It indeed was all eyes fixed to the sky last Saturday at the Uitenhage Airfield, ironically not to watch aircraft, but rather the inclement weather which prohibited the long-awaited air show from taking off.
But despite the weather, the eight Klinicare Wings & Wheels Air Show, crowd-wise, was a huge success.
“Luckily there were enough other adrenaline pumping and crowd-pleasing activities to enjoy watching like the extreme 4×4 challenges, rally cars in action, display of various vehicles and trikes as well as the entertainment on stage,” said Colin Dettmann, chairperson of the Uitenhage Airfield Association, which hosted the Klinicare Wings & Wheels Air Show.
“Apart from the inclement weather which played a role in not having a proper air show, another unfortunate aspect was that the refinery for Avgas has closed and there was no aviation fuel available in Nelson Mandela Bay and most airfields across the country.
This meant that it was not possible for pilots to refuel their aircraft and as a result the Goodyear Eagles aerobatic team could not fly to Kariega.
“It was disappointing for pilots, organisers as well as the crowd, but there always is a next time,” said Dettmann.
The civil aviation authority as well as pilots agreed that it was too dangerous to host the full-scale air show as planned. The moment the weather cleared a bit, a few aircraft did however take to the sky with performances by aerobatic pilots Patrick Davidson in a Sea Fury, whilst Jurie Steyn from Stellenbosch graced the event with a visit in his Piper Aerostar, which has the reputation of being one of the fastest twin-engine propeller driven light transport aircraft.
Lourens Kruger, one of the organisers of the Klinicare Wings & Wheels Air Show said it was heart-warming, however, to have seen such a large crowd attending the event despite the weather.
“The clouds might have been too low layered and a risk for flying, but the spirit of the crowd and all who supported and participated at the air show, was high.
“”A huge thank you to the public, our sponsors and everyone who supported and contributed to the success of the Wings & Wheels air show. Their support made it possible for the Uitenhage Airfield Association to contribute to identified beneficiaries of the show, namely Drostdy Workshop for Mentally Disabled, Huis Minette as well as Huis Najaar,” said Kruger.
The air show ended on a high note with a performance by popular artist Franja du Plessis, who proved to be a good drawcard to the event.
