MIDWEEK UPDATE 28 OCTOBER 2020     COVID 19 REGULATIONS, INITIATIVES AND AEROCLUB NEWS The Aero Club of South Africa Hurricane Road, Hangar 50, Rand Airport 0110821100 www.aeroclub.org.za sandra@aeroclub.org.za 28 October 2020 The FAI Young Artists Contest is an international art contest for youngsters between the ages of 6 and 17. Each FAI Member Country sponsors the contest in their country, and the national winners are submitted to the International Jury each year. The Aero Club of South Africa would like your Airfield / Club / School to take part in this initiative to create awareness of aviation in South Africa in your area amongst the local schools and to advertise this contest, and once the paintings are completed to collect these from the schools, make a selection of the best, and forward them to the Aero Club of South Africa by 1st of March 2021. We would also welcome your committee members to be part of the Jury to make the final selections to be submitted to the FAI of nine (9) of the best in the country, 3 in each age group category on or before the 30th of March 2021. THE 2021 THEME: A friendlier World with Air Sports When we think of aviation, our first thoughts go to the sky. We imagine what it would be like soaring through the air in a glider, floating across the sky in a hot air balloon, or maybe even twisting and looping through the clouds in an aerobatic plane. While being in the sky is glamorous, it is only part of the adventure. Every journey begins on the ground with a team of people working together to make something magical happen. Working together, a group of aviation enthusiasts can accomplish what one person alone never could. The friendships created in this process are one of the things that keeps people coming back to air sports again and again. The friends that meet to hang glide share laughs on cliff sides around the world. Hot air balloonists enjoy meals with the crew of the chase vehicle after a flight across the countryside. Air shows, of course, offer it all. Everyone is invited to share in the joy that sport aviation produces. Pilots love talking about their planes, ground crews share the work required to keep everything safe and in top shape. Every aircraft is a conversation starter. Each one gives people a chance to ask questions or share their own aviation stories. The chance to take a ride is irresistible to some, while others enjoy eating tasty food and watching the show overhead. A single parachutist in the sky can hold the attention of hundreds of people below. When the day's adventure is over, both participants and spectators leave with new friends, as well as stories to share among themselves and others. Air Sports brings people together and creates friendships that connect people from all over the world and of all ages. Now it's your turn to grab your favourite art supplies and create a poster that captures the friendlier world that comes from people meeting and sharing their love of sport aviation. The FAI is particularly concerned with all forms of sporting and recreational aviation, including: # Ballooning #Gliding # Parachuting # Aerobatics # Hang-Gliding and paragliding # Microlight / Ultralight flying # Model aircraft # Light aircraft # Helicopter flying # Space world records Entries will be judged by an International Jury. The winners in each age group will receive Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, together with diplomas. These medals and diplomas will be sent to the FAI Member organizations in the appropriate countries as soon as possible after judging is completed. The FAI delegates from the countries concerned will be responsible for arranging a suitable occasion for the presentation of the awards. Entries, once received by FAI will become and remain the property of FAI, which may use them for a variety of purposes. FAI Members are therefore encouraged to make good quality colour copies of their winners' work for public relations purposes before sending the entries to Lausanne. Eligibility: All children in the age groups shown below are encouraged to participate in the Contest, even if they are related to officials or employees of the FAI or any of its member organizations. Participation in the National contests is limited to residents of that country. Age Groups: Entries will be judged in 3 classes: # Group I - Junior Category (Date of birth between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2014). # Group II - Intermediate Category (Date of birth between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2010). # Group III - Senior Category (Date of birth between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2006) Format: The required format