TFDC 2012

On 14 November, 2009, Thundercity Lightning ZU-BEX crashed at the Test Flight and Development Air Show, claiming the life of Dave Stock. After that day, the Thundercity jets ceased to grace our skies, and the TFDC show for 2011 didn't happen. But on 21 April, 2012, AFB Overberg once again opened its gates to aviation enthusiasts eager to see and hear fast jets, helicopters, and general aviation aircraft. With the focus on General Aviation, pilots were encouraged to fly in to the air show and camp by their aircraft for the duration of the weekend. I believe over 150 aircraft flew in for the event. On the Friday, clouds sat gloomily overhead while pilots did their display validations. Towards the middle of the day, the wind had picked up, and the temperature dropped. But when the Buccaneer came roaring towards the field, the biting wind was forgotten as cameras were grabbed and hearts raced with excitement. Not to be left behind, the Hawker Hunter pitched up, here unique sound bringing smiles to our faces. This was the first time in years that we got to see the Thundercity jets fly.

That evening, the clouds lessened and the wind died down, and the perfect atmosphere for the evening display was created. An Agusta A109 was put through her paces for the rotorwing fans, and then Blokkies "Cobra" Joubert, took to the skies in the Gripen, setting off car alarms in the process. Few words can describe what it felt like to see and hear those two displays.

The next day was cold and rainy. A few aircraft managed to fly in, and the displays only started towards lunch time. Towards the end of the day, the clouds lessened, and we were blessed with some sunlight. I'm not going to babble, but I will say this; there is nothing better than eating breakfast and drinking in the smell of JetA1. Watching a jet roar past while the sound travels through your entire body and shakes your bones is still one of the best feelings in the world. Watching helicopters manoeuvre always has me wishing that I could be the one manipulating those powerful, versatile machines. At the end of the day, the air show was amazing, even though a lot of displays were called off due to the weather. But even better than seeing the aircraft, was being able to meet the pilots, and chat to them at the end of the day.