Midweek Update 13 April 2023Google Banner Ad THIS WEEK IN MIDWEEK UPDATE Regent and Siemens collaborate for revolutionary zero-emission Seaglider. Senegal takes delivery of second C295. Zimbabwe Air Force asks Nigeria for technical assistance. Bird Aerosystems maritime patrol aircraft demo for NIMASA nets polluting vessel. Yellow Ribbon Honour Flight honours veterans as part of AirVenture 2023 activities. Epic Flight Academy expands its training fleet with the world's leading flight training aircraft, the Cessna Skyhawk. Embraer and FAB celebrate receiving the full operational capability (FOC) for the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft. Airbus Helicopters and China's GDAT sign for 50 H160 helicopters. Worldwide incidents and accidents - AOPA - Early analysis: power line strike on final approach to Montgomery County Airpark. This week in history - A surface-to-air missile shoots down the presidential jet of Rwanda, a Dassault Falcon 50. Bonus Video - Bell 47 flight at Oshkosh.    14 SACAA National Aviation conference Gauteng Venue TBA. For information contact: Charmeine Shibambo E-mail: shibamboc@caa.co.za 15 EAA Chapter 322 breakfast fly-in to Fly inn Estates. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 15 Robertson annual fly-in and breakfast Robertson airfield. Contact Alwyn du Plessis E-mail: boeredata@breede.co.za 15 &16 SAC Eastern Cape Regionals Wings Park airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za Cell 082 902 8614 19 to 22 AERO Friedrichshafen Germany. Contact Tobias Brezel E-mail: tobias.bretzel@fairnamic 22 Elders Flight Brakpan Airfield. Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gnmail.com Cell: 086 191 4603 27 April to 1 May EAA National Convention Middelburg Airfield. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com   4 to 7 Kalahari Bundu Bash Adventure Koppieskraal Pan. Contact Cell: 078 459 2636 or 054 331 3534 E-mail: kbb@rafsa.co.za 4 to 8 NAC fly-away to Namibia. Contact Agnes Phillips E-mail: agnes.phillips@nac 5 to 7 BONA BONA fly-in at the Bona Bona airfield and country lodge. Contact Christian E-mail: christian@vsg.co.za Cell 083 251 4573 5 & 7 Kuzuko Lodge and private game reserve RV fly-in safari. Contact E-mail: kuzuko@legacyhotels.co.za 5 & 6 SAAF Museum annual airs how AFB Swartkops. Contact Maj. Ntshangase. Zero 8 three four one 0166 five 6 EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering 07h30 EAA Auditorium Rand Airport. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 6 to 7 SAPFA Speed Rally at Bona Bona airfield. Contact David le Roux E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za Cell 073 338 5200 13 Lowveld Airshow at Nelspruit airfield. For more info contact Johan@kishugu.com Cell: 082 456 7 to 14 Sling Africa Tour: Departing from the Kalahari Bundu Bash led by Mike and Sue. Contact Shanelle Visagie E-mail: Shannelle@slingairctaft.com 16 to 19 Grain SA's NAMPO Harvest Day. Contact Wim Venter E-mail: wim@grainsa.co.za Tel: 086 004 7246 17 to 20 SAC National Aerobatics Championships Tempe airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: info@anniesaviationcorner.com 18 & 19 Orion training, tech, drones and unmanned aviation conference. Contact Thabo Ndimande E-mail: thabo@orion-training.co.za Cell: 072 663 2724 20 New Tempe airshow Bloemfontein. Contact Conrad Botha E-mail: rowco24cc@mailbox.co.za Cell: 082 770 5505 20 EAA Chapter 322 breakfast fly-in at Fly inn Estate. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 19 to 21 SAGPA Gyrocopter Fly in to Bona Bona Lodge. For more info contact Tommie Jordaan 08 two 80 two 3221 one 25 to 28 SAPFA Presidents' Trophy Air Race Middleburg airfield Website: www.sapfa   1 & 2 Drones and Unmanned Aviation Conference Birchwood Hotel. Contact Gerald E-mail: admin@bussynetadt.co.za Cell: 067 611 0365 or Byron E-mail: byron@bussynetadt.co.za Cell: 067 611 0365 1 to 4 RC Extravaganza at Henley Model airfield. Contact Emil Henrico E-mail: info@rcasa.org.za Cell: 082 962 2334 3 EAA Chapter 322 breakfast gathering 07h30 EAA Auditorium Rand Airport. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 3 Parys airshow. Contact Brendan Horan E-mail: brendan@creativespacemedia.co.za 10 EAA Young Eagles Day (Venue TBA) & EAA International Young Eagles Day. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com 10 Newcastle Airshow. Contact Johan Pieters E-mail: johan@champ.co.za 11 Brakpan Aero Club Cobra Club and fly-in. Contact Clarissa E-mail: Clarissa@airborneaviation.co.za Cell: 074 113 2911 16 SAC Fundraiser event venue TBA. