The Goal: Me 262 to Oshkosh.
AERO South Africa and AfBAA announces, AfBAA's endorsement of Aero South Africa and the Safety and Training Workshop on 26 June.
Twilight flight fest returns to AirVenture 2025.
Airlink launches direct Cape Town-Gaborone flights,
D328eco test aircraft rolls out: a defining milestone in sustainable regional aviation.
Vertical Aerospace makes aviation history with piloted eVTOL flight in open airspace.
Daher Aircraft delivers the first TBM 960 “birddog” airplanes to Conair in support of wildfire air attack missions.
$1.3 Billion in airline funds blocked by governments.
This week in history - Gemini 9 landed in the Pacific after 45 orbits of Earth during the 72 h 20 min flight.
Worldwide Accidents and Incidents.
Bonus video - Flying Lions Harvards to Zonderwater
The Goal: Me 262 to Oshkosh
The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has a big goal in mind for an “Only at Oshkosh” moment in 2025: The arrival of its Messerschmitt Me 262 fighter jet reproduction at Wittman Regional Airport in July. If it occurs, it would be a first for one of the few aircraft types that has not made an appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
“We can think no place better to bring the Me 262 reproduction than to Oshkosh, because of the great appreciation EAA members and attendees have for historic aircraft,” said Keegan Chetwynd, the Military Aviation Museum's director and CEO. “We all know the story with old airplanes, however - they have their own schedules regardless of what plans we might set. We're investing in this project to make it happen, so any result won't be for lack of trying.”
The work to create hyper-accurate, new-build Me 262s began in 1993, using an original airframe as a template to work from - this being the National Naval Aviation Museum's Me 262B-1a/U1 WNr.121448. To solve the powerplant's reliability issues in the original aircraft, the replica Me 262s all feature modern, de-rated General Electric CJ610 jet engines. The Military Aviation Museum's aircraft first flew in 2011.
“This magnificent Me 262 would fit perfectly with our 2025 programming that is focusing on the remarkable leaps of aviation technology that occurred between the end of World War II and the early days of the Korean War,” said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “We understand the challenges of not only preparing this reproduction for a trip to Oshkosh, but the logistical needs along the way. We appreciate the Military Aviation Museum's efforts to make it happen and will eagerly follow its steps on the flightpath to Oshkosh.”
EAA and the Military Aviation Museum will track the progress of the Me 262 reproduction as it prepares for the historic journey. Those updates will be available through social media and regular web updates.
The Messerschmitt Me 262 was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Its initial conception actually predates World War II, but problems with the engines delayed its Luftwaffe service until mid-1944. The aircraft's design was perhaps the most technologically advanced of the war. It had two primary roles: the Me 262 A-1 Schwalbe (Swallow) served as a defensive interceptor, while the Me 262 A-2 Sturmvogel (Stormbird) acted as a fighter-bomber.
The background of the reproduction's historical markings is available through the Military Aviation Museum's website. It recognizes Hans Guido Mutke, who in April 1945 landed the original aircraft in neutral Switzerland as the war was nearing its end.
AERO South Africa and AfBAA Announces, AfBAA's Endorsement of Aero South Africa and the Safety and Training Workshop on 26 June
AERO South Africa, the continent's premier General Aviation trade show, is pleased to announce that the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) will be endorsing Aero South Africa 2025 and will host a dedicated Safety and Training Workshop during the 2025 edition of the event. The workshop will take place on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg.
Held as an official part of AERO South Africa, the Safety and Training Workshop will offer a full-day programme focused on advancing operational safety and professional training within the African aviation landscape. The workshop will feature expert speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at operators, pilots, ground personnel, and aviation service providers.
“This workshop is a vital addition to the AERO South Africa programme,” said Louise Olckers, Show Director of AERO South Africa. “Partnering with AfBAA to host this event allows us to provide a meaningful knowledge platform that speaks directly to the needs of Africa's aviation professionals.”
AfBAA, a key advocate for business and general aviation in Africa, will curate the workshop content to ensure relevance and value for delegates from across the industry.
“The Safety and Training Workshop is part of our broader mission to support safety, growth, and sustainability in African aviation,” said Dawit Lemma, AfBAA Chairman. “We are excited to work alongside AERO South Africa to deliver impactful training that will benefit the entire aviation community.”
Event Details:
Event: AfBAA Safety and Training Workshop Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025 Venue: Conference Hall, AERO South Africa 2025 Location: Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg Cost: Free to attend for all registered AERO South Africa visitors (seating is limited)
Industry professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this unique opportunity for professional development and networking.
