This week in Midweek Updates
Aero Club communique May 2025 #1.
A DH.60 centenary to remember.
Joby achieves testing landmark with piloted aircraft.
H55 soars into TIME's top GreenTech companies of 2025.
Marc Cook joins Van's Aircraft as e-commerce and media manager.
Greece orders eight Airbus H215 helicopters to combat forest fires.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet eclipses 1 billion passengers.
Sikorsky and Bristow sign long-term agreement supporting world's largest S-92® helicopter fleet.
This week in history - Introduction of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress
Worldwide Accidents and Incidents
Bonus video - AFB Waterkloof Airshow 2011
Aero Club Communique May 2025 #1
AGM Final Reminder
Dear Member, we are pleased to invite you to the Aero Club of South Africa NPC's Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place on 7th May 2025 at 18:00 for 18:30. The meeting will be held virtually on teams by following the link below this message and in person at the EAA Auditorium, Hurricane Road, Rand Airport, Germiston and all members in good standing are encouraged to attend. In accordance with our constitution, we are delivering this notice of the AGM via email and publication on the Aero Club website.
Only members in good standing may attend the AGM. If you are unsure about your membership status, please reach out to us prior to the meeting.
Members who are unable to attend in person or virtually may appoint a proxy. Proxies must be members in good standing, and the proxy form must be completed, signed, and submitted to the Chairman at least 48 hours before the AGM. You can find the proxy form and additional meeting documents on the Aero Club website. Nominations for a council seat are also open. There is a proposed Constitution update regarding adding a process to elect a Chairman-Elect for future succession planning, that is on the website for review.
We encourage you to participate in this important event, where we will discuss key developments and plans for the future of Aero Club. Your attendance and input are highly valued.
The Aero Club of South Africa invited you to a Microsoft Teams Meeting:
The Aero Club of South Africa Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, 07 May 2025
18:30 - 20:00 (SAST)
Venue: EAA auditorium at Rand airport or virtual with the following link -
Meeting link: The Aero Club of South Africa Annual General Meeting | Microsoft Teams | Meetup-Join
Regards
The Aero Club of South Africa
0110821100
if you are not a member and wish to join or renew membership of the Aero Club and any of its Sections feel free to do so member-renewals-and-new-memberships
Our Centenary Yearbook is now still available to purchase (see advert below) from our webshop www.aeroclub.org.za/shop
A Dh.60 Centenary to Remember
On Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August, the de Havilland Moth Club present their DH.60 Centenary Fly In event at Shuttleworth Aerodrome (Old Warden).
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the first flight of the prototype DH.60 Moth, the aeroplane conceived and developed by Captain Geoffrey de Havilland which, together with its Cirrus and later Gipsy engine, revolutionised the concept of the light aeroplane around the world, as well as establishing the practicalities for Club flying and private ownership.
Across two days, visitors can enjoy seeing what is anticipated to be the largest gathering of DH.60 Moths since the Second World War, including several flying in from bases overseas. Marvelling at a fantastic array of de Havilland Moths flying into the iconic home of Richard Shuttleworth, a well-known de Havilland enthusiast, visitors can also take in a short bespoke flying display, featuring de Havilland aircraft from Shuttleworth's Collection, including the oldest flying DH.60 Moth in the world, the Tiger 9 Display Team and more to be announced on Friday 1 August.
Outside of the airborne action, guests can enjoy an open airfield area, allowing them to get as close as possible to these stunning aircraft. Then there are all six of Shuttleworth's Collection hangars to explore, and the calm idyl of the nine-acre Regency Garden to relax in before refuelling at the popular on-site Runway Café.
Stuart McKay, Secretary of the de Havilland Moth Club, said, “We have waited 100 years for this unique opportunity to salute the inspiration of Captain Geoffrey de Havilland who, against all the accepted beliefs of the day independently proceeded with the design and construction of a suitable engine and airframe which, in 1925, were agreed to be the most practical solution to providing standard equipment for the emerging light aeroplane clubs being promoted, encouraged and subsidised by the British Government under a scheme soon to be copied by the governments of Australia and Canada.”
