MIDWEEK UPDATE 16 JUNE 2022Google Banner Ad THIS WEEK IN MIDWEEK UPDATE Sling Pilot Academy welcomes you. SAAF welcomes aviation artisans. Africa in a prime position to supply the United Nations, especially with airlift services. AirVenture 2022 celebrating 40th anniversary of Ultralight Part 103. Jenny re-creation coming to Oshkosh. Falcon 6X round-the-globe proving campaign ready for kick-off. Gulfstream G700 sets city-pair record on SAF for Geneva debut. Pilatus presents the uniquely versatile PC-24 cabin. Leonardo's AW139 fleet in Australia grows stronger with order for three more HEMS/SAR helicopters. Worldwide incidents and accidents. This week in history, first flight of the Avro Tudor, the first British pressurised civilian aircraft. Google Banner Ad    THE AER0 CLUB'S YEARBOOK IS NOW ON SALE WWW.AEROCLUB.ORG.ZA/SHOP     15 to 19 SAC National Aerobatics Championships at Wings Park Airfield. Contact Annie Boon: E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za 16 to 18 SAPFA Rally Nationals at Brits Airfield. Contact Frank Eckard E-mail: frank.eckard@mweb.co.za Cell: 083 269 1516 25 Polokwane Airshow Contact: Noel Netshivhodza E-mail: netcoxm@gmail.com Cell: 081 728 0843 25 SAPFA Speed Rally at Middelburg Airfield. Contact David le Roux e-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200   1 to 3 EAA Taildraggers at Warmbaths Airfield. Contact Richard E-mail: Richard.nicholson1963@gmail.com Cell: 082 490 6227 7 to 9 AERO South Africa at Wonderboom National Airport. Contact Annelie Reynolds E-mail: annelie.reynolds@za.messefrankfurt.com 16 SAPFA Kitty Hawk Rally. Contact Frank Eckard E-mail: frank.eckard@mweb.co.za Cell: 083 269 1516 16 Garden Route Airshow at George Airport. Contact Brett Scheuble 084 418 3836 22 to 31 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA. Camping on the airfield contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net 29 and 30 Soutpansberg Fly-in Louis Trichardt. Contact Jaco E-mail: spbvliegklub@gmail.com Cell: 082 353 6002 30 Krugersdorp Flying Club Spot Landing. Contact Nandi Tel: 083 577 8894 E-mail kfc@iafrica.com .jpg)  26-27 Bethlehem Airshow at Bethlehem Airfield. Contact Stephan Fourie at E-mail: fouriesj1491@gmail.com Cell: 072 344 9678 26-28 Kuzuko Lodge RV Fly-in Safari in the Karoo. Contact Clive Gibson at E-mail: cagibson@global.co.za Website: www.kuzuko.com .jpg)  SLING PILOT ACADEMY WELCOMES YOU  A little bit of aviation history gets made today as the combined efforts of three passionate aviation advocates initiate an aggressive new pilot training program, in earnest. On May 15th, the first training class in the Sling Pilot Academy's innovative new Accelerated Airline Pilot Program took flight… literally. The Sling Pilot Academy, based in Torrance CA, is the brainchild of three aviation entrepreneurs, Wayne Toddun, Jean d'Assonville, and Matt Liknaitzky. Their stories and motivations are inspiring. For Toddun, it's the result of what occurred in his own search for a proper flight school for his son… and what ensued when he couldn't find one that met his standards. So… he started one that did. For D'Assonville, an exceptionally experienced pilot whose adventures have included several globe-girdling flights, it's the result of his clear knowledge that only good training can give today's pilots what they need in order to persevere in a turbulent industry that is facing a critical pilot shortage. And for Liknaitzky, a new Father and a long-time aviation entrepreneur, it's the culmination of a number of aviation efforts and his personal attempt to have a 'really positive effect' on the aviation community. The Sling Pilot Academy's Accelerated Airline Pilot Program breaks a lot of new ground in the debut of a program that is based on many years of owning and operating a conventional LSA and GA flight school. SPA utilizes Next-Generation' training aircraft with glass panels, modern power plants, and the latest training equipment… including contemporary, motion-based digital flight simulators which mimic the flight training environment to a startling degree. A diverse instructor staff not only mirrors the world that their students come from but boasts a variety of backgrounds from a number of aviation disciplines. Complete Professional Flight Training programs that may be undertaken in under 9 months, from first flight to course completion, are available now for under $63,000. And, while the price of the program is less than many other such courses, the company leaves nothing out. A student working the entire program completes the curriculum with more than a basic Commercial Pilot's license with an Instrument rating but is properly equipped to go right to work in today's challenging aviation industry. They also leave SPA with a multi-engine rating as well as the three Primary Instructor ratings - Certified Flight Instructor/Airplane, CFI/Instrument-Airplane, and CFI/Multi-Engine. The initial reception has been rewarding. The next class dates are now being scheduled, and expansion of the SPA program from its foundations in Torrance, CA, is already being considered with attention being given to other potential locales across the country.  