Bill Harrops Montgolfier Day Celebration Saturday, 22 November 2025.
ATNS updates to the industry - need for more clarity.
First solo flights logged by SAAF's Pilot Wings Course 130.
New OC for AFB Waterkloof.
Epic Aircraft achieves milestone within five years of certification.
Highly capable, affordable Robinson R88 helicopter makes European debut in Germany.
French Navy to become first European military operator of the Pilatus PC-24.
NASA's X-59 supersonic demonstrator makes first test flight.
This day in history - A Vickers Valiant of No. 49 Squadron RAF drops Britain's first air-dropped atomic bomb, over Maralinga, South Australia
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus Video - SAAF Museum Open Day 1 Nov 2025
Bill Harrops Montgolfier Day Celebration Saturday, 22 November 2025
Celebrate the first hot air balloon flight (1783) with a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon outdoors: food & drink stalls, picnic-ready lawns, and aviation appreciation for all ages. If the weather allows, we'll close with a spectacular Hot Air Balloon Night Glow at sunset.
Pricing:
Adults: R200 per person
Children (under 12): R100 per person
Children (under 5): Free (must still be registered for entry)
Your ticket includes access to the venue, secure parking, food & beverage outlets on site, daytime entertainment, and VAT.
Ticketing Process:
Complete the request by clicking on the ticket link.
You'll receive a WhatsApp payment link within 24 hours.
Please pay within 24 hours to secure your booking.
QR-coded tickets will be sent via WhatsApp within 24 hours of payment.
072 881 8671
Programme:
12:00-16:00 Gates open
13:00 Food & beverage vendors open
14:00-16:00 Casual entertainment (keep an eye on the sky!)
16:30-18:45 Hot air balloons enter the field for the Night Glow (weather permitting)
19:00-20:00 Event close & departures
Location:
Bill Harrop's “Original” Balloon Safaris, R560 (On Route 560), Skeerpoort, North West, South Africa.
Cancellation & Weather:
All paid tickets are confirmed and non-refundable.
Ballooning is weather-dependent.
ATNS Updates to the Industry - Need for More Clarity
The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) urges the leadership of the Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) to strengthen their collaboration with airlines to determine effective solutions for addressing ongoing challenges related to unavailable instrument flight procedures (IFPs).
These issues, stemming from various factors as highlighted in their (ATNS) industry update, risk causing significant economic consequences. AASA further emphasises the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels for essential air traffic control and other critical positions.
These disruptions, delays, diversions, and flight cancellations-and their effects on customers, airlines, and entire economies-are far more than a mere inconvenience; they are deeply damaging and simply unacceptable.
We are dealing with an operational crisis, now in its 16th month and with no clear end in sight. This threatens the economic viability of several towns and cities and South Africa's ability to be a dependable, efficient and competitive trading partner and destination for tourism and investment. The crisis requires a commensurate response with intervention from Cabinet ministers whose portfolios cover entire sectors of the economy that depend on reliable and safe air connectivity.
ATNS's briefings and updates are always welcome. They must be frank and fully transparent so that with the full disclosure and commitment to detailed time-frames airlines and their customers can plan and manage their businesses and or itineraries with certainty.
Today's briefing by ATNS's leadership on the status of suspended IFPs, staffing and critical infrastructure upgrades, as well as the recent publication of its annual report, raises more questions than answers, not least of which are the following:
1. If ATNS was able to expedite the reinstatement of an approach procedure for Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), why is it unable to do the same for the vast majority of the 326 IFPs it suspended in July 2024 and the additional procedures suspended on 11 September 2025 and 08 October 2025? In most instances there are no new obstacles requiring revisions to the procedures so revalidation should be a formality.
2. What is ATNS doing to ensure that all other IFPs due to expire in the next 12 months will be renewed in time so that they do not cause additional disruption?
The additional suspensions last month and earlier this month, which include 17 at Cape Town and eight at George, suggest that ATNS is falling further behind in addressing the problem.
3. The expedited KMIA procedure and several others that were renewed this year have required pilots to “hand amend” the instructions. When IFPs are published electronically and displayed digitally, why is ATNS still asking pilots and flight planners to make those adjustments by hand - and inviting errors which raise the safety stakes - instead of publishing them in the correct format?
