View Full Version : Mafikeng Airshow debacle
Sir Cumference
6th Oct 2005, 13:20
Can someone tell me if the debacle at Mafikeng recently was sanctioned by Air Show South Africa?
If it was not, then this is surely an example of how not to run airshows and clearly confirms ASSA's vision of the way forward.
Parrot
6th Oct 2005, 19:26
The show was sanctioned by ASSA. On the Friday morning, TV2's Morning live (you know the one ...without a news copter !!) did an interview with ASSA's RD where the safety precautions taken were emphasized.
Sir Cumference
7th Oct 2005, 07:29
Wow, that is surprising! I guess that taking airshows to the people is going to be extremely difficult! ASSA builds part of its marketing on the aspect of safety at Airshows and in this instance there were clear breaches.
I guess they are going to have to revisit the security aspect.
SC
Sir C
Tempers are running high among aviation enthusiasts after two fires gutted several cars at an International Airshow in Mafikeng yesterday. Fifteen cars caught fire at a parking facility provided for visitors at the airport in Mafikeng. It is believed by those present at the airshow that the fires were caused by people barbequing in the car park adjacent to the airfield and a burning cigarette butt.
Is this what you're talking about?
Sir Cumference
7th Oct 2005, 09:47
I see nothing has been brought up about this yet. On Saturday there was and small airshow at Mafikeng. From what I heard the behaviour and control of Spectators was shocking.
The crowd line was over run with attendees all over the apron even occupying the runways. They were climbing all over static aircraft, notably CAA s citation. Coke cans were removed from the exhaust stacks of aircraft (Hate to know where the chicken bones went to). And then for good measure there were two veld fires started, burning several cars and endangering some aircraft. I think the fire dept display was possibly the most spectacular. And the list goes on.
This was the post and the information I received. I realise that crowd control is difficult at the best of times and at airshows it is a fine balance between promoting aviation and not allowing the crowd to experience what we all love, but...
SC
canthover
7th Oct 2005, 10:54
But......SC - take it to the people I say - thats where the problem starts....and ends!!!