is A3 (297 x 420 mm or 11 3/4 X 16 ½ inches) or if this is unobtainable in your country, the nearest possible equivalent. Artwork must not be framed or outlined with borders. Medium: All artwork must be done by hand (or, in the case of handicapped children, by foot or mouth). Any of the following media are permitted: # Watercolour # Acrylic # Oil paint # Indelible marker pens # Felt-tip pens # Soft ball-point pens # Indelible ink # Crayola, or any similar indelible medium The following media are NOT permitted: # No pencil, charcoal or other non-permanent medium may be used. # No computer-generated artwork is permitted. # No collage work involving the use of photocopies is permitted. Markings: The following details should be clearly shown on the back of art: # Title # Family name # Given name # Address # Date of birth (Day/Month/Year) # Country of residence # Name and address of school which child attends # Certificate of Authenticity Title: There is no need for a title on the poster and entrants can decide for themselves whether to include one; however, there should be a recognizable link to the theme of the contest. Certificate of Authenticity: The Certificate is to be worded as follows: "I/We certify that this is the original and unassisted work of ............... (name of entrant)". We certify that ............... (name of entrant) is a resident of ............... (name of country). Certificates are to be signed by the entrant's teacher, or other suitable person. Further information can be found on the FAI website at https://www.fai.org/yac Kind Regards The Aero Club of South Africa EAA CHAPTER 322 MONTHLY MEETING & AGM Greetings Chapter 322 members, Official Notice of the Annual General Meeting of EAA Chapter 322 Johannesburg Date: 4 November 2020 Venue: Dickie Fritz MOTH Hall, Dowerglen, Edenvale & Zoom Virtual Attendance Time: 18h00 Light meals and refreshments will be available from 18h00. AGM will open at 19h00. "You may be thinking, "Wow! I would give anything to be a committee member on the world renowned EAA Chapter 322 board!" Well, dear member, this is your chance! We are open for nominations." 2020 has been a challenging year and we are all looking forward to a fresh start with better prospects in 2021! As an EAA Chapter, we have tried to maintain a level of momentum this year, even when we were not able to fly. Thanks to all the members and especially the leadership for all their support and participation. As it is once again time for our AGM, members are urged to consider standing for office, please. My experience is that the more one is involved, the more enjoyable EAA is. Nomination forms are available HERE. Nominations are open for Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary. As mentioned at the October Monthly Meeting, the elected committee plans to have a shadow committee working alongside them. Please attend this gathering which is vitally important for the election of office bearers for the year ahead with a report back of the year's events, finances, etc. Some points to bear in mind when nominating or voting: - Only paid-up members may volunteer for positions, be nominated for a position and/or vote - Please check with the member you nominate that they accept the position you are proposing them for. - Please cast your vote before 16h00 on 4 November 2020 - As you may cast your vote electronically in advance, please note that no proxies will be accepted - Nominations and voting can be submitted online or emailed to rsvp@eaa.org.za before 16h00 on 4 November 2020 The November Gathering will begin with a quick Chapter Business session and then the 2020 AGM. A live camera will be set up covering audience and speaker views for those attending on ZOOM. The usual beverage and snack services will be available to those attending "live". Please note that Covid-19 protocols will be in place and live attendees are requested to wear masks and observe social distancing. Earn your MACH points 5 MACH for nominations 5 MACH for voting 20 MACH for all nominees OR 30 MACH for elected committee members, whichever is higher! Look forward to seeing you at our events. Regards Neil Bowden Chairman, Chapter 322 EAA #565560 0846745674  AERO CLUB CENTENARY YEARBOOK PRE-ORDER FORM  The Aero Club of SA is taking pre-orders for the Centenary Yearbook, to assess the demand for a print run. It will be in the form of a hard & soft cover version as well as a limited-edition leather-bound book on request. Details of the book are available on the Aero Club Website. Indicative Pricing: - Hard Cover Book - R 400 - Soft Cover Book - R 300 - Leather Bound Book - Add +/- R 200 for Novalite & R 500 for Leather. Delivery Options are either