Part 2 - Official South African Air Force Website

SA Air Force Band performs for Pakistani Air Force delegates
capitol park primary school
capitol park primary school
- By Amn Thabang Bapela -
P
- Photographs by WO2 Christo Crous -
akistani Air Force (PAF) Wing Commander Arshad and Flight Lieutenant Mehvish visited and accompanied the
South African Air Force (SAAF) band to
Capitol Park Primary School on 13 February 2007.
Speaking to AD ASTRA after the performance, Wing Commander Arshad stated
that this was their first time in South Africa,
and that the reason for their visit was to
interact with the Band and learn how the
SAAF Band was managed. He emphasised
that the SAAF musical team had a unique
way of doing things, when visiting schools
and playing for communities at concerts.
When asked how he felt about the school
concert, he noted that the show was well
presented and of high quality. He said that
he enjoyed watching the children dancing
and singing to the tunes. He concluded by
congratulating the SAAF Band on a marvelous show, saying that their Band would
start visiting schools in Pakistan so that
schools could develop rapport with the PAF
Band. This was the second time the band
had performed for the children and it is really a privilege for the school to have this
kind of visit twice. Normally the Band only
Wing Commander Arshad and a delegation from the Pakistani Air Force visited the
SAAF Band in February 2007
visits schools once.
The Band played several musical pieces
for the children. Some of the tunes they
played were Avulekile Amasango, Doo Bee
Doo and YMCA, all tunes with which the
learners were familiar.
Wing Commander Arshad, Maj Pienaar
and Flight Lieutenant Mehvish
Major Dave Keijer celebrating a rare milestone
2000 hours
2000 hours
- Article and photographs by Maj Jaco Steynberg, 87 Heli FS, AFB Bloemspruit -
M
aj Dave Keijer flew his 2 000th hour in
the Oryx helicopter during the Phase
II Navigation Phase at AFB Bloemspruit
on Wednesday 21 February 2007. A busy
week at 87 Heli FS nipped celebrations in
the bud. After reaching that all-important
milestone it was out of the Oryx and into an
Agusta A109 to Durban for a Phase I Solo
Function at Starlite Avaition. (Starlite Aviation now presents the Phase I part of the
Rotary Conversion Course (RWCC).
His colleagues, however kept him still long
enough for a glass of bubbly on his return.
Dave has been flying the Oryx since 1997,
when he completed his RWCC at 19
Squadron.
What makes the Oryx so special? “Versatility,” he says, flicking his Zippo and fiddling
with his pipe. “I love to operate as part of a
crew; I love meeting people and interacting with different organisations. The Oryx
has been at the forefront of SAAF-driven
helicopter operations since it replaced the
Puma. It has given me the opportunity to
do what I love.”
He added: “I have flown the Oryx during
operations in Lesotho in 1998 and 2006,
assisted with flood rescues in Tanzania in
1999 and have done three Burundi tours”.
Is there one particular mission that stands
out in the 2 000 hrs that you have flown?
“NVG rescue in the Drakensberg up at 8
000’ AMSL. The wind was terrible. I am really proud of that particular achievement.”
After reaching a milestone such as this
what other goals have you set for yourself?
“To become CAF, I didn’t spend all that
time at the Military Academy for nothing...”
Maj Dave Keijer reached 2 000 hours on
Oryx No 1246. The rest of the crew were
Capt Stephan Bull (Student) and Sgt Tallies Taljaard (Flight Engineer). Well done
Dave, truly an achievement to be proud of!
ad astra - second edition 2007
19
Directorate Air Force Acquisition
change
of office
change
of office
- Article and photographs by Ms Hanrie Greebe -
O
n Thursday 29 March 2007, the official change of office of Directorate
Air Force Acquisition (DAFA) took place at
Armscor during a celebration where the ardent strategist, Brig Gen Piet van Zyl, took
over from his formidable predecessor, Brig
Gen Philip Willcock.
Brig Gen Willcock said in his address that
it is part of the culture of transparency in
DAFA to perform the change of office in
public. Personnel at DAFA are a multicultural group from the Air Force, Army, Navy,
and Military Health Service – all from diverse populations. Brig Gen Willcock said
that it is important to understand each other’s cultures, and he used a little analogy for
his audience to better understand aircrew:
“You have heard of retail therapy: if you go
to Menlyn shopping centre, on any day of
the week, you will find people at Menlyn
doing retail therapy. Now, if you go to a fivestar hotel where the Army is booked in and
you want to get them out of there, there is a
classic story that if you pitch a tent outside
the hotel, the Army will probably migrate towards the tent. Similarly, if you want to get
a group of Air Force officers out of a pub,
you fly past with something loud and fast
and they will go out to have a look.”
He used this story to relate the essence
of the Air Force culture, quoting Mr Jack
Grundling, former Chief Financial Officer,
as saying: “Pilots worship at the altar of
technology.” These analogies were used to
show where the passion of people at DAFA
lies, and he said that he had been blessed
with so many passionate people on his
staff, who were all extremely passionate
specialists in their field.
DAFA has broken with the Big Five: according to Brig Gen Willcock, the Big Five
started off with the strategic packages:
Hawk, Gripen, Augusta A109, Super Lynx,
and the A400, but now, in addition, DAFA
also has the Rooivalk helicopter and the
upgrading of the Oryx helicopter. Conveying that DAFA would be going from strength
to strength, Brig Gen Willcock thanked all
his staff individually for their support during his term and requested them to provide
his successor, Gen Van Zyl, with the same
support he received from them.
Reflecting on his achievements at DAFA,
Brig Gen Willcock said: “When you leave a
post like this you often look back and think:
what legacy am I leaving behind? There is
the famous analogy that if you stick your
hand in a bucket of water and pull it out
to have a look at the hole that you left behind, you find that it is not so large - we
know this and we appreciate this. In a few
month’s time things would have gone into a
new phase, but you will remember my time
for the Phased Approach in acquisition that
we had to introduce, which was new, but is
now accepted internationally.”
Brig Gen Willcock displayed the symbol of
the office: Acquisition of Armaments in the
Department of Defence – Symbol of Office
Director Air Force Acquisition, to the audience, and said, “I think that it is a fitting
Brig Gen Piet van Zyl signing the formal symbol of office in a public declaration of
the change of office of Directorate Air Force Acquisition from his predecessor, Brig
Gen Philip Willcock
20
ad astra - second edition 2007
Brig Gen Philip Willcock with the symbol
of office: “Acquisition of Armaments in
the Department of Defence – Symbol of
Office Director Air Force Acquisition”
symbol for the Director of Air Force Acquisition to have on his desk”, and said to Brig
Gen Van Zyl, “This document contains all
the institutional knowledge that was available around acquisition; if you follow it, I
am certain you will succeed, for it provides
a benchmark against which to work.” Brig
Gen Willcock concluded by saying that it
was an absolute privilege and a pleasure
to hand over the task of DAFA to Brig Gen
Piet van Zyl, whom he described as a man
who is keen and passionate about acquisition. Brig Gen Willcock assured the staff
at DAFA that Brig Gen Van Zyl had an excellent background in acquisition, that he
was a fine, outstanding and excellent officer who was dedicated to the Air Force, the
Department of Defence and to the nation to
supply the taxpayer with the best value.