Written by DefenceWeb  The injunction earlier this year by CAF Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo to “set the eagle free” as part of his vision for a rejuvenated SA Air Force (SAAF) found further expression at what an air force communications officer termed “a reclassification parade”. The parade, at Air Force Base (AFB) Swartkop in Valhalla, Centurion, last week welcomed a new batch of “aviation artisans” into the ranks of the airborne service of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF). Proof of his interest in what former ground crew and support personnel of various vital disciplines are to the sharp end of the SAAF was Mbambo's presence at the parade as review officer. He told those on parade, as reported by Captain Tebogo August, the reclassification into fully-fledged artisans “is a step in a right direction and a much-needed boost in the drive toward innovative ideas”. These, according to the three-star, are “what is needed to propel the air force forward”. The 93 aviation artisans came through more than a year's specialist training at nearby 68 Air School in Lyttelton. Here their skills in, among others, radar electronics, aircraft mechanics, aircraft painting, ground electro mechanics, communication electronics and aircraft survival fitting were honed as part of Mbambo's vision of the SAAF as an air force projecting effective air and space power through innovation in its theatre of operations.  He told the parade at the SAAF's oldest base he was “confident” the air artisans' training was of a high standard, in line with that required by legislation. “Support the larger SAAF and the SANDF with commitment and zeal don't be too confident or arrogant. A new journey begins, serve with devotion and the organisation will in return, give you space to grow as artisans,” he said. 68 Air School Officer Commanding Colonel Johannes Molomo assured CAF and the SAAF Command Council the new and newly named additions to the ground crew and support personnel ranks were both “prepared and combat ready”. Another recent effort related to the “free the eagle” initiative was a youth outreach ahead of the Newcastle Air Show in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday 4 June. This saw SAAF participation, including two Hawk Mk120 lead-in fighter-trainers.  Written by DefenceWeb  Sandile Ndlovu, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) Export Council, told DefenceWeb that the United Nations spends in excess of $10 billion annually on goods and services that can be provided by companies AMD represents. “The majority of UN Peacekeeping Missions are in Africa - this then should ideally be placing African based companies in a prime position to benefit from these opportunities. But this has not always been the case. By attending the Procurement Summit, South African companies will then get to be exposed to opportunities within the UN environment, and also be guided on how to access those opportunities. This information will be invaluable,” he said. The UN Procurement Summit, scheduled for 24 June at the CSIR in Pretoria, runs alongside the UN's 6th International Partnership for Technology in Peacekeeping Symposium, which is being hosted by the South African government and Department of Defence, but is only open to UN member states and representatives. “As Industry we are delighted that we get presented with an opportunity to showcase our capabilities - not only to the UN but also to the other Member Countries that will be attending the Symposium,” Ndlovu said. He explained that the UN is such an important target market because of the diversity of the services and goods that are required. “Irrespective of the sector one may be in, the UN is a potential client. From a defence perspective, the UN provides companies with another potential revenue stream. The volumes that are procured, are quite huge, it thus makes it a worthwhile investment for companies to study UN opportunities. UN is also a less risky client from a paying perspective. If you honour your side of the agreement, they will honour theirs.” The biggest opportunity AMD has identified for the local aerospace and defence sector is fixed and rotary wing airlift. “With the advent of the Ukraine War, this service was predominantly provided by Russian and Ukrainian companies. There is now a vacuum,” Ndlovu explained. He added that in addition to air charter, South Africa has a lot to offer the United Nations, not only from the local defence industry. “It is therefore important that we take a global (multi-sectoral) view when identifying areas where South Africa could be of assistance to the UN. As South Africa we have, almost, all the capabilities that the UN could potentially require and this needs to be made known to the UN. “As the local defence industry, we can offer various services, such as troop provisions, camping systems and maintenance, repair and overhaul of vehicles. We can also offer defence solutions (armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic warfare, surveillance equipment, command and control and communication radios) just to mention a few.” The UN's Under Secretary General for Operational Support, Atul Khare, and Assistant Secretary General for Supply Chain Management, Christian Saunders, will be attending the Summit on 24 June. Some of the topics under discussion at the Summit will cover doing business with the United Nations, the tender process, tips to win a tender, and aviation requirements. The Department of Defence, SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) and Armscor are organising an exhibition which will run alongside the Symposium and Summit. South African companies are invited to take up exhibition stands and showcase their capabilities to the high-level UN gathering. To register to attend the UN Procurement Summit 2022, click here. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. If you would like to have a prominent role in this event and increase your brand exposure, please contact Robert Mace, robert@defenceweb.co.za You can also contact Robert should you be interested in securing a stand at the exhibition.  AIRVENTURE 2022 CELEBRATING 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ULTRALIGHT PART 103 The 40th anniversary of the ultralight vehicle and Part 103 will be celebrated this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 103, which put regulations on ultralight vehicles effective October 4, 1982, marked the beginning of ultralights as we know them today. These regulations include operating rules, the definition of what qualifies as an ultralight, and more. Ultralights are known for their light weight, affordability and as a fun way to fly. Some of the iconic ultralight vehicles that are celebrating their 40th anniversaries this year at AirVenture include the CGS Hawk, Fisher FP101, Phantom, Hiperlight, and B1-RD. EAA founder Paul Poberezny once said, “Freedom is what EAA is all about… Freedom to create and build… to dream… to fly.” Part 103 created a sense of freedom to fly for those that always wanted to but could not afford to. Not very often do people who love aviation celebrate federal aviation regulations, but this one allowed for many ultralight pilots to enjoy recreational flying without some of the restrictions and certification that comes with other forms of aviation. Development of innovative designs, materials, and construction technologies within the last 40 years has allowed more and more people to take part in ultralight flying. Emerging technologies, such as eVTOL aircraft, may also benefit from Part 103, as many may fall under the various regulations required of an ultralight, such as gross weight and cruise speed.   A scratch built re-creation of a Curtiss JN, commonly known as the “Jenny,” is coming to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this summer, thanks to the hard work of volunteers in Poplar Grove, Illinois.  The 6X has now completed a number of major flight test activities, including cold-soak tests, high-elevation tests and expanded the flight envelope well beyond the aircraft's Mach 0.90 maximum operating speed. The number of flight trials remaining includes natural icing tests and contaminated runway tests. “Our test team continues to be impressed by the handling and performance of the Falcon 6X,” said Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “This global proving campaign will make sure that all systems are fully mature at entry into service. We are committed to delivering a perfect aircraft from day one.” Three Falcon 6X flight test aircraft have accumulated more than 850 hours of flight time to date and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) flight evaluation process has begun. Aircraft number four--the first production unit-is on display at EBACE equipped with a full interior. This aircraft will take part in the proving tour. The one-month tour will include a number of long and short haul legs across Europe and between North and South America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Flights of 10-12 hours will alternate with quick, short hops. The aircraft will perform long night flights, high-speed long runs at Mach 0.88, or up to seven short segments within a day. The proving campaign aircraft will carry a full crew of Dassault pilots, flight attendants, engineers and interior specialists-. This team will test 250 different evaluation points. Meanwhile, a fifth aircraft is currently being fitted out at Dassault Aviation's Little Rock, Arkansas completion facility, with a sixth set to arrive in the coming days. Capable of flying 5,500 nm (10,186 km) non-stop, the Falcon 6X will feature the largest cabin cross section of any purpose-built business jet on the market.  