Remarkable stunts in the sky
Spira Tlhankane | Tuesday August 8, 2017 15:10
Off course people from miles away couldn’t have heard it but for those who were there, it surely felt like the entire world was being deafened. Before we could talk about the many different types of aircraft in the skies during the annual event, it's important to mention the surprise visitor or should we say the unexpected and ground shaking wall of fire.
Even for those who regularly attend air shows and know every aircraft and manoeuvre, the great wall of fire is that part of the story that catches them off guard. Thunderbolt or lightning bolt always come out of the blue, but they don’t come close when it comes to this surprise package. At the time it happened people were still checking out the aerobatic action of a N5 fighter jet but as it went past their scenic view a huge explosion with hot flames accompanied it. In some air shows it’s mostly known ahead of time to avoid scaring people but they gave it that ‘second coming’ uncertainty. ‘Like a thief in the night’ it caught people by surprise and fired up the atmosphere of a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Now back to the sky magicians. The pilots who were mostly from the military were doing these incredible stunts with the planes. It was like exploring aviation first hand and at one point the two American MX2 aircraft seemed like they could knock each other out of the sky. MX2, which is a carbon fibre, is a two seater tandem sport aircraft and mostly used in air race championships.
Warbird enthusiasts got the chance to enjoy an awe dropping display from military aircraft. To continue the flypasts, a lean and mean flying machine in the form of Slick 540 airplane took the sky centre stage. The Slick is an all-composite design and spacious cockpit and has been hailed by pilots for having the best view.
It was not just airplanes but helicopters were expertly flown through the sky among others the M12 helicopters. Skydivers also dived from the sky displaying the Botswana flag while car owners made a parade of classic cars. At the same time, bikers did their stunts with their motorcycles.
The Botswana Defence Force also gave viewers a glimpse of war when soldiers exchanged fire. There were many stunts on the day including an airplane that landed on an aircraft carrier vehicle.
The event was also combined with Botswana Power Passion, which is Botswana’s strongest man competition. The event was organised by Botswana Tourism Organisation and it will return again next year with more stunts.