When asked which challenges he foresaw
as the new Director of DAFA, Brig Gen
Van Zyl said: “I look forward to the challenges facing DAFA, particularly the new
projects such as the A400. Although it is a
challenge, it is simultaneously a wonderful
opportunity because one can make an unbelievable difference to the capability of the
SA Air Force with the A400, as well as the
Gripen and the Hawk and A109. This is an
environment where you are challenged to
do your best and you can quickly see the
results thereof in terms of the capabilities
that the Air Force is going to acquire. So
the challenge is that when the equipment
we acquired arrives in the Air Force, it must
be supportable, functional and provide the
optimal benefit.”
SA Air Force on outsourcing
helicopter flying training
helicopter flying training
- Compiled by Ms Hanrie Greebe -
T
he SA Air Force decided to outsource
basic helicopter flying training after an
impact assessment was conducted upon
the phasing out of the Alouette III helicopter. It was surmised that the replacement
new Light Utility Helicopter, the Augusta
A109, is too sophisticated for the role of
basic trainer. Although the Augusta A109
is suited for its operational requirements, it
is easier to fly, more complex in its avionics and more expensive to operate than the
Alouette III. This left the SA Air Force with
two choices, either acquire another type
of helicopter, or outsource the training, of
which the latter was the most cost-effective
option.
Following a tender process, Starlite Aviation, situated at Virginia Airport, Durban,
was contracted to train future helicopter
pilots for the SA Air Force. Prospective helicopter pilots first have to qualify as fixed
wing pilots on the Pilatus PC7 Mk2 at AFB
Langebaanweg before they can learn the
foundations of helicopter flying and basic
helicopter skills. After initial orientation at
87 Helicopter Flying School at AFB Bloemspruit, the first group commenced their
eleven-week training at Starlite Aviation in
July 2006. The results exceeded expectations.
The SA Air Force is obtaining professional
basic helicopter flying training for its pilots
at much less than it would have cost if the
training had been conducted in-house.
Starlight Aviation uses the Robinson R22
as a training helicopter. The Robinson R22
is sensitive and requires full-time hands-on
flying, which makes it a comparatively difficult helicopter to fly - ideal to prepare a pilot
to fly other helicopters in future.
The SA Air Force is obtaining professional basic helicopter flying training
for its pilots at much less than it would
have cost if the training had been conducted in-house
In January this year the second group of SA
Air Force pilots started their helicopter flying training at Starlite Aviation. The course
was developed specifically for the SA Air
Lt Phetogo Molawa is a member of the second group of SA Air Force pilots to be
trained by Starlite Aviation
Force, adhering to strict military aviation
standards. Two weeks of ground school is
followed by 50 hours of Private Pilot’s Licence training on the Robinson R22, and
then ten more hours of turbine training on
the B206 Jet Ranger. After completion of
basic helicopter flying training, the SA Air
Force pilots will return to 87 Helicopter Flying School for conversion on the Oryx helicopter in preparation for military helicopter
flying.
In celebration of the solo flights of the second group to be trained by Starlite Aviation,
a ceremony was held at the company's
premises. Mr Barry Duff, Chief Executive
Officer of Starlite Aviation, expressed his
pride in being a service provider for the SA
Air Force: “I trust that our association will
be a long one. From our side, we as a team
will put in every effort to be successful so
that the Air Force can achieve its goals.
With the quality of students that we get,
that is quite attainable.”
This ambitious woman is looking forward
to being deployed in service of her country and says that she knows that there are
very exciting things waiting for her in the
chopper line.
Brig Gen Zakes Msimang, recently appointed as Director Helicopter Systems, is
satisfied with the results of the training and
says that the second group of students is
the most representative thus far, moving
towards the ideal profile for helicopter pilots. He appreciates the good foundation
that his predecessor has laid: “I am where I
am at the right time, certainly because conditions have been set to move forward and
that makes my task so much easier.”
It is encouraging to note that the new helicopter pilots have long-term career visions
in the SA Air Force. Brig Gen Msimang
said: “I want to encourage them to live
to their full potential, because this SA Air
Force is theirs.”
Lt Phetogo Molawa is a member of the
second group to be trained by Starlite Aviation and she has very high ambitions. She
was born in Bloemfontein, raised in Thaba
Nchu and joined the SA Air Force after matriculating. In the short term she wants to
complete her rotary conversion course and
wants to do very well.
Planning to have a career in the SA Air
Force, she said: “I want to become an instructor in the future and share my skills
that I have learned with up-and-coming
pilots. I see myself as a successful pilot,
respected for the work that I do professionally. I hope to become the first black female
Chief of the SA Air Force.”
ad astra - second edition 2007
The joys of landing after going solo
21
22
ad astra - second edition 2007
SA Air Force prestige event
sport awards
2006
sport awards 2006
- By CO Solomon Kotane - - Photos by WO2 Christo Crous -
T
he South African Air Force (SAAF)
Sports Merit Award function of 2006
was held at a glittering ceremony at the
Woodhill Golf Estate, in eastern Tshwane
Metro, on 16 February 2006.
Guests, including members of the Air Force
Board, led by Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chairpersons of the SAAF Sports Code Head
Committees and the Chairperson of the
SAAF Association, Mr L. Du Plessis, were
welcomed by Brig Gen S.D. Mashobane,
Chairperson of the SAAF Sports Council,
who acted as host and received members
at the front door.
Other officials included the Physical Training Sports and Recreation (PTSR) offi-
cers and clerks, sponsors and recipients.
The aim of the function was to honour the
achievements of all sportsmen, sportswomen and sports organisers in the SAAF.
The occasion was presided over by Cpln
Addie Burt and the chaplain for the day
was Col (Reverend) Mohapi.
Sgt Lawrence Sithole (33), a former firefighter in the South African Air Force
(SAAF), lost his leg in a motor accident
and is a living example of the triumph of
the human spirit. He became the striking
star at the 2006 SAAF Sports Merit Award
function. He was, despite his deprivation,
the only winner in the special merit award
category.
