This week in Midweek Updates
ADS-B Out Mandated by the SACAA for Class A and Class C Airspace with effect from 01 June 2025.
The Rotax 916 iS one year launch anniversary.
AAD youth programme needs funding.
Cessna Skycourier global status enhanced with type certification in the Philippines.
400th Cessna Citation Latitude joins Simmons Foods' fleet, reinforcing segment leadership.
Cirrus Celebrates 10,000 SR series deliveries with limited edition aircraft.
Van's Aircraft partners with Fuuz for advanced Cloud MES and WMS Solutions.
Textron eAviation loans Pipistrel Velis Electro to Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum for display.
This week in history - Death of Group Captain Sir Douglas Robert Steuart Bader,
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Dead Stick Landing Scheibe Tandem Falke SF28A
ADS-B OUT MANDATED BY THE SACAA FOR CLASS A AND CLASS C AIRSPACE WITH EFFECT FROM 01 JUNE 2025
The South African Civil Aviation Authority issued a Mandate on 27 March 2024, requiring all aircraft operating in Class A and Class C airspace to be equipped with ABS-B Out capabilities by 1 June 2025.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority has released an amendment of Document SA-CATS 91 with the insertion in technical Standard 91.05.5 after section 1 of the following section: “2. ADS-B (OUT) and Mode S 1090MHz Extended Squitter (ES) aircraft transponder requirements mandate.
ADS-B and Mode S 1090MHz Extended Squitter Transponder is required within RVSM airspace from F290 to F410 and shall be applicable from 1 June 2025 (AIRAC).
ADS-B and Mode S 1090MHZ Extended Squitter Transponder is required within class A and designated class C airspace from 1 June 2025 (AIRAC).”
The revision to SA-CATS 91 will require all aircraft operating in RVSM airspace or passing through Class A and Class C airspace to have ADS-B Out transponders.
ADS-B is an advanced surveillance technology that integrates an aircraft's positioning source, aircraft avionics, and ground infrastructure to establish a precise surveillance connection between aircraft and air traffic control (ATC).
ADS-B broadcasts information about an aircraft's GPS location, altitude, ground speed, and other data to ATNS and other aircraft once per second via satellite or directly. Air traffic controllers and ADS-B equipped aircraft can immediately receive this information.
This system helps to improve pilots' situational awareness while allowing air traffic control to see you and other aircraft more accurately. It also provides an up-to-date picture of the airspace, allowing for optimised routing and improved aircraft sequencing. One of the other major benefits is more effective search and rescue services.
ADS-B In is an optional additional feature that allows aircraft to receive broadcasts from other aircraft, enhancing pilots' situational awareness and enabling self-separation of aircraft. Unlike ADS-B Out, ADS-B In is not mandatory.
Furthermore, ADS-B In permits aircraft to receive broadcasts and data from the ground network, including traffic information (TIS-B) and weather updates (*FIS-B) *Only available in the USA and limited coverage in Europe.
SOLUTIONS
In most cases, a new transponder needs to be fitted using the aircraft's original transponder antenna, transmitting on the 1090MHz frequency. For aircraft with a VNE of 250kts or more, a diversity transponder, which includes adding a transponder antenna on the aircraft's roof, is required.
There are a variety of products and brands available on the market to suit your budget and aircraft specifications.
Contact us today to learn more about ADS-B and to explore the range of products and options currently available in the market. sales@aeronautical.co.za or call us at +27-11-659-1033.
THE ROTAX 916 IS ONE YEAR LAUNCH ANNIVERSARY Aircraft are often designed around engines. Sling's aircraft certainly are - the company founder has been the Rotax distributor in Southern Africa for more than 30 years! What a joy to have an engine developer and manufacturer produce the perfect engine for the job.
The Rotax 916 iS engine has truly transformed the Sling 4 TSi aircraft into a dream machine! To develop an aircraft for a 141 hp motor, and then to be served up 160 hp with no weight, installation or operating penalty is sublime. The Rotax 916 iS is a truly modern, highly sophisticated yet rugged, light, powerful, quiet and economical engine.