collect at the Rand Airport Aero Club office, or door to door courier service anywhere in SA. Courier costs will range between R 100 to R 130 per book dependent on location. Volume purchases are also available should this be required. Once you have registered for a pre-order, and our print run is complete, the Aero Club will send an invoice for payment, which once received, will have the book dispatched. To get your pre-order secured, please go to this link. Centenary Yearbook Order Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPs1vbZM4-Qcn5LZrK3dkWaoYj7PBtLXmaNM3TP9tUm4vsSA/viewform If you are not a member and wish to join the Aero Club and any of its sections, feel free to do so http://www.aeroclub.org.za/member-renewals-and-new-memberships/   The following events will to take place under the rules controlling the number of people congregating together and are therefore not open to the general public. 31 OCTOBER Spot Landing Training - Brakpan Airfield - FREE Come and learn how to do spot landings - The South African Protea Team members will be your instructors and trainers. Maurtiz Du Plessis - 3rd Place World Championships Ron Strik - 1st World Champions Hans Schwebel - RSA National Champion 2017 Jonty Esser - RSA National Champion 2018 Mary de Klerk Frank Eckard Thys van der Merwe You will learn how to set up your aircraft to land in all configurations We will be flying at Brakpan in groups of 4 (4 aircraft in the circuit at a time) with each performing four landings. If you need more information, please call Jonty on 0828559435 31 OCTOBER You are invited to attend the Krugersdorp Flying Club, Breakfast. Food stalls will be available for breakfast and coffee. Fibez, a live retro radio station will be broadcasting their morning show live from the Clubhouse. 6 - 8 NOVEMBER Pretoria Radio Flyers Jet Rally, EDF and Turbine Weekend. Breakfast and lunch stalls will be available, as well as a beer tent after 15h00. Camping and safe trailer storage. Contact Emil 082 96 22 33 4 6 NOVEMBER The Children's Flight at Orient Airfield 7 NOVEMBER Hellivate Helicopter Olympics at Krugersdorp  7 NOVEMBER SAPFA Spot Landing and SA Landing Championships - Brakpan Airfield We will be flying at Brakpan in groups of 4 (4 aircraft in the circuit at a time) with each performing four landings. Your will be scored on 4 different landing configurations Landing 1 - Power On configuration of your choice Landing 2 - Power On without flaps Landing 3 - Glide Approach configuration of your choice (1000 foot abeam the Bingo Landing Line on downwind, close power and glide in) Landing 4 - Obstacle 2m high 100m from bingo line configuration of your choice (Sportsman Class will not be doing this one) For more information please call Jonty on 0828559435 7 NOVEMBER Panorama Airfield breakfast fly-in. Runway 02/20 grass 900m. Contact Alan 0837 023 680 14 NOVEMBER Witbank Aeronautical Association Fly-Inn RSVP 0828 925 954 28 NOVEMBER Springs - SAPFA Speed Rally Season 2 Race 4 Finale and Gala Evening. Come and join us in this fast-paced exciting aviation speed and navigation discipline. All welcome if you think you and your navigator can fly. Come and challenge yourself in this event. It's great fun and you and your navigator will learn a lot about yourselves and your airplane For more information please call Jonty on 0828559435   P92 ECHO MKII - 'BACK TO THE FUTURE' WITH EU 600KG CATEGORY "> Tecnam announced the certification of the P92 Echo MkII light aircraft to the new German 600kg rules, the latest version of the EASA Basic Regulation that now allows for 600kg MTOW Ultralight (UL) aircraft under the control of the CAAs of the member states. Tecnam strongly believes in the new certification of the P92 Echo MkII, since it is not being limited to the German market but the type approval is recognised in several EASA countries. The P92 Echo MKII design and its 600kg certification provide a recognisable improvement in capabilities and performances, while maintaining the distinctive characteristics of the legacy P92 series. The P92 typical short-field performances, excellent climb characteristics, efficiency and rugged design, are now teamed with the Echo MKII streamlined composite fuselage, granting extraordinary cruise performances in unprecedented comfort. The cabin volume has been increased, providing wider seats and extra fore and aft adjustment for optimal pilot and passenger accommodation; a modern and advanced cockpit has been designed for total aircraft control. The optional ballistic parachute, standard in the EU600 kg and advanced Garmin G3X touch avionics, equipped with synthetic view and ground proximity warning, provide additional safety during every