After the accident, he was re-mustered to
personnel. He had participated in athletics
before, but, this time had to adapt to doing
so with an artificial leg. Earlier, Sgt Sithole
took part in the South African National disabled championships in Potchefstroom in
the F44 category for amputees below the
knee.
Special recognition, given by Maj Gen
Mandla Mashobane Mangethe, was meant
to reward Sgt Sithole for his achievements
in javelin, where he won a silver medal as
one of ten participants. Also, he received a
bronze medal for discus as one of 12 other
sportsmen.
The Chief Director Force Development and Support, Maj Gen Bhembe, made presentations to the International and National Achievers in the SAAF. The following
members received national colours:
Lt Col R. Loubser
SAAF Col
Golf
Maj A.J. April
AFB Overberg
Kickboxing
Maj G. Nel
SAAF College
Body Building
WO1 R.C. von Bentheim
AFB Waterkloof
Athletics
WO1 A.S. McDonald
DOD Log Supp Fmn
Pistol Shooting
WO1 P.J.J Oelofse
JSB Garrison
Rugby
WO1 J.H. Bester
Air Command
Pistol Shooting
WO2 J. De Klerk
AFB Waterkloof
Badminton
FSgt F.F. van Tonder
AFB Waterkloof
Pistol Shooting
Sgt D. Bogenhagen
AFB Overberg
Karate
Sgt A. Warden
68 Air School
Kickboxing
Sgt R.P. Ahrends
AFB Bloemspruit
Kickboxing
LCpl B. Visser
AFB Hoedspruit
Judo
ad astra - second edition 2007
23
SA Air Force assistance
lesotho elections
lesotho elections
- Article and photographs by Maj Jaco Steynberg, 87 Heli FS, AFB Bloemspruit -
S
outh Africa assisted Lesotho during
their general elections by providing helicopters from 15 Squadron (15 Sqn) and
87 Helicopter Flying School (87 Heli FS). A
BK117 and two Oryx helicopters were sent
to Bird’s Nest under the control of MAOT
Jumbo from 16 February to 20 February for
this purpose. Bird’s Nest, from where the
Lesotho Airwing operates, located in Maseru, was the home for the SAAF team during this period.
The task of the helicopters was to distribute
ballot boxes, members of the Independent
Electoral Committee (IEC) and Police to
the different districts of Lesotho.
Although the SAAF crews arrived later than
anticipated owing to some administrative
difficulties, they were able to distribute the
majority of people and equipment to the districts on Friday 16 February. On Saturday,
with resources now focused on the last remaining areas to be covered, the elections
started almost on time in even the most
remote areas of Lesotho. On Sunday 18
February the whole process was reversed,
with personnel from the IEC and their consolidated results returned to predetermined
district headquarters.
A polling station high in the Maluti Mountains
SAAF crews, now familiar with electionrelated support, were impressed by the
enthusiasm of the Basotho people. The
relative ease with which the IEC members
navigated through the rolling highlands of
Lesotho to the designated polling stations
was surprising. The beauty and simplicity
of the Maluti Mountains were humbling.
As the Lesotho Airwing was also involved
in the election support process with two
MB 105 helicopters, SAAF crews had the
opportunity to rub shoulders with Colonel
T.V. Mohape and his team. The young Lesotho Airwing pilots assigned to the Oryxs
as navigators, translators, refueling assistants, carriers of ballot boxes, load-masters, etc, set an example with their perseverance throughout.
Inside an Oryx helicopter loaded with ballot boxes and election officials
The flying was demanding with elevations
of up to 9 500’ above sea level, high density altitudes, heavy loads and, at times,
tight landing areas, but hey, that is what
assistance flying is all about. Mission successful.
The “Le Bihan” south of Semonkong
24
Getting the results in at the Mokhotlong District
ad astra - second edition 2007
defence flying
clubflying club
defence
- Article and photographs by Ms Hanrie Greebe he SA Air Force is taking proactive meaT
sures to augment its pilot resources. In
2003 the SA Air Force Board decided that
pilots from the integrated non-statutory
forces who were not integrated as pilots be
given the opportunity to obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). On 12 December 2006,
the Defence Flying Club was registered as
an approved service provider to the Department of Defence for flying training.
Lt Col Mac Matanda from SA Air Force
Headquarters is one of a number of identified members with prior flying experience
being integrated into the SA Air Force.
When work obligations finally permitted,
he applied for permission to do his PPL in
2006 and received approval from CAF to
be trained as a private pilot by the Defence
Flying Club. He commenced his training
at the end of last year, breaking when the
Defence Flying Club ceased flying for the
December holidays. Nonetheless, Lt Col
Matanda went solo in an astonishingly
short period. In January 2007 he completed the navigation exercises and on 25
January 2007 he passed his PPL test with
flying colours.
His flying instructors are of the opinion that
Lt Col Matanda should be absorbed into the
SA Air Force as an active pilot at an operational flying squadron upon his conversion
to a SA Air Force type aircraft. Thereafter
he can be utilised at either 41 Sqn, 44 Sqn
or even 28 Sqn, depending on the requirements of the SA Air Force.
Approval has also been obtained for the
training of Lt Col Lenox Mzongwana, who
is currently doing his ground school training at the Defence Flying Club. The Club
could now be utilised as service provider
to evaluate a pilot’s ability to be utilised
within the SA Air Force as an active pilot.
The Defence Flying Club is rated as one of
the flying training institutions in the country with the highest standards. Every ten
hours a student is evaluated by a different
instructor. The Chief Flying Instructor ensures that all the students adhere to Civil
Aviation Safety regulations and standards.
The discipline enforced by the members at
the Club and the emphasis placed on quality rather than quantity, further enhance the
standard of flying training at the Defence
Flying Club. Lt Col Roger Coetzee, Secretary of the SA Defence Flying Club, says: “If
somebody received his or her PPL from the
Defence Flying Club, you can rest assured
that this person CAN fly!”
Lt Col Roger Coetzee, Secretary of the
Defence Flying Club, is enthusiastic
about the high acclaim received for the
club. Instruction is given on the Cessna
C150, Piper Cherokee 235 and Beechcraft Sundowner, Jabiru SP (2 seater),
Jabiru J430 (4 seater) and the Tiger
Moth
Private Licence Cost Analysis: Military Members
Joining fee
Membership fee
Insurance
Once off
Annual
Annual
R400.00
R600.00
R250.00
Total R1 250.00
Ground School Cost
Course administration + Wings
Once off
Ground School Lectures
Once off
PPL + SPL
Once off
Radio Course
Once off
Ground School equipment
Once off
10 Hours Dual
15 Hours Dual
15 Hours Solo
Flight Training
Cessna 150
10 Hours Dual
15 Hours Dual
15 Hours Solo
10 Hours Dual
15 Hours Dual
15 Hours Solo
Jaribu 4
Jaribu 2
R450.00
R1 500.00
R670.00
R450.00
R3 178.00
Total R6 248.00
R710.00
R710.00
R580.00
R7 100.00
R10 650.00
R8 700.00
Total R33 948.00
R690.00
R690.00
R560.00
Plus A
Plus B
R6 900.00
R10 350.00
R8 400.00
R1 250.00
R6 248.00
Total R33 148.00
R640.00
R640.00
R510.00
Plus A
Plus B
R6 400.00
R9 600.00
R7 650.00
R1 250.00
R6 248.00
Total R31 148.00
Contact the Defence Flying Club at Tel &
Fax: +27 12 651 4941, or e-mail: sabre@
absamail.co.za.