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: info@anniesaviationcorner.com 17 Maputo International Airshow on the waterfront. Contact Gavin Neil E-mail: gavin@haps.co.mz Cell: +258 84 391 7408 30 June to 2 July EAA Taildraggers at Warmbaths airfield (Bela Bela). Contact Richard Nicholson E-mail: nicholson1963@gmail.com   REGENT AND SIEMENS COLLABORATE FOR REVOLUTIONARY ZERO-EMISSION SEAGLIDER  Siemens Digital Industries Software today announced that REGENT has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of cloud-based software and services to help pioneer a new category of vehicle called the seaglider. The seaglider is a high-speed zero emission vehicle that operates exclusively over the water to drastically reduce the time and cost of moving people and goods between coastal cities. With 40 percent of the world's population living in coastal communities, REGENT's electric seagliders will be the first vehicles to offer safe, low-cost, high-speed, zero-emission vehicles for this segment. As a manufacturer or OEM, REGENT's launch customers span aviation, ferry, and logistics transportation operators. The REGENT seaglider operates exclusively over the water as an all-electric wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) vehicle. It travels the sea in one of three modes-floating on its hull near the dock, foiling on its hydrofoils at up to 40 knots (kts) as it comes in and out of port, or flying above the waves at 160 kts while cruising to its destination. When in flight, it operates a few meters off the surface of the water, relying on the ground effect phenomenon, flying on a cushion of air. It combines the high speed and comfort of an airplane with the low operating cost of an electric vehicle. Seagliders differ from past WIGs due to their hydrofoils, distributed electric propulsion and aerospace fly-by-wire controls. These elements enable safe harbor operations, increased wave tolerance, and a comfortable passenger experience. At the heart of its design, engineering and development toolset is the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, which has been fundamental to REGENT since its founding in 2020. "At REGENT we are focused on bringing a revolutionary new vehicle to the transportation market with the potential to change how both people and freight move over the water," said Mike Klinker, CTO and cofounder of REGENT. "As our seagliders approach certification and full-scale commercial production, we need a robust, modern digital tools platform that supports the pace of our innovation cycles with the rigor to encompass a product as complex as ours. Siemens Xcelerator as a Service was a perfect fit for a digital-first startup like ours. Cloud native solutions, such as Teamcenter X, minimize administrative overhead and allow us to focus 100 percent on design, engineering, manufacturing, and innovation. Siemens' valued collaboration and the subscription model provide significant cash flow benefits that are vital to any startup." REGENT's flagship seaglider, the 12-passenger Viceroy, will be built to the highest safety standards. It will be able to service routes up to 180 miles with existing battery technology and routes up to 500 miles with next-generation batteries, all via existing dock infrastructure. Additionally, its operation as a wing-in-ground effect vehicle above the water enables maritime testing and certification. This is an efficient pathway to entry-into-service, allowing customers to experience high-speed, zero-emission coastal mobility sooner than electric aviation options, while maintaining similar levels of safety. "The revolution of both mobility and electrification is continuing at an exciting pace across the entire spectrum of the industry, but it's not often that the two combine with such spectacularly innovative product design to address a specific challenge like the one faced by coastal communities across the globe," said Dale Tutt, Vice President of Industry Strategy, Siemens Digital Industries Software. "REGENT is pioneering innovative high-speed coastal transportation while targeting net zero from the very beginning. Our Xcelerator as a Service portfolio is instrumental in helping them get there faster."  