Pilot's Post - Take your marketing to new heights.
SA's Shannon Russell breaks world altitude record for women in Sling TSI.
Charlie Flight takes on and accomplishes difficult body recovery.
National Museum of Military History launches new exhibits.
AutoFlight achieves aviation milestone with world's first 2-Ton eVTOL offshore oil platform operation for 300km+ round-trip.
Airbus delivers another two C295s to Angola.
Cessna Citation Ascend achieves FAA certification, bringing advanced features to the most popular midsize business jet family.
Qantas' first project sunrise aircraft takes shape in Toulouse.
This day in history - The Russians launch Sputnik 2, an orbiter that delivered the first animal into a space; a female terrier named Laika.
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus Video - Crete to Cape competitors at Blue Mountain Valley private airfield.
Pilot's Post - Take Your Marketing to New Heights
As usual, the last Pilot's Post report for 2025 will be published on 10 December and publication will recommence on 10 January 2026.
If your business wants to connect directly with the most engaged and influential audience in South African aviation, there's no better platform than Pilot's Post Online Aviation. In 2024 alone, we published 48 Midweek Updates and 192 in-depth Sunday feature reports, keeping readers informed, inspired, and invested in the latest developments across the aviation world. We remain the only South African publication providing daily coverage from Oshkosh and most major UK airshows, giving our audience exclusive insights they can't find anywhere else.
Over the past 14 years, we've produced an unmatched 3,729 articles and reports, building a reputation for credibility, quality, and consistency that both readers and advertiser's trust. No other aviation publication in South Africa can rival our reach, depth, or engagement and none can offer better exposure at more affordable rates. Whether you're launching a new product, promoting a service, or strengthening your brand presence, advertising with Pilot's Post ensures your message soars directly to the people who matter most in aviation.
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SA's Shannon Russell Breaks World Altitude Record for Women in Sling TSI
by Savanna Dougas@GoodThingsGuy
South Africa's got another reason to look up with pride, thanks to a young lady who has just smashed one of the highest world records! Twenty-year-old South African pilot Shannon Russell has just flown higher than any woman ever has in her class of aircraft, reaching 32,059 feet in a Sling TSi.
It's a huge moment for a young lady whose record-breaking flight comes with a deeply personal story. One that started long before she ever left the ground.
Shannon grew up watching her inspiration take to the skies fearlessly. Her dad, Sean Russell, was Sling Aircraft South Africa's Chief Test Pilot. When he passed away in an aircraft accident, Shannon was just 18. Six months later, instead of giving up on flying, she packed her bags and moved to the US, where her dreams in aviation took off.
It was a move Sean would be proud of.
Recently, on her world record-setting flight, she carried some of her dad's ashes with her, higher than any other female pilot in her class has ever flown before. Goosebumps stuff.
What makes the win even more incredible? She's doing it for the girls.
“I hope young girls see this and realise that the sky isn't the limit - it's just the beginning.”
What Shannon has just achieved is daring, but she did it with all the confidence. It took serious prep to pull off.
Flying an unpressurised aircraft into the flight levels comes with risks. Oxygen specialists and doctors had to be consulted ahead of the flight, along with Rotax engine specialists. High altitude oxygen masks and health monitoring systems were used for risk mitigation, and a second pilot, Jean d'Assonville, was onboard to help monitor everything.
Shannon set the world record just a day after she earned her Sport Pilot Instructor certificate, which makes her one of the few qualified instructors ready to teach the next generation of MOSAIC aircraft, a new category of advanced light-sport aeroplanes that goes beyond modern pilot training.
Adding to that achievement, she has a list of professional licences and countless hours of training under her wing, too. She's also repped Sling at global airshows and serves as a Young Woman in Aviation Ambassador.
“Her technical foundation runs deep - Shannon trained under Rotax-approved technicians at Sling Aircraft South Africa, where she gained hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance, testing, and performance data analysis. She also assisted in building aircraft like Linda Sollars' Sling High Wing N915HW, which famously flew from Johannesburg to Oshkosh.”