FSgt Themba Ncume hours before going on his final PPL test with the keys to
a Cessna C150 two seater in his hand.
FSgt Ncume is a flight enigeer on the
Agusta A109 at 17 Squadron and pays
for his own PPL. He has dreams of flying VIPs at 21 Squadron
ad astra - second edition 2007
25
Schools visit to Swartkop
siyandiza
siyandiza
- Article and photographs by Mr J.P. van Vuuren -
uring the South African Model Jet
D
Masters at Swartkop airfield in
Valhalla on 17 February 2007, various
schools in Gauteng visited the South
African Air Force Museum (SAAF Museum). Students and teachers from
the Jafta Mahlangu Secondary School
in Mamelodi, the Mamelodi Secondary School in Mamelodi West and the
Wallmansthal High School from Soshanguve were received by Siyandiza
members under leadership of Capt Z.
Nombida.
Not only were the children exposed to
aviation-related issues in and around
the Museum, but the excitement of
the SAAF Museum flying training programme and the superb display of
model jet aircraft amazed and captured the interest of these learners. A
young man who called himself “Jabu
the Aviator” talked with excitement
about his dream to fly someday. None
of the children interviewed had ever
seen jet aircraft on this small scale and
few could believe that these exciting
“toys”, as they were referred to, could
actually soar into the skies.
Students and teachers from the Jafta Mahlangu Secondary School in Mamelodi at
Swartkop airfield in Valhalla, Pretoria
Siyandiza is committed to the youth of
our country and, more so, to teaching
young people about aviation, its history and exciting career opportunities
in the field thereof.
Siyandiza aviation awareness
“SIYANDIZA” is a Zulu word for “We
Are Flying”. The Siyandiza programme
was designed to inform the previously
disadvantaged youth of South Africa
about the aviation careers that the South
African Air Force (SAAF) can offer.
Students and teachers from the Mamelodi Secondary School in Mamelodi West at
Swartkop airfield seen with Capt Z. Nombida from the SA Air Force Museum who
coordinated and arranged the visit for Siyandiza
The programme is run by the SAAF and
it is supported by other Government
Departments, including the Department
of Education and the Department of
Transport.
Although the success rate of the
programme since its beginning is not yet
documented, the Siyandiza programme
can boast of young Pilots, Navigators,
Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers,
Mission Controllers and Apprentices that
first heard about Aviation through this
programme.
This programme is striving to create
Aviation awareness amongst the youth
of South Africa and to create a pool of
Aviation informed candidates for future
utilisation in the SAAF.
26
Students and teachers from the Wallmansthal High School in Soshanguve at Swartkop airfield
ad astra - second edition 2007
SA Air Force and SA Police Services team up
operationoperation
iron fist iron fist
- By CO Frans Pale -
- Photographs by WO2 Christo Crous -
month-long anti-crime operation called
Operation Iron Fist conducted by the
South African Air Force (SAAF) and the
South African Police Service (SAPS) came
to an end in January 2007.
According to Lt Simon Baloyi, an Oryx pilot at 17 Squadron, the anti-crime operation was a success in that different shopping malls were visited and arrests were
made where crime was committed. “Public
response to the operation was excellent.
Most of the people were pleased to see the
Police and Air Force members working together to fight crime,” said Lt Baloyi.
A
The anti-crime operation, whose aim was
to increase ground police visibility in areas
such as Tshwane and Mogale City was led
by 17 Squadron from Swartkop airfield in
the Tshwane Metro. The SAAF personnel
used the Oryx and A109 helicopters to drop
members of the SAPS in selected areas to
combat crime.
PE R A S
PER
A
AD
AST RA
aviation
quotes
aviation
quotes
No one can realize how substantial the air is, until he feels its supporting power beneath him. It inspires confidence at once - Otto Lilienthal The airplane is just a bunch of sticks and wires and cloth, a tool for learning about the sky and about what
kind of person I am, when I fly. An airplane stands for freedom, for joy, for the power to understand, and to
demonstrate that understanding. Those things aren’t destructable - Richard Bach, 'Nothing by Chance', 1963 The fascination of flight can’t be expressed with words. But it really lies beyond the capabilities of human
endeavor. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll never be able to forget it - Friedrich Oblessor, 127 victories WWII The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply that they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings
- Sir James Matthew Barrie The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who, in their grueling travels across trackless
lands in prehistoric times, looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space, at full speed, above all
obstacles, on the infinite highway of the air - Wilbur Wright As you pass from sunlight into darkness and back again every hour and a half, you become startingly aware
how artificial are thousands of boundaries we’ve created to separate and define. And for the first time in your
life you feel in your gut the precious unity of the Earth and all the living things it supports
- Russell Schweickart, astronaut, returning from Apollo 9 -
ad astra - second edition 2007
27
Tough training for SAAF learners
taking students
to
the
test
taking students to the test
- By CO Pieter Rabie, Pupil Pilot, Central Flying School, AFB Langebaanweg -
F
rom 3 to 22 January 2007 members of Pupil
Pilot Course 110/07 and Pupil Navigator
Course 59/07 attended the Survival Training
Course presented by 80 Air Navigation School
(80 ANS) at AFB Ysterplaat. The course
covered the following:
•Theory lectures and presentations at 80
ANS, AFB Ysterplaat, as well as a practice
session with life jackets and dinghies in the
local swimming pool
•Parasailing at Saldanha Bay
•Sea Survival, Coastal Escape and Evasion
and Static Survival at Donkergat
•Land Static Survival and Escape and
Evasion at Touws River
•Dunking Training at V&A Waterfront Survival
Centre
The course started with presentations at 80
ANS at AFB Ysterplaat. We were instructed on
the survival priorities of Protection, Location,
Water and Food, as well as the various
methods to accomplish them. Over the span
of 3 days we were shown the various types of
survival equipment for maritime survival and,
more importantly, the correct way to operate
them. With the theoretical lectures behind us,
we had a practice session with the life jackets
and dinghies before preparing to leave warm
beds and showers behind us for a few days of
‘roughing it’.
