Arguably South Africa’s greatest aviation asset, and one that is world famous, the South African Air Force Museum, is pondering its direction as well as discussing the future of its priceless collection of historic aeroplanes.

The SAAF recently launched an innovative program to attract the growing community of aviation photographers. Run by Colonel Chris Oosthuizen and Photo-Bay’s Reiner Burk, the museum has founded the SAAF Museum Photographic Club and another team is now debating further topics designed to raise the nation’s aviation profile as well as the air force’s capability to inspire youngsters and celebrate its rich history.

Considered one of its most valuable assets, the Mk IVe Spitfire, which was seriously damaged at Air Force Base Swartkop following an engine stoppage in April 2000, is being examined with a view to returning it to a non-flying but airworthy condition or to a static display standard. In need of specialised wing and fuselage jigs to restore the basic structure, the Museum will need funding of some R10 million to bring the aeroplane to a ‘rolling chassis’ status. Putting it back into the air at current exchange rates will cost around R12 million.

The museum is also considering their P51D Mustang, which requires considerable work to put back into the air. The Mustang is currently serving as a static exhibition item whilst two privately owned P51s are flying the nation’s airshow circuit. As always, the biggest issue is funding and creating a vehicle for gathering donations that does not conflict with the air force’s strict policy of avoiding private-venture projects.

Another pressing need is for storage and display capacity as hangar space has suddenly become a major issue at Swartkop following the acceptance of another eight aircraft into the museum. These include Mirage F1 tail number 211, an ex-Denel Cheetah, and Puma helicopter, a pair of Astras and some Cessna 185s.

The museum has made some welcome progress over the last 12 months. Active projects include a return to the air for their de Havilland Tiger Moth and Chipmunk The unusual Patchen Explorer has now completed its engine runs and there is somewhat slower progress behind the Sikorsky S55 helicopter. Other aircraft are also approaching maintenance issues, including the popular C-47 Dakota and a major check is due for the Puma helicopter.

A proposal to start a museum/private sector working group is being explored, which will not only look at funding issues but also lay down a strategic plan for the museum’s future.