STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

STATEMENT BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (SANDF): MEDIA RELEASE FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW COLOURS OF THE SILVER FALCONS

Date: Tuesday 16 September 2008
Subject: LAUNCH OF THE NEW COLOURS OF THE SILVER FALCONS

Tuesday 16 September 2008 will prove to be a unique day in the history of the SA Air Force as the new colours of the world-renowned Silver Falcons Formation Aerobatic team is unveiled by the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lt General Carlo Gagiano, during Africa Aerospace and Defence 2008 at Air Force Base Ysterplaat.

The Silver Falcons first came to prominence in 1953 after being launched by various weapons instructors from Air Force Base Langebaanweg. In 1967, the Chief of Flying instructors Commandant Chris Prins added a new dimension by reviving the spirit of the team, which enabled it to perform its first Aerobatic display using the Impala aircrafts. In 1998 the team was presented with the new aircrafts, the Pilatus Astras, a propeller driven aircrafts to enable it to perform the magnificent displays.

Notes to members of the media:

You are invited to send a journalist and a photographer/cameraperson to attend the launch of the new colours of the Silver Falcons on Tuesday 16 September 2008 at the Air Force Base Ysterplaat, the Paint Shop at 18:15 for 18:30.

Ends.

Issued by: Defence Corporate Communication
(Defence Media Liaison)
Pretoria

Enquiries: Captain Jacqueline van Schalkwyk
(021) 508 6135 or 072 1221 973