She's done all of this before even turning 21.
What we admire most is her determination after experiencing one of the greatest losses. Instead of being afraid of the fate that took her dad, Shannon has fully embraced the dreams he helped her grow. What a way to honour that, bringing him all the way up to 32,059 feet with her.
Charlie Flight Takes on and Accomplishes Difficult Body Recovery www.defenceweb.co.za
The value of the SA Air Force (SAAF) rotorcraft fleet was again shown during a body recovery sortie on a popular Garden Route hiking trail.15 Squadron's Charlie Flight, based at Air Force Station (AFS) Port Elizabeth, was tasked with the recovery after an SA Police Service (SAPS) call for assistance according to Lieutenant Siphesihle Gqirana.
One of the flight's BK117 helicopters, crewed by PIC (Pilot in Command) Major CJ Oberholzer and Flight Engineer Sergeant LB Mahlakwana with mobile air operations team (MAOT) Commander, Major N van Schalkwyk, also aboard took off from the station at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport on 31 October bound for the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve 95 nautical miles away.
They were tasked to remove the body of 74-year-old Hermie van Zyl, found after he went missing on a trail in the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve on 21 October. The body was reportedly in the vicinity of a forest office near the Tsitsikamma Big Tree, a yellowwood ranked at between 600 and 800 years old, over 36 metres high and a 10-minute walk from the N2. It is on the route of trails in the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, managed by SANParks.
Ahead of Van Zyl's body being found an intensive ground search with SANParks rangers, police from both the mounted and search and rescue units, a SAPS helicopter and, according to Gqirana, the Mountain Club of South Africa, as well as personnel from the local facilities of timber and forestry company, MTO Group, combed the wider nature reserve for the then presumed missing, but not dead, hiker. The eight-day search ended with the discovery of the body.
Recovery was successfully completed under “challenging conditions” posed by the indigenous forest and rugged terrain.
National Museum of Military History launches new exhibits
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
The National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, has launched a range of new exhibits as it continues to revitalise its displays and strengthen its relevance, with the latest additions covering the role of women in the Liberation Struggle, the role of South African Indians in the military, and World War II flying ace 'Sailor' Malan, amongst others.
The new components to the Museum were officially launched during a function on Sunday 2 November. Ditsong Museums (an amalgamation of eight museums in the Pretoria and Johannesburg area) said the Military History Museum Building and Development Trust committed to assisting the Museum with the planning and production of six major projects, four of which also received private donations and sponsorships. Five of these completed projects were launched on 2 November.
The first was the exhibition on the Role of Women in the Liberation Struggle. This features permanent display panels, uniforms, and equipment used by women who participated in the Liberation Struggle. Coinciding with the formal launch, public lectures were held on Sunday covering the Emotional Imprint of Women in the Liberation Struggle (Dr Sharon Sibanda), Reflection of SA Women Combatants of the Liberation Struggle (KL Makau), and a conversation between Lungile Ngxamngxa and Lesego Louw on her personal experiences as a woman of the Liberation Struggle.
Secondly, the new exhibition on the Role of South African Indians in the Military traces the contributions of South African Indians to various military conflicts, beginning with the Anglo Zulu War (1879) and the Anglo-Boer South African War (1899-1902) prior to the Union of South Africa in 1910 and extending through the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945), and the Border War (1966-1989). The exhibition also highlights the service and sacrifice of countless individuals across these periods, including the modern era of the South African Defence Force, and features a Roll of Honour commemorating South African Indians who gave their lives in service to their country. The South African Indian Legion of Military Veterans played a pivotal role in the production of this exhibition, and its representative Vinesh Selvan on Sunday delivered a lecture on the role of Indians in the South African military.