4. What measures - temporary or permanent - has ATNS implemented to enable it to rapidly recruit experienced skilled personnel - including re-hiring ex-ATNS employees who retired or took their skills elsewhere - and deploy them into critical positions? It would be reassuring to know how many people are currently in ATNS's training pipeline and what are the timeframes for deploying them operationally.
5. As the primary providers of income to ATNS through its statutory user charges, our members rightfully ask what recompense could be implemented to at least recover costs that airlines have had, and continue, to incur due to no fault of their own.
Impact of suspended Instrument Flight Procedures
For affected airports where IFPs have been suspended this means take-offs and landings are not permitted when there is mist, low cloud, fog or dense smoke obstructing pilots' visibility.
Flight schedule disruptions are financial hammer blows to airlines. Customers lose confidence resulting in lost sales, ticket cancellations and refunds. Simultaneously, airlines are saddled with additional costs for taking care of affected passengers, animals in transit, additional fuel, landing, parking and ground handling for diverted flights, additional crew and accelerated maintenance of aircraft and engines due to the unplanned additional flight hours they incur. Airlines also have to pay ATNS for the extra en-route navigation and air traffic control charges associated with any diversions.
These suspensions also have serious harmful economic ramifications for businesses, industry, trade, essential and emergency services as well as peoples' livelihoods not only in cities such as Kimberley, George, Polokwane, Upington, Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg, Mthatha and Richards Bay, but also in Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha, which are key economic hubs.
ATNS and the Department of Transport must eliminate and prevent these kinds of disruptions and deliver on their mandate of enabling safe, reliable, efficient and accessible passenger and cargo air transport. This will enable airlines to play their role as a catalyst for economic growth, in particular South Africa's tourism industry, and the creation of much-needed jobs for our youth and women.
First Solo Flights Logged by SAAF's Pilot Wings Course 130
www.defenceweb.co.za
After logging 12 simulator and 16 dual flights, PWC 130 pupes were “given” a PC-7 Mk II for their first solo sortie above the west coast base. Langebaanweg is the primary training base for SA Air Force (SAAF) pilots who go on to specialise in either the helicopter, jet or transport lines after earning their wings. Course members collectively signed off on a social media posting to mark the event which saw them take to the sky individually on various days in September and October.
“The first solo flight,” the post reads, “is a rite of passage and our students rose to the challenge with flying colours”.
“Completing one circuit and landing safely, they demonstrated the knowledge, skill and confidence instilled in them by their instructors. The role of the instructors cannot be overstated. Their guidance, expertise and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping these young pilots. Each instructor instructs one or two students and is tasked with ensuring the students have the confidence and competence required to take on this daunting challenge.
“As our students celebrated this achievement they were welcomed back with open arms and warm congratulations from their peers.
“This momentous occasion is steeped in tradition; the black soot from the aircraft's exhaust stub is graciously applied to the student's face thereafter they are carried from the flight line, feet not touching the ground and tossed into what's called the 'solo pit' (a pit filled with water personalised by the course) to baptise the student into the world of aviation.
“The students are now given their solo badge, which they can now proudly add to the array of badges on their flying overall. Earlier in the course, the solo badge is personally designed by the students; the badge carries meaning and symbolism that motivates them in their pursuit of their pilot wings. This is followed by a small ceremony where the students then add their wings badge, which they'll obtain once qualified, to a cabinet in the Operations Room. This is a promise they will make to themselves, instructors and every pilot who has come before.
“Every day they walk into the Ops Room, they'll be reminded of what they achieved - first solo flight and what lies ahead. The next time they open this cabinet they will remove their wings and wear them with pride. On that day, they'll know that every hour flown, every challenge faced and every early morning was worth it. Until then, those wings will remind them who they are becoming - Military Aviators. The first solo flight is more than just a milestone - it's a testament to the students' perseverance and the instructors' dedication. As these young pilots continue their journey, they'll carry the lessons learned and the memories made during this day,” the post has it.
In July, Pilot Wings Course 130 reached their first flight milestone 15 months after reporting at the Western Cape air force base. The achievement, according to the SAAF, came in the face of “challenges” ranging from aircraft serviceability, resource constraints, bad weather and instructor shortages.
“The course typically doesn't take this long, but the students adapted to the unique circumstances,” the SAAF reported.
New OC for AFB Waterkloof
www.defencewb.co.za
Shortly after officially taking command of the SA Air Force (SAAF) “centre of transport excellence”, new number one Brigadier General Nandi Zama will face a baptism of fire with the arrival of world leaders at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof for the upcoming G20 summit.
