The Spitfire Restoration Project is proud to announce that Col (Ret.) Cobus Toerien has joined our team as a Director within the South African Aviation Foundation Museum (SAAFM). As a Public Benefit and Non-Profit Organisation, the SAAFM oversees the restoration and preservation of historic aircraft, with Spitfire 5518 as its primary focus. Cobus’s wealth of experience and passion for aviation make him an invaluable addition to the project.
Cobus is a former Commanding Officer of 2 Squadron, a unit historically connected to Spitfire 5518. During his illustrious career, he completed 168 operational missions during the Angolan Conflict, showcasing exceptional skill and bravery. His operational flying expertise on the Mirage F1CZ and Impala aircraft earned him widespread recognition in the South African Air Force (SAAF). Cobus’s connection to Spitfire 5518 strengthens the project’s ties to South Africa’s rich aviation history.
After a distinguished 26-year career in the SAAF, Cobus joined South African Airways (SAA) in 1999, serving as an accident investigator and flight safety manager before returning to active flying. He retired from SAA in 2019, having amassed an extraordinary 12,000 flying hours, including 2,000 hours on supersonic jets. His legacy as a leader and aviator continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.
Since joining the Spitfire Restoration Project, Cobus has made significant contributions. He has played a crucial role in sourcing essential aircraft spares, manuals, and logbooks for Spitfire 5518. His hands-on support during hangar and aircraft clean-ups and his extensive historical knowledge of airframes have been invaluable to the restoration efforts.
Cobus’s dedication to aviation extends beyond the Spitfire Project. As an IFALPA-accredited Aircraft Accident Investigator, he has served as a safety and human factors advisor while lecturing on aviation safety and CRM (Crew Resource Management). His commitment to preserving South Africa’s military aviation heritage aligns perfectly with the goals of the Spitfire Restoration Project.
His personal connection to aviation remains strong. Cobus’s hobbies include flying, watersports, and exploring the bushveld. He also joined the Friends of the South African Air Force Museum in early 2024, further demonstrating his commitment to preserving and celebrating aviation history.
We are honoured to have Col (Ret.) Cobus Toerien as part of our team. His leadership, expertise, and passion will play a vital role in the restoration of Spitfire 5518 and other historic aircraft.