Thirdly, responding to public requests for a dedicated space of remembrance, the Museum established the Deliville Wood Memorial Garden - an area where families may, by arrangement, scatter the ashes of loved ones. The Delville Wood Commemorative Trust offered to sponsor the memorial garden using thirteen grave markers from the Graves and Memorials Collection. A professional landscaper was commissioned by the Trust to design and create the garden, located at the immediate entrance to the Museum from the car park. The metal crosses, originally used as temporary grave markers on the battlefields of the Somme Offensive of 1916, were carefully restored through sandblasting and finished with a white powder coating for inclusion in the garden.
Another new highlight of the Museum is the 'Sailor' Malan Hall. A top-scoring Royal Air Force pilot during the Second World War, Adolph 'Sailor' Malan on returning to South Africa became a leading voice against Apartheid, leading the Torch Commando. The 'Sailor' Malan exhibition hall tells Malan's story, and features the audiovisual production, Freedom Flyer - The Sailor Malan Story, produced by D Naidoo. The Hall is also home to several rare German aircraft and models from both the First and Second World Wars. The Oppenheimer family provided sponsorship of the exhibition and its refurbishment (Malan served as both Private and Parliamentary Secretary to Harry Oppenheimer between 1946 and 1950).
Fulfilling a long-held vision, the Museum opened a Children's Play Park, which was made possible through the sponsorship of Tshepang Electrical and Peter Muller in particular, whose contributions also enabled the restoration and repainting of the Jeep and Bosbok aeroplane displays. The play park's new installation includes a jungle gym, slide, and obstacle course, as well as a covered pergola with seating where parents can relax while children play.
The refurbished play park area.
Various lectures were held during the launch on Sunday, including on King Mzilikazi, a migratory military leader who founded uMthwakazi (located in present day Zimbabwe); the Role of the South African Cape Corps in the Military; the History of the Commandos; and South African prisoners of war in the Second World War.
Retired Brigadier General Tony Savides gave a talk on the Ratel infantry fighting vehicle to commemorate its 50th anniversary. In 2015, the Museum's Ratel was handed back after a R200 000 refurbishment by Land Mobility Technologies (LMT) - it is in running condition.
The SA Military History Museum's Ratel.
The 24 Sqn Buccaneer Custodian Group was present alongside the Museum's Buccaneer, with retired members giving a talk on the aircraft. 24 Squadron was originally formed in 1941 as a World War II bomber unit, but re-established in May 1965 at Royal Naval Air Station Lossiemouth in the UK to operate the Blackburn Buccaneer S Mk 50 strike aircraft, before relocating to Waterkloof AFB in South Africa. The squadron played a critical role during the Border War, flying long-range strike missions and providing air-to-air refuelling in support of Mirage F1AZ fighter jets. It flew its first operational mission in May 1978 during Operation Reindeer at Cassinga, and its final sortie in February 1988 during Operation Hooper near Cuito Cuanavale. Not a single aircraft or crew was lost in combat. The squadron was disbanded in March 1991, marking the end of the Buccaneer era in the South African Air Force.
The Military History Museum's Buccaneer.
More additions are coming to the Museum, as the new Regiment's Room is currently under construction and should be completed in the coming months. According to the Museum's Trust, it is the intention to ensure the Saxonwold facility remains one of the top ten military history museums in the world and that South Africa's military heritage is preserved. The Trust has supported over 200 maintenance projects costing R2.2 million, as well as new exhibits. These include the installation of audio/visual equipment, the repainting of the C-47 Dakota aircraft, building repairs, cleaning, repainting etc.
AutoFlight Achieves Aviation Milestone with World's First 2-Ton eVTOL Offshore Oil Platform Operation for 300km+ round-trip
AutoFlight, in strategic partnership with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and CITIC Offshore Helicopters, today announced the successful completion of the world's first offshore oil platform cargo transport mission utilizing a 2-ton electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
AutoFlight's CarryAll aircraft, the world's first 2-ton eVTOL to receive comprehensive certification including Type Certificate, Production Certificate, and Airworthiness Certificate, executed a precision cargo delivery mission. The aircraft departed from a designated launch facility in Shenzhen carrying essential supplies including fresh provisions and emergency pharmaceuticals, completing a 58-minute trans-oceanic flight to the Huizhou 19-3 Oil platform, located 150 kilometres offshore.