To register for AERO South Africa 2025 and secure your seat for the AfBAA workshop, visit AERO 2025 and AfBAA Workshop Registration
To Register to attend AERO South Africa visit: AERO South Africa 2025
What started as a small event and quickly became a fan favorite will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh as Twilight Flight Fest brings another year of exciting aircraft demonstrations and showcases. Twilight Flight Fest starts at 8 p.m. on July 21, 22, 24, and 25 at the Fun Fly Zone, located adjacent to the Ultralight Barn.
On July 21-22, American Drone will present a demonstration of unmanned agricultural drones. The drones will be used to showcase techniques commonly used in the agricultural world as well as many other industries to deliver inputs by air.
STOL (short take-off and landing) demonstrations return to the schedule for all four days, featuring a lineup of some of the world's best STOL pilots. STOL aircraft are specifically designed for use in confined spaces with the ability to take off and land in remarkably short distances. Spectators will be able to experience firsthand the capabilities of these extraordinary aircraft and pilots.
Some of the nation's best jump teams are scheduled to take part across all four shows. The Misty Blues will jump on July 21, the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team is scheduled for July 22, and The Chuters will participate on July 24-25.
One of the two Goodyear Blimps on site will also make an appearance each day flying above the Fun Fly Zone. These appearances are in addition to the Blimp's scheduled air show performances on the afternoon of July 22 and the night air shows on July 23 and 26.
RC flying will also be on demonstration all four nights. 3DRC will showcase creative and technical sides of remote control flying featuring various RC aircraft and some of the top RC aerobatic pilots.
The Twilight Flight Fest lineup is subject to change without notice. A full lineup of each night's performers is available on the Twilight Flight Fest page of the AirVenture website.
Airlink Launches Direct Cape Town-Gaborone Flights
Airlink, Southern Africa's premier airline recently inaugurated its direct Cape Town-Gaborone service, with the first flight, operated by a modern Embraer 140 regional jet aircraft, arriving on schedule in the Botswana capital at 13.00.
Gaborone is an important regional trade and investment destination for the minerals, resources, automotive and technology sectors. The city also hosts the Southern African Development Community (SADC) headquarters.
As a premier leisure tourism gateway to many of the world's most renowned game lodges and the Gaborone Game Reserve, Gaborone and its modern and efficient Sir Serestse Khama International Airport play a key role in the sector. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the sector directly contributes 4.7 percent to Botswana's GDP, but its wider impact, through investment, supply chain and induced impact, is forecast to account for around 12 percent of GDP by 2034.
“Cape Town and Gaborone are both important regional hubs for business and leisure tourism and commerce. With the addition of this route to our steadily expanding network, we are responding to rising interest and demand from local and international long-haul customers for a direct Airlink service between the two cities,” said Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht.
“We're also answering the call to provide seamless connections for customers travelling between Gaborone and the numerous long-haul destinations we reach through our international partner airlines' flights at our Cape Town base. Over the past three years we've been developing Cape Town as an alternative hub to our main Johannesburg base,” he added.
D328eco Test Aircraft Rolls Out: A Defining Milestone in Sustainable Regional Aviation
Deutsche Aircraft unveiled the first D328eco test aircraft at their headquarters in the Airtech Campus in Oberpfaffenhofen, a transformative moment for sustainable regional aviation.
Following the announcement of the initial fuselage cut at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, the programme has maintained steady momentum as it drives progress towards a more efficient and environmentally conscious future for regional air travel.
Building upon the proven legacy of the Dornier 328, the D328eco is an advanced evolution, not a clean-sheet aircraft. It delivers enhanced performance, fuel efficiency, an elevated customer experience and lower emissions, while retaining the versatility and reliability that airlines, operators and passengers have trusted for over three decades. The roll out of the test aircraft underscores Deutsche Aircraft's commitment to innovation, decarbonisation and regional connectivity.
Nico Neumann, Co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft commented: "The roll out of our first test aircraft marks a significant achievement in the D328eco programme and an important step towards our physical flight test activities. This milestone represents our transition from conceptual design to practical testing and industrialisation. At Deutsche Aircraft, we are proud to introduce an aircraft with the proven DNA of the Dornier 328, enhanced for better efficiency, reduced emissions and a superior customer experience, making it an optimal choice for regional operators worldwide."
Olaf Lawrenz, COO of Deutsche Aircraft stated: "This milestone is a testament to our team's dedication and technical expertise. Building upon the robust foundation of the Dornier 328, an aircraft ahead of its time, we have integrated modern technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The roll out reflects our commitment to delivering a next-generation regional aircraft that combines proven reliability with cutting-edge advancements to meet the evolving demands of regional aviation."
