Vision and Mission

OUR VISION

87 Helicopter Flying School is the acknowledged prestige military flying school that provides a crucial contribution to helicopter flying training and operational capabilities in Southern Africa.

OUR MISSION

87 Helicopter Flying School is a provider of professional and cost effective military helicopter flying training to the SAAF and on demand to other Air Forces and Air Wings. Through our own inherent pride, flexibility and dynamic approach we ensure, by means of the application of personnel and modern training methods, training of the highest quality and commitment to our clients. We also provide professional support to our security services, emergency services and other interest groups, as prescribed by CAF

Top

 Ideology

EVERYONE GRASPS RESPONSIBILITY: NO PASSENGERS. 

WE SEARCH FOR, CREATE AND UTILISE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH INNOVATION.   

EVERYONE IN THE TEAM IS A TRUMP CARD.    

WE CARE FOR AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER, ACHIEVEMENT IS ACKNOWLEDGED.   

OUR COMMUNICATION IS HONEST AND DIRECT.    

WE FLY TO WIN: FRIEND AND FOE RESPECT US.    

PROPER PLANNING LEADS TO COST-EFFECTIVENESS.   

WE ARE FLEXIBLE IN THOUGHT AND DEED: NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.   

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. 

87 HFS TRADITIONS ARE OUR PRIDE 

Top

  History

The unit was formed in February 1968 at AFB Ysterplaat under the leadership of the currently retired Col Jollie Oosthuizen and was known as the Helicopter Conversion Unit.  The aim of the unit was to train helicopter pilots and flight engineers for the SA Air Force.  During 1973 the name changed to 87 Advanced Flying School, and the unit took on the secondary roles of search and rescue as well as supporting internal stability in South Africa.  The unit  moved from AFB Ysterplaat to AFB Bloemspruit in  1978.  From 1980 up until 1985 the unit was involved in the training of pupil pilots to qualify for their wings, and again underwent a name change to that of 87 Helicopter Flying School.  The unit’s first honourary Colonel, Colonel Russel Tungay, was appointed in 1987.  The unit received the Freedom of Hopetown in 1988.  87 HFS supplied personnel and equipment throughout the South West African conflict as well as in Rhodesia, excluding the time it was involved in qualifying pupil pilots for their wings

Top

Telephone:  (051)  405-6911  

Extension:   6131

Fax:            (051) 405-6241    

87 Heli Flying Shool
AFB Bloemspruit 
Private Bag X20608
Bloemfontein
9300