flight. Since its initial design in 1992, when Tecnam CEO Paolo Pascale first proposed bringing the two-seat aircraft to the ultralight market, well in excess of a thousand P92s have been delivered worldwide. The chic Italian style of the newly certified P92 Echo MKII brings us yet another step closer to the future of this "instant classic" aircraft. The P92 Echo MkII offers its renowned cost-efficiency and safety with state-of-the-art technology in a roomy and modern cockpit. Starting from the generous standard configuration, with analogue instruments, customers can choose from an extensive range of options that include the Garmin G3X touch suite featuring two 10.6-inch screens, transponder with GPS, ELT, BRS parachute, and many more. In non-European countries, the P92 MkII is available in the Ultralight, US Light Sport Aircraft and Experimental categories, whereas the certified version, the P92JS, is available as the European CS-VLA.  AÉROCLUB ROYAL FÈS SAÏSS FROM MOROCCO RECEIVES SPORTSTAR RTC DELIVERY  Evektor is pleased to announce the delivery of a brand new SportStar RTC training aircraft to "Aéroclub Royal de Fès Saiss" from Morocco. "Aeroclub Royal de Fès Saiss" is well established air club with a long history from 70s, based at "Fès-Saiss International Airport" (FEZ). The air club operates a fleet of general aviation aircraft and specialises in training of private pilots PPL(A) and aircraft rental. SportStar RTC, registered as CN-PPL, has joined the training aircraft fleet of the Royal Fès Saiss Aeroclub and with its modern design, low operating costs and globally flight school proven training platform, represents the latest generation of training aircraft. CN-PPL is equipped with the latest Garmin G3X Glass Cockpit with Dual 10.6" Touch Screens, Dual ADAHRS and GPS modules, Synthetic Vision System, NAV/COM Garmin GNC 255 and GPS/WAAS ADS-B Out Garmin GTX335 Transponder. The SportStar RTC is an EASA certified aircraft for PPL and night rating training, CPL single engine training and solo time building in flight training organizations and air clubs. The aircraft offers a spacious cabin, best in class useful load and range up to 1300 km. Evektor Group is a design, engineering and aircraft manufacturing company from the Czech Republic, with 50 years of aircraft manufacturing experience and a sales network in 40 countries. Evektor group produces light sport aircraft and is currently developing the utility twin engine turboprop EV-55 Outback allowing the transportation of 9 to 14 passengers. The company produces components for civil and military aircraft industries and has extensive development experience in automotive and mechanical engineering industry.  AIRBUS UNVEILS CONCEPT OF FUTURE LIGHT JET TRAINER  Airbus is pitching the new jet trainer package for the Spanish air force. It is envisaged that it would replace Spain's fleets of Northrop F-5M and CASA C-101 Aviojet aircraft around 2027 or 2028 and that would one day school pilots across Europe on next-generation aircraft. AFJT would be entirely managed by the Spanish unit of the company's Military Aircraft division, the former CASA, which already makes the C295, A400M and A330MRTT aircraft, produces the Eurofighter's right wing and assembles Spanish Eurofighters. Airbus Spain will solely be in charge of the design, integration and assembly of AFJT, with Spanish subcontractors providing as much as possible the necessary components and subcomponents. The aircraft is designed with fighter characteristics of high manoeuvrability and speed and the ability to emulate aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, as well as future systems. If selected, the AFJT plane could see its first flight around 2025, Nin said. The division's press release said that the new platform could be a base for development of a new jet trainer that could support pilots going on to fly the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Also, on the basis of the new plane, it is possible to create a light fighter and a new generation attack unmanned aircraft. The trainer variant, with a stepped two-seat cockpit, is offered with and without the internal gun and multi-mode radar. In-flight weapon system simulators can be installed with a library of synthetic targets and threats. The light combat aircraft will be available as a single-seat light combat aircraft for air defence and reconnaissance missions.  