Marie-Christine von Hahn, Chief Executive Officer of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), emphasised the significance of the roll out for the entire industry. "Innovations in the air improve our lives on the ground. Deutsche Aircraft is sending a strong signal on behalf of the entire industry: German aviation is a global leader."
Vertical Aerospace Makes Aviation History with Piloted eVTOL Flight in Open Airspace
Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) [NYSE: EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announced it has made European aviation history with the first-ever piloted wingborne flight of a winged electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in open airspace.
The landmark flight of the VX4 prototype, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Si Davies, saw the aircraft take-off, fly and land like a conventional aircraft, with lift generated by the wing.
Soaring across the UK countryside from Cotswold Airport, the VX4 prototype demonstrated controlled wingborne flight in open airspace for the first time, marking a critical step toward commercial eployment as part of Vertical's Flightpath 2030 strategy.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved the flight through open airspace at Cotswold Airport, the UK's largest private airport, by extending Vertical's Permit to Fly. This followed a rigorous review of tens of thousands of pages of safety and technical documentation.
Chief Test Pilot, Simon Davies, said: “Taking the aircraft beyond the airfield and cruising over the Cotswolds for the first time was truly special and a career highlight for me. Our performance predictions were absolutely spot on, and the aircraft took off as a natural extension of all the ground tests and preparation we've done.
There are aircraft which are safe and capable but not always enjoyable to fly. The VX4 was not only safe but was an absolute pleasure. It is responsive, smooth, simple to operate and the sound level from the propellers is quiet and pleasant in the cockpit. An honour to fly, and a real testament to the incredible team behind it.”
Vertical is currently the only company globally flying a piloted winged eVTOL prototype that's been developed under a Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the CAA - a DOA is required to hold a Type Certificate, required for commercial passenger operations. The CAA is working closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for their concurrent validation and certifying the VX4 to the highest safety standards required for commercial use.
Daher Aircraft Delivers the First TBM 960 “Birddog” Airplanes to Conair in Support of Wildfire Air Attack Missions
The utilization of Daher's TBM and Kodiak aircraft families in multi-mission duties has expanded with deliveries of two new-production TBM 960s as “birddog” airplanes for the Conair Group Inc.'s operations in fighting wildfires.
Conair's selection of the TBM 960 - which was made following this Canadian-based company's in-depth analysis of 50 aircraft types - marks the TBM's first application in wildfire air attack operations, which involves the airplane's continuous deployment over a fire to monitor the affected area, assess risks, and strategize airtanker drops of water/retardant.
Among the many advantages cited by Conair in its choice of the pressurized, turboprop-powered TBM 960 are the aircraft's superior performance, modern design standards, advanced technology, high reliability and strong support from Daher as the OEM (original equipment manufacturer).
The first TBM 960 ordered by Conair was delivered last October from Daher Aircraft's production facility and TBM final assembly line in Tarbes, France, followed by the second airplane this month.
“Conair can count on the full resources of our Daher Care support organization, along with the backing from our extensive multi-mission expertise that we've acquired through operations of the TBM and Kodiak aircraft families around the world,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of the Daher Aircraft division.
As wildfire air attack missions are highly demanding, the TBM 960's designed-in safety and situational awareness benefits for Conair's operations include: Daher's digital TBM e-copilot® technology for electronic stability, under-speed protection, and an emergency descent mode; the EPECS single-lever, dual-channel digital control for the engine and propeller; the advanced doppler radar system that detects lightning and turbulence; and the aircraft's HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system.
Matt Bradley, Conair's President & CEO, stated: “We are planning for our future by selecting the TBM 960 in the modernization of our birddog fleet. Modernizing with the TBM 960 ensures our birddog aircraft aren't grounded when needed the most due to a lack of spare parts, increased maintenance, or obsolescence.”
Conair is retrofitting its TBM 960s with avionics and equipment specific to wildfire operations, enabling them to provide tactical and strategic direction for aerial firefighting aircraft that operate overhead of the wildfires. During the 2025 fire season, both TBM 960s will deploy in Canada, with a government agency Air Attack Officer in the right seat and a Conair pilot in the left. The Air Attack Officer communicates with all pilots of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft involved in aerial firefighting, along with the ground crews - ensuring safe and effective operations.
Mike Benson, the Director of Business Development at Conair, said the company's legacy fleet of birddog aircraft are reaching the end of their lifespans given the demanding conditions in which they operate on a continuous basis, including turbulence, heat, smoke and fluctuating elevations.