While she formally took the reigns during a change of command ceremony on 24 October, the one-star has, according to Sergeant Tshimolloyabotshelo Matsha of Ad Astra Magazine, been the de facto Officer Commanding (OC) AFB Waterkloof for over a year. She replaces Brigadier General Emmanuel Mokoena who is now SAAF Command Post Officer Commanding.
Zama has a CV that includes C-130BZ Hercules operational commander, maintenance test pilot and Air Commander for the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) in 2023. She became the first black female to command a C-130BZ when she qualified on the type in March 2017. Zama received her flying wings in 2006, and in 2007 commanded a Cessna Caravan, which she flew at 41 Squadron.
Her change of command parade at the Centurion base saw her welcome Colonel Martin Smit to the hot seat at JARIC (Joint Air Reconnaissance Centre) and Colonel Mmatloco Tumaeletse as 1 Air Servicing Unit (ASU) OC. The units are based at Waterkloof along with 12 other SAAF units, including 21, 28, 41 and 44 squadrons.
At the same parade, Brigadier General Nicholas Johannes Molomo was given the opportunity to change command with Colonel Dayalan Reddi who is now the Officer Commanding of 5 Air Servicing Unit and Lieutenant Colonel Herman Papa Nkadinde did the same, changing command with Lieutenant Colonel MJ van der Westhuizen, Officer Commanding of 504 Protection Squadron.
At the time of publication, the SANDF as the overall custodian of national security had not made public the use of the air force base in Centurion as the point of entry for national leaders and their entourages from the G20 summit but increased base activity and sources lend credence to this. Additionally, both Gripen and Hawk jets have been seen in Waterkloof airspace recently.
Epic Achieves Milestone within Five Years of Certification
Epic Aircraft, designer and manufacturer of the leading single-engine turboprop, today announced the delivery of its 100th certified aircraft. The milestone coincides with the company's 11th Annual Odyssey Fly-In, a gathering of Epic Aircraft owners, pilots, and partners in Bend, Oregon.
“Achieving this delivery milestone underscores the strength of demand for our aircraft,” said Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King. “We reached our 100th certified aircraft faster than anyone imagined.”
The company delivered its first certified airplane, the E1000, in 2020. In just five years, the company has introduced and certified two next-generation models, the E1000 GX and the E1000 AX. Collectively, the fleet has accrued over 41,000 flight hours.
The 100th airplane, an E1000 AX, features a special commemorative logo on its exterior as well as its interior seats. The aircraft will be based in Texas.
“From our first to our 100th aircraft, each certified Epic reflects the innovation, passion, and commitment of our employees-and the belief of our owner community,” added King. “Each delivery is more than an aircraft. It's the beginning of a new adventure.”
Highly Capable, Affordable Robinson R88 Helicopter Makes European Debut in Germany
Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world's leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, will make its R88 overseas debut at the European Rotors Exhibition, VTOL Show and Safety Conference in Cologne, Germany, from November 18-20 in booth #1712.
The R88, officially unveiled in Dallas in March 2025, is Robinson Helicopter's first all-new model in nearly 15 years. It is designed as a larger and more capable utility helicopter, expanding Robinson Helicopter's product line to meet diverse mission requirements while maintaining the company's core values of reliability, dependability, and affordability. The R88 is an all-new type certificate currently undergoing rigorous testing.
Robinson Helicopter has secured more than 150 orders for the R88 from customers worldwide. The starting price, announced at the U.S. debut, will remain $3.3 million USD for the highly equipped standard configuration at European Rotors. Authorized Robinson Helicopter dealers may place deposits at the exhibition.
David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, noted, "With the R88, we aim to disrupt the market by offering superior performance and capability at a competitive price. Our integrated manufacturing allows us to provide a highly capable, stylish, and affordable helicopter with readily available parts and predictable maintenance."
The R88 is powered by the Safran Helicopter Engines' Arriel 2W engine (1,000-shaft horsepower), an engine family with over 66 million flight hours globally. Robinson Helicopter is bundling Safran's Serenity service and support package with every aircraft purchase at no additional cost to the customer. This package includes services like unscheduled removals coverage and premium health monitoring for the first five years or 2,000 hours of operation, whichever comes first. Robinson Helicopter and Safran will be releasing additional information at the show on Tuesday, November 18, at 10:30 a.m.
