Who are Air Shows South Africa

[Learjet]

I'll throw in my Vredendal ASSA 2 cents worth...

The departure from the scheduled (and advertised!) arrival times window for incoming aircraft in order to accommodate the (too early?) Silver Falcons performance was indeed unfortunate. There certainly seemed to be a bit of a breakdown in communications and some strained neck muscles as the more than half a dozen pilots all searched for a clear patch of sky to fly in whilst holding. In fairness though, the comms issue seemed to be exacerbated somewhat by the fact that some pilots hadn't noted (or were ignorant) of the allocated approach freqs for the day!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Vredendal event and thought that it was very well organised. The fly-in turn-out was great although I think the turn-out of Vredendal townsfolk was a bit disappointing. They missed out and will hopefully make up for it next year.

There is no doubt in my mind that ASSA's presence lent "stature" to the event. Yes it showmanship... Yes it's verbose... Yes the non-stop hawking of gimmicky toys by ASSA staff is a bit exploitive... Yes its a bit OTT for most aviators...but for the man in the street it's circus ringmaster stuff and, like any event or sports commentary (which we all love to hate), it simply adds that extra bit of razzmatazz.

I don't know what ASSA charges - but like any business they will ultimately have to demonstrate (and quantify) their value versus their cost to the client / organiser. That, or they'll simply price themselves out of the market. Economics 101.

Lastly, and despite my earlier extended aerial tour around the outskirts of Vredendal that morning, I did find the ATC to be most accommodating of my request for an early departure slot during the afternoon displays.

Looking forward to next year!

[RV4ker (RIP)]

I don't know what ASSA charges - but like any business they will ultimately have to demonstrate (and quantify) their value versus their cost to the client / organiser. That, or they'll simply price themselves out of the market. Economics 101.

Try telling that to CAA.

If you could host an airshow without ASSA (and the cost) or their was an alternative organisation to keep them compeditive I would agree, but I am lead to believe without ASSA there is no airshow. It is then simply a flyinn and the big acro teams in aviation will not come. So an expensive catch 22 results. If you want the big acts you have to have ASSA and they can thus charge anything they like - African Economics 101 (ala CAA).

PS
Have a look at the thread on Avcom regarding the EL Daimler Benz airshow or the PE airshow (which are big airshows in the SA scene). There were comments from both pro and anti and it makes for interesting reading.

my 2c..

[janpetcc]

Spoke to CAA, they say you don't need ASSA. But ASSA is billing itself as the Airshow GOD in SA. What is the true story.