UNITED STATES MARINES RETIRE BELL AH-1W AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE The United States Marine Corps, USMC, have officially retired the Bell AH-1W "Super Cobra" from their ranks after more than 30 years of dependable service. The iconic dual-blade aircraft served as the dedicated attack helicopter for the Marines through multiple campaigns, including Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Originally designated as the AH-1T+, the Super Cobra first flew on November 16, 1983 at Bell's Flight Research Centre in Arlington, Texas. Bell delivered the first AH-1Ws to the Marines on March 27, 1986 and delivered the final aircraft in 1999, for a domestic fleet of 179 attack helicopters. Through August 2020, the USMC flew the Super Cobra for 933,614 hours. "We are tremendously proud of the capabilities the AH-1W has brought to the United States Marines for the past 34 years," said Michael Deslatte, H-1 Bell Program Manager. "The Super Cobra's tremendous legacy is a testament to the excellence and dedication the men and women at Bell put into these platforms for generations and we look forward to continuing that legacy for years to come." USMC Super Cobra fleet has successfully delivered more than 900,000 flight hours. AH-1Ws remanufactured into AH-1Z Vipers will continue to serve in the United States Marines. The four-bladed Viper replaces the Super Cobra as the successor to the modern attack helicopter platform and provides fully-integrated air-to-air and anti-Armor capabilities designed to successfully accomplish the broadest array of contemporary missions.  U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION EXPANDS FLEET WITH TWO MORE SPECIAL MISSION BEECHCRAFT KING AIR 350CER  Textron Aviation announced it was awarded a contract for the 26th and 27th Beechcraft King Air 350CER turboprop aircraft for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO). The agency's aircraft are equipped with a sophisticated array of technology that can be deployed for ground interdiction operations, air-to-air intercept operations and medium-range maritime patrols, including active and passive sensors and an optimized communications suite. The aircraft are operated by skilled crewmembers who employ the mission equipment and coordinate information flow to the ground. The Beechcraft King Air 350CER aircraft is an extended range version of the King Air 350i twin-engine turboprop aircraft configured with an optional cargo door, resulting in enhanced mission flexibility. Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A or optional factory installed PT6A-67A turboprop engines with Hartzell four blade propellers power the King Air 350CER aircraft and a fully integrated Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion digital avionics suite provides pilot(s) with state-of-the-art touchscreen controls. Nearly 7,600 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers around the world since 1964, making it the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The worldwide fleet has surpassed 62 million flight hours in its 56 years, serving roles in all branches of the U.S. military and flying both commercial and special mission roles around the world.  THIRD KOPTER SH09 PROTOTYPE ACHIEVES SEVERAL FIRSTS Kopter Group, a Leonardo company, announced the resumption of SH09 flight test activities in Mollis, Switzerland. The flights mainly concentrated on testing the new tail rotor and aerodynamic modifications for improved handling in the low speed envelope. Flights at altitude, in the local area, evaluated the handling characteristics at higher speeds and in autorotation. Kopter's next step is to proceed with the upgrade to Garmin avionics and install the final main rotor flight control system.  EMBRAER DELIVERS SIX A-29 SUPER TUCANO TO THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE All six Super Tucano aircraft ordered by The Philippine Air Force (PAF) have been officially handed over to the Air Force today. The aircraft will be deployed for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, counter-insurgency missions, advanced training and are part of PAF's ongoing modernization plan. "It is an honour to deliver these six A-29 Super Tucanos to The Philippine Air Force," said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security. "Delivering an aircraft amidst a global pandemic is challenging, but we were committed to go the extra mile every step of the way to have the aircraft in the hands of PAF to fulfil their security missions." These aircraft will be operated and maintained by the 15th Strike Wing, the PAF's end-user. In November 2017, a firm order of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was made after a comprehensive public bidding process. The A-29 Super Tucano is a durable, versatile and powerful turboprop aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, even operating from unimproved runways. To date, the Super Tucano was selected by 15 air forces worldwide.  