white paint scheme of the Astra fleet. In 2008, 6 of the Astras were repainted in a unique blue and white livery and the team was expanded to a 5-ship again. Paint for the respray was donated by a local paint supplier, First African Paints. The first display in the new livery was flown at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Expo at AFB Ysterplaat in September 2008. Aircraft The Pilatus PC-7 Mk II is a high performance single-engine turboprop aircraft, used by the South African Air Force for ab-initio training. It is powered by a 750 shp limited to 700 Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25C engine and is designed for G-loadings between +7 and −3.5 G, making it ideal for aerobatics. The aircraft has a tandem seat configuration with Martin Baker CH-11A ejection seats. For all practical purposes the PC-7 Mk II can be seen as a hybrid between the PC-7 and the newer PC-9. Both these aircraft types are popular as military trainers and are in service with more than 30 air forces. Like the PC-9, the PC-7 Mk II features a larger cockpit, upgraded airframe and instruments and is fitted with a ventral airbrake, but it retains the smaller engine of the original PC-7. Specifications Wing span — 10.19 m Length — 10.13 m Max Operating Speed — 300 knots (555 km/h) Maximum Mach Number — Mach 0.6 Maximum Operating Altitude — 25 000 ft (7 622 m) Stalling Speed (Clean) — 75 knots (139 km/h) Stalling Speed (Landing Configuration) — 65 knots (120 km/h) Minimum Speed For Ground Level Ejection — 65 knots (120 km/h) Accidents and incidents 16 April 1988 – Capt Kobus Griesel ejected from an Aermacchi MB-326 Impala after his engine caught fire during a display at Franschhoek. 2 October 1993 — During an airshow at Lanseria Airport, Falcon 5 crashed during a low-level solo display sequence. Capt Charlie Rudnick ejected moments after structural failure caused the right wing of his Impala Mk I to separate from the fuselage, but was killed on impact. Current team The team consists of 5 display pilots, 3 support officers and 12 ground crew members. Falcon 1 is the formation leader, with Falcons 2–5 being the wingmen. All the team's pilots are serving instructors at the Central Flying School. Team 67 August 2008 – September 2008 September 2008 – October 2008 Falcon 1: Maj Scott Ternent Falcon 2: Capt