Revisiting the past - SAAF Museum Flying Training March 2012
By Adam Barnard
06.12.2025
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I clearly recalled the years I spend in England as I arrived at Swartkop AFB yesterday, it was misty, it was windy and it was unpleasantly chilly. Not a good day for flying at all! Fortunately the forecasters were right, and shortly before 8 the mist cleared and we were blessed with beautiful blue skies.
The Swartkop Air Force Museum had their monthly Flying Training day, but with a slight twist... General Aviation was invited to fly in this time. Among others, Grant Timms showed up in a Yak 52, Karl Jensen in his beautiful Cessna 170, a Piper Cub, a Super Cub, a Tiger Moth and my personal favourite, Gordon Dyne in his Nanchang Dragon.
The SAAFM (South African Air Force Museum) had their usual aircraft on display with an addition of a Rooivalk which very recently became part of their priceless possessions.
Sometime this past week, a 100 years ago, the first parachute jump out of a powered aircraft was made and the SAAFM celebrated this historic event with a parachute jump from a Kudu.
Other ex-SAAF aircraft that took to the skies was the Bosbok, Alouette III, the Vampire (what a beautiful sight!) and of course the trustworthy and reliable old Harvards.
For the hungry and tired there were hamburgers, boerewors rolls (best I've had in a long time), camouflage nets provided shade, the "Windsock Pub" was open for a drink or two and plenty for the kids to do.
Although there were not many spectators, there was a huge amount of photographers from various photography clubs and the media.
Overall a good, fun filled day with the sound of radial engines, the smell of Avgas (and JetA1) and plenty of "Hangar Talk."
As usual, the last Pilot's Post report for 2025 will be published on 10 December and publication will recommence on 10 January 2026.
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