Airweek 2025: Where Aviation Passion and Innovation Take Flight
Airweek an aviation showcase for aviators, by aviators.
Airweek 2025 at Middelburg Airfield was the hub for South African aviation enthusiasts during the first week of March 2025, showcasing a diverse array of aircraft including a few unique aircraft. The Middelburg Aero Club, Aeroclub of South Africa, EAA Chapter 322, and Air Show South Africa have undoubtedly set the benchmark for the year’s upcoming events.
Previously held at Parys Airfield, the Aeroclub of South Africa’s annual Airweek event is now in its seventh year at Middelburg Airfield, located just north of the town of Middelburg and a short 90-minute drive from Johannesburg. This year’s event celebrated 105 years of recreational aviation in South Africa—a significant milestone by any measure.
Airweek has quickly become one of the highlights of the aviation calendar in South Africa and is often referred to as SA’s “Mini Oshkosh” because many attendees fly in and camp next to their aircraft for the weekend, much like at the Oshkosh Airshow in the USA. It is designed to be an aviation showcase for aviators, by aviators.
The primary aim of Airweek is to foster a deeper appreciation for general aviation in its multiple facets and to provide a space where aviators, enthusiasts, and the general public can connect and learn from one another. This, in turn, promotes the exchange of ideas, innovations, new technologies and products, as well as experiences among aviation professionals and hobbyists alike. The event also aims to inspire the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals through interactive displays, workshops, and hands-on learning opportunities.
The year-on-year success of the Airweek event can largely be attributed to the tireless efforts of the Middelburg Aero Club, Aeroclub of South Africa, EAA Chapter 322, and Air Show South Africa. These organisations work together to ensure that each year surpasses the previous one in terms of scale, diversity, and engagement—and the 2025 event certainly did just that! Their commitment to excellence has set a high standard across the various facets of the event.
Organisers are already planning Airweek 2026, promising an even grander spectacle with more opportunities to experience the wonders of flight up close.
Airweek 2025
Weekend Highlights and Main Attractions
Visitors were treated to a wide range of airborne activities on the Saturday. From early morning hot air balloon launches to high-energy aerobatic displays, helicopter flips, and precision formation flying, there was a non-stop flow of activity throughout the day. Over 200 aircraft made the journey to Middelburg Airfield from all corners of the country across the three days of the event, with several unique and historic aircraft in attendance.
Airweek 2025
Show-Stopping Displays
Absolute Aviation
Absolute Aviation brought two variants of the Pipistrel Velis to the event: the Explorer and the brand-new, all-electric Electro. The Electro garnered significant attention from curious showgoers, being the only electric aircraft at the event. Both aircraft were brilliantly flown in a remarkable display of close-quarters formation flying towards the end of Saturday’s air show.
Berg Aero Works
Berg Aero Works, the newly appointed South African distributor of Bearhawk Aircraft —an American-based manufacturer of kit planes— had three different models from the Bearhawk range on display: the LSA, Patrol, and Four. These aircraft are excellent, well-priced options for budding aviators looking to build their own kit aircraft.
The Orion Cub
The Orion Cub, which is locally designed and manufactured, is a beautifully executed modern rendition of the classic Cub-type aircraft, beloved by backcountry pilots worldwide. It was expertly flown in the “Stolen Aircraft” display by Jason Beamish, who showcased the aircraft’s handling qualities in great style for the showgoers still present in the late afternoon sunshine.
Sling Aircraft
Sling Aircraft had their new High Wing model on display in the static park for showgoers and potential clients to inspect up close, alongside the new Sling TSi—an updated model following the highly successful Sling 2 and Sling 4. Both aircraft participated in a formation flight display during the afternoon’s air show, offering a fantastic demonstration of their manoeuvrability.
Jet Enthusiasts
For jet enthusiasts, the inclusion of the Aero L-29 Delfín, owned by Richardt Lovett and named Austrian Eagle, in the air show display line-up provided attendees with a spectacular high-speed performance, showcasing all angles of the stunning Czechoslovakian-built military jet trainer.