I have had the pleasure of flying the Rotax 916 iS engine both in the Sling 4 TSi and Sling 4 High Wing for more than 300 hours, both in local and long cross-country flights. The engine is smooth, predictable, powerful and reliable. It's simple to operate and feels like the civilised end product of a long period of refinement. It has transported me to surrounding states, on family holidays, paragliding and cycling trips and more recently, in a race from Johannesburg to Cape Town against a commercial jetliner.
At all times, I'm left feeling deeply confident and comfortable. It genuinely is a pleasure to have power and fuel to spare, and speed to play with, when heavily loaded and setting out on a long trip into far and lonely places.
Despite having flown a pre-production, followed by early serial number 916 engines, I've not experienced a single error or failure in 300 hours of tough African flight. There is not a better, more modern, efficient and cleverly designed aircraft engine out there. That the engine appears perfectly designed as a powerplant for the Sling range of 4-seat aircraft is an almost religious stroke of luck. Long live the Rotax 916 iS!”
With less than a month before the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition opens its doors for business, an important exhibition component needs R3 million to participate properly.
The component is the AAD Youth Development Programme (YDP), which has set itself the target of bringing 12 000 learners from what the exhibition organisers call previously disadvantaged communities to Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof in Centurion between 18 and 22 September.
At its core the YDP gives young people usually still at school an opportunity to be up close and personal with the aviation and defence sectors, both South African as well as exhibitors from elsewhere in Africa and internationally.
Top of the AAD wish list for this year's exhibition are five thousand scientific calculators and a similar number of “Oxford mathematics sets” to stimulate minds. To spread the aviation/defence career possibilities as widely as possible, YDP organisers envisage bringing 70 young men and women from the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape provinces along with 40 from the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to the SA Air Force (SAAF) base home to, among others, its VIP squadron (21 Squadron) along with 28, 41 and 44 Squadrons.
Part of the R3 million shortfall is to provide healthy meals for those visiting AAD as part of the YDP. Outstanding is funding for 1 500 meals at R107 each.
Donations to the YDP will, according to YDP chair Kholisile Khumalo, nurture future talent for the South African aviation and defence industries and contribute to the personal growth of those attending.
In 2022, some 9 000-youth attended AAD.
Youth Development Programme Chairperson Kholisile Khumalo said the youth programme creates awareness about careers in the defence and aviation sectors, provides a platform for the youth to interact with the defence and aviation sectors, assists learners in identifying bursary opportunities, supports the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at schools and helps graduates in engineering and science connect with the defence and aviation sectors for vacation work and internships.
AAD is one of the top six global defence exhibitions, and the theme for this year's edition is Exploring new paths, sharing solutions, showcasing innovation and capability'.
More on contributions to the Youth Development Programme and how they can be made can be requested from ydp@aadexpo.co.za or 079 496 1652.
CESSNA SKYCOURIER GLOBAL STATUS ENHANCED WITH TYPE CERTIFICATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
Textron Aviation today announced that the Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop has been awarded type certification by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), expanding the aircraft's ability to support operational activities in remote areas of southeast Asia. The first SkyCourier in the region - A 19-seat passenger variant - is planned to be delivered in the second half of 2025 to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR), a wholly owned subsidiary of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative in the Philippines.
“Demand for the SkyCourier continues to grow throughout the APAC region due to the aircraft's outstanding performance and reliability,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations for Textron Aviation. “The SkyCourier features maximum cabin flexibility with low operating costs and has quickly proven to be an excellent business tool for customers and their missions. We're excited to celebrate this great milestone for the program.”
With the ability to be operated by a single pilot, and also equipped with a generous payload capacity, the SkyCourier is an ideal solution for air freight, passenger and special mission needs. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment. The aircraft also has capabilities to support a wide range of operational activities in remote areas.
ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, the largest cooperative in the Philippines, serves members of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other uniformed personnel. Members include active service personnel, retirees, reservists, civilian employees of the AFP and other uniformed personnel and dependents. LEASCOR was established in 2016 as the air chartering arm of the Cooperative.
“We are excited to connect underserved communities in the Philippines with the new 19-seat SkyCourier turboprop, which will complement our present fleet,” said Major General Gilbert S. Llanto, ACDI MPC Chairman. “It will surely boost our business lines in tourism, agriculture and food, aviation, mobility and the construction industry across the archipelago.”