The successful demonstration addresses longstanding logistical constraints in offshore energy operations. Traditional maritime cargo transport to CNOOC's South China Sea platforms requires approximately 10 hours per transit, creating significant delays for critical supply deliveries and emergency response scenarios. While helicopter transport provides rapid deployment capabilities, operational costs remain prohibitively high for routine cargo operations.
"This flight represents the convergence of innovative aviation technology, proven operational expertise, and real-world offshore operational requirements," said Ren Yongyi, Deputy Manager, Crisis Management & Operations Support Department, CNOOC China Limited Shenzhen Branch. "We have successfully demonstrated a comprehensive 'development + operation + application' framework for low-altitude economic implementation."
Technical Specifications and Performance
The V2000CG CarryAll incorporates advanced Lift & Cruise configuration, delivering a typical range of 200 kilometres, maximum velocity of 200 kilometres per hour, and payload capacity of 400 kilograms. Operating within the challenging South China Sea environment, characterized by foggy conditions, high salt mist and humidity levels, and variable strong wind conditions, the CarryAll successfully demonstrated critical flight capabilities including precision vertical operations, stable hovering performance and extended trans-oceanic navigation.
Airbus Delivers Another two C295s to Angola
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
The Angolan Air Force has taken delivery of two C295 maritime surveillance aircraft from Airbus, completing an order for three of the type. Airbus made the announcement on 7 November, saying that the two new aircraft will play a key role in Search and Rescue (SAR), controlling illegal fishing and borders, and maritime traffic control. They will also be used to conduct intelligence-gathering missions, among others.
Airbus in April 2022 announced that Angola had ordered three C295 aircraft. In March 2018, it emerged that Angola was acquiring the three aircraft for nearly 160 million euros, according to documents seen by the Lusa news agency. Lusa reported that Angolan President Joao Lourenco on 2 March that year authorised commodities trading company Simportex to finalise the contract for the aircraft with Airbus. The contract was to be financed by Banco Bilbao and Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) of Spain and be included in the contract of the Public Investment Programme of the Angolan government.
The first C295 was ferried from the Airbus manufacturing facility in Seville, Spain, to Angola in July 2024. It (T-214) is in transport configuration, with the other two in maritime surveillance configuration with the Airbus-developed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) mission system as well state-of-the-art sensors, Airbus said.
FITS includes a search radar, electro-optical sensors, magnetic anomaly detector and other avionics. Weapons can include torpedoes, missiles, mines and depth charges. All three aircraft will be equipped with the latest version of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite.
With the Angolan order, Airbus said to date 54 C295s have been ordered by 11 different African air forces, “solidifying its position as the segment leader in the region.” Customers on the continent include Algeria (6), Egypt (24), Equatorial Guinea (2), Mali (2), Gabon (1), Burkina Faso (1), Ivory Coast (1), Ghana (3), and Senegal (2).
Airbus cited a good example of “resiliency and outstanding performance of the C295 in African territory” during the international peacekeeping mission that the Senegal Air Force performed in Mali in September 2023, with 28 troops rotations in 14 days, performing a total of 200 flight hours - 16 hours per day.
Airbus said it provides different kinds of support to the C295 operators such as material support - including reparation and supply of spare parts, but also technical support with a Field Service Representative, a Navigation Database and Technical Publications updates.
Separately, the heavy maintenance, which takes place in the fourth and eighth year of the aircraft, is fully managed in Seville (Spain), as well as the C295 training to pilots, loadmasters and technicians which is performed at the International Training Centre, with the only exception of Egypt which has its own simulator.
