SUPPORT CREW

  • supportcrew12

    SUPPORT CREW

    Few people realise the amount of work required and all the procedures in place to keep a military aircraft serviceable. Often out of the limelight, there is a hard-working team of specialists to ensure that the Silver Falcons not only go up, but also come down with their machines in good working order.

    At home base, the Astras are maintained by the technicians of 2 Air Servicing Unit. On deployment, a team of 8 to 12 technicians accompany the display team and contribute to the success of each aerial display.

    The total contingent is split into 2 "teams" who rotate the deployments throughout the year.

    In typical SAAF fashion, the ground crew members always create room for humour, rivalry and traditions when deployed.

  •  deon1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born in Robertson, on 28 December 1966
    Matriculated from Robertson High School in 1984
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in 1985
    Qualified as Aircraft Mechanic on Albatross maritime aircraft (27 Sqn) in February 1988
    Transferred to TFDC in April 1989 and work on Albatross, Harvard, Bosbok, Cessna, C47TP, Mir F1AZ,
     Mir III, D2 & C, Imp MkI&II, Islander and Astra PC MkII until November 1998
    Did Officers Forming Course and became Technical Officer in November 1998
    Transferred to AFB Langebaanweg
    Served at AFB Langebaanweg as Squadron Logistical Officer (CFS), Base Logistical Support Officer,
     Technical Support Officer 2 ASU and currently Chief Technical Officer at 2 ASU
    Joined the Falcons in January 2009
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Annarine
    2 Kids - Anke and Stefan
    Hobbies: Deep sea angling
  • tobie1
    PRE SAAF
    Born on the 11 April in a small town called Douglas in the Northern Cape Province
    Primary school in Douglas
    Matriculated in Kimberley at Floors Secondary Technical School in 1985
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in 1988
    Qualified as Aircraft Mechanic on Impala MK1&2 aircraft (BASS AFB LBWG) in June 1991
    Transferred to 5 SQN AFB Makhado in August 1991 and work on Cheetah E
    Internal transfer to 2 SQN AFB Makhado in August 1992 and work on Cheetah C&D
    January 1995 transfer to 3 ASU and working at Preventive section and Functional Test Facilities section
    Obtain my National Technical Diploma in 2004  
    Did Officers Forming Course in August 2005 and appointed as Technical Officer at 2 ASU AFB
    Langebaanweg in January 2006
    Served at 2 ASU AFB Langebaanweg as A/C Support Officer and currently as Mission Support Officer
    Complete United Nations Military Observers – and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration 
    course in 2008
    Part of a one year mission in Sudan under United Nations during 2009/2010
    From 2008 part of the Falcons team
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Zelda
    No children
    Playing rugby is my passion
  • gerald1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born in Pretoria, on 07 April 1983
    Matriculated from Bredasdorp High School in 2001
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in 2002
    Qualified as Aircraft Radiotrician on C-130 aircraft (28 SQN) in May 2005
    Transferred to 21 SQN in June 2005 and work on Boeing 737 (Boeing Business Jet), Falcon 900,
     Falcon 50 and Cessna Citation until December 2007
    Did Officers Forming Course and became Technical Officer in June 2008
    Transferred to AFB Langebaanweg
    Currently serving at AFB Langebaanweg as Technical Officer in the Logistical Control Centre and 
    2 ASU Engineering Liaison Officer for Project Ithambo (Avionic upgrade project for the Pilatus Astra)
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Ronel
    No Children
    Hobbies: Golf, Squash and Rugby
  •    marius1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born in Bloemfontein on 06 June 1962
    Matriculated from Technical High School Bloemfontein in 1981
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF 6 January 1982
    Qualified as a Survival Fitter on Impalas 1984
    Worked on Impala’s, Harvards and Astras
    Was part of the Silver Falcons support team from 1984 till 1989 and from 1999 till 2005
    Did Senior Supervisors Course in November 2001 and became a Warrant Officer in May 2002
    Currently in charge of servicing on all Survival Equipment at 2ASU AFB Langebaanweg
    PERSONAL:
    Divorced
    2 Kids and a grandchild Laura, Zach and Izah
    Hobbies: Cycling and Angling
  • smitty1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born in Beaufort Wes on 21 July 1971
    Matriculated from Wolseley High School in 1989
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in 1990
    Qualified as Aircraft Radar tech on Mirage F1AZ aircraft (01 Sqn, Hoedspruit) in August 1993
    Transferred to Ysterplaat(2ASU) in Dec 1997 and work at the servicing and modification hangar on 
    Maritime TP Dakota and Alo 3
    Transferred to Hoedspuit(8Sqn) in Dec 2000 and work on Impalas Mk1 & 2
    Did Senior Supervisor Course and became Warrant Officer in January 2005
    Transferred to AFB Langebaanweg
    Served at AFB Langebaanweg as Central Flying School Planning Cell (Avionic)