“The new TBM 960s offer key advantages for aerial firefighting response. They are fast, keeping pace with large airtankers; offer superior visibility, providing crews with the ability to observe aircraft in a crowded airspace; are able to fly low and slow, showing airtankers where to place drops on a wildfire; and can be converted into multi-role platforms if desired by our government agency partners - incorporating the technologies used to map wildfires or provide search & rescue capability.” Benson added.
$1.3 Billion in Airline Funds Blocked by Governments
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that $1.3 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of end April 2025. This is a significant amount, although it is an improvement of 25% compared with the $1.7 billion reported for October 2024.
IATA urged governments to remove all barriers preventing airlines from the timely repatriation of their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations.
"Ensuring the timely repatriation of revenues is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations. Delays and denials violate bilateral agreements and increase exchange rate risks. Reliable access to revenues is critical for any business-particularly airlines which operate on very thin margins. Economies and jobs rely on international connectivity. Governments must realize that it is a challenge for airlines to maintain connectivity when revenue repatriation is denied or delayed,” said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.
10 countries account for 80% of the total blocked funds, amounting to $1.03 billion.
Pakistan and Bangladesh, previously in the top five blocked funds countries, have made notable progress in clearing their backlog to $83 million and $92 million, respectively (from $311 million and $196 million in October 2024, respectively).
Mozambique has climbed up to the top of blocked funds countries, withholding $205 million from airlines, compared with $127 million in October 2024. The Africa and Middle East (AME) region accounts for 85% of total blocked funds, at $1.1 billion as of end April 2025.
The most significant improvement was noted in Bolivia, fully clearing its backlog that stood at $42 million at end October 2024.
6 June 6 1966
Gemini 9 landed in the Pacific after 45 orbits of Earth during the 72 h 20 min flight.
Gemini 9A (officially Gemini IX-A)[2] was a 1966 crewed spaceflight in NASA's Gemini program. It was the seventh crewed Gemini flight, the 15th crewed American flight and the 23rd spaceflight of all time (includes X-15 flights over 100 kilometres (62 mi; 54 nmi)).
The original crew for Gemini 9, command pilot Elliot See and pilot Charles Bassett, were killed in a crash on February 28, 1966, while flying a T-38 jet trainer to the McDonnell Aircraft plant in St. Louis, Missouri to inspect their spacecraft.
Their deaths promoted the backup crew, Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene Cernan, to the prime crew. The mission was renamed Gemini 9A after the original May 17 launch was scrubbed when the mission's Agena Target Vehicle was destroyed after a launch failure. The mission was flown June 3-6, 1966, after launch of the backup Augmented Target Docking Adaptor (ATDA)
Zimbabwe, near Gweru, Midlands: A Air Force of Zimbabwe Chengdu F-7IIN, operated by 5 Squadron, crashed and caught fire shortly after take-off from Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base, formerly Gweru-Thornhill Air Base (GWE/FVTL), Gweru, Midlands. Veteran pilot Ritswanetsi Vuyo Ncube perished and the aircaft was destroyed by fire.
Canada, Calgary/Springbank Airport, AB (CYBW): An amateur-built Pro-Composites Vision was operating on a local flight from Calgary/Springbank Airport (CYBW), AB. The pilot had concluded a 2-hour engine break-in flight and was attempting to land at CYBW on Runway 26. The winds were 300° True at 12 gusting 17 knots. The pilot made 3 attempted landings with associated overshoots as the aircraft floated, and the pilot was unable to land on the available runway. During the fourth landing attempt, the aircraft once again floated and tracked to the right of the runway's paved surface. The aircraft touched down on the grass and continued where it then struck a drainage ditch and then came to rest. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured. The aircraft received significant damage, and the 406 MHz ELT activated.
Yemen, Sana'a International Airport (SAH/OYSN): A Yemenia Airways flight IY643, an Airbus A320-233, was destroyed by an aerial attack on Sana'a International Airport by fighter planes from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). The aircraft had just arrived from Amman.
China, South of Hangzhou. China Southern Airlines flight CZ6850, an Airbus A320-251N, diverted to Hangzhou, China, after a fire developed in an overhead luggage compartment. The flight departed HGH at 02:23 UTC on a flight to SZX. During initial climb phase, a power bank and camera battery in a passenger's carry-on luggage spontaneously combusted in the overhead cabin compartment. The cabin crew executed the fire extinguishing procedures and successfully put out the fire. The flight crew decided to return to Hangzhou Airport and the aircraft landed uneventfully at 02:38 UTC. The flight departed HGH at 06:23 UTC, Arrived in SZX at 08:05 UTC. No injuries were reported.