Textron Aviation today announced that it has delivered the 400th Cessna Citation Latitude business jet to longtime Citation customer Simmons Foods, a family-owned and operated company since 1949, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Simmons Foods will utilize the new aircraft to enhance the efficiency of its company's business travel, complementing its existing fleet of three Citation jets that are integral to managing operations across multiple locations.
The delivery of the 400th Citation Latitude is a testament to the aircraft's superior design and a proud moment for our team,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations for Textron Aviation. “This milestone not only reinforces the Latitude's status as the leader in the midsize jet segment, but also underscores our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting new standards for comfort, efficiency and performance in the aviation industry.”
Certified in 2015, the Citation Latitude has been the world's most-delivered midsize business jet for eight consecutive years and is a favourite with customers due to its reliability, versatility and impressive 2,700-nautical mile range.
With a flat floor cabin and ample space for nine passengers, the aircraft can fly nonstop between destinations such as New York and Los Angeles or Vancouver and Guatemala City. The Citation Latitude stands as the preferred choice among customers for a wide range of operations, including corporations, charter, personal travel, air ambulance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and numerous other specialized missions.
“Over the years, we've found that Citation jets mean business in every way. Our fleet of Citations has significantly enhanced our company's operational capabilities, allowing us to serve our customers, employees and farmers more effectively,” said Todd Simmons, CEO, Simmons Foods. “Guided by our family values of integrity, respect, hard work and innovation, the Latitude's performance and reliability are a natural fit for our business.”
CIRRUS CELEBRATES 10,000 SR SERIES DELIVERIES WITH LIMITED EDITION AIRCRAFT
Cirrus, the world's best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft manufacturer, revealed a one-of-a-kind, Limited-Edition SR Series aircraft to commemorate 10,000 SR Series deliveries. The 10,000th SR Series aircraft celebrates Cirrus' past, present and future as well as the team who made this milestone possible.
Since the first delivery of the SR Series in 1999, Cirrus has pursued its guiding principles of delivering an aviation experience that is the pinnacle of innovation, quality and safety to its customers. This commitment is a testament to Cirrus' perseverance and the SR Series' continued evolution and success in delivering the next generation of personal aviation.
“The SR Series has reached a monumental achievement with 10,000 deliveries and owners that live the Cirrus Life,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer. “From the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) to the Perspective Touch+ flight deck, Cirrus continuously innovates to provide owners with personal aircraft that set the industry standard for aviation safety, luxury, convenience and ease of ownership. We are honoured to celebrate 10,000 SR Series aircraft deliveries with our team members, partners and stakeholders.”
The SR Series continues to be the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft for 22 years. Cirrus achieved the 10,000th aircraft milestone because of its relentless innovation and ability to create industry-leading products and owner services.
In January 2024, Cirrus announced the new SR Series G7 featuring Perspective Touch+ by Garmin with multiple refinements made throughout the aircraft and an all-new interior. The Perspective Touch+ flight deck features expanded systems integration; large widescreen displays and a familiar touchscreen interface for reduced pilot workload and enhanced situational awareness. This system is the most advanced avionics suite available and unlocks new capabilities that seamlessly pair with the high performance of each SR Series model.
The Limited Edition 10,000 aircraft features a custom matte blue and white paint with a hallmark design inspired by forward-moving lines that carry from the front of the aircraft toward the tail interlacing a symbolic Roman numeral ten and showcasing unique details that commemorate Cirrus' milestone.
VAN'S AIRCRAFT PARTNERS WITH FUUZ FOR ADVANCED CLOUD MES AND WMS SOLUTIONS
Fuuz, provider of advanced cloud-based manufacturing solutions, is pleased to announce that Van's Aircraft, an American kit aircraft manufacturer founded in 1973 in Oregon, has joined the Fuuz community. This collaboration marks a significant step in Van's Aircraft manufacturing modernization process, enhancing operational efficiency and growth.
Fuuz will enable Van's to transition from a patchwork of technologies, including a legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with limited manufacturing functionality, to a unified approach involving a world-class, cloud-based ERP provider and Fuuz's Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Warehouse Management System (WMS), and quality control solution.
The aircraft manufacturer selected Fuuz and its ERP partner to eliminate spreadsheets and paper-based tracking systems, track labor across multiple jobs, gain visibility into its operations and Work in Process (WIP), and incorporate in-process inspections. The manufacturing modernization project is expected to drive significant improvement throughout Van's.