Joby Achieves Testing Landmark with Piloted Aircraft
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced it has reached a landmark moment in its aircraft test program, successfully completing flights with a full transition from vertical to cruise flight, and back again, with a pilot onboard.
Transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight is a key design attribute of the Joby aircraft, allowing it to take-off and land vertically like a helicopter, while maintaining the efficiency and speed of a conventional, fixed-wing aircraft in forward flight. This unique capability will enable Joby to deliver rapid and seamless passenger service directly to popular destinations.
Joby purposefully set out to demonstrate remotely-piloted transition first, completing the first transition of a full-scale, prototype aircraft in 2017. The Company has since completed more than 40,000 miles of test flights across multiple aircraft, including hundreds of transitions from vertical take-off to cruise flight as well as more than a hundred flights with a pilot onboard in hover and low-speed flight.
Since completing a landmark first full transition flight with a pilot onboard on April 22, 2025, the Company has completed multiple transition flights with three different pilots at the controls, as Joby becomes the first company to routinely perform inhabited testing of an electric air taxi from hover to wing borne flight.
Didier Papadopolous, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby, commented: “Achieving this milestone is hugely significant for Joby. It not only demonstrates the high level of confidence we have in the performance of the aircraft as we prepare for commercial service in Dubai, it also paves the way to starting TIA flight testing with FAA pilots onboard.
“We have taken a very methodical approach to achieving this long-planned milestone, with an immense amount of testing, both in the air and on the ground, helping form a solid foundation that allowed us to move from one historic flight to routine pilot-on-board transitions almost overnight.”
The first pilot-on-board transition was flown by Joby Chief Test Pilot James “Buddy” Denham and took place at Joby's flight test facility in Marina, California. Denham, who has flown more than 60 different aircraft types, joined Joby in 2019 after retiring from Naval Air Systems Command where he led the research and development of the joint US-UK Unified Control Concept that was successfully integrated into the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter.
The flight saw Denham execute a vertical take-off in the latest aircraft to roll off Joby's Marina production line (N544JX), before climbing out and accelerating to fully wing borne flight and returning for a vertical landing on the runway.
Commenting on the flight, Denham said: “I'm honoured to have played a role in this historic moment. Designing and flying an aircraft that can seamlessly transition between vertical and cruise flight has long been considered one of the most challenging technological feats in aerospace, but our team has developed and built an aircraft that makes it feel like an everyday task. The aircraft flew exactly as expected, with excellent handling qualities and low pilot workload.”
In preparation for achieving pilot-on-board transition flight, Joby completed thousands of tests in the Company's Integrated Test Lab, a ground-based facility which replicates all of the major systems of the aircraft, allowing the team to test propulsion units, actuators, and other aircraft hardware and software that is identical to the Company's prototype aircraft before taking to the air.
Joby also completed a series of flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base designed to confirm the redundancy present throughout the aircraft's design, with remote, ground-based pilots handling simulated motor-out, battery-out, and other potential in-flight events. In all cases, the aircraft performed as expected, enabling Joby pilots to continue safe flight and a controlled, vertical landing, even when relying on just four of the aircraft's six propellers.
H55 Soars into TIME's Top Greentech Companies Of 2025
H55, a leader in electric aviation and the technological spin-off of the Solar Impulse project, has earned a place on TIME's World's Top 250 GreenTech Companies of 2025 list. Selected from over 8,000 global firms, H55 is one of only four Swiss companies recognized, underscoring the company's strengths and achievements in clean air mobility
H55 earned this honour by pushing the boundaries of certified electric propulsion and intelligent battery management systems-key technologies driving the shift to quiet, zero-emission flight. The TIME ranking evaluated companies on environmental impact, financial health, and innovation. H55's inclusion in this global list demonstrates the company's success in making aviation cleaner and more efficient.
“Being recognized by TIME is an honour and a reflection of our mission to make clean aviation quiet, efficient, and scalable,” said André Borschberg, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of H55. “It reaffirms our commitment and achievements in advancing electric flight and accelerating its adoption. With our B23 Energic flight trainer, and general aviation aircraft, one of our first customer applications, we are ushering in a new chapter of clean aviation that redefines how we train and fly in the future”.
