MIDWEEK UPDATE 22 AUGUST 2018Plan Your Weekend……..Forthcoming Events…….Aviation News Worldwide Incidents and Accidents……This Week in Aviation History  25: Sheila Taylor Fun Rally - Krugersdorp Airfield. Contact Grant Rousseau Cell: 082 329 3551E-mail: gr@kama.co.za 25 - 25: Bethlehem Airshow Stefan Fourie fouriesj1491@gmail.com 072 344 9678   1: MAF Fly-in Family Fun Day Aviators Paradise, Brits.  8: SAAF Museum AFB Zwartkop open practise day. Officer Commanding - Museum oc@saafmuseum.org.za 012 351 2290 8: Grand Central Fun Rally. Contact Rob Jonkers e-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za Cell:082 804 7032 15 to 16: Sport Aerobatics Judges Trophy Tzaneen TBC Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za  3rd Saturday of every month. Microland. Bring and braai. Fires and bykos provided. Fires start from 09h30. Contact person: Nick Swardt 082 441 8011 or Alan Hussey 072 82 2341 19 - 23: 2018 AAD EXPO, Waterkloof Airforce Base Leona Redelinghuys info@aadexpo.co.za 084 840 3215 www.aadexpo.co.za 22: 49th Oudtshoorn Scale Fly in. Cango Flying Club. 21-24: MISASA Africa Cup-Microlight Weekend 2018 at Hotel Numbi 25: Lydenburg Fly-in Festival. Static displays and spot landing competition. Contact Dean 082 908 4565 or Louis 082 550 8832   6: SAAF Museum AFB Zwartkop open practise day. Officer Commanding - Museum oc@saafmuseum.org.za 012 351 2290 6: Secunda Flying Club Rally. Contact: chairman@sapfa.co.za cell: 082 855 9435 20 to 21: Sport Aerobatics North West regionals Klerksdorp Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za 23 & 24: Avi Afrique 2018 Africa Aviation Innovation Summit CSIR. Contact ATNS Percy Morokane E-mail: percymo@atns.co.za 3rd Saturday of every month. Microland. Bring and braai. Fires and bykos provided. Fires start from 09h30. Contact person: Nick Swardt 082 441 8011 or Alan Hussey 072 82 2341   3: Potties Vliegklub MISAASA Fly in. Contact Nico Willemse 082 582 5961 nico@pottiesnuus.co.za 10: EAA Sun n Fun Adventure Rally - Brits. Contact Rob Jonkers e-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za Cell:082 804 7032 7: EAA Chapter 322 meeting. Dicky Fritz Moth Hall Edenvale. Contact: editor@afskies.co.za 3rd Saturday of every month. Microland. Bring and braai. Fires and bykos provided. Fires start from 09h30. Contact person: Nick Swardt 082 441 8011 or Alan Hussey 072 82 2341 24: Springs Fun Rally - Springs Airfield. Contact e-mail: chairman@sapfa.co.za cell: 082 855 9435  The Aviation Radio Show; get all your questions answered in one place. To listen to a recording of the live broadcast click on the link: www.debela.co.za/aviation-radio-show  EXECUJET WELCOMES FIRST PILATUS PC-24 TO AFRICA  ExecuJet, part of the Luxaviation Group, is announcing that it will be the first business aviation company to operate and manage a Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet in Africa. Photo © Pilatus. The aircraft will be based in South Africa at Cape Town International Airport and ExecuJet will be responsible for its day-to-day management and operations on behalf of the aircraft owner. The PC-24, developed by Swiss OEM Pilatus, has been dubbed the Super Versatile Jet due to its flexibility and ability to operate in and out of very short and unpaved runways. The aircraft received EASA and FAA type certification on 7 December 2017.  Gavin Kiggen, Vice President Africa, ExecuJet, says: "Africa is the perfect environment for the PC-24, with its testing terrain and challenging runways, and we are honoured to be the first business aviation operator to manage the aircraft in the region. ExecuJet's worldwide commitment to service excellence makes us industry-leading in our field, which is testament to all the hard work and dedication exhibited by our staff and partners. We are looking forward to welcoming the aircraft when it arrives at our Cape Town facility in October." LOCKHEED MARTIN INTRODUCES LM-100J 'FIREHERC'  Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) introduced the LM-100J "FireHerc," a civil-certified firefighting airtanker variant of the proven C-130J Super Hercules that is the airlifter of choice for 18 nations around the world. Photo © Lockheed Martin. The LM-100J is the commercial freighter production model of the C-130J Super Hercules and an updated version of the legacy L-100 commercial Hercules freighter. The LM-100J is flying at and on static display at this year's FIAS.  "With the presence of wildfires increasing on a global scale, there is a real-time need to provide more advanced assets to protect our people, communities and environment," said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. "As a variant of the C-130J Super Hercules, the FireHerc delivers a powerful combination of established performance advantages and innovative technology that will truly change the way we fight and defeat wildfires." The Hercules plays a vital role in firefighting by dispersing retardant to contain and control fires in locations with complex terrain and compromised operating conditions. The FireHerc's straight-wing design and turboprop power plant allows it to excel in supporting this challenging low-level, low-speed firefighting mission profile like no other large airtanker in operation. Additional FireHerc advantages include: Advanced flight deck avionics that provide outstanding situational awareness and modern safety features to protect and guide flight crews through challenging conditions. The ability to support two different retardant dispersion solutions: the gravity-drop based Coulson Aviation RADS Product Line or the pressure-type dispersal Modular Aerial Firefighting System II (MAFFS II). Both have been certified by the U.S. Forest Service on the Hercules platform to meet strict ground coverage standards. A path to support night firefighting with advanced integrated technology, allowing responders to combat fires on an unprecedented 24/7 cycle - providing an unmatched advantage against nature.  Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced that the company successfully placed three pre-owned Q400 turboprops with PassionAir from the Republic of Ghana. The airline acquired the aircraft through a dry-lease with a third party. Photo © Bombardier. "Bombardier has sold about 3,500 new regional aircraft to date, and we continue to be very active on the used aircraft market." said David Speirs, Vice President, Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Our recent momentum on the pre-owned aircraft market worldwide is a clear indication that our products are addressing a growing need for regional air transportation, especially in emerging markets." "Our market penetration in Africa continues to intensify, and we are pleased to welcome Passion Air as the first commercial airline operating a Bombardier regional aircraft in the Republic of Ghana," said Jean-Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Africa is the youngest and fastest growing region in the world, and regional aircraft like the Q400 will play a key role in helping advancing Africa's economic growth." The airline will operate the three Q400 aircraft in a 78-seat configuration on domestic routes. "This is a first step, and we look forward to expanding our fleet with more Bombardier aircraft," said Edward Annan, Chief Executive Officer, PassionAir. "The Q400 offers the performance and flexibility that we need to further develop our network. With a range that unlocks great opportunities for us, we are confident that we will capitalize on a larger market, which extends to 12 countries and over 180 million potential passengers out of Accra."  Eurofighter Typhoon in the Future Battlespace. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH CEO, Volker Paltzo, confirmed that an enhanced Eurofighter Typhoon would form a core part of any European future combat air system (FCAS), working hand in hand with any future European fighter programme - manned or unmanned. Image © Eurofighter. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH CEO, Volker Paltzo, confirmed that an enhanced Eurofighter Typhoon would form a core part of any European future combat air system (FCAS), working hand in hand with any future European fighter programme - manned or unmanned. Speaking during Farnborough International Air Show, Volker Paltzo said: "Eurofighter Typhoon is the benchmark for European collaboration - now and in the future. Eurofighter will be a central pillar of any European FCAS, and has a key role to play in this future system, operating alongside any existing or new European assets that may come into play in the future battlespace - across all mission scenarios." Paltzo also confirmed that a need for greater connectivity, sensor and data fusion in the future battlespace would see a refresh of technology in the cockpit, including a high resolution large area display, and up to 15% more power to the aircraft's EJ-200 engines, as part of the aircraft's long term evolution plans. "We are in ongoing dialogue with our partners regarding these emerging requirements", he stated. Clemens Linden, Eurojet TURBO GmbH CEO, speaking on behalf of the Eurofighter engine consortium during Farnborough International Air Show, said: "Eurofighter, with the EJ-200 engine, already has the best engine in its class in the world today. But we can make it even better, delivering a 15% increase in thrust, to ensure that Eurofighter Typhoon can maintain its combat edge in the future." Volker Paltzo also confirmed the ongoing importance of Eurofighter to European defence, stating Eurofighter is the biggest and most successful defence collaboration project ever undertaken in Europe. It is the backbone of NATO's European air defence and will continue to be developed to defend against all future threats for decades to come. It is what Eurofighter was built to do. BELL 429 CELEBRATES OVER 330,000 HOURS OF OPERATION  Farnborough, United Kingdom (16 July 2018) - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, is excited to announce that the Bell 429 global fleet has exceeded 330,000 hours of operation. With 325 aircraft in operation configured for various mission sets, the Bell 429 footprint continues to grow, with recent new orders and deliveries. Photo © Bell. The Indonesian Police has chosen to add an additional Bell 429 to their fleet, increasing their operation to three Bell 429s. An undisclosed Asia- Pacific government agency has selected two additional Bell 429s for their operation. Bell has received two new orders from corporate customers in Germany and Bangladesh. In addition, a Bell 429 helicopter has been delivered to a customer in Poland. The Bell 429 is designed with the future in mind, enhancing occupant safety, with the adaptability to remain at the forefront as mission requirements evolve. The Bell 429 is chosen by police forces, air medical teams and militaries around the world for time-sensitive missions. The aircraft has been chosen by customers in 42 countries, including Australia, France, Indonesia, Kuwait, Oman, Switzerland, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkey, Thailand, the United States and the United Kingdom.  