AMPAIRE FLIES LONGEST ROUTE TO DATE FOR AN ELECTRIFIED AIRCRAFT  Ampaire, a pioneer in electric aviation, has accomplished the longest flight to date for any commercially relevant aircraft employing electric propulsion, in this case a hybrid-electric propulsion system. Test pilot Justin Gillen and Flight Test Engineer Russell Newman flew up California's Central Valley at 8,500 feet, landing at Hayward Executive Airport at 02:52 PM. Straight line distance was 292 statute miles and the route as flown 341 statute miles. Speed during the cruise portion of the 2 hour, 32-minute flight averaged around 135 mph. "The mission was a quite normal cross-country flight that we could imagine electrified aircraft making every day just a few years from now," Gillen said. This milestone in electric aviation took place after four weeks of flight testing in the Camarillo area for this second Electric EEL test aircraft, which first flew on September 10th. In that period, the aircraft flew over 30 hours during 23 flights, in 28 days, with 100% dispatch reliability. "Our success in taking this aircraft in a short period from the test environment to the normal, everyday operating environment is a testament to our development and test organization, and to the systems maturity we have achieved with our second aircraft," said Ampaire General Manager Doug Shane. A former president of Scaled Composites, Shane is one of the world's foremost experts on the development and flight testing of new aviation concepts. "The ability to put innovative electric technologies into the air rapidly in order to assess and refine them is central to Ampaire's strategy to introduce low-emissions aircraft for regional airlines and charter operators within just a few year" he added The EEL flown to Hayward is dubbed the Hawai?i Bird, as it will take part later this year in a series of demonstration flights with Hawai?i-based Mokulele Airlines on its short-haul routes. The flight trials with Mokulele will not only demonstrate the capabilities of the EEL, but will help to define the infrastructure required for wide adoption of electric aviation by airlines and airports. These flight demonstrations will mark the first time an electrically powered aircraft has flown under an FAA "Market Survey" experimental aircraft certificate in order to gain real-world flight experience. In Hayward, the aircraft will be partially disassembled for shipment to Hawai?i. The Hawai?i flight trials are funded in part by Elemental Excelerator, a global climate-tech accelerator based in Honolulu. The Electric EEL can generate fuel and emissions savings of up to 50 percent on shorter regional routes where the aircraft's electrical propulsion unit can be run at high power settings and generate savings of about 30 percent on longer regional routes such as the Camarillo to Hayward flight. "The Electric EEL is our first step in pioneering new electric aircraft designs," said Ampaire CEO Noertker. "Our next step will likely be a 19-seat hybrid electric retrofit program that will lower emissions and operating costs, benefiting regional carriers, their passengers and their communities." Ampaire, with funding from NASA and others, is in the midst of design studies for such an aircraft based on the popular de Havilland Twin Otter aircraft. Ampaire has named the hybrid-electric 19-seater aircraft the Eco Otter SX.  EUROPEAN BORDER AND COAST GUARD AGENCY (FRONTEX) SELECTS AIRBUS AND ITS PARTNER IAI FOR MARITIME AERIAL SURVEILLANCE WITH REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (RPAS) The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) awarded a contract to Airbus Defence and Space Airborne Solutions (ADAS), a 100% subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space and the global market leader in RPAS services and its long-term partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to operate a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS for Maritime Aerial Surveillance services. The service will be delivered in Greece, and/or Italy and/or Malta within a Framework Contract. The service includes the provision of a RPAS platform, payload, communication equipment and capacity, mission storage and all necessary experts managing the system and providing operational support. Under the contract, Airbus and IAI will provide the service for pre-planned assignments as well as for ad-hoc calls. The maritime Heron RPAS from IAI serves a range of customers worldwide and is a part of the well-known "Heron family" which accumulates over 450,000 flight hours, day and night missions under all weather conditions. The system is capable of flying more than 24 hours in full operational