The dawning of a New Age

By Capt J.P. van Vuuren Photographs by WO2 C.E, Crous

A pleasant cool and cloudy morning greeted invited guests when 60 Squadron with flight crew, Lt Col W. Knacke (Commander), Lt Col L. Burger (Co-Pilot), WO1 L. Ströhmenger (Flight Engineer), WO1 J. Wessels (Flight Engineer) and Lt Col A. Knoetze (Navigator) landed the SAAF Boeing 707 at AFB Bloemspruit. The friendly and efficient cabin crew consisting of F Sgt G.P. Kotze, Sgt N. Noko and Sgt L. Gomes attended to the guests on board.

Wednesday 19 October 2005 saw the official welcoming of the AgustaWestland A109 Light Utility Helicopter into the proud family of aircraft in the SA Air Force. Welcomed by the officer commanding Col F.Z. Msimang, guests were received at a guard of honour at the 4 Hangar entrance. The Master of Ceremonies (MC), Lt Col Brian Emmenis guided the guests and media into an event that showed great commitment and professionalism and the highest commendation must go to the men and women at AFB Bloemspruit who made this historical event a reality.

Sleek, agile and with a powerful roar that eliminates any idea that this helicopter is “small” captured the crowd as the three tenacious A109 LUH’s were presented in a three-ship formation that flew overhead 4 Hanger. Agusta 4005 was flown by Mr L. Cassioli (Italy) and Lt Col E. Viljoen (SAAF), Agusta 4007 by Mr Mace (Italy) and Lt Col A.H. Kitley (SAAF) and Agusta 4008 was flown by Maj Gus Grünewald (SAAF) and 2Lt Tarryn Bind (SAAF). An impressive solo flying exhibition was done by the highly acclaimed and qualified Mr L. Cassioli.

Signing the commemorative certificate were Mr B.E. Ramfolo, Chief of Acquisitions, Department of Defence, Mr P. Chabrat, the Head of Africa Region AgustaWestland, Dr P.S. Molefe, Chairperson for Armscor and Lt Gen C. Gagiano, Chief of the SA Air Force. After the signing of the certificate, and with Italian music to enhance the moment, CAF unveiled the AgustaWestland A109 LUH . This was in the form of a static A109 LUH that was revealed behind movable screen displays.

After the completion of the display, the three helicopters landed, taxied into position next to each other in front of Nr 4 hanger, facing the spectators. After switching off, the aircrew disembarked which signalled the end of the formal event.

Everyone present was served with champagne and grape juice. A light lunch in the form of a finger lunch was presented where after the eventful day came to a close.