Author Archives: safairoperations

Fast Food in the Drought

Contribution by Alec Anderson The start of another day in Lockichogio in the north of Kenya begins at 06:00 local. The airplane, an L382 or civilian Hercules, sits squat and heavy on the apron, fuelled and loaded the night before. At six sharp the APU springs to life, the whining note singing out to allContinue reading “Fast Food in the Drought”

ZS-RSF Gets a New Life!

Lockheed Hercules ZS-RSF, was manufactured in 1974, and is affectionally known as “Foxtrot”. This aircraft has achieved the 50 000 flight hour mark. She has been involved in Aid and Relief markets, Airdrop missions, Arctic operation, general freight duties, support of NGO activities in troubled regions, and has visited all the world’s continents. Yes, she hasContinue reading “ZS-RSF Gets a New Life!”

Special Memories from Previous Safair CEO

Contributed by Dave Andrew My first encounter with a Herc was back in the early 80s as a national serviceman returning from South West Africa following a camp in Ondangwa. Little did I know at that stage, that that aircraft type was going to play such a significant part in my career. I joined SafairContinue reading “Special Memories from Previous Safair CEO”

Safair Hercules to the Rescue!

Contributed by Koenie van der Walt Over the years Safair has always excelled during time of crisis – sometimes under extremely challenging and dangerous conditions, but always completing every operation professionally. The political climate in Southern Africa during the eighties and early nineties was very uncertain and volatile. During this period Safair was often calledContinue reading “Safair Hercules to the Rescue!”

Landscaping the Gardens of the Presidential Palace at Gbadolite, DRC

Contributed by Koenie van der Walt The well known horticulturist Keith Kirsten had a weekly television program on South African TV during the mid 1980s. Keith Kirsten was contacted by the Managing Director of a well know SA Company, asking if he would be interested in doing the landscaping of the gardens at the palaceContinue reading “Landscaping the Gardens of the Presidential Palace at Gbadolite, DRC”

Ngala Private Game Reserve Runway Opening

Contributed by Koenie van der Walt The Hercs became very popular at one time for use in and out of short unpaved runways in the bush, carrying both international as well as local incentive groups. To expand our services within this particular market sector of carrying incentive groups, Safair approached the Vartys who owned NgalaContinue reading “Ngala Private Game Reserve Runway Opening”

Fiat Uno Italian Incentive Group 1988

Contributed by Koenie van der Walt Due to the Hercules aircraft excellent short take off and landing (STOL) capabilities the Safair fleet featured in some ground-breaking operations to carry civilian passengers. This was at a time where the civil aviation regulations were much more relaxed, compared to what they are today. Although the Hercs areContinue reading “Fiat Uno Italian Incentive Group 1988”

Relocation of Wildlife from Malawi to South Africa

Contributed by Koenie van der Walt On a spring afternoon in 1986 Ina Hayward, the receptionist at Safair at the time, phoned me to tell me there was a man at reception who wanted to speak to me about chartering a Hercules aircraft. To put the normal procedure into context at the time, I haveContinue reading “Relocation of Wildlife from Malawi to South Africa”

World Skydiving Event Hosted in Quincy, Illinois, USA 1986

Contribution by Koenie van der Walt During my time as Marketing Services Manager for Safair Freighters and after the name change to SAFAIR I have had the privilege and honour to experience and enjoy many opportunities where the Hercules L-100 fleet of aircraft were used. Writing about these wonderful machines, it brings back fond memoriesContinue reading “World Skydiving Event Hosted in Quincy, Illinois, USA 1986”