By Tabisa Mntengwana
21 October 2009

THE biennial Elvin Extreme Airshow flies back into town on Saturday, 31 October with more than 10 000 spectators expected to turn up to watch.

Being held at the East London Airport, the show is organised by the Border Aviation Club together with Elvin Food and Beverages, the airport, Denel Aviation and Hemingways Casino and Hotel. There will be skydiving and aerobatics displays, military jets and firefighting helicopters showing off their ability to move in the air.

Some 68 participants and 40 aircraft are expected to take part, including a trio of 70-year-old grannies who will be flying in a hot-air balloon and skydiving. Fighter planes built for the Royal Air Force will also be on show while gut-wrenching aerobatics and other airborne machines will pull in the crowds.

According to Dave Hartmann, one of the organisers, the Elvin Extreme Airshow is regarded as one of the top aviation events in the country. “It is well supported by the public as it is action-packed, affordable and entertaining for the whole family,” he said.

Border Aviation Club has confirmed that various airlines, including the SA Air Force Silver Falcons, Impala Mk1 fighter low flyby, a Hawker Hunter Cold War fighter, Russian L29 jets and a SAA Boeing 737, will be on display.

“This year we are celebrating 100 years since the first flight took place in the southern hemisphere - and it took flight in the East London Airport,” Hartmann added.

East London Airport manager Michael Kernekamp explained that the realisation that East London had such a history “tells us that we should take good care of our city and preserve every precious moment we have in East London”.

Tickets are R50 for adults and R25 for children, and will be sold at the gate.