SENEGAL TAKES DELIVERY OF SECOND C295 Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za  Kaba said the aircraft's short take-off and landing capabilities and its versatility allows it to carry out different missions such as transport, paratrooping and medical evacuation. The new aircraft will strengthen the transport capacity of Senegal's military and support domestic and international missions. "The reception is a testament to Senegal's willingness to modernise its army to meet security and defence challenges in a complex regional environment," Senegal's armed forces said. The West African nation received its first C295 (6W-TTD) on 28 July 2022. At the same time, Kaba formally received two Mi-17 and four Mi-35 helicopters that had undergone major servicing. In addition to Islamist terror groups in the Sahel, Senegal has been dealing with separatists in its Casamance region, the location of one of Africa's longest-running conflicts. As a result, in recent times Senegal has been expanding its armed forces, receiving patrol boats, trainer aircraft, armoured vehicles and other equipment. France's Piriou will soon deliver three OPV 58S patrol vessels and Nexter will supply eight LG1 105 mm howitzers.  - Copy.jpg) ZIMBABWE AIR FORCE ASKS NIGERIA FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE www.defenceweb.co.za  The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported that Air Marshal Elson Moyo, Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), in late March visited NAF Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, at NAF Headquarters. Moyo said he would like to pursue technical assistance in the areas of research and development, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and the operation and maintenance of F7 and Mi-35 aircraft. The identified areas for collaboration, according to Moyo, are of common interest to Zimbabwe and Nigeria as their respective air forces operate some similar aircraft (including F7s and Mi-35s). Zimbabwe's Air Chief noted that the Nigerian Air Force has within a short time recorded 'remarkable feats' in its transformation effort to develop indigenous capacity. This, he said, provides a motivation for the Air Force of Zimbabwe to look inward as part of efforts to address the technical challenges arising from sanctions imposed on his country, which has limited the ability to acquire basic aircraft parts and other equipment.  Amao for his part stated that the NAF is ready to forge a mutually benefitting partnership with the Air Force of Zimbabwe. He stated that the NAF currently has partnerships with many countries, including African countries, and is willing to partner with others. Improved synergy among African countries is the solution to many of the challenges, including security, facing the continent, he added. .jpg) BIRD AEROSYSTEMS MARITIME PATROL AIRCRAFT DEMO FOR NIMASA NETS POLLUTING VESSEL www.defenceweb.co.za  In May 2021 NIMASA took delivery of the first of two Cessna Citation CJ3 maritime surveillance aircraft as part of its Deep Blue maritime security project, after being fitted with BIRD's ASIO maritime solution as well as its Mission Management system (MSIS). The ASIO solution includes a search radar and electro-optical/infrared gimbal. "BIRD's ASIO Task Force has been successfully operating in Nigeria for over two years, proving its effectiveness and unprecedented achievements in tackling piracy in the Nigerian EEZ and the entire maritime environment, allowing Nigeria to conclude 2022 with zero piracy events in its maritime territory. Recently, the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) has removed Nigeria from the list of countries designated as risk maritime nations. This is a confirmation of the improved global ratings of Security in the Nigerian maritime domain," BIRD Aerosystems said at the beginning of April.  Ronen Factor, Co-CEO and Founder at BIRD Aerosystems, said: "We are honoured to have an essential part of the NIMASA Deep Blue Project, with BIRD's ASIO maritime patrol aircraft and the MSIS mission management system. Bringing piracy events in the Gulf of Guinea to practically zero, BIRD's ASIO Task Force delivers an extremely powerful, comprehensive, and flexible maritime patrol solution, ensuring a high level of security." Google Banner Ad The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been tasked with running the $195 million Deep Blue Project along with the Nigerian military, Police, Department of State Services and other security agencies. Piracy activity in the Gulf of Guinea has posed a severe threat to seafarers and local communities for over a decade. In 2020, 40% of piracy attacks, and 95 percent of crew kidnappings occurred in the region. However, attacks decreased by nearly 60% in 2021, following the establishment of Deep Blue, and increased international counter-piracy operations in the Gulf. According to the International Maritime Bureau, pirate activity in the Gulf of Guinea continues to decline, going down from 35 incidents in 2021 to 19 in 2022. Nevertheless, the IMB has cautioned that sustained efforts are still needed to ensure continued safety of seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea region, which remains dangerous as evidenced by the hijacking of the Liberian-flagged oil and chemical tanker Monjasa Reformer with 16 crew members last weekend 140 miles west of the Republic of Congo's Port Pointe-Noire. The hijackers abandoned the ship late on Thursday but took some crew members with them.  