“Van's is one of the most innovative manufacturers in the aerospace industry, and we're excited to partner with this leader,” said Craig Scott, Founder and CEO of Fuuz. “The Fuuz platform's easy integration with our cloud ERP partner means that this implementation will move at an accelerated pace as compared to legacy ERP-MES deployments, and Van's gets to enjoy a faster time-to-usability, and accelerated ROI.”
“As we continue to adapt to ever-changing market conditions, our manufacturing systems must be flexible and adaptable as well,” said Shawn Ell, COO at Van's Aircraft. “That's why we're excited to partner with Fuuz as we work to transform our manufacturing operations with up-to-date systems and industry best practices.”
TEXTRON EAVIATION LOANS PIPISTREL VELIS ELECTRO TO SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM FOR DISPLAY
Wichita, KS, USA - 23 July 2024 - Textron eAviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced it will loan a Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, one of the United States' most popular museums.
The Velis Electro, manufactured by Pipistrel, part of the Textron eAviation business segment, is the world's first type certified electric powered aircraft, having received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020, and light-sport aircraft airworthiness (LSA) exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March 2024. The Velis Electro, on loan for the next three years, will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition at the Museum's location in Washington, D.C.
“We celebrate the National Air and Space Museum's commitment to shaping the future of aviation through innovative collaborations and educational initiatives,” said Kriya Shortt, President and CEO of Textron eAviation. “This contribution represents a major milestone in actively promoting sustainable aviation technology to educate the next generation of aviators, while also strengthening our position as leaders in reducing the industry's impact on the environment.”
Roger Connor, a curator at the National Air and Space Museum added, “As we endeavor to tell stories about innovations occurring right now in aerospace, Textron eAviation's loan of a Pipistrel Velis Electro allows us to explore the topic of sustainability efforts in aviation.”
The Pipistrel Velis Electro is scheduled to go on display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum next year.
5 SEPTEMBER 1982
Born on 21 February 1910 Group Captain Sir Douglas Robert Steuart Bader, CBE, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar, DL, FRAeS was a Royal Air Force flying ace during the Second World War. He was credited with 22 aerial victories, four shared victories, six probable, one shared probable and 11 enemy aircraft damaged.
Bader joined the RAF in 1928, and was commissioned in 1930. In December 1931, while attempting some aerobatics, he crashed and lost both his legs. Having been on the brink of death, he recovered, retook flight training, passed his check flights and then requested reactivation as a pilot. Although there were no regulations applicable to his situation, he was retired against his will on medical grounds.
Bader was a successful fighter pilot, claiming 22 German planes shot down in WWII. He claimed the fifth highest total in the RAF, despite having lost both legs in a pre-war flying accident. He was shot down 1941 and spent the rest of the war in a German prison camp. He made so many escape attempts that the Germans threatened to take his prosthetic legs away from him.
Bader passed away on 5 September 1982.
Malawi, Lake Malawi, near Nkhotakota: An Nyasa Expresse Cessna 210L Centurion, operated on a charter flight with three aboard crashed into Lake Malawi, near Benga, Nkhotakota District. The pilot and one of the passengers inside were killed, and the other was rescued with minor injuries.
USA, Odessa-Schlemeyer Field (ODO/KODO), Odessa, TX: A Thai Flying Service Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, was destroyed when it crashed under unknown circumstances in Wat Khao Din, Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province. The two pilots and seven passengers perished in the accident.
Switzerland, A Schempp-Hirth Arcus M glider crashed below the Chistehorn mountain near Niedergesteln, Valais.Two men, aged 72 and 46, perished and the powered glider was destroyed.
Austria, Brandnertal, Brüggele Alpe, Bludenz, Vorarlberg: A Beechcraft 58TC Baron (turbocharged) crashed in a mountainous area in Brandnertal, Brüggele Alpe, Bludenz, Vorarlberg. There was fog in the area at the time of the accident. According to first reports, the airplane carried at least one occupant which perished and the aircraft was destroyed. Only wrecked parts were found during Monday and the search operation to find the fuselage an more parts will be continued Tuesday. The aircraft's registration is expired since 30 December 2023, according to FAA aircraft register (Cautionary note: new paperwork may already have been issued with the website not yet reflecting the actual state of airworthiness!)
