Durban Virginia Air Show - G-Force Festival - 26 July 2026
By Brian Spurr
Google Banner Ad
The Durban Virginia airshow took place in Durban on Sunday. The event was very well attended and took place on a sunny and warm winter's day. A fairly strong and cool wind came up towards the end of the show but this only affected the MX bike jumping. The wind at higher levels was stronger but this was handled well by the display pilots. The main title sponsor for the show was Standard Bank. Other sponsors included IGS Security, Netcare 911, aQuellé, Smoke on Go, NMI, S.A.B., Volvo, The Witness and East Coast Radio. The event was well organised with many food outlets a beer garden and market stalls. While the number of participating aircraft was down compared to years gone by it was nonetheless a good day out with plenty of action. There were several new displays and some great flying and other attractions. It seems that reduced numbers of aircraft may be due to the tight economy, SACAA engine regulations and the lack of participation by the military, police and airlines of previous years. Nonetheless it is wonderful that this long-standing event is still able to survive. Long may that continue.
Emergency Vehicles Parade
The day started 20 minutes later than the 10am advertised start time with the traditional emergency vehicle parade. The impressive line of vehicles included the fire, medical and law enforcement services that seemed to outnumber the participating aircraft on the field!
Part of the Emergency Services parade of about 20 vehicles.
Sky Divers
The next display was a three-man parachute jump from a Gazelle helicopter flown by well-known pilot Juba Joubert. The skydiving team made precision landings as part of a spectator competition. The contestant whose jumper landed nearest to the markers, won a prize.
Standard Bank RV-7
This Van's RV-7 (ZU-LOL) was flown by Jason Beamish doing some serious aerobatics. It was resplendent in the airshow sponsor Standard Bank's colours.
Sling Formation
Next was a two-ship Sling formation comprising the Sling HW (ZU-DFU) and the Sling TSi (ZU-TSI). The aircraft were flown by Grant Timms and Sling test pilot Riaan Denner. It was an engaging display by machines from the proudly South African company making waves around the world.
Marksmen Aerobatic Team
The skydivers were followed by the impressive Marksmen aerobatic team sponsored by Leatt. The team comprises Mark Hensman (team leader) flying the MX2, Gary Glasson (right wing) flying the XtremeAir Sbach 342 and Eugene du Preez (left wing) flying the Extra 330 SC . Their display was world class, with some very tight formation aerobatics that were the highlight of the airshow. The team is based in the Cape Province.
Antonov AN2 Display
We then had a display of the Antonov AN2 (ZU-JCA) the world's largest biplane type. This particular aircraft is owned by local businessman Martin Schulze and is based at Virginia Airport. The display was flown by Jason Beamish who is an accomplished and well-known airshow pilot. This aircraft is always a joy to watch and it is always amazing to see such a large aircraft take off from such a short run. It flies slowly as it was built as a workhorse and not for speed! Even so, as Jason ably demonstrated, it is a very manoeuvrable aircraft.
Pylon Racing
The Marksmen then competed in an event that was probably a first for Virgina. The three aircraft had to complete the course around pylons down the runway. Each one went individually to set the fastest time. First to go was Gary Glasson in the Sbach, followed by Eugene du Preez in the Extra and lastly Mark Hensman in the MX2. The final order was Mark Hensman with a time of 1min 52 sec, followed by Eugene and Gary not far behind. What the MX2 lacked in power, compared to the other two, it made up for that in handling department but as Mark would probably say, it was the pilot!
Putting up one of the pylons
Antonov Sweet Drop
This was a first for me at any air show. Jason Beamish flew the Antonov AN2 with Martin Schulze in the right seat. It was announced that they would be dropping sweets (marshmallows) for the children. Immediately there was a rush to the spectator barriers. There was a second set of barriers closer to the runway and this area formed the drop zone. Only after the drop were the kids allowed to go out and collect the sweets. Once they were all collected, they were ushered back to the spectator area. Lots of fun had been had in a safe manner. The Antonov was an ideal aircraft to do this drop with its ability to fly at slow speed. This surely made a positive impression on the youngsters and created a lot of excitement.
Marshmallows leaving out of the door
Jungle Rush FMX Demo
Next up was an impressive FMX (Freestyle Motocross) display by three riders based in Fourways, Johannesburg. They set up a launch ramp and a large inflatable landing ramp. They gave a breathtaking display of tricks including somersaults and flying hands off next to their bikes. The wind did create difficulties for them but in spite of that they thrilled the crowd.
Gazelle vs Bike Race
After this, one of the FMX guys raced the Gazelle helicopter flown by Juba Joubert in a fun race. The race was close and seemed to have been won on the line by the helicopter. It seems that Juba may have been holding back to make it close and more exciting.
Sky Divers
The Gazelle again lifted the skydivers to altitude. The wind was getting up a bit but they all made pinpoint landings and two prizes were won by lucky spectators.
Atlas Bosbok
Then Grant Timms in the AM-3CM Bosbok (ZU-ADA), gave a great display in the ex-South African Air Force Bosbok. The Bosbok was used in the following roles; forward air control, radio relay, target marking (using smoke-rockets), reconnaissance, casevac and liaison.
Pylon Racing
The second Pylon Race was between the C140 of Elton Bondi, the Bosbok of Grant Timms and the Gazelle flown by Juba Joubert. As with the Marksmen pylon race, they had to complete the course around the beacons in the fastest time. This race was easily won by the Gazelle, followed by the C140 and lastly the Bosbok.
Gazelle Helicopter Display
Juba Joubert then put on a show with the Gazelle showing off his amazing control of this helicopter. Very impressive as usual.
Crazy Flying Act
This section of the show was very entertaining. Elton Bondi acted as a 96-year-old man going to be taken on a flight. He was in full stage costume. When he arrived on the field he fell out of the vehicle and had to be assisted to the Cessna 140, falling dramatically several times on the way. When he was in the aircraft Grant Timms got in to take the 'old' pilot for a last flight. The announcer kept the story going and reported that Grant had climbed out to check the wheels, with the engine still running. Then without warning the aircraft took off with the 'old man' at the controls and the aircraft flew very erratically with two police vehicles in chase. The crowd reactions were amazing, many seeing it was a performance were laughing out loud, while others were horrified and shaken (believing it was real). In the end it was all good fun with some excellent flying by Elton.
Marksmen Aerobatic Team
The Marksmen did a second display of their aerobatic and formation skills. With three different makes of aircraft, all in the same red and white colour scheme, it is amazing that they can keep in such close proximity considering the aerobatics they were doing,
Formula Libre Race Car
The ex-Formula Vee car of Clyde McCree was next. Since fitting a different engine, it now classified as a Formula Libre machine. Clyde did a few quick runs down the runway and also did a few 'doughnuts' for the people. Clyde is a first officer for Fly Safair.
Race Car vs FMX
Following this Clyde raced the FMX bikes down the runway. The bikes initially accelerated way ahead but due to their low gearing for stunts, they were caught near the end of the runway. He also had a race against the Volvo electric vehicle.
FMX Display
The show wrapped up with the second FMX display. They had to cancel the aerial part due to the stronger winds in the interest of safety. So, they instead did wheelies and had some drag races up and down the runway.
Departures
A Van's RV-8 (ZU-WDN) belonging to Elton Bondi, previously owned by the late great Glen Warden
A visiting Van's RV-7 (ZU-MRS) departs after the show
Thus ended a pleasant airshow that took place in fine weather. The people that came to watch appeared to go home happy. We hope that this airshow will continue to prosper and grow in the coming years. Far too many airshows are being cancelled for one reason or another. This is an iconic airport and it has a legacy of top-class aviation events.
