SAPS Airwing Unit makes Newcastle Airshow history
For the first time at the Newcastle Airshow, guests experienced how the SAPS Airwing Unit responds to active crime scenes through the re-enactment of a vehicle hijacking incident.
Romano Raghoo, who spoke on behalf of the Newcastle Airshow organising committee, commended the SAPS Airwing for going out of their way to be part of the event and putting on a nail-biting performance.
The Silver Falcons and the Hawks returned this year for another spectacular aerobatics display, while the Bell 222 helicopter took the crowd back to the popular 1984 television series, Airwolf.
The L-39 jet was again among the aircraft that impressed with a series of flying feats and gravity-defying manoeuvres.
However, what made this year’s Airshow especially memorable to Raghoo were the expressions of excitement and joy on the faces of youth who were seeing an airplane up close for the first time in their lives.
The Aviation Expo which took place on Saturday morning just before the Airshow got underway, was attended by 1 600 learners from high schools in and around Newcastle.
Last week, the Newcastle Airshow organising committee visited schools together with members of the South African Air Force in order to guide learners on the steps they need to take to turn their dream of a career in aviation into a reality.
“The fact that we were accompanied by former Newcastle residents who are now pilots in the South African Air Force was truly inspirational. We had great interaction with the youth during our schools engagements,” said Raghoo.
Raghoo estimated that 5 000 guests visited the Newcastle Airshow on Saturday, adding that most of the vendors reported that they had completely sold out.
“Our one disappointment was that the Rooivalk could not perform on the day due to technical difficulties but I urge residents to see this year’s event as but a preview of a bigger and better event next year,” concluded Raghoo.
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