Africa's 1st and only genuine
Bush Pilot School
Tel: +27 82 490 5721
The Inaugural 2004
African Bush Pilots Fly-In
June 19th 2004

Barberton Airfield, South Africa

The 2004 inuagural "African Bush Pilots Fly-In" was an outstanding success!

There was no shortage of entertainment. Highlights of the event included a spectacular simulated air raid on the airfield incorporating live explosives, by PYRO-FX (conveniently based on the airfield), leading into an aerial fire water bombing demo by two Dromaders and a Cessna 206 Spotter from the Forest Fire Association (FFA) based nearby at Nelspruit airport.

EARTH, WIND, FIRE & WATER (&bush!)

The Air Raid aircraft pilots consisted of Steve George in a 'USAF' Navion, Aviation Attorney Christo Schoeman and Dr.Theunis de Bruin in a SAAB Safir and 'Toy' du Toit in an Atlas C4M Kudu

 
Navion drops a cluster of small bombs.
   
(Above) C4M Kudu about to drop the big one
The Kudu drops its load. A massive simulated nuclear bomb!
   

The Forest Fire Association (FFA) Aerial fire fighting team consisted of Egg van Dijk flying the Cessna 206 Fire Spotter, Danny Holtzhauzen and Hilton taylor in PZL M18 Dromader's each carrying 2000 litres of fire retardent.

Photo: Turbine Dromader flown by Danny Holtzhauzen water bombing a Fuel-Air Explosion (FAE) bomb dropped by the SAAB Safir flown by Christo Schoeman and Theunis de Bruin.

There were various flying displays during the day including skydiving by Aerial FX. Many different types of aircraft and registrations were pressent.

A Fireworks display by Lasertronics later in the evening kick started the late night partying and the "Bush Pilots Pub" was well supported.

 
Go on a interactive tour of the event. Click on the photo to view an amazing 360 degree moving image.
   

Commentary and ATC was well handled by Andy Currin of CDC Aviation, Lanseria. Attie Pienaar of Golden Wings AMO, Lanseria, was on standby for any aircraft breakdowns that fortunately did not occur.

Of great importance to all pilots is that the relaxed, informal atmosphere and success of this event can only be attributed to the obvious lack of officious intervention and we intend to keep it that way in the future! We thank everyone who supported the event and hope to see you all back next year.

Shirley Johnson, Organiser and Pyrotechnician, preparing fireworks.
"CC" Pocock - Event Organizer, Pyrotechnician and Display Pilot
Air Raid Pilots, SAPS explosives inspectors and "CC" Pocock during display briefing.
 
A Fireworks display by Lasertronics later in the evening was the cherry on top of the African Bush Pilots Fly-In and signaled the end to a highly successful inaugural event.
The African Bush Pilots Fly-in is the only aviation event in South Africa to have a spectacular and powerful High Impact Pyrotechnics & Aerial Stunt show as a major highlight to the event. Can you imagine being just 50 meters from some of the largest explosions ever created in front of a public audience? Join us at the next African Bush Pilots Fly-In as we create the enormous and devastating "Wall of Fire".
Subscribe to African-Bushpilots email group

The "African Bush Pilots" Email Group was created for pilots that live & work in the African bush or just have a keen interest in flying in Africa to share their experiences, knowledge and ideas, discuss related issues and to make new contacts & acquaintances.

Copyright (C) 2004.Lasertronics / Bush Air Aviation. All Rights Reserved.