With only scraps of info from previous courses
and photos on the wall at 80 ANS, we set out
for Saldanha to start with parasailing training.
After some initial apprehension about the
safety of the whole affair, people eventually
started trying to jump the queue to go next.
Those with a fear of heights or water had a
good opportunity to face their fears, as there
was no getting around the process of rising
up with the parachute and dropping down into
the water when the boat pulling you stopped.
- Photographs by members of Pupil Pilot Course 110/07 -
Releasing one’s helmet and survival pack
required varying levels of concentration from
the course members, as some were not quite
comfortable with letting go of the parachute
straps to use their hands elsewhere.
From Saldanha we proceeded directly to
Donkergat, where we were taken out into
the lagoon waters and dropped off, to float
around for a while. We formed tight circles
in the water, as per instruction, and were
amazed to find the water in the centre of the
circle warming slightly when everybody kept
their neighbours pulled in tightly. But before
we could get quite comfortable, we were told
to break the circles and swim to the singleman dinghies which were already deployed
and waiting for us, about 100 m away. We
bailed water out of the dinghies, supposedly
to practise, but mostly we tried to get dry and
warm as fast as possible. Once everybody
had had an opportunity to dry off somewhat
and start to warm up, we were instructed to
vacate the single-man dinghies and swim to
the 10-man dinghies, where we were to spend
the night. There was a flurry of activity to get
the dinghies and orange overalls dry before
sunset. Most dinghies accomplished this,
with only one dinghy’s occupants complaining
about wetness the following morning. Thick
fog prevented the planned hoisting by an
Oryx helicopter from taking place, so we were
extracted from the water by boat later in the
morning. From there we had a warm-up jog to
the classroom at the Donkergat Military Base.
There we were briefed on aspects of Coastal
Survival, as well as the basic concepts of any
survival and escape-and-evade situation.
Next on the programme was a 10 m jump off
a platform into the beloved lagoon waters.
Then escape and evasion commenced, with
the four groups having a 15-minute head
start. Rendezvous was at the other end of
Sea survival dinghies in the Donkergat lagoon
28
ad astra - second edition 2007
the military area. All the groups made it there
without being captured, with one group hiding
from the course’s official photographer for a
few minutes because they weren’t sure if he
was taking part in the search. After a debrief,
with crayfish being given to the first 3 groups
to arrive, we were told to find shelter and
food and fend for ourselves. The rest of static
survival revolved around hunting for crabs,
limpets (“limpet”, we decided, was the Latin
word for “chewy, tasteless, edible rubber”)
and mussels, with two groups successfully
catching crayfish in the rock pools. These
foods were cooked and put on display as a
competition. Milk and sandwiches were the
reward.
The last evening there we were given a
practical lesson in signal pyrotechnics.
Smoke grenades and flares vividly changed
the colour of the scenery.
Next on the agenda was Land Survival, which
sent a shiver down most of our spines. Land
Survival at Touws River started with lectures
on tracking, anti-tracking and camouflage.
We were then given parachute sails to
construct shelters for the next 2 nights. Part of
the practical training also included diplomacy
and negotiation, as one rat-pack per day
was shared between seven people. On the
third morning we were given maps and a
rendezvous point, which appeared to be
just short of China, an arrival time in the late
afternoon and a window of 45 minutes to report
in. We had trackers, bakkies and an Alouette
III chasing us the whole day. Those who were
captured were subjected to various methods
of interrogation, and then released some time
later, mostly somewhat further away from the
rendezvous point than where they had been
captured. At the end of the first Land Static
Survival, Escape and Evasion at Touws River
day, we were given an overnight spot where
there was a source of fresh water, something
most groups had looked for, unsuccessfully,
for the whole of the first day. The second day
found us all low on energy, but still eager to
get going. Our rendezvous point was even
further than the previous day, but this did not
matter much. The basic plan for all the groups
was still the same: get going ASAP, don’t get
caught, and make it to the reporting point alive,
hopefully finding water somewhere along the
way. The search parties were out in full force,
and managed to capture a few groups early
in the day. After lunchtime, most of the groups
had zig-zagged their way close to the reporting
point, or at least to a shady spot to wait until
the right time to report. Without a cloud in the
sky and very little wind, the sun beat down
very hard on us. Heat exhaustion eventually
sent 3 COs to Ceres General Hospital. Two
COs returned later the same day, having
needed only a nutrient drip to recover. One
CO stayed overnight for observation, but
everybody was back on his or her feet for the
last day’s exercise. The last day found the
groups having to cover only a short distance,
but there was the added requirement that
all the group’s members had to arrive at the
same time. Through luck, skill or lenience from
the trackers, nobody got caught. The hard part
was over, and the next exercise was to clear a
helicopter landing area.
Everybody was treated to a helicopter flip (and
a Super-C sweet for ‘padkos’) back to the
lecture area. A boerewors-and-chicken braai
was held, and then it was time to break camp
and head back to Ysterplaat, civilization and
warm showers.
On Monday 22 January 2007 we went to
the V&A Waterfront to do our Helicopter
Underwater Escape Training (HUET). After
watching a video and being presented with
the theory, we headed straight to the pool area
to proceed with the dunking. Two dunks per
group later (4 frightened COs at a time - one
dunk straight down, one dunk inverted), we
were finished and headed back to Ysterplaat
again, this time for debriefing and to clear out.
The pupil pilots packed their bags and set off
for Langebaanweg, while the pupil navigators
prepared to start with their training at 80 ANS.
Overall the group was positive about the
course, and cooperated well in all regards.
Our thanks go to 80 ANS, 4 Special Forces
Regiment and the trackers from the Task Force
for a very professional and informative course.
Even though we appreciate the training and
understand the necessity, we nonetheless
hope we will never have to use it - especially if
it involves eating limpets...
Will they see me... Will they find me...?
80 Air Navigation School sea survival water circle
80 Air Navigation School crayfish festival
Sea survival parasailing
Touws River land survival lectures
Sea survival - here goes nothing
Touws River land survival - okay you got me...
ad astra - second edition 2007
29
Proudly serving 111 Squadron
air crew
lady aiming
high high
air crew
lady aiming
- By Co Solomon Kotane -
- Photograph by Ms Hanrie Greebe -
J
ust recently women were largely excluded from many walks of life as these
were perceived to be the preserve of men,
and women's place was "in the home".
However, things have changed rapidly and
today women have taken up their rightful
place, whether in mineshafts, aviation or
any other technical or scientific field.