Airweek 2025
Special Features and Competitions
The STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) competition, held on the main runway on Friday afternoon, gave entrants the opportunity to test and hone their skills while providing spectators with an impressive display of precision flying—something rarely seen by the general public.
Entries were also open for the EAA Aircraft Judging Competition throughout the event, with categories for homebuilt, restoration, ultralight, vintage, and warbird aircraft. Led by Paul Lastrucci, the judging panel comprised highly skilled aviation industry experts.
Airweek 2025
Captivating Air Show
The Saturday afternoon air show captivated the crowds in attendance, showcasing remarkable piloting skills across a wide range of aircraft types—from RC aircraft to helicopters and military jet trainers. Although relatively short at just three hours, it was packed from start to finish with high-energy displays and outstanding formation flying.
Airweek 2025
Reflections and Personal Stories
Chris Kambouris
Chris Kambouris flew in from Springs Airfield in his Formula GT (ZU-FGT), taking only 16 minutes at around 180 knots. His Performance Aircraft Formula GT is the first and only factory prototype in the world, initially introduced at Oshkosh in the 1990s. The original design, which featured an LS V8 vehicle engine, was not well received. Subsequent modifications were made to the nose to accommodate a Lycoming AEIO-540 engine. When the aircraft returned to Oshkosh two years later, a company called Turbine Legend approached Performance Aircraft, seeking a design for their fastest propeller-driven experimental aircraft. As a result, Turbine Legend acquired Performance Aircraft. The Turbine Legend aircraft retains the same design, with modifications to the cockpit and nose to accommodate a turbine engine. Chris’s aircraft features a Lycoming AEIO-540 engine, a full glass cockpit, and a Rocket 400 propeller.
Chris thoroughly enjoyed Airweek, describing it as “awesome and much busier than last year, with lots more to see.” He noted the presence of new people and aircraft and appreciated the addition of a small air show to the programme this year. Chris was particularly impressed by Andre van Zyl’s display of his Magni gyrocopter.
Ricardo De Bonis
Ricardo De Bonis flew in from Krugersdorp Airfield in his Lockwood AirCam (ZU-DYH), with the flight lasting 1 hour and 50 minutes. During his journey, he flew over Tedderfield and Springs Airfields.
The Lockwood AirCam was designed for aerial observation and photography. Manufactured in Sebring, United States, there are currently 150 flying examples worldwide. The aircraft has a unique design, featuring two Rotax 912S 100hp engines mounted in the centre of the wing in a pusher configuration. The AirCam cruises at 80–85 mph and has an endurance of five hours. It was certainly one of the most distinctive aircraft in attendance!
Ronell Myburgh
Ronell Myburgh from EAA has extensive experience in the operations sector of aviation. She worked for seven years at Springbok Classic Air, which operates classic prop liners such as the Douglas DC-3, DC-4, DC-6, and Beechcraft 18. She then spent seven years at CemAir as a training coordinator, managing aircrew training. Ronell is currently working at SimAero.
Ronell describes Airweek as the largest and most important event of the year, serving as the umbrella under which everything falls. She praised Rob Jonker, Goitseona Diale, and their entire team for doing an excellent job organising the event.
Ronell has a particular fondness for vintage aircraft, with the DC-3 being her favourite. She appreciates the growth of the industry and believes that South Africa has some of the best aviation photographers in the world. High praise indeed!
Airweek 2025
Community Spirit and Local Involvement
A strong sense of camaraderie filled the air as numerous local food vendors provided refreshments for all those attending, while the list of exhibitors included, amongst others:
- Absolute Aviation
- Aeroclub
- Air Adventure Tours
- ARC – Aircraft Risk Company
- ATNS – Air Traffic Navigation Services
- Auto Gyro SA
- Aviation Direct
- Berg Aero Works
- Century Avionics
- Cirrus
- Comet Aviation Supplies
- DJA
- EAA – Experimental Aircraft Association
- Evans Aviation
- LSA Covers
- Mayday-SA
- Next Aviation
- Orion Aircraft
- Pilot Insure
- Rotax
- SACAA – South African Civil Aviation Authority
- SAPFA – South African Power Flying Association
- SAWS – South African Weather Service
- SSASS
- Sling Aircraft
- Vektor Aviation
Airweek 2025
Workshops, Talks, and Learning Opportunities
Throughout Friday and Saturday, Airweek hosted a range of informative talks and workshops.