“Being included on the 250 GreenTech Companies list by TIME further validates the investment thesis we had when we lead the first financing of H55; the IP and technology spun off from Solar Impulse will lead to certified solutions that will transform the general and commercial aviation”, said Aymeric Sallin, ND Capital CEO and Founder. “H55 electric propulsion system is pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver breakthrough solutions for the world we live in. We are proud to support such innovators.”
H55 Across USA Tour: Taking Electric Aviation Coast to Coast - From April through August 2025, H55 will take to the skies throughout the United States on its Across USA Tour, bringing fully electric flight demonstrations to aviation stakeholders and enthusiasts nationwide. This coast-to-coast tour will visit flight schools, aviation universities, airplane manufacturers, military academies, and major airshows, giving participants a firsthand look at the future of sustainable flight.
At each stop, H55 will showcase the Bristell B23 Energic, a two-seat, zero-emission trainer aircraft powered by H55's award-winning electric propulsion system. This fully electric airplane offers near- silent operation and significantly lowers operating costs, demonstrating real-world readiness for pilot training and general aviation use today.
Marc Cook Joins Van's Aircraft as E-Commerce and Media Manager
Marc Cook has joined Van's Aircraft as E-commerce and Media Manager. In this role, he will help drive the expansion of the Van's webstore and lead improvements to customer-facing systems and communications.
As editor in chief of Kitplanes magazine for a total of 11 years (and more than 130 issues) and a multi-time builder, Marc has a deep appreciation for homebuilt aircraft. A multiengine and instrument-rated pilot, Marc has flown 5,000 hours across more than 200 types. He's flown all popular models of RVs except for the RV-3.
Marc's responsibilities will draw on his experience as a content director for a manufacturer and distributor outside of aviation, where he led e-commerce platform integration with sales and manufacturing systems.
We're excited to welcome him to the Van's team, where he'll help enhance the online customer experience and strengthen how we engage with and support the Van's community.
Greece Orders Eight Airbus H215 Helicopters to Combat Forest Fires
Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection for the purchase of eight H215 helicopters (with an option for two additional aircraft) to support the combat of wildfires in the country following a tender conducted by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund (the National Fund of Greece) on behalf of the Ministry.
This contract is supported by two European funds and aligns with the Ministry's Aegis Programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Civil Protection forces. The contract will be based on a “government owned contractor operated” (GO-CO) model for which Airbus Helicopters will be partnering with experienced H215 firefighting operators, Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères, for the technical and operational support.
“The signing of the contract for the purchase of new H215 helicopters represents an important step in our efforts to mitigate the devastating consequences of the climate crisis in our country,” said Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of Growthfund, about the significance of the project. “This is the largest contract signed under the 'Aegis' National Programme to bolster the Civil Protection mechanism in Greece with modern equipment, and we are delighted that the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund swiftly concluded this tender with transparency and efficiency.”
“Wildfires have burned on average three to five million square kilometres globally in recent years with significant environmental consequences. It is an honour to have been selected to support the combat, with our H215 helicopters, that Greek communities face every year,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H215 is used around the world for firefighting missions with its ability to drop more than four tonnes of water at a time. Relying on experienced operators, such as Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, is exactly what the French Securité Civile does. Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing provider of helicopters for essential missions in the country and together with our GO-CO partners, we are sure that the H215 will be a vital and reliable asset,” he added.
SAF Aerogroup specialises in complex helicopter operations like mountain rescue, air medical services, firefighting, and humanitarian/logistic missions, demonstrated by their 2024 H215 RescEU deployment to Greece. The group also manages high-precision lifting, maintenance, and pilot/technician training, offering comprehensive high-value air services to governmental and international organisations. Similarly, Airtelis, a French operator based in the South of France with over 60 years of experience stemming from its parent company RTE, has broadened its focus beyond power grid support to include emergency response, notably firefighting, for a wider range of national and international clients.
Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing partner in Greece since the early 2000s in both the civil and parapublic and military sectors. The Hellenic Fire Brigade operates two Super Pumas and the Hellenic Air Force operates 12 Super Pumas. The Super Puma ecosystem in the country will benefit from the support activities and training of technicians and pilots foreseen by the contract.
The H215 is a multirole helicopter that is part of the Super Puma family with over 1,100 helicopters delivered and more than 6 million flight hours under its belt. The H215 is equipped with the H225's renowned 4-axis autopilot which enables firefighting activities to be conducted at night as well as during the day. It is deployed around the world for firefighting missions thanks to its range of around 540 NM, superior endurance of more than two hours, and its ability to transport 19 firefighters. As one of the only heavy helicopters in production that is civil certified along with its ability to be equipped with either a water bucket or a belly tank, it is the ideal complement to any country's firefighting assets.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Fleet Eclipses 1 billion Passengers
Boeing [NYSE: BA] recently announced that the 787 Dreamliner fleet has surpassed 1 billion passengers faster than any widebody commercial airplane in history, accomplishing the feat in less than 14 years since entering service. The global 787 fleet of more than 1,175 airplanes has flown nearly 5 million flights covering more than 30 million flight hours.
"This milestone would not have been possible without the trust and confidence of our customers in operating the 787, and we are incredibly grateful for each of them," said Scott Stocker, Boeing 787 program vice president and general manager. "The 787 Dreamliner family was designed to connect people and places like never before. Flying over 1 billion passengers in this relatively short time is a testament to how the airplane has delivered on its promises to transform air travel with operational versatility, efficiency and comfort. This achievement reflects the dedication, talent and innovation of the teammates and partners who have brought the 787 family to life. To every operator flying the 787 and every one of the 1 billion passengers who have flown on a Dreamliner, thank you."
By the numbers: 787 Dreamliner since entering service in 2011
1 billion+ passengers, 1,175+ jets, nearly 5 million flights, 30+ million flight hours.
Bestselling passenger widebody: 2,000+ orders from 89 customers.
The Dreamliner fleet operates across 85+ countries at 520+ airports, including 425+ new nonstop routes to destinations that were never served previously.
2,100 flights each day: 480,000+ passengers daily and about 14.5 million people a month.
On average, each 787 is in the air more than 12 hours per day - showcasing strong global demand and reliability.
Longest nonstop route: London to Perth (7,829 nmi), flown by Qantas.
Shortest nonstop route: Aruba to Curaçao (65 nmi), flown by TUI as part of a transatlantic triangle route.
The 787 family is 25% more fuel efficient than the airplanes it replaces, thanks in large part to new engines, an expanded use of lightweight composite materials, more efficient systems applications and modern aerodynamics.
Sikorsky And Bristow Sign Long-Term Agreement Supporting World's Largest S-92® Helicopter Fleet
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), and Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL), the global leader in innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, today announced a long-term agreement to provide enhanced support for Bristow's S-92® helicopter fleet.
This agreement deepens the decades-long collaboration between the two companies and provides enhanced support for Bristow's more than 60 S-92 aircraft operating in key markets around the world, including offshore energy and search and rescue (SAR). The long-term package extending into the next decade includes Sikorsky's Total Assurance Program (TAP), which provides Bristow with continued aftermarket support to operate its S-92 fleet within a known budget, reducing the risk of unplanned costs.
"We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Bristow, one of the world's leading providers of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry," said Leon Silva, vice president of Global Commercial and Military Systems at Sikorsky. "We are committed to providing exceptional support to our customers and ensuring the continued success of the S-92 helicopter, which has a lifetime availability average of over 90% and many aircraft achieve more than 1,500 flight hours per year on average in the demanding offshore energy industry."
"Bristow is the largest operator of the S-92 globally,” said Stu Stavley, Bristow's Chief Operating Officer, Offshore Energy Services. "This long-term support agreement will enable us to maintain our high level of service to our customers, while also controlling our operational costs and improving our overall efficiency."