configuration and creates a comprehensive, real time, naval picture in geographical areas for potential surveillance interests, e.g. in the context of coordinated European monitoring activities. The RPAS will be fitted with versatile dedicated payloads (e.g. electro-optical for day and infrared for night purposes, maritime patrol radar made by IAI and automatic identification system), relevant communication equipment and corresponding ground mission control and support. The surveillance platform Heron uses a direct link when flying within Line of Sight (LOS), changing seamlessly to a satellite link when flying Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) to transmit real time information or when needed to fly in low altitude over the sea. This information is being transmitted to Frontex command and control centre as well as to centres of the respective Coast Guards. Numerous trials were successfully held over the past years to confirm and highlight the benefits of unmanned aerial systems in terms of precise and long endurance surveillance. The maritime Heron is being used among others by the Israeli navy as its key patrolling tool, successfully performing reconnaissance and security assignments since many years.   "Air Force partners with industry to ensure we can find innovative solutions to meet our future priorities," said Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts, RAAF Head of Air Force Capability. "Boeing's Loyal Wingman project is a perfect example of what this collaborative approach can achieve." "Seeing the prototype take to the runway for this low-speed taxi test is an exciting moment - another significant development milestone ahead of its first flight." Reaching a maximum speed of 14 knots (approximately 16 mph, or 26 kilometres per hour), on the ground, the aircraft demonstrated several activities while manoeuvring and stopping on command. "The low-speed taxi enabled us to verify the function and integration of the aircraft systems, including steering, braking and engine controls with the aircraft in motion," said Paul Ryder, Boeing Australia Flight Test manager. Three Loyal Wingman prototypes will be the foundation for the Airpower Teaming System that Boeing will offer customers worldwide. The aircraft will fly alongside other platforms, using artificial intelligence for such teaming missions. It has advanced design and flight characteristics, including a modular nose section that's customizable for specific needs and a conventional take-off and landing approach suitable for many missions and runway types. "Runway independence ensures the aircraft will be a highly flexible and adaptable system for our global customers," said Dr. Shane Arnott, program director, Boeing Airpower Teaming System. "This latest test marks the first full unmanned movement of the Loyal Wingman with our Australian partners and takes us a step closer to first flight."   Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions, Inc. (Eve) has been launched as a new, independent company dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem. Eve is developing a full portfolio of solutions to enable the UAM market and ultimately benefit people's lives, including the progression and certification of the company's electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL), the associated comprehensive services and support network, and the creation of urban air traffic management solutions. "We value the vast potential of the UAM market, as it represents a new business segment in which we foresee significant opportunities for Embraer. Innovation and diversification are key pillars of Embraer's new strategic plan, which will increase revenue and improve profitability over the next few years," said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer. "That is why I am eager to announce Eve, the first company to graduate from EmbraerX. Eve stands primed to create a new frontier in transportation with intelligent, environmentally friendly, autonomous-ready aircraft and the associated ubiquitous support and urban air traffic management solutions." As part of the company's initiative to accelerate the UAM revolution, EmbraerX has been part of the Uber Elevate Network since its inception in 2017. "Eve's launch is an important next step in commercialising Embraer's eVTOL designs while building on Embraer's ability to design, certify and deliver safe, globally-accepted aircraft. We look forward to our continued partnership to make aerial ridesharing a reality," said Eric Allison, Head of Uber Elevate. Benefitting from a start-up mindset, backed by Embraer's more than 50-year history of aerospace expertise, Eve today unveils a unique and valuable market proposition. Eve's human-centered eVTOL design represents an actual, certifiable product development, as evidenced by the first flight of the engineering simulator in July 2020, and the company is harnessing the expertise of both Embraer and Atech, a subsidiary of the Embraer Group, in providing globally-recognized air traffic management software to create the solutions that will help safely scale the UAM industry going forward.  