    Joined the Falcons in January 2005
    PERSONAL:
    Divorced
    3 Kids- Ruaan, Andeliza and Jd
    Hobbies: Angling & Golf
  •    Darius1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born in Windhoek (Namibia), on 31 October 1971
    Matriculated from Grens High School East London in 1989
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in 1990
    Qualified as an Aircraft Mechanic on Impala aircraft (85 Combat Flying School) in September 1993
    AFB Hoedspruit until 1998, AFB Langebaanweg currently
    A/C Mechanical Training Instructor at 2 ASU on Astra and PC7-MKII aircraft
    First Silver Falcons trip in April 1992 on Impala aircraft
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Michelle
    One daughter Olga
    Hobbies: Sea rescue and sailing
  • herman1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born in Cape Town on the 21st of January 1983
    Matriculated from High School Oudtshoorn in 2001
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in May 2002
    Completed my apprentice training at 68 Airschool
    Transferred to AFB Waterkloof to complete depo phase at 1AD
    Transferred to AFB Langebaanweg in 2004 to complete apprentice training
    Qualified as Aircraft Mechanic in May,2005 on Pilatus Astra PC7 MK2 
    Joined Silver Falcons May 2012
    PERSONAL:
    Enjoy designing weapon systems and gadgets
    Hobbies consist of flying model aircraft and experimentation
    Motto: If u can dream it u can do it, nothing is impossible unless u truly believe it to be impossible   
  • tommy1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born on the 19thof  March 1975 in Riversdale,a beautiful town on the Gardenroute.
    Matriculated at Gerrit Du Plessis Senior Secondary School in 1992
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in September 1993
    Qualified as Entrance Controller in 1993 and transferred from Airforce Gymnasium to 
    AFB Langebaanweg.Worked at 526 SEC SQDRN as shiftleader and VIP protector for 12yrs
    Remuster in 2005 and start as apprentice at 68 Air School in Pretoria.
    Qualified as an Aircraft Mechanic on the Pilatus Astra MK2 in May 2008
    Joined the Silver Falcons in January 2009
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Carmen.
    3 Kids-Linique,Chanelle,Corbin
    Hobbies:Extreme sports
  • stephen1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born at Langebaanweg on 27October1963
    Matriculated. From Technical High School Oudtshoorn in 1982
    SAAF CAREER (AMG):
    Joined Denel A.M.G IN 1983
    Qualified as Aircraft Maintenance Engineer on Engines and Airframe on June 1986 and worked at
     Atlas Aircraft Corporation till June1988
    Transferred to Airforce Base Langebaanweg on 1988 work on Impalas Aermacci MKI and MKII
    :Harvard At6 and At6G, Astras, PC7MKII
    Join the Harvard Aerobatic Team in 1994-1995
    Astra PC7MKII Silver Falcons 2009
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Julia 
    3 children - Twins Jacqueline & Michelle, Son Micheal
    Hobbies :
    Diving Snorkel ;cooking
  • fox1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born at Moorreesburg on 26 January 1959
    Matriculated. From Technical High School Drostdy Worcester in 1982
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in 1977 resigned in 1985 and joined the SAAF 1997
    Qualified as Aircraft Electrician in 1980 
    Transferred to CFS Langebaanweg in April 1980 and work at the servicing hangar on Impala MK1&2
    Transferred to AFB Rooikop Walvisbay as general Aircraft Support 
    Transferred back to AFB Langebaanweg in 1984
    After rejoining the SAAF I posted to AFB Langebaanweg in 1997 as an Aircaft Eletrician
    Joined the Falcons in 30 October 1999
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Marina 
    5 children 1stMarriage Sumari Christo and Victoria
    From the 2nd Marriage Elizna and Malissa
    Hobbies :
    Sailing
  • adaan1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born 3 August 1976 Pretoria
    Matriculated. From Eldorian High School 1994
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in 1996 January
    Qualified as Air Craft Instruments September 1999
    Transferred to AFB Langebaanweg in July 1999
    Joined the Silver Falcons 2010
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Anle
    Two kids Jaiden and Regan
    Angling my passion and riding motorbike 
  • sopha1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born at Mdantsane (East London) on 08 February 1982
    Matriculated at Ulwazi High School in Mdantsane 1999
    Did Technical Studies at Russell Road College Port Elizabeth in 2001
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined S.A.A.F in May 2003
    Qualified as Air Craft Electrican on Pilatus Astra Aircraft at Airforce Base Langebaanweg
     Joined Silver Falcons in August 2010
    PERSONAL:
    Status: Single
    Hobbies:
    Listening to Music ,Soccer.Movies
  • anton1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born in Stilfontein on 01 May 1965
    Matriculated from Linpark (Pietermarizburg) High School in 1984
    SAAF CAREER (AMG):
    Joined Denel (Atlas) O7 JAN 1985 -Aug1996 
    Mil National Service 1985–1986 
    Join AMG Aug 1996 
    Joined the Falcons in January 2001
