As South Africans , it is always with much pride that we are able to brag to our European friends about the English Electric Lightnings, and Buccanneers that we see flying at airshows, and this time around, it must turn our English friends green with envy to learn of the extraordinary aerial displays we have witnessed from Mike Beachy Head's Thunder City at this year's AAD. Thunder City as usual,
went all out this year, bringing two English Electric Lightnings, a Buccanneer and a Hunter to the party. Mike Beachy Head and his team conducted two displays this year. The first display consisted of a formation lead by Lightning XP693 flown by Dave Stock, flanked by a Buccanner and a Hunter flown by Ian Pringle and Mike himself.The three-ship performed two fly-pasts, before doing a break, followed by solo displays of each of the aircraft.After witnessing such an amazing display
with such rare aircraft, it was hard to believe that the team from Thunder City planned on topping it with a second, very special performance by two English Electric Lightnings. Lightnings XP693 and XR773 perfomed some truly amazing and loud fly-pasts, before doing something so truly special, that it becomes difficult to even report on it and not get a rush of adrenaline at the same time. The initial plan for the two lightnings was for XR773 to climb to 15000 feet above Ysterplaat, and to break the sound barrier as XP693 performed it's final fly-past down below. But as it turns out, Mike and Dave had other plans. As soon as XP693 came past, XR773 circling at altitude did in fact break the sound barrier, and the sonic boom came down on Ysterplaat with a loud bang.
What wasn't planned though, was that XP693 directly after, also broke the sound barrier at a lower altitude, sending a deafening second double-bang over Capetown. The second sonic boom was ear shattering, and caught most off guard, which in a way made it all the more spectacular.Calls were soon flooding radio stations, with complaints coming in from as far as 20 kilometers away, and even though it angered most residents in the area, there was not one aviation enthusiast that could deny the fact that they enjoyed it.
Well done to Mike and his team for once again stealing the show at Africa Aerospace and Defence!
Other highlights include a South African National Defence Force demonstartion, with cargo drops and mass helicopter displays, a very good SAAF Hawk display, and the usual polished displays from South African and internation pilots like Zolton Verez.
A special word of thanks must go out to Billy Nell and his team for doing an outstanding job in managing the media at AAD 2008. The efforts put forward by them should serve as an example for other air show organisers. The media centre was kept stocked with refreshments and food the entire time, with support available for special requests. Internet access was also provided as usual. Thank-you very much to you guys for making the AAD experience an amazing one for all members of the media, and we look forward to working with you again in two years.
We have added Galleries on all three days in the Gallery. Please click below to visit the galleries!