Inspired by the belief that aviation could fuel business growth, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. invented the first purpose-built business aircraft, the Gulfstream I, which first flew in 1958. Today, more than 2,900 aircraft are in service around the world. Together with parent company General Dynamics, Gulfstream consistently invests in the future, dedicating resources to researching and developing innovative new aircraft, technologies and services. With a fleet that includes the super-midsize Gulfstream G280, the high-performing Gulfstream G650 and Gulfstream G650ER, and a next-generation family of aircraft including the all-new Gulfstream G400, the award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600, the flagship Gulfstream G700 and the ultralong-range Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream offers an aircraft for every mission. All are backed by Gulfstream's Customer Support network and its worldwide team.  PILATUS PRESENTS THE UNIQUELY VERSATILE PC-24 CABIN Unlike other business jets, the PC-24 stands apart on account of its unrivalled flexibility. In a new video, Pilatus invites viewers inside the spacious cabin of the Super Versatile Jet and shows, step by step, how easy it is to reconfigure the PC-24 to each particular mission. Pilatus offers nine unique cabin configurations, ranging from an eight-seat interior to a fully equipped air ambulance. The cabin boasts an entirely flat floor, a lavatory and passenger seats which can be removed to create space for more cargo - depending on the mission in hand. The large cargo door and flat floor make it easy to load and transport heavy and bulky items such as motorcycles, standard pallets, gurneys, machinery, surf boards, and so much more. The flat floor is equipped with four seat rails that extend the entire length of the cabin underneath the carpet, and tie-down straps conveniently attached to the rails allowing flight operations to transport more than one tonne of cargo. Can your business jet do that? Take a look at the video to see how quickly the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet can be converted and loaded with four electric mountain bikes.  The AW139s will be delivered from Leonardo's Vergiate final assembly line facility in Italy in early 2023 and will enter service in the State of Western Australia later in the year, following dedicated mission customisation performed locally. The new aircraft will feature a wide range of tailored equipment including, among others, 4-axis DAFCS (Digital Automatic Flight Control System) autopilot enhanced with Hover Mode, TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), searchlight, camera, wire cutter and rescue hoist. The special HEMS interior and the advanced mission console will be installed in Australia. This latest contract marks a further outstanding success for the best-selling AW139 in Australia, being already the leading model for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) nationwide. More than 130 civil, public utility and military helicopters of various models have been sold by Leonardo in the country to date, supported by unique localized support and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) services. The AW139 has been chosen by several operators in Australia for a range of roles covering HEMS/SAR, law enforcement, offshore transport and government roles with a fleet of over 60 units today in service. The order also strengthens the regional collaboration with CHC who already operates ten AW139s and two AW189s. The global fleet of AW139s used by CHC has recently set a major operational milestone exceeding 250,000 flight hours. The world's most important helicopter programme since its certification in 2004 and the bestselling type in its category, the AW139 has logged orders for over 1250 units from more than 290 operators in over 80 countries to date for all missions. The AW139 delivers outstanding capabilities, technology and safety to meet stringent requirements from operators for tasks in harsh conditions to maximize effectiveness. The type features state-of-the-art avionics with advanced navigation and collision avoidance systems to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilots' workload, unmatched speed, power margins and overall performance, the widest cabin in its category featuring high modularity for rapid reconfiguration, a unique 60+ min run-dry capable main gear box for enhanced reliability and safety and up to 1000 certified kits.  SOUTH AFRICA  On Monday, 24 January 2022, a pilot and a passenger on-board a Jabiru J400 with registration ZU-DFP were conducting circuit flights and touch-and-go landings at Krugersdorp Airport (FAKR) in Gauteng province. The pilot was testing the aircraft's performance for the passenger who had just purchased it. The pilot had flown three approaches on Runway 08 prior to the accident. The pilot stated that during the fourth approach at approximately 50 knots, the aircraft was stable and it touched down with the tailwind. He stated that he applied brakes after touchdown, but the aircraft did not slow down. The pilot then noticed that the engine revolutions per minute (rpm) were higher than usual during the landing roll despite the positive back pressure on the throttle. He reported that he tried to pull the throttle back several times, but it did not retard fully. He then applied right rudder to avoid going beyond the end of the runway. The aircraft flipped over (inverted position) on a small open field on the right-side of the runway where it came to rest. The