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Adele.
    2 Kids- Bijanka and Roan
    Hobbies: Sport & diving
  • louwtjie1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born in Mariental SWA, on 18 November 1971
    Matriculated from HTS Daniel Pienaar, Uitenhage 1989
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the Air Force 02 January 1990
    Qualified as Aircraft Weapons Electro Mechanic 1992 on Impala MK I and MK II at AFB Langebaanweg
    Transferred to AFB Hoedspruit 1 Squadron 1992 to 1997, working on Mirage F1 AZ
    Transferred to AFB Langebaanweg 1997, working on Pilatus Astra and at Small Arms Section,
    doing general armament, drogue towing
    Join the Silver Falcons 2010
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Belinda
    2 Kids – Daughter Roelise and Son Johan
    Hobbies: Deep sea angling 
  • winter1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born at Mohlaletse Ga-Sekhukhune on 01 July 1980
    Matriculated at Mohlaletse high school 1999
    Did Mechanical Engineering year 2000 to 2002
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the Air Force 15 January 2003
    Qualified as Aircraft Weapons Electro Mechanic 2006 on a fighter Aircraft at AFB Makhado
    Join the Silver Falcons 2009
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Phillistus Phala
    Blessed with a daughter-Lethabo Phala
    Hobbies :Driving 
  •   
    mathew1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born in Cape Town on 19 December 1969
    Matriculated at Lyttleton Manor High School Pretoria in 1987
    Did National Service in February 1988
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the Air Force 11 July 1988
    Qualified as Aircraft Weapons Electro Mechanic in 1991 on Impala Aircraft at AFB Langebaanweg
    Transferred to AFB Bloemspruit at 8 Squadron from 1993 to 1995
    Transferred back to AFB Langebaanweg in 1995 to the Armament Section
    Transferred to Training Section as Armament and Survival Training Instructor at 2 ASU on PC-7 MKII
    aircraft in 2005
    Joined the Silver Falcons 1991 on Impala aircraft
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Elize
    Blessed with two daughters, Simone and Caitlyne
    Hobbies: Electronics 
  • hennie1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born at Hopefield on 18 November 1966
    Matriculated from Weston Secondary School Vredenburg in 1985
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF 18 April 1990
    Qualified as Aircraft Survival Fitter 1 May 1995
    Worked on Impala MK 1 and 2 at AFB Bloemspruit 1996
    Transferred to AFB Langebaanweg 1 May 1996 and worked on Astras
    Did Senior Supervisors Course August 2004
    Joined the Silver Falcons October 1999
    PERSONAL:
    Charmaine
    4 Kids: Una, Imogen, Anke and Enirees
    Hobbies: Sport and music
  • gerrit1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born on the 11thof September 1975 in Vredenburg
    Complete grade 12 at Weston Senior Secondary School in 1993
    Joined the South-African Defence Force in February 1994
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in June 1995
    Worked at 526 Sqn as Entrance Controller
    Remuster to Msc Technical in 2001
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Sharon
    Blessed with two children:
    Ghurswin – 15 years old
    Kaylin - 7 years old
    Hobbies: Music ; Rugby
  • dannique1
    PRE SAAF:
    Born on the 14thof April 1980 in Oudtshoorn
    Moved to Kimberley in 1992
    Matriculated from Floors Senior Secondary in 1997
    Joined the South-African Navy in 2001
    SAAF CAREER:
    Joined the SAAF in May 2002
    Completed various courses as an Entrance Controller
    In 2008 re-mustered to MSC Tech Clerk until present
    Achieved National Defence Colours in Soccer in 2004 and SAAF Colours in Soccer and Rugby in 2005
    PERSONAL:
    Married to Belita
    Two children – Caylin and Annique
    Hobbies – Rugby , Soccer , Cricket  etc. (Total Sport Fanatic)
  • SUPPORT CREW
  • TECH OFFICER 1
  • TECH OFFICER 2
  • TECH OFFICER 3
  • CREW CHIEF 1
  • CREW CHIEF 2
  • A/C MECHANIC 1
  • A/C MECHANIC 2
  • A/C MECHANIC 3
  • A/C MECHANIC 4
  • A/C AVIONICS 1
  • A/C AVIONICS 2
  • A/C AVIONICS 3
  • A/C AVIONICS 4
  • A/C ARMOURER 1
  • A/C ARMOURER 2
  • A/C ARMOURER 3
  • A/C SURVIVAL 1
  • MSC TECH 1
  • MSC TECH 2

6 March 2009 - New Silver Falcons Livery Now Available for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Thanks to the effort of Morné Pieters, there is now a high-quality Silver Falcons repaint for the IRIS PC-9 available for free download. Aircraft markings were meticulously digitised from photographs, bringing the Silver Falcons to the world of virtual aviation.The scheme is available for all the team pilots' aircraft, with accurate serial numbers, tail numbers and pilot information included. 4t

The payware IRIS PC-9 was used instead of a PC-7, due to the high quality and accuarate flight dynamics of the model. It is compatible with FS2004 and FSX. A slight difference in the empennage will be visible to some aficionados. For more screenshots, visit our Media Page. For downloads, follow the links in the Avcom thread. Well done, Morné!

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