YELLOW RIBBON HONOUR FLIGHT HONOURS VETERANS AS PART OF AIRVENTURE 2023 ACTIVITIES  One of the most emotional and poignant moments of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh each year will return in 2023 as 100 Vietnam War vets will take a Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on July 28 as part of AirVenture's annual salute to veterans. The 70th annual EAA fly-in convention is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. "The Yellow Ribbon Honour Flight is traditionally one of the best events of AirVenture week and this year is fitting as part of our 'Vietnam Remembered: 50 Years Later' schedule of activities," said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programming. "We are proud to produce an event that honours what Vietnam veterans did for this country and be able to provide them an experience of a lifetime." American Airlines is again supplying an aircraft for the flight, which is flown by an all-volunteer crew of American Airlines pilots and cabin attendants.  EPIC FLIGHT ACADEMY EXPANDS ITS TRAINING FLEET WITH THE WORLD'S LEADING FLIGHT TRAINING AIRCRAFT, THE CESSNA SKYHAWK  Textron Aviation announced an agreement with long-term customer Epic Flight Academy at the 2023 Sun n' Fun Aerospace Expo today for the order of 15 new Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft. As a Cessna Pilot Centre, Epic Flight Academy has been training pilots since 1999 and thousands of students from over 80 countries have graduated from the flight school. "The Cessna Skyhawk has been one of the world's top training aircraft for over six decades," said Chris Crow, vice president, Textron Aviation Piston Sales. "We are thrilled to see these aircraft continue to inspire the next generation of professional pilots through this agreement with Epic Flight Academy." The stable flight characteristics, advanced avionics, and proven dispatch reliability of the Skyhawk have made it a dependable training platform for Epic. The new airplanes will be used exclusively by students to put them in the pilot's seat of the best training aircraft in the industry. "At Epic, our motto has always been 'Safety first!' This is why we train our pilots in the Cessna Skyhawk," said Danny Perna, founder and CEO, Epic Flight Academy. "This aircraft proves itself with every flight and prepares our students for a successful career. We can't wait to take delivery and expand our fleet." Since the aircraft first took to the sky, more than 45,000 Skyhawks have been delivered to customers worldwide-more than any other aircraft in the industry.  EMBRAER AND FAB CELEBRATE RECEIVING THE FULL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY (FOC) FOR THE C-390 MILLENNIUM MULTI-MISSION AIRCRAFT  Embraer's C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft program today reached another historic milestone in the aviation world. In a ceremony held at the Gavião Peixoto Unit in São Paulo, in the presence of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) High Command, the aircraft has achieved the Full Operational Capability (FOC). Issued by the Institute of Industrial Development and Coordination (IFI in Portuguese), the Brazilian body responsible for certifying aircraft for military purposes, the FOC Certificate confirms that the project meets all the requirements defined by the FAB and that the aircraft can carry out all missions for which it was designed. At the same event, Embraer began the delivery process to the FAB of the sixth unit of the C-390, the first in the FOC configuration. The other aircraft already delivered to the FAB will now be updated to have the certification. In addition, all aircraft to be exported will also have this certification. Google Banner Ad  AIRBUS HELICOPTERS AND CHINA'S GDAT SIGN FOR 50 H160 HELICOPTERS During French President Macron's visit to China, Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with GDAT, one of China's most prominent helicopter lessors and operators, for 50 H160 helicopters. This contract is the largest single order for the H160 on the civil and para-public market since the helicopter was unveiled in 2015. "We are honoured GDAT has decided to bolster their all-Airbus fleet of 26 helicopters with the addition of 50 H160 helicopters. The H160 has been designed at the outset as a multi-mission helicopter and is, therefore, well suited to the multiple segments that lessors provide for," said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. Google Banner Ad Airbus Helicopters has been a key partner in the Chinese helicopter sector for over 50 years. Today, there are more than 300 Airbus helicopters flying over China, serving more than 90 customers.   