occupants of the aircraft were not injured during the accident sequence; the aircraft sustained substantial damage. What was found • The passenger stated that during the landing phase, the aircraft seemed to 'float' down the runway and touched down before the halfway mark on the runway surface. • Runway 08 is 848 metres (m) in length. The aircraft landed approximately 384 metres from the threshold, which left approximately 464m to the threshold of Runway 26. The landing distance required for a Jabiru is 520m. The aircraft needed an additional 56m to come to a safe stop. • The pilot had about 70m still remaining after the threshold (Runway 26) for a safe stop. But because the aircraft landed just before the halfway mark on Runway 08, the pilot was unable to bring the aircraft to a safe stop. The pilot elected to turn right to avoid overshooting the runway. Probable cause: The aircraft was unstable on approach, resulting in the aircraft touching down with the tailwind just before the middle of the runway; the pilot could not bring the aircraft to a safe stop in the remaining runway and, therefore, applied right rudder without success in an attempt to avoid overshooting the runway. The aircraft came to a stop on a small open field. Pilots are reminded to always go-around should the approach be unstable, especially when landing in short or limited runways.  USA, Hillsboro Airport, Hillsboro, Washington County, OR: Following a loss of engine power during take-off, a Czech Sport Aircraft SportCruiser sustained substantial damage during the ensuing forced landing to open terrain on airport property, through a fence and then, onto the edge of the roadway. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The occupants were not injured.  China, near Laohekou Air Base: A People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Chengdu J-7 crashed into a residential area near Laohekou Air Base. The pilot ejected and suffered minor injuries. A fire erupted, buildings were destroyed, two residents were injured, one resident died as a result of the crash. Italy, Mount Cusna, Villa Minozzo (Reggio Emilia) area: An Avio Srl Agusta A119 Koala with seven on board on a flight from Lucca Airfield towards a paper company in Castelminio di Resana (near Treviso Airport TSF/LIPH) did not arrive at its destination. A search was initiated. The helicopter was found in a ravine on Mount Cusna at an altitude of about 1,900 metres by a hiker. There were no survivors.  Russia, Sochi Airport: A Nordwind Airlines Boeing 737-8AS with 191 on board on a scheduled flight from Kazan International Airport during landing at Sochi Airport the nose landing gear started emitting smoke and caught fire. The aircraft was disabled on the runway. Passengers were disembarked on the runway and bused to the terminal. Germany, near Worms Airfield: A Comco Ikarus C42B was destroyed when it crashed into a tree and caught fire after take-off from Worms Airfield (EDFV). The pilot died in the crash.  USA, Oxnard, near Camarillo Airport, CA: A 305L Air Holdings LLC Mooney M20K 305 Rocket clipped the roof of the Gold Coast Church building shortly after take-off from Rwy 26 at Camarillo Airport (KCMA), and crashed into a strawberry field in north Oxnard, California. The pilot was fatally injured in the crash and, the aircraft was destroyed. Australia, near Imbil, South of Gympie, QLD: A Jabiru UL-450 overturned during a forced landing in a field near Imbil, South of Gympie, Queensland. The engine of the aircraft had failed as the pilot was flying home after purchasing the aircraft. The pilot was not injured.   14 JUNE 1945  First flight of the Avro Tudor, the first British pressurized civilian aircraft The Tudor I was intended for use on the North Atlantic route. At the time, the United States had the Douglas DC-4 and Lockheed Constellation, which could both carry more passengers than the Tudor which only carried 12, and also weighed less than the Tudor weight of 70,000 lb (32,000 kg). The Tudor tailwheel layout was also obsolete. Despite this, the Ministry of Supply ordered 14 Tudor I aircraft for BOAC, and increased the production order to 20 in April 1945. The Tudor I suffered from a number of stability problems, which included longitudinal and directional instability. The problem was handed over to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at RAE Farnborough, where an extensive programme of testing was carried out, the test pilot being Eric Brown.[3] Following the RAE's recommendations, a larger tailplane was fitted, and the original fin and rudder were replaced by larger vertical surfaces. BOAC added to the delays by requesting more than 340 modifications, and finally rejected the Tudor I on 11 April 1947, considering it unacceptable for North Atlantic operations. It had been intended that 12 Tudors would be built in Australia for military transport, but this plan was abandoned. Twelve Tudor I aircraft were built, of which three were scrapped, while others were variously converted to the Tudor IVB and Tudor Freighter I configurations. Google Banner Ad  |
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