Cessna Citation Ascend Achieves FAA Certification, Bringing Advanced Features to the most Popular Midsize Business Jet Family
The Cessna Citation Ascend, designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, achieved a major milestone Wednesday, November 5, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded type certification for the aircraft, with entry into service expected later this year. The aircraft boasts an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and luxurious flat floor cabin, giving customers versatility and flexibility to accomplish their mission. Two flight test articles completed more than 1,000 flight hours and numerous certification tests to achieve FAA certification.
“The Citation Ascend's successful flight test program reflects our teams' expertise in obtaining FAA certification while designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “We sought our customers' feedback, and the result is a business jet that offers customers the latest innovations in performance, productivity and efficiency.”
With more than 1,000 Cessna Citation 560XL series aircraft delivered since 2000, owners and operators appreciate the aircraft for its unparalleled combination of performance, comfort, ease of operation, range of mission capabilities and favourable operating efficiencies.
Equipping customers with Garmin G5000 avionics featuring the latest software, the cockpit includes: Autothrottle technology to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection. Three large, 14-inch ultra high-resolution displays with split-screen capabilities. Standard dual flight management systems. Synthetic vision tech to render obstacles like mountains or terrain. Cockpit voice and data satellite transceiver to make satellite calls from the cockpit. Garmin advanced weather detection and avoidance technology. Second Iridium data radio and controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) to support customers with more direct routing between North America and Europe (optional)/
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines deliver fuel efficiency and increased thrust to the aircraft. The Ascend gives customers a maximum speed of 441 ktas (817 km/h), a maximum range of 1,940 nm (3,593 km) and a 900 lb (408 kg) full fuel payload.
An unattended Honeywell RE100 [XL] Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) with self-management and added bleed leak detection allows pilots to prepare for every flight efficiently, including heating and cooling the cabin with less fuel and less noise.
An aircraft that lets customers do more
The Citation Ascend lets customers do more in the cabin, allowing them to enjoy many luxuries found in the bestselling Cessna Citation Latitude and flagship Cessna Citation Longitude such as a flat floor to provide a new level of generous legroom and flexibility for passengers. The aircraft can be configured for up to 12 passengers.
With an advanced acoustic treatment system, passengers can engage in conversations, work or relax in an environment free of distractions, as cabin sound levels are similar to that of driving a car down the highway. The aircraft boasts all-new cabin windows that are approximately 15% larger and offer more natural light into the cabin with translucent and opaque shade settings and optional lighted window rings.
All crew and passengers have access to at least one charging port with 19 standard USB charging ports and three universal outlets throughout the aircraft, in addition to first-in-class wireless phone charging. Customers can wirelessly control the cabin lighting, temperature, window shades and onboard entertainment, and the Bongiovi immersive sound system is another option to further enhance the onboard experience.
To keep customers connected at all times, the Ascend includes standard GoGo U.S. Avance L3 Max Wi-Fi and optional U.S. Avance L5 Wi-Fi. Customers can also select Gogo Galileo HDX for Wi-Fi and worldwide calling.
Qantas' First Project Sunrise Aircraft Takes Shape in Toulouse
The Qantas aircraft set to conquer the final frontier of long-haul travel is now on the Airbus assembly line in Toulouse, marking a significant step towards the airline's historic non-stop flights between Australia and London and New York.
The national carrier and Airbus have released the first images of the A350-1000ULR (Ultra Long Range) aircraft, following the completion of major production milestones at the Airbus manufacturing facility.
All key airframe components including the forward, centre and rear fuselage sections have come together, along with the wings, tail section and landing gear now attached.
This week the aircraft will be transferred to a new hangar where it will have engines and flight test instruments installed, in preparation for an extensive test flight programme, commencing in 2026.
These specially configured A350-1000ULRs will enable the world's longest commercial flights, connecting Australia's east coast non-stop to London and New York for the first time. The aircraft will fly for up to 22 hours non-stop, made possible by an additional 20,000 litre rear centre fuel tank and enhanced systems, with every element designed around passenger comfort and wellbeing for ultra-long-haul operations. The direct services will cut up to four hours off total travel time, compared with one-stop services today.
