Alewyn Burger, above, is a captain at FlySafair on Boeing 737s. In addition to rally flying, he also competes in aerobatics, gives flying instruction, and enjoys teaching the art of taildragger flying. During the Stellenbosch Flying Club Airshow, he pretended to be a 92-year-old veteran, who was going to be taken for a flip in John Smith’s vintage Piper Cub. However, as soon as Alewyn was ensconced in the back seat of this iconic yellow taildragger, he took off by himself, and had the crowd gasping as he got airborne and proceeded to do a sequence of “crazy” flying. Barely clearing the embankment parallel to the runway, he dipped down to “snag” a wash-line of assorted ladies’ undergarments, ostensibly from a De Zalze residence. Attempts at landing were a fine display of control on one wheel down the runway, while the commentator kept up the ruse. After a short landing he arrived in front of the crowd in a flourish to reveal his true identity and take a bow. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROST
Alewyn Burger, above, is a captain at FlySafair on Boeing 737s. In addition to rally flying, he also competes in aerobatics, gives flying instruction, and enjoys teaching the art of taildragger flying. During the Stellenbosch Flying Club Airshow, he pretended to be a 92-year-old veteran, who was going to be taken for a flip in John Smith’s vintage Piper Cub. However, as soon as Alewyn was ensconced in the back seat of this iconic yellow taildragger, he took off by himself, and had the crowd gasping as he got airborne and proceeded to do a sequence of “crazy” flying. Barely clearing the embankment parallel to the runway, he dipped down to “snag” a wash-line of assorted ladies’ undergarments, ostensibly from a De Zalze residence. Attempts at landing were a fine display of control on one wheel down the runway, while the commentator kept up the ruse. After a short landing he arrived in front of the crowd in a flourish to reveal his true identity and take a bow. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTThis dapper Piper Cub, which has been flying for over 70 years, was part of a prank that was a crowd-favourite. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTThe mighty Antanov-2 Biplane. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTPICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTThe orchestra, situated in front of one of the hangars, played to an enthusiastic crowd of airshow visitors. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTThe Silver Falcons are the South African Air Force official display team, and have five Pilatus Pc7mkii, based at the Central Flying School at Langebaanweg.There was an individual display by one aircraft, and the other one was a static exhibit. They left in formation at the end. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTVisitors to the airshow, Sharon Malan and Charlie Apperley. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTMembers of the Working on Fire Kishugu team, watching the performances. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTCall to service: Pictured at the Stellenbosch Flying Club Airshow, over the weekend, were these members of VWS (Volunteer Wildfire Services), which is celebrating its 25th year combating fires in the Western Cape.The VWS is a non profit, volunteer organisation that partners with Table Mountain National Park, Cape Biodiversity, Overberg and Winelands District municipalities among others to supply well-trained ground forces to bolster the resources required to combat a wildfire.With four bases in Cape Town — Newlands, Kommetjie, Somerset West and Stellenbosch — they are well positioned to respond quickly to emergency calls.Most recently VWS members have been heavily involved in the Simon’s Town, Tulbagh and Betty’s Bay fires. The Erinvale fires of 2022 also saw a colossal effort from the Helderberg volunteers.The VWS is currently actively recruiting volunteers for the 2024/25 fire season. In addition to firefighters, drivers, logistical support, planning, fund-raising and many other roles need to be filled. For a peek into the VWS world, visit www.flickr.com/photos/137896280@N03/albums/or visit www.vws.org.za or call Thane on 082 440 7381.From left are Justin Roy, Marius Janse van Rensburg, Trevor Wyborn and Thane Masureik. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROSTPICTURE: Stevo Clapham / Stevo ImagesPICTURE: Stevo Clapham / Stevo ImagesThe Piper Cub with the laundry line, “snagged” en route... PICTURE: Stevo Clapham / Stevo ImagesAlewyn Burger, seated in the aircraft, is a captain at FlySafair on Boeing 737s. In addition to rally flying, he also competes in aerobatics, gives flying instruction, and enjoys teaching the art of taildragger flying. During the Stellenbosch Flying Club Airshow, he pretended to be a 92-year-old veteran, who was going to be taken for a flip in this vintage Piper Cub, owned by John Smith, pictured. However, as soon as Alewyn was ensconced in the back seat of this iconic yellow taildragger, he took off by himself, and had the crowd gasping as he got airborne and proceeded to do a sequence of “crazy” flying. Barely clearing the embankment parallel to the runway, he dipped down to “snag” a wash-line of assorted ladies’ undergarments, ostensibly from a De Zalze residence. Attempts at landing were a fine display of control on one wheel down the runway, while the commentator kept up the ruse. After a short landing he arrived in front of the crowd in a flourish to reveal his true identity and take a bow. PICTURE: STEVE CLAPHAM / STEVO IMAGESPICTURE: STEVE CLAPHAM / STEVO IMAGESThe Antanov-2 Biplane, airborne. PICTURE: STEVE CLAPHAM / STEVO IMAGESMen and their magnificent flying machines.... PICTURE: STEVE CLAPHAM / STEVO IMAGESThe Working on Fire aircraft dumping water during their display. PICTURE: CAROLYN FROST
