South African Air Force Museum

A Big thank you!

Once again from the Officer Commanding, Lt Col Mike O'Connor, the management of the SAAF Museum would like to express appreciation to all visitors to the Air Show on Saturday, 12 May for their attendance.

We would also like to applaud all our sponsors (especially Master Power Technologies, Eqstra, Denel, Breitling/Bentley/Capital Sounds, Paramount Group, Coin) the volunteers from Waterkloof and Zwartkop Air Bases, SAPS, Metro Police, Armour Formation, Engineer Formation, SAMHS, Netcare 911, Ticketbreak, MSA, Babcock, all the Media, Photographers, Pilots who volunteered their aircraft, the SAAF squadrons and Gourmet Exposure, Union Caterers, all the Vendors, exhibitors especially Canon, Nu Metro and Q Photo there are just too many to mention.

The spectators were great and I'm sure they were thrilled by the adrenaline filled Air Show, to Show Safety Box crew headed by Lt Col Francois "Hose" Hanekom and ECC headed by Lt Col Pierre Wright, I salute you all on a job well done, it was amazing to see you professionals at work for their support which helped to make the day one of the best Air Shows to date.

Last Updated (Monday, 14 May 2012 13:34)

The Master Power Technologies Air Show 2012

From the people that brought you the Best Air Show in 2011.

The Master Power Technologies Air Show is taking place on 12 May 2012.
This years Air Show theme is "Warbird Centenary"
Gates open at 07h00 and the show continues till 16h30.

The show is going to provide breathtaking flying activities with more than 250 aircraft participating.
Aircraft on display include Warbirds from early years to the modern South African miitary machines.
Also included is Army Armour Formation and SA Medical Health Services displays.
A world record attempt is also being made on the day,
Models South Africa is presenting a beauty pageant,
150 vendor stalls are available on the day,
the Metro Police and SAPS are providing security on the day,
Netcare 911 is going to be there for any casualties,
a lost kids facility is manned on the day,
a Shelter and Spitfire fund raising project is to be launched on the day,
a beer garden with big screen Super 15 rugby is available.

Visit the show and see great family entertainment for as little as R50 per person and kids under 16 free.

The Master Power Technologies Air Show

SAAF Museum Warbirds Centenary

More than 220 aircraft will be participating at the upcoming Master Power Technologies Air Show on 12 May 2012. For online tickets go to Ticketbreak and if you are on Facebook, find SAAF Museum - Supporters, Like the Page, Click on tickets Register on Ticketbreak and buy your ticket to the Air Show online.

Last Updated (Tuesday, 17 April 2012 11:08)

EARLY ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT IN DURBAN

By Alan Taylor

Though the SAAF operated the South Africa's first helicopters in Natal - three Sikorsky S-51s that were acquired in 1948 - rotorcraft flight had actually taken place locally some sixteen years previously.

On 19 June 1932 the first gyrocopter to come to South Africa was off-loaded from the RMS "Arundel Castle" berthed in Durban Harbour and transported to Stamford Hill Aerodrome. This aircraft, a Cierva C.19 Autogiro, was imported by Niall Coughlan, a well-known personality in Durban at the time.

SAAF Museum new Officer Commanding

Lt Col Mike O'Connor As a Capetonian, Lt Col Mike O’Connor became the 8th Officer Commanding of the SAAF Museum in January 2012, His career in the South African Air Force started in 1985 as an operations and intelligence clerk serving at 31 Squadron, 25 Squadron and then 7 Squadron respectively. He presented SAAF involvement in conventional warfare, the theory and practical at FACP Lohatlha prior to his service at FACP Bloemfontein and became the acting Officer Commanding of AOT Bloemfontein where he served as MAOT commander for numerous local operations. He was posted to SAAF College to the Air Power Development Centre and became the Centre Manager, in this position he presented Air Power courses to Rwanda Air Force officers on two different occasions in Rwanda. At Directorate Basic Flying Training he served as the Operations Planner before his new post as Officer Commanding of the SAAF Museum. He completed several courses such as SAAF Aviation Safety, Aircraft Accident Investigation for jet aircraft and helicopters. His service includes also participation in the Bush War as well as humanitarian support to citizens of Mozambique during flood relief operations (Operation LITCHI) as well as the stabilization of Lesotho (Operation BOLEAS). “The highlight of my career was personally being able to meet Mr Nelson Mandela during Operation LITCHI at his home in Mozambique!”

Last Updated (Friday, 02 March 2012 14:21)