The Project Sunrise name is a nod to the airline's historic 'Double Sunrise' endurance flights during the Second World War, which remained airborne long enough to see two sunrises.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said the progress brings Project Sunrise one step closer to reality.
“Given Australia's position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers. Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world,” said Ms Hudson.
“These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing”.
The cabins have been developed from the ground up in collaboration with aviation specialists, Australian industrial designer David Caon, and a multidisciplinary team of experts from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre. This includes sleep scientists working to combat jetlag through features like unique, customised lighting design and timed meal service.
Key to the cabin design has been giving passengers more space, with a 238-seat configuration versus the 300-plus seats layout used by other A350-1000 operators. This includes a purpose-built Wellbeing Zone located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins featuring integrated stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise programs, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.
The first of 12 new aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with the first commercial Project Sunrise services commencing in the first half of 2027.
3 November 1957
The Russians launch Sputnik 2, an orbiter that delivered the first animal into a space; a female terrier named Laika. The 3-year-old dog was sent to determine if a living creature could withstand launch and weightlessness, but she ultimately died a few hours after launch due to overheating due to a thermal control issue. Regardless, she proved that oxygen-craving creatures could enter space, and Laika was considered a hero.
The launch was virtually a total success. The only major malfunction was in the system that evenly empties the propellant tanks in the core and four boosters that launched Sputnik. This system's failure caused the core's RD-107 engine to shut down a second earlier than intended because of excessive kerosene fuel consumption. This resulted in the apogee of Sputnik being 80 kilometres lower than originally planned but it still made it into a stable orbit nonetheless. The 83.6-kilogram satellite continued to transmit for the next three weeks before its batteries finally gave out. Due to the ever-present atmospheric drag, the empty 7.5 metric ton Blok A core of the launch vehicle fell from orbit on 1 December 1957 followed by the now-silent Sputnik on 4 January 1958.
South Africa, near Patensie, Eastern Cape: A Robinson R22 Beta II hit power lines during dew control of berry fields and crashed at the Roodegrond farm, near Patensie, Eastern Cape. The pilot perished and the helicopter was written off.
Guyana, near Lumid Pau Airport (LUB/SYLP): An Air Services Limited Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, 8R-THR, accidentally landed at a primary school instead of the runway at Lumid Pau Airport (LUB/SYLP). The aircraft landed safely but when attempting to take off it appeared the aircraft might have hit a gate. The aircraft was grounded and the pilot was suspended. The GCAA has launched an investigation.
Russia, Achi-Su, Karabudakhkent, Dagestan: A Ka-226 operated by the Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant crashed into an uninhabited building near the village of Achi-Su,Karabudakhkent, Dagestan. Five of the seven occupants perished and the helicopter was destroyed. Video footage of the accident shows the helicopter landed hard on a beach in a steep nose-up attitude. The tail broke off and remained dangling behind the helicopter. The pilot took off and struggled to control the helicopter. It finally impacted a building and burst into flames. Four KEMZ employees were among the casualties, including the plant's deputy general director of construction and transport support. The Ka-226 flight mechanic also died in the crash and two others were injured.
USA, Keystone Heights Airport (42J), Keystone Heights, FL: An Extra EA 300/SC (330SC), N330SL, was destroyed when it crashed and a post-crash fire ensued while conducting aerobatic manoeuvres at Keystone Heights Airport (42J), Keystone Heights, Florida. The sole pilot onboard was killed. Preliminary information indicates the airplane entered an inverted spin during aerobatics and the pilot was unable to recover. The airplane came to rest inverted in an open field and was consumed by the post-crash fire. The wreckage was confined within one area, and there was no notable debris field.
Crete to Cape competitors at Blue Mountain Valley Private Airfield 393