This is certainly the case here too, on the
southern tip of Africa, where a mere thirteen
years ago groundbreaking talks thawed the
political ice-pack. This is where Sergeant
Sasa Mokoena (30) proudly serves as an
air crew member on many flights around
South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
She is a cabin crew member for South African Express Airways and also an active
member of the Air Force Reserve (AFR).
The key role of cabin crew is to preserve
the safety of passengers and pilots in an
aircraft. Furthermore, in emergencies, they
help passengers with life jackets and inhalers. Generally, they simply keep you comfortable throughout your journey.
Sergeant Sasa Mokoene is a cabin crew member for the South African Airways and
also an active member of the South African Air Force Reserve
Asked by AD ASTRA why she joined the
AFR, she said: ”I wanted to expand my aviation knowledge and transfer skills whenever I can.” She added that it was fulfilling
to learn about the SAAF.
Sgt Mokoene was born in Potchefstroom,
North West Province, where she went to
Lesogo Secondary School. Later, she went
to Mariasdal Girls High School until 1995,
when she matriculated.
She has undergone training in many aircraft utilities, including Safety Emergency
Procedure Training, and she is based at 21
She has done several Diplomas in other
learning areas, including Human Resource
Administration at the Vaal Triangle Tech-
Squadron at AFB Waterkloof. She is often
a cabin crew member for flights carrying
dignitaries on domestic flights.
nikon in Klerksdorp. She has a close bond
with her family. Her father, Daniel Kgampe
(48), works for the Potchefstroom municipality. Other members of her family are
her mother, Mariam Ratema (45), siblings
Johanna Kgampe (27), Rebecca Kgampe
(20), who is a member at 3 SAI Battalion,
and Boitumelo Ratema (12). Sgt Mokoene
is married to Mr Mokoena Mokoene, who
works for LoveLife, a non-govermental organisation dealing with HIV/AIDS issues in
Vryburg, North West Province.
ad astra picture
ad astra picture
"The AD ASTRA 2007 Edition 2 Picture"
Readers are welcome to send in any photographs of interest that depict daily life and
routine in and around the SA Air Force.
Submit your material via the Internet or via
Lotus Notes to:
E-mail address
[email protected]
[email protected]
Lotus Notes address
Dcss/AdAstraEd/AirComd/SAAF/DOD
Contact number
+27 12 312 2317
30
Sgt Timothy Mavuna Shouting out commands - drill is the game and discipline is
the aim
ad astra - second edition 2007
Royal clash on the sports field
women's soccer
women's soccer
- Article and photographs by Ms Hanrie Greebe -
T
he SA Air Force Women's Soccer
Team recently faced their counterparts
from the Royal Air Force at the University
of Pretoria High Performance Centre in a
first-ever unofficial match. The SA Air Force
team was formed two years ago and has
very little match experience as opposed
to the Royal Air Force team that has ten
years' experience. The match served as an
excellent benchmarking opportunity for the
local team.
Col Lizette Potgieter, SSO PTSR, said that
our women's team consists of members
from different bases: “This is our first match
against a team from another defence force
- in fact they have never played against any
other team and they came together only
two days before this match to practise. This
is a good opportunity for the SA Air Force
Women's Soccer team to interact with other
soldiers, speak to them and find out what
they are doing in their defence force.”
Sport is not the main focus of the SA Air
Force but, as a means to achieve fitness,
sport makes a valuable contribution towards force preparation. Col Potgieter is
of the opinion that this match would serve
as motivation for our women's team to improve their fitness even more.
Women often do not get the same support in sport as men, but a number of the
SA Air Force Board attended the match in
support of our team. This gesture is highly
appreciated, especially since they came directly to the University of Pretoria after a
visit to AFB Makhado. More support came
from the pavilion, where the Junior Command and Staff Course 01/07 loudly sang
encouraging songs to the accompaniment
of a vuvusela.
Lt Col August Lekalakala, Chairperson of
SA Air Force soccer, is very enthusiastic
about the team. At the end of the first half
of the match, the score was 1 - 1. Lt Col
Lekalakala said: “I am very impressed with
our ladies; they put up a good show and
kept the shape at the back. I am a bit concerned about the mid-field because they
are not supplying long balls on the far left.
They are only using the right wing. Our lady
Number Two is very fast and the British
team quickly strategised by putting three
players on her, weakening our frontline in
the process.”
our drive. Despite a magnificent defence
effort from our team, the Royal Air Force
women won the match 3-1 at the final whistle.
In handing over the trophy to the winners,
Maj Gen Des Barker thanked the participants for the wonderful spirit they had displayed and congratulated both teams on a
very constructive game.
The SA Air Force team captain, Cpl J.
Makebe, summarised the match: “In the
first half we managed to contain them, but in
the second half it became a whole different
game. They won the game in the second
half by playing long balls. They had a really good game plan in the second half. We
learned a lot of strategies, especially when
they play the ball in the middle, when we go
in, then they play it out, using their wings.
So this is something we learned. Next time
they come, we will make sure that we give
them a big hiding!” Cpl Makebe appreciated the effort of her team and said: “My
team really played very well, they played
their best, they gave their all. Next time, we
can improve on how we play, but I am very
proud of them.”
Countering the opposition, Number Two
was commissioned towards the middle of
the field in a four-four-two formation. This
reshaping of the pack in the middle of the
field improved the strategy of the SA Air
Force team, but could not guarantee success against the fitter Royal Air Force team
in the second half. The match intensified as
a number of injuries on the field weakened
Generous support was given to the
SA Air Force Women's Soccer team by
the very enthusiastic Officer Forming
Course members 2007/01
The determination and drive of our
team is evident in their passionate play.
Watch these ladies, they are going to
soar in the near future!
ad astra - second edition 2007
31
SA Air Force assists Department of Public Works
development
on
marion
island
development on marion island
- Compiled by Capt Paul Arendse, Corp Com Officer, AFB Ysterplaat -
- Photographs supplied by members from 2 ASU, AFB Ysterplaat -
D
uring the last quarter of 2006, Sgt
P.E.K. van Biljon and Cpl A.G. Morta,
both from 2 Air Servicing Unit (ASU)
(Detached), AFB Ysterplaat, left on
board the SA Agulhas as part of a group
of 45 construction workers, to assist the
Department of Public Works in completing
the construction of the Scientific Research
Station on Marion Island. The construction
continued for three months.
The research base consists of a working
and living area constructed from molded
steel and fiberglass panels, which can
withstand the extreme weather conditions.
These extreme weather conditions entail
temperatures varying between –15 to
10 degrees Celsius, with winds reaching
speeds of up to 180 km per hour. The wind
plays a major role with regard to the chill
factor.
