LOWVELD AIRSHOW 2023 - A WELCOME RETURN

Nelspruit airshows, is known for hosting above average and this year was no exception

FOR 2023, anchor sponsor Kishugu once again teamed up with ABSA and Airlink to deliver a short but action packed show.

On Saturday morning there was doubt that the show would go ahead, as low clouds plagued the area. Fortunately, as the day warmed, the cloud base rose high enough to go ahead with the show safely.

The gates opened at 10:00 to admit long queues. By the time the first display was flown, the airfield was packed to levels that haven’t been seen for many years.

Radio-controlled aircraft were the first to get airborne, with the BAE Hawk model, painted in Saudi Airforce livery. The miniature jet got the crowd primed for the rest of the day. The jet was followed by large-scale aerobatic models, and what these RC pilots accomplish with these aircraft is amazing.

Once the RC aircraft were back on the ground, Bobby Rowe took to the air in a Micro Aviation Bat Hawk. Bobby has the ability to show just how manoeuvrable this versatile little South African-built aircraft is. The Bat Hawk is now used in many African countries for a variety of tasks, notably anti-poaching. And South African Bat Hawk pilots are currently working with the authorities in the Ivory Coast to set up an anti-poaching programme.

A parade of emergency vehicles was followed by bikers from the Nelspruit to promote the “Look Twice for Motorcycles.”