"We are making significant strides in the R88 development program, and the momentum here in Torrance is building. Having Safran development staff on-site is critical; their collaboration on the Arriel 2W engine integration is seamless and accelerates our entire timeline,” said Smith. “Our engineering team is focused on building the first flight aircraft now, a massive undertaking that will culminate in the R88's first flight in 2026. Key component and assembly testing is underway to qualify the first flight vehicle and key capital equipment is being added to our factory to ensure production readiness. This momentum is a direct result of our investment in people and partnerships, securing the R88's future as the market-leading utility helicopter."
French Navy to Become First European Military Operator of the Pilatus PC-24
The French Navy is set to become the first European military operator of the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. The aircraft fleet will be procured from Pilatus and leased to the French Navy by Jet Aviation France, acting as the prime contractor. Delivery of the first of three PC-24s is scheduled for February 2026.
Designed for exceptional operational flexibility, the PC-24 is certified for single-pilot operations, equipped with a standard cargo door, and approved for use on unpaved runways. These features make the aircraft ideally suited for a wide range of government missions, including instrument flight rules (IFR) pilot training, transport, and liaison tasks. Pilatus will provide its comprehensive CrystalCare support program, ensuring maximum availability and efficient maintenance for the fleet.
Delivering Mission-Ready Support and Maintenance
“It has been a privilege to work together with the Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé) and Pilatus on the selection and acquisition of the new fleet of PC-24s for the French Navy,” says Jeremie Caillet, Jet Aviation's president. “With over 55 years of maintenance experience, including over 35 years working with governmental fleets, we are committed to providing our customers with solutions that are specifically tailored to meet their individual mission needs. We are delighted to build on our long-standing relationship with Pilatus to propose an acquisition and sustainment program that meets the requirements of the French Navy in terms of both the aircraft and ongoing maintenance and preparation of the fleet.”
The PC-24's entry into European military service underscores the aircraft's versatility and aligns with Pilatus Government Aviation's focus on providing state operators with mission-ready solutions that extend beyond traditional training roles.
Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, emphasizes: “We are delighted to see the PC-24 selected for the French Navy's operational needs, highlighting its unique capabilities as a flexible and reliable platform for government missions. Our collaboration with Jet Aviation has been exemplary and instrumental in achieving this success, and we look forward to the first delivery in a few months.”
11 October 1956
A Vickers Valiant of No. 49 Squadron RAF drops Britain's first air-dropped atomic bomb, over Maralinga, South Australia
In 1952, the United Kingdom became the third country (after the United States and the Soviet Union) to develop and test nuclear weapons.
The UK initiated the world's first nuclear weapons programme, codenamed Tube Alloys, in 1941 during the Second World War.
At the 1943 Quebec Conference, it was merged with the American Manhattan Project, but collaboration ended in 1946. The UK initiated an independent programme, High Explosive Research, testing its first nuclear weapon in 1952.
In total the UK conducted 45 nuclear tests, 12 in Australia, 9 in the Pacific, and 24 at the Nevada Test Site, with its last in 1991.
The Royal Air Force's V bomber fleet was responsible for the UK's independent strategic nuclear weapons between 1954 and 1969.
Other RAF aircraft continued to be used in a tactical nuclear role until the 1998 decommissioning of their WE.177 bombs.
The RAF planned to operate the Blue Streak intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), but cancelled it in 1960.
Nigeria: A Nigerian military aircraft has reportedly been shot down by armed groups and crash-landed. There are believed to be casualties.
USA, Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport, OH (CLE/KCLE): Southwest Airlines flight WN1333, a Boeing 737-700 and a Metro Life Flight Eurocopter EC-145 were involved in a loss of separation incident near Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport, OH (CLE). The Airliner was on final approach to runway 06L and the helicopter was crossing the airspace south to north in front of the approaching B737. Both aircraft were on the same frequency and had been alerted by the controller to maintain separation.
USA, Boston-Logan International Airport, MA (BOS/KBOS): A Delta Air Airbus A330-941 was involved in a runway incursion incident at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with a Cape Air Cessna 402. Air traffic control instructed Flight 263 to perform a go-around as it was about to land on 04R, because Cape Air Flight 548 was cleared to take-off from an intersecting runway (15R). As the Cessna 402 was crossing runway 04R, the separation with the A330-900 was about 1000 m.