Owing to the short time allowed for
construction, caused by the weather
conditions, these members worked from 7
am until 10 pm seven days a week, with
only one day of rest per month, in order to
complete this new research base.
Marion Island is situated approximately
2 000 km south-east of Cape Point and
falls within the borders of South Africa.
Communication between the island and
the outside world can only take place via
satellite.
Researchers have been coming to
Marion Island since the 18th century. The
researchers on Marion Island continuously
monitor the weather. They also research
the wildlife on and around the Island, which
includes killer whales, penguins, elephant
seals and the albatross, which can grow
to a height of 1 meter. Although the new
base can accommodate 90 researchers,
the researchers usually come in groups
of 10 to 15, and stay for up to a year. The
volcano on the Island also attracts attention,
although this has not erupted in a while.
2 ASU, AFB Ysterplaat, has previously
rendered technical services to the
Department
of
Public
Works
for
maintenance and development on Marion
and Gough Islands, as well as Antarctica.
It is also planned that, in the future, 2
ASU Ysterplaat will assist in the training
of researchers that will be deployed to the
Islands and Antarctica.
32
ad astra - second edition 2007
Chief of the Air Force Liaison Officer
new appointment
to caf
new appointment
to caf
- By Ms Hanrie Greebe -
C
hief of the Air Force Liaison Officer at
SA Air Force Headquarters is a new position that has been created owing to changing needs within the Air Force Office. Col Bill
De Pinho officially took up this position on 1
April 2007, although he had already taken
responsibility for the position. His appointment is pre-emptive in anticipation of and in
preparation for structural and command and
control changes that are foreseen within the
SA Air Force Headquarters after April 2007.
The proposed changes are in line with structural transformations that are taking place
within the SANDF.
Col De Pinho performs the duty of liaison
between CAF, external stakeholders and
the SANDF, with the main focus on internal
communication. It is one of CAF’s objectives for 2007 to make himself more visible, whether it be by video, messages in
Ad Astra or the Intranet, utilising what is
available to him to communicate with the
rest of the Air Force. The Liaison Office will
therefore serve as a quick line of communication between CAF and the rest of the Air
Force. External enquires that are of such
a nature that they would require CAF’s attention directly will also be handled through
this office.
He explains: “I am going to handle all media relations, public relations and foreign
relations and will be working together with
Directorate Corporate Staff Services for
execution of CAF’s activities.” As part of
the proposed changes, the title of CAF will
remain unchanged, but he will be Com-
- Photograph by WO2 Christo Crous mander of the SA Air Force, making him
more hands-on in his directing of the Air
Force. The position of Liaison Officer will
streamline and lessen current workloads,
yet enhance CAF’s ability to be more in
touch with the Air Force and to facilitate the
communication that he needs to channel
into the organisation, as well as externally,
whether it be to the rest of the SANDF, the
general public or foreign delegates.
Current procedures in terms of media enquiries will still be directed through Directorate Corporate Communication at SANDF
Headquarters, then directed through the office of CAF Liaison Officer, who will act as
nodal point. It is important to note that the
position is not a duplication of the functions
performed by DCSS, but that Col De Pinho
will act as a go-between between CAF and
the rest of the Air Force. Any matters that
are of concern to the image of the Air Force
will also come through this office. This is
to ensure that CAF will be more aware of
what is going on pertaining to matters that
need to be handled with discretion. These
queries will obviously then come from a
higher level, be it the Chief of the SANDF,
or the Minister of Defence. CAF will then
be able to deal with them and not be asked
difficult questions about incidents of which
he has no knowledge.
Col De Pinho has experience in the foreign relations environment and completed
his Senior Command and Staff course
at SAAF College in 1999, where he also
served as directing staff member. He was
Col Bill De Pinho has been appointed
in the new position of Chief of the Air
Force Liaison Officer at SA Air Force
Headquarters
involved with Project Profusion, which was
the development of JSCSP, which is now
presented at the National War College. He
served as Officer Commanding of JARIC
until the end of 2004, whereafter he was
involved in various structures pertaining to
the SA Excellence Model (SAEM). He was
the manager of the 2005 SAAF Museum
Air Show and is the Manager for the Gripen
Recognizance capability. In addition to the
responsibilities of CAF Liaison Officer, Col
De Pinho will still act as Secretary of the Air
Force Board. Externally he also represents
the Air Force and is appointed as a Director
of the environmental NGO, “The Bateleurs
– flying for the environment in Africa.”
100 years of
vertical
verticalflight
flight
A
lthough fixed-wing aircraft receive all
the attention of most historians, helicopter flight was the first flight envisioned
by man. In fact, the ancient Chinese were
playing with a hand-spun toy that rose upward when revolved rapidly, and as early
as the mid-1500s the great Italian inventor Leonardo Da Vinci had used his fertile
mind to make drawings of a machine that
we now know as the helicopter.
The great breakthrough came at the end of
the nineteenth century. The invention of the
internal combustion engine made it possible for the pioneers to develop full-sized
models with an adequate power source.
It was then they experienced the difficult
problems of torque - the effect produced by
the rotor which makes the fuselage tend to
- By Ms Hanrie Greebe -
rotate in the opposite direction as the rotor.
On 13 November 1907, the French bicycle
maker Paul Cornu became the first person
to rise vertically in powered free flight. His
helicopter used two 20-foot (6-meter) counter-rotating rotors driven by a 24-hp (18kW) Antoinette engine to cancel torque.
Some control was achieved by placing
auxiliary paddle-like wings below the rotors, and sticks held by men on the ground
stabilised the machine. Although Cornu
achieved a historic first, rising about one
foot (0.6 meter) and hovering for about 20
seconds, the controls were inadequate,
and the craft never developed into a practical helicopter. Cornu died in 1944.
ad astra - second edition 2007
In 1907, the French inventor Paul Cornu
made a helicopter that used two 20-foot
(6-meter) counter-rotating rotors driven
by a 24-hp (18-kW) Antoinette engine
33
34
ad astra - second edition 2007
Solo flight vs solo pit
pilot wings
pilot wings
- Article by CO Laura Ilunga, Pupil Pilot, CFS, AFB Langebaanweg -
E
“
very pilot remembers the magic of his/
her first solo flight; the silence from the
back seat and how accurately he/she flew
his/her first circuit. It is an unforgettable
experience. It is a major milestone in your
flying career, especially as you will fly your
first solo in the Astra, one of the finest
training aircraft in the world.” These are
words printed in the Pilatus Astra Student
Pilot Training Manual (SPTM), also known
as the “pupe’s Bible”, and it is these words
that prepare the student military aviators at
Central Flying School (CFS) of Air Force
Base Langebaanweg for their first solos.