AOPA - Early analysis: power line strike on final approach to Montgomery County Airpark  USA, Pueblo Memorial Airport, Pueblo, CO: A Piper PA-28R-201 Turbo Arrow III landed without the nose gear down and locked at Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB/KPUB), Pueblo, Colorado, as a result of a malfunctioning nose landing gear. The aircraft circled the airport for more than an hour to burn off fuel. Another aircraft was sent up to observe if the landing gear was actually down and locked, which was undetermined. The pilot decided to land the aircraft on Runway 35 after the nose-gear could not be fully extended. The pilot was not injured, and the aircraft received unknown damage.  Nepal, near Dhaulagiri Base Camp: An Airbus Helicopters H125 Ecureuil (AS 350B3e), operated by Heli Everest, crashed under unknown circumstances near Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The only Nepalese female helicopter pilot, Priya Adhikari survived the crash and she was taken to hospital as precaution. The passenger also survived. USA, NE of Danbury Municipal Airport, Danbury, CT: A Cessna 152 (Sparrow Hawk 125hp conversion) hit some trees, clipped the roof of a house and plummeted into a shed, northeast of Danbury Municipal Airport (DXR/KDXR), Danbury, Connecticut. The two pilots sustained minor injuries and the aircraft was written off.  USA, Chicago-O'Hare International Airport, IL: American Airlines flight AA2611, an Airbus A321-231, struck birds during departure sequence from Runway 10L at Chicago-O'Hare International Airport, IL (ORD). The flight crew declared an emergency due to hydraulic and engine generator issues and returned and landed safely on Runway 10C. No injuries reported to the 2 pilots, 4 flight crew, or the 174 passengers. Vietnam, between Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh and Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong: A Bell 505 JetRanger X, operated and managed by Vietnam Helicopters, lost contact during a sightseeing flight and crashed in the sea between Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh and Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong. According to initial information, the plane took off at 16h56 from Tuan Chau Heliport until 17h04 (about 5 minutes after take-off, contact was lost). Ha Long helicopter tour usually lasts 10 minutes, sightseeing along the route Tuan Chau Island - Dau Go Island - Ga Choi island - Titop island - Bai Tu Long Bay - Re island - Tuan Chau Island. All occupants died in the crash. The helicopter was destroyed.  Japan, 18 km NW of Miyako Airport: A Japan Self-Defence Force Mitsubishi/Sikorsky UH-60JA Blackhawk helicopter went missing 18 km northwest of Miyako Airport, during a reconnaissance flight around Miyako Island, Okinawa, just 10 minutes after take-off from Miyako Airport. The flight made a usual radio contact with Shimoji Tower two minutes before losing the radar contact. A retired U.S. Navy soldier provides a movie of the Blackhawk a few minutes before the crash, and he reported the flight seemed normal at the altitude of 1500 feet. Search operations are being conducted. Patches of floating oil and debris, i.e., broken rotor blade(s), doors, a part of the external fuel tank, non-inflated lifeboats and an undamaged helmet of an occupant, were located over the ocean within five days after the accident. The UH-60JA belongs to 8th Aviation Wing, 8th Rapid Deployment Division. The division commander lieutenant general Yuichi Sakamoto, is one of the ten occupants of the accident flight.   6 APRIL 1994  A surface-to-air missile shoots down the presidential jet of Rwanda, a Dassault Falcon 50, as it prepares to land at Kigali International Airport at Kigali, Rwanda, killing all 12 aboard, including President of Rwanda Juvénal Habyarimana and President of Burundi Cyprien Ntaryamira. Their assassination sparked the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.  Bell 47 flight at Oshkosh Google Banner Ad  |
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