The Bell 525 flight test program has now accumulated over 1,000 hours of total test time with speeds exceeding 200kts at maximum gross weight limits. Photo © Bell Helicopters. Bell Helicopter announced that the Bell 525 program recently completed hot weather testing in Yuma, Arizona at temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit as well as high altitude operations to density altitudes of 14,000 feet. Earlier this year, the Bell 525 completed cold weather testing at temperatures down to minus 37 degrees Fahrenheit in North Manitoba, Canada. The Bell 525 flight test program has now accumulated over 1,000 hours of total test time with speeds exceeding 200kts at maximum gross weight limits. The aircraft performance continues to meet or exceed all design specifications. "We successfully completed hot weather testing last week in Yuma, Arizona," said Troy Caudill, chief test pilot, Bell 525 program. "The aircraft performed very well and we are gathering test data for certification." The Bell 525 is preparing for FAA flight test participation in Q4 2018 and continues to make strong progress towards planned certification in 2019. BOEING SENDING LAST SHUTTLE COMMANDER CHRIS FERGUSON BACK TO SPACE  Veteran of three space shuttle missions will be first corporate astronaut to fly a new spacecraft with NASA astronauts. Astronauts (from left) Eric Boe, Chris Ferguson and Nicole Mann will be the inaugural crew of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner when it begins service to the International Space Station. Photo © Boeing. Chris Ferguson, will make his fourth spaceflight when he and NASA astronauts Eric Boe and Nicole Mann take the new Boeing [NYSE: BA] CST-100 Starliner commercial crew spacecraft to the International Space Station. The three pioneers will help restore American access to space from U.S. soil, a capability that ended when the shuttle was retired seven years ago. Mann will also make history as the first female astronaut on the inaugural crewed flight of a new U.S. spacecraft. "We're immensely proud of Chris and thrilled he will be part of first Starliner crew," Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defence, Space & Security, said. "We congratulate all the astronauts chosen to fly to the space station on commercially developed systems. We're taking important steps for this nation and toward development of a thriving commercial space ecosystem." Ferguson has been an integral part of the Starliner program since retiring from NASA and joining Boeing in 2011. He spent more than 40 days in space for NASA during three shuttle missions. "The engineer in me always thought if I'm not flying a spaceship, I ought to be part of the team building one," Ferguson said. "My fingerprints are all over the Starliner and I'm thrilled to get the chance to go back to space on a vehicle that I helped design from the ground up. Riding along with me are all of the members of the Boeing team who have put their hearts and souls into this spacecraft." The Starliner flight will be Mann's first journey to space. Boe will be making his third trip to space. Mann is a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and pilot of the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, while Boe is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who was a test pilot on the Boeing F-15. He also helped make the space station a home by delivering a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping quarters, water recycling system and exercise machine during the STS-126 mission. The development of a safe, reliable, and cost-effective solution for crew transportation services to and from the International Space Station will allow the on-orbit research facility to continue to fulfill its promise as a world-class laboratory. With NASA as the anchor customer, Boeing's Starliner is setting the foundation for commercial passenger flights to and from low-Earth orbit destinations, to include international astronauts, scientists and even tourists.  USA, Orlando International Airport: The FBI questioned a woman who was not allowed through security after she tried to bring two, two-pound bottles of sodium hydroxide, or Lye, which is used to make soap and clean drains through security at Orlando International Airport. A label describes the liquid as a "poison" that causes severe burns and must be handled with gloves and goggles. Belgium, Liege: An ASL Airlines Belgium Boeing 747-400on a flight from Liege (Belgium) to Shanghai Pudong (China), was climbing through FL180 when the crew declared Mayday, Mayday, Mayday and reported a fire in the cabin. The crew decided to return to Liege where the aircraft landed on runway 22L about 15 minutes after stopping the climb at about FL180. Attending emergency services found no trace of fire, heat or smoke in the cabin, however, needed to cool the landing gear due to overheating brakes that emitted smoke. Tokyo, Japan: A Korean Air Lines' Boeing 777-3B5 departing for a flight to Seoul South Korea rejected take-off from Haneda due to a No.1 engine fire. The airplane stopped on the runway at the intersection C5, about 1500m down of 3360m long runway, with spread debris and trace of the brakes in the last 700m. The flight crew used two extinguishing bottles on engine no.1 to put out the fire. At 12:43, five minutes after the aircraft came to a stop, the flight crew ordered an evacuation since they received a new fire indication for engine no.1. All 319 onboard were evacuated on the runway using emergency slides from right side doors. No serious injuries were found among 302 passengers and 17 crew members, however, 19 had medical treatments for smoke inhalation and/or bruises during evacuation, 12 sent to hospital.  20 AUGUST 1913 Seven hundred feet above Buc, France, parachutist Adolphe Pegond becomes the first person to jump from an airplane and land safely.  Photo United States Library of Congress. Pégoud became the first fighter ace in history during World War I. On 31 August 1915, Pégoud was shot down and killed by one of his pre-war German students, Unteroffizier Walter Kandulski, while intercepting a German reconnaissance aircraft. He was 26 years old. |
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