Several
improvements
have
been
implemented at CFS; for example, the
“solo pit” was revamped and, instead of the
usual mud and many other unknowns that
filled it over many years, it was repainted in
the Astra’s red and white colours and clean
and clear water scented with lavender
flowed. Most old school aviators would
grunt and protest at this severe change,
but for the women of Pilot’s Wings Course
109/07, who played a major role in the pit’s
transformation, it looked “fantabulously”
pretty. All that remained was to wait for that
special solo day.
- Photographs by CO M.P. Ramoipone -
a safe landing is assured, the rituals begin.
Your face is covered in exhaust fumes soot,
your socks are tied together and, without
touching the ground, you are carried by
your course mates to the solo pit, along
the way enduring some “pains”. At the pit,
where everyone awaits you, your face is
dunked into a mud puddle and you are then
tossed into the water to seal the deal.
Pilot’s Wings Course 109/07 was another
step along the path of military aviation,
thanks to the many flying instructors at
CFS. They worked hard to get us to where
we are and they continue with the training
until the day that we are students no more,
but proudly wear the South African Air
Force’s pilot’s wings.
The pupes' badge says it all...
There are two phases to the solo day: first,
a solo check with an A-Cat instructor who
deems you either competent or not and, if
the latter does not apply, you are set free
on your first solo flight. I can still remember
the brief moment during which my heart
jumped in my chest and the Airman’s Prayer
rushed through my head, for a safe return,
as I flew “through lonely ways across the
sky”.
Once the gruelling 0.3 hours are done and
CO Laura Ilunga in the solo pit after her solo appearing with Capt Imelda du Toit
South African Joint Air Defence Symposium (SAJADS)
upcoming
symposium
upcoming
symposium
O
ver 400 delegates from Africa and
abroad are expected to attend a twoday biennial South African Joint Air Defence Symposium (SAJADS) to be held at
the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) in the Tshwane Metro from
30 to 31 May 2007.
ing place every two years and organised
under the auspices of the Chief Joint Operations of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), will be addressed
by 22 renowned presenters from Europe,
Asia, South America and the United States
of America.
The major aim of the Symposium is to attract people interested in the subject of
Air Defence, with specific emphasis on
defence officials, government officials, defence institutes, and the relevant defence
industries.
The 2007 Symposium, with the theme: Effective, Sustainable Air Defence in Southern Africa, is also aimed at stimulating
debate on establishing an affordable and
sustainable air defence capability in the
southern African region by benchmarking
internationally and contextualising this to
the African environment.
SAJADS, a prestigious military event tak35
ad astra - second edition 2007
The Symposium, which will be facilitated
by Armscor, will also hold a formal function on the evening of 30 May 2007, where
delegates will have ample opportunity for
informal discussions.
More information regarding programmes,
venues, registration, fees (R2 000 nonmilitary and R1 000 military), payment, proceedings, etc, can be found on the website:
http://www.sajads.co.za and contact can be
made via e-mail: [email protected].
Other contact details are as follows:
Mr Callie Potgieter, Telephone: +27 12 428
2714, Facsimile: +27 12 428 3429.
The SANDF Code of Conduct
thethe
originator
originator
- By Ms Hanrie Greebe -
- Photographs by Maj James du Toit -
C
pl T.T. Malautsi from 515 Sqn at AFB
Makhado is the originator of the
SANDF Code of Conduct. He was interested in a career in the SANDF and decided to
do something for the Defence Force before
joining.
Cpl Malautsi has previous military experience as a former member of APLA. In contrast with many of his comrades, he was
not integrated into the SANDF, but joined
as a civilian. In June 1994 Cpl Malautsi
wrote the original Code of Conduct that
was slightly amended to its current form.
Cpl Malautsi deserves a medal for his valuable contribution towards building pride
and discipline in the SANDF. The SA Air
Force is indeed privileged to have such a
visionary amongst its ranks. Imagine how
the morale of the non-commissioned officers would soar if Cpl Malautsi was to receive recognition at a parade where all four
Arms of Service are present. Cpl Malautsi,
we salute you.
Cpl T.T. Malautsi from 515 Sqn at AFB Makhado is the originator of the SANDF Code
of Conduct
We salute Russel Tungay
in honour of a great man
in honour of a great man
- By Brig Gen Hugh Paine, Director Air Capability Plan, Air Force Office -
I
t was a very sad day for 87 Helicopter
Flying School and the whole SA Air Force
helicopter community when the news was
received that Honorary Colonel Russell
Tungay had passed away on 27 February
2007.
Col Tungay started his involvement with the
SAAF when he qualified for his SAAF pilot
wings on Harvards at Central Flying School
in 1962. He then went on to serve as a Citizen Force pilot at 5 Sqn, AFB Durban, from
1963 to 1974. From 1968 to 1981 he took
over the running of the Drakensberg Boys
Choir School, the school that had been
founded by his father, as the Managing
Director. In 1982 be bought Dragon Peaks
Holiday Resort and two years later started
to build an airfield at the resort. The SAAF
was invited to move their helicopter mountain flying training from a nearby farm to the
resort airfield, which was to become known
as “Dragon Peaks Air Force Base”.
Over the years the airfield facilities expanded substantially and included a three
storey control tower, two storey accommodation block, fuel dump, mess facilities
with a large kitchen and, of course, a bar.
For the last 23 years all the SAAF helicopters crews have learnt their mountain flying skills from this facility, which they fondly
called “Dragons”. With its accommodation
and fuel supply, it has also been a valuable staging post for many rescues into
the Drakensberg and Lesotho. It was very
appropriate that Col Tungay was appointed
as the Honorary Colonel of 87 Helicopter
Flying School in 1987. With this appointment, as was his nature, he went to great
lengths to research the historical origins
and the role and functions of honorary
colonels. In the process he made contact
with the royal family in the United Kingdom
and wrote very useful guidelines for honorary colonels in the SAAF.
Col Tungay was very involved in the local
community and served as a municipal councillor from 1996 onwards and from 1999 to
2000 served as the Mayor of Cathkin Park
TLC. Not only was he Chairperson of Club
Caraville and Caraville Travel International,
but was also the Managing Director of six
companies and a member of the board of
four tourism associations.
While Col Tungay had an extremely busy
schedule, he always had the time to give
wise counsel to those who needed it. He
passed away at the age of 62 after a battle with cancer. 87 Helicopter Flying School
was busy with a training deployment at the
time and attended his funeral on the family
ad astra - second edition 2007
Honorary Colonel Russell Tungay
passed away on 27 February 2007
farm on Sunday 4 March 2007. His memory will live on in the contributions to his
country and friendships that he has made.
He leaves behind his wife, Lynn, and three
sons who will continue the wonderful relationship that he built up with the SAAF.
36