USA  Welda W. DeRousse Jr, the 74-year-old pilot of a 2002 Canadian Home Rotors Safari experimental kit helicopter that was killed when he crashed into the EZ Self Storage that he owned in Red Bud USA last medical certificate to fly an aircraft was issued in May 2003. Pilots over the age of 40 must be medically certified every two years. Surveillance video footage depicted the helicopter hovering near the storage building. An eyewitness saw the tail rotor of the helicopter hitting the side of the building and coming to rest on its left side adjacent to the building. A post-impact fire ensued, destroying the aircraft. (File photo. Not the accident aircraft) RSA, Howick: A Kitplanes for Africa Bushbaby crashed in Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday 24 October 2020 under unknown circumstances. Both occupants died in the crash. Brazil, Cuiaba: A LATAM Brazil Airbus A320-200 with 156 passengers and 6 crew, was on approach to Cuiaba's runway 35 when the separation between the A320 and a departing Piper PA-31 reduced below required minima. Both aircraft were able to continue to their destinations. Brazil's CENIPA rated the occurrence a serious incident and opened an investigation into the occurrence. USA, Mitchell Ranch, about 25 miles NE of Lawton, Johnston County, OK: A Cirrus SR22 GTS G3 operated by Leatherneck Oilfield Services Inc with four on board experienced the deployment of the CAPS ballistic recovery system parachute and a subsequent landing to open field terrain on Mitchell Ranch, about 25 miles northeast of Lawton, Johnston County, Oklahoma. The four people onboard were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage due to a left landing gear collapse. USA, near Vance Brand Airport (LMO/KLMO), Longmont, CO: A Cub Crafters CC11 Carbon Cub operated by Da Plane LLC with two on board experienced an unspecified mechanical problem during take-off and it subsequently forced landed to roadway terrain in Longmont, Colorado. The airplane sustained unreported damage and one of the two people onboard received minor injuries. USA, Nassau County's Point Lookout, Hempstead, Long Island, NY: A Bell 206B JetRanger II experienced an apparent forced landing to shallow water terrain at Nassau County's Point Lookout in Hempstead on Long Island, New York. The helicopter sustained unreported damage and the sole pilot onboard received minor injuries. Weather may have been a factor to the incident. USA, SW Patton Village, Montgomery County, TX: A Grumman AA-5A Cheetah on a training flight impacted trees and terrain in southwest Patton Village, Texas. The airplane sustained unreported but apparent substantial damage and the two pilots onboard were fatally injured.  USA, Foley, Baldwin County, AL: A US Navy Beechcraft T-6B Texan II was destroyed when it crashed into a house in Foley, Baldwin County, Alabama. Both pilots were fatally injured. There have been no reported injuries on the ground. Russia, Suhona River, Nyuksensky district, Vologda region: A Robinson R44 Raven II operated by Aerosouz Company with four on board crashed into the Suhona River, Nyuksensky district, Vologda region. There were no survivors.   22 OCTOBER 1922  Lt Harold Harris makes the first parachute escape from a stricken aircraft, bailing out of a Loening PW-2 over Dayton, Ohio. On October 20, 1922 Harris made history as the first pilot to bail out of a stricken aircraft using a free-fall parachute. Harris was flying a Loening monoplane with a modified aileron when the aileron began oscillating badly, pulling the control stick from his hands. Facing a certain crash, Harris bailed out of the stricken aircraft, landing in a backyard grape arbour at a house at 335 Troy St., suffering only bruises on his legs and hand from fighting with the control stick. Harold R. Harris left the military for the second time to join American Overseas Airlines. In 1950 American Overseas Airlines was incorporated into Pan Am Airlines and Harris became Vice-President in charge of the Atlantic Division. Harold R. Harris died in his home in Falmouth, Massachusetts on July 28, 1988, at age 92. www.youtube.com/channel/UCCuRVZAGodT6sztTeXBGeMw and subscribe to our YouTube channel  |
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