect directly with the most engaged and influential audience in South African aviation, there's no better platform than Pilot's Post Online Aviation. In 2024 alone, we published 48 Midweek Updates and 192 in-depth Sunday feature reports, keeping readers informed, inspired, and invested in the latest developments across the aviation world. We remain the only South African publication providing daily coverage from Oshkosh and most major UK airshows, giving our audience exclusive insights they can't find anywhere else.
Over the past 14 years, we've produced an unmatched 3,729 articles and reports, building a reputation for credibility, quality, and consistency that both readers and advertiser's trust. No other aviation publication in South Africa can rival our reach, depth, or engagement and none can offer better exposure at more affordable rates. Whether you're launching a new product, promoting a service, or strengthening your brand presence, advertising with Pilot's Post ensures your message soars directly to the people who matter most in aviation.
Take your marketing to new heights-advertise with Pilot's Post and be part of South Africa's leading aviation voice.
Contact Willie on 082 442 8815 for a free no-obligation quote, and unbeatable value!
.jpg)
