The airshow part of this event was excellently managed by Rikus Erasmus, Walter Doubel and the ASSA team. The airfield had been beautifully prepared with the grass cut short and large marquees set up for the expected 500 school children and in the region of 200 dignitaries. Several large food outlets were planned and I was told by the caters that they had been tasked to feed more than 600 people.
After the normal airshow media briefing by Rikus and the ASSA team, the media had access to delicious snacks and cold refreshments, including bottled water which was essential for the heat of the day. SACAA’s media specialist Sisa Majola addressed the media about the intension of the day and how things would proceed.
The show itself started at 11h00 with the SAPS Squirrel helicopter dropping three task force members above the airfield. Once they landed safely and to the delight of the spectators the national anthem was played. Several young dancers in traditional clothing danced to the exciting African rhythm that many of us have heard many times before and this heralded the arrival of all the dignitaries.
At this stage the airshow was adjourned for two hours whilst the children and dignitaries moved into the large partially airconditioned marquee when several speeches were made by local, provincial and ministerial leaders as well as CEO’s of the various aviation parastatal companies such as SACAA, ACSA and ATNS. Emphasis was placed on the theme for ICAD this year: ‘advancing innovation for global aviation development.’ The world is changing at a rapid pace and technologies such as remotely piloted aerial systems.
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