On Friday afternoon, Century Avionics featured Ms Pallavee Appigadoo, who delivered a talk on her recent solo trip to Mauritius and back in a diesel-powered Cessna 172P.
Following that, Megan Stevenson gave an insightful talk on skills fade and proficiency.
In the workshops hangar, Peter Lastrucci conducted an excellent session on the finer details of safety wire tightening. This was followed by a Rotax workshop on Rotax engine oil changes, hosted by Niren Chitoki.
On Saturday morning, Dean Polley from SSASS presented an informative talk on ADS-B solutions for general aviation, addressing new legislation that is set to impact all aircraft operating in Class C airspace. Dean also showcased some of the products he supplies, including flight instruments that integrate with transponders.
Andrew Pitman from Sling Aircraft gave an engaging talk on the successful history of Sling Aircraft Company, as well as sharing a few of their future plans.
Following Andrew, Sizwe Buthelezi from Absolute Aviation spoke about the brand-new Pipistrel Velis Electro, a fully electric aircraft that was on display over the weekend.
In the workshops hangar, Braam Hechter led the Approved Persons workshop, followed by Rotax’s second workshop of the weekend—this one focused on the challenging carburettor settings on Rotax engines.
Airweek 2025
Prize-Giving Evening Celebrates Excellence
Once the flying had concluded, a prize-giving dinner was held in Richardt Lovett’s beautifully appointed hangar. The formalities began with the outgoing Chairman of the Aeroclub, Rob Jonkers, handing over to the incoming Chairman, Goitseona Diale, followed shortly afterwards by the prize-giving ceremonies for both the Aeroclub and the EAA.
EAA Award Winners:
- Hennie Delport – Best Vintage Aircraft (Piper J3F Cub, reg ZS-NAM)
- Susan Prinsloo – Best Warbird Aircraft (DeHavilland DH-82A Tiger Moth, reg ZS-BGL)
- Paul Marskell – Best Homebuilt Aircraft (Bearhawk Bravo 4, reg ZU-IUU)
- Eugene Couzyn – Best Tube and Fabric Aircraft (Piper PA-20 Pacer, reg ZS-DFO)
- Sylvester de Beer – Best Restoration Aircraft (AM-3C Bosbok, reg ZU-ADA)
- Ryan Briggs – Most Authentic Aircraft on Show (DeHavilland Chipmunk, reg ZS-LJU)
- John and Chris Shaw – EAA Grand Champion for 2025 (Vans RV-9A, reg ZU-SRV)
- Dale De Klerk – Spot landing competition (Orion CUB, reg ZU-IVS)
- Richard Moore – Longest Distance Travelled (Cessna 182 from Port Elizabeth)
- Hans De Beer – Fastest Cleco time (10 Cleco’s in 29.04 Seconds)
Aeroclub Award Winners:
- Karl Jensen – Most Enthusiastic Awards (Most enthusiastic member contribution at Airweek)
- Alan Turner – Piping Hot Award (Hottest Air Balloon)
- Machiel du Plessis – Aerial Antics Award (Best Aerobatics Demonstration – Vans RV-7, reg ZU-WMW)
- Steve Joubert – So Fly Award (Best Model Flyer – BAe Hawk)
- Robbie Hendriks – Jumping Frog Award (Best Gyroplane – Magni Gyro M22, reg ZU-GMR)
- Gilly Muller – Mischievous Jumper Award (Best parachuting)
- Robert Gassman – The Mosquito Award (Best Microlight – Air Creation TANARG, reg ZU-TAN)
- Ian Wilde – Find My Way Around Award (SAPFA Fun Rally)
After the formalities and awards were concluded, a fantastic dinner was had by all in attendance, with plenty of catching up taking place both during and after.