WATCH: Model aircraft show draws hundreds of spectators

Model aircraft of all shapes and sizes took to the skies.

August 19, 2025

Ntombikayise Letlepo 1 minute read

Enjoying the thrill of watching planes jet into the sky at the air show are some of the attendees with Bob Skinner, General Manager of SAMAA (wearing an orange vest). They are Lee Meeling, with his sons, Marco (3) and Calem (5), Saretha and Michaela Myburgh with Ethan (5) and Ava Windsor (7).

Biplanes and modern jets took centre stage at the Barnstormers Model Flying Club in Kempton Park on August 16.

Hundreds of air show enthusiasts gathered to witness a spectacular showcase of aviation skills.

The family-friendly event, presented by the Irene Radio Flyers and the South African Model Aircraft Association (Samaa), featured daring stunts and precision flying when model aircraft of all shapes and sizes took to the skies.

While sitting on the grandstands and camping chairs, spectators, young and old, watched in awe as about 40 hobbyists from Nelspruit, Klerksdorp, Pretoria and beyond participated in the air show and Fly-In Festival, which ran from 10:00 to 16:00.

One of the highlights was a sweet drop, when a model plane released loads of sweets from the air, sending excited children running onto the runway to collect them. The activity drew loud cheers and laughter from parents and children.

Bob Skinner, the GM of SAMAA, said the annual event aimed to raise awareness about the sport of model aviation, which often goes unnoticed compared to mainstream activities.

“Model aviation is a lesser-known sport. People are used to soccer and rugby, but they don’t really know about this,” said Skinner.

He explained that participants who flew at the event are gold-rated pilots who love to showcase their skills.

Skilled pilot Leon Kruger from Benoni, who flew the Waco WYFS Third Scale, said he started flying planes when he was 22 and has never stopped.

“I enjoy this hobby immensely because I’m an outdoor person. It helps me forget about the stresses of life and gives me the chance to socialise with like-minded people who also enjoy flying model planes. I’ve scratch-built all of my planes; I don’t buy kits,” said Kruger.