The TAP package includes the following support provisions for Bristow's global fleet: Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) agreement for offshore energy services and search and rescue helicopters; Coverage for over 90 percent of replacement costs for parts including airframe, drive train, gearboxes, avionics and consumable parts; Enhanced global fleet support with access to Sikorsky's worldwide network of forward stocking locations (FSL) and field service representatives (FSR); and Access to Sikorsky360 customer portal, providing Bristow with the ability to place orders, check parts status, access services and financial information, and view aircraft data.
This agreement reflects Sikorsky's continued commitment to the commercial market and investment in the S-92 platform, which is well-positioned to support the increasing demands of deepwater operations. Sikorsky recently unveiled the S-92 Phase IV main gearbox featuring an auxiliary lubrication system that automatically engages in the event of primary oil pressure loss, eliminating the need for immediate landing and allowing operators to safely reach their destination. This revolutionary solution has been validated through more than 800 hours of rigorous testing, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification is anticipated in 2025.
Sikorsky also increased scheduled inspection intervals for the S-92 helicopter and offered a one-time life extension for specific main gearbox housings. These enhancements eliminate more than a full year of downtime caused by inspections and allow operators to safely keep their aircraft in service and generating revenues longer. The earned life credit is up to 1,200 hours / 3,600 ground-air-ground cycles, representing an additional 12 to 18 months for an average S-92 offshore oil operator and more than 24 months for others.
8 May 1944
Introduction of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, one of the largest aircraft of World War II was designed by Boeing and was flown primarily by the United States during World War II and the Korean War.
The Superfortress was designed for primarily for high-altitude strategic bombing and was used to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the only aircraft ever to drop nuclear weapons in combat.
In September 1941, the United States Army Air Forces' (AAF) plans for war against Germany and Japan proposed basing the B-29 in Egypt for operations against Germany. This, for various reasons did not happen and new plan called Operation Matterhorn, deployed the B-29 units to attack Japan from four forward bases in southern China.
In addition to the logistical problems associated with operations from China, the B-29 could reach only a limited part of Japan while flying from Chinese bases. The solution to this problem was to capture the Mariana Islands, which would bring targets such as Tokyo, about 1,500 mi (2,400 km) north of the Marianas within range of B-29 attacks.
It is from these bases that the atomic bomb attacks against Hiroshima and Nagasaki were carried out.
USA, near Santa Monica, CA: A Cessna 172G Skyhawk, N3753L, suffered a loss of engine power while on approach to Santa Monica Airport. The airplane made a dead stick landing on the grounds of the Riviera Country Club. The three occupants onboard were not injured; despite numerous golfers being on the course, nobody was injured.
Atlantic Ocean, 120 nm east of St. John's, NFL: A single-engine Air Tractor AT-802A Fire Boss floatplane went missing during a transatlantic Flight. Search efforts are ongoing. A spokesperson with the JRCC says a pontoon and an empty, orange life raft was found floating on the surface in the search area. An "oil slick" was also located.
Slovenia, Mangartsko sedlo: An Aerospool WT-9 Dynamic ultralight aircraft, took off from Straubing Airport (EDMS) in Germany at 09:11 local time, with destination Portorož (LJPZ). At 9:44, the plane reached a cruising altitude of 9,000 ft. The aircraft entered the Alps near Salzburg, continued its flight in the direction of Spittal an der Drau, and entered Italian territory over Tarvisio and Slovenian territory over Mangart. According to the Slovenian AIP map: Sensitive Fauna and Flora Area Chart, there is no entry corridor anywhere in the area of the aircraft's flight and Triglav National Park overflight restriction boundary applies. According to ADS-B data, at 10:41 local time, a larger speed deviation is visible just above the Tarvisio area, which is the time when, on a favourable thermal day, very strong thermals and associated strong updrafts and downdrafts begin to operate. Mangart's elevation is 8,789 ft. Control was lost and the pilot activated the ballistic aircraft parachute, and the aircraft descended onto the slope of Mangart. The mountain rescue services and a helicopter were activated.
USA, near Washington-Reagan National Airport, DC (DCA/KDCA): Southwest Flight WN3716 was on approach to Washington DCA when ATC advised the aircraft to go around due to a military UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter near the aircraft. The aircraft went around and landed safely a couple minutes later.
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