Media Release No 15 Aviation response and actions since our last media statement against engine ruling.
EAA proudly announces the re-opening of Chapter 973 at Krugersdorp.
AirAdventure Tours to Oshkosh 2026.
EAA Chapter 322 Year End Gathering 6 December 2025 Going into 2026.
Surveillance tech, UAVs, smarter procurement key to border security.
SA Army gearing up to receive new drones.
Morocco orders ten H225M helicopters to replace Pumas.
Saab and CAE Advance GlobalEye worldwide with new global cooperation agreement.
This week in history - The Short Belfast a heavy lift turboprop freighter that was built by British manufacturer Short Brothers at Belfast retires from service
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Bell 47 at Oshkosh 2014
Media Release No 15 Aviation response and actions since our last Media Statement against Engine Ruling
Issued by the AIC 18. 19 Task Team under the collective auspices of the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa (CAASA), the Aeroclub of South Africa, the Aviation Watch Action Committee, the Aviation Action Group and Concerned Aircraft Owners, Pilots, Engineers and Operators.
AVIATION RESPONSE AND ACTIONS
1. Industry Meeting
The participating industry met to consider all possible options available after the Task Team was charged with developing a way forward. Factually, the court case, has resulted in the regulator undertaking a rethink and proposing amended CARS and CATS for the next sitting of CARCom on the 5th of December 2025. Noting that the regulator has not consulted with any of the major associations on the matter and industry received the proposals for the first time in the CARCom Pack circulated on 26 November 2025. This will require further unpacking as there are some onerous requirements in the proposed Appendix 3.
In recent days, questions to clarify what the regulator has been planning were directed at the Industry Liaison Forum (ILF) and at the Airworthiness Forum. The details shall be available in the minutes as the regulator makes these available. Simply there is no change other than there has been internal work at the regulator to prepare a proposal agreed to by the regulator's management to CARCom.
It was clearly stated that the regulator confirmed no change to the status quo and that any changes will follow the timelines and stages of the CARCom process.
Please note that the CARCom process is a defined and time-consuming process and cannot be seen as a quick fix. There are questions as to why the CARCom process will work this time but hopefully there are lessons learnt that will facilitate this.
The industry should prepare for a minimum of a 4 - 6-month timeline to manage public comment and conclude the recommendation phase, followed by the Minister's or DCAs promulgation of the amendment. We trust all involved will ensure they understand and manage their expectations in the process.
Note: The Festive Season holidays will have an effect on the timeline.
The Alternative means of compliance (AMOC)
The participants in this matter intend to press ahead with individual AMOC applications. The data and application packs have been completed and were showcased at the industry meeting held on 26 November 2025.
Application for the members of these associations for the AMOC pack can be made to the email addresses below. These will be furnished upon request only to members that have contributed and participated in the process to date.
The AMOC timelines detailed in the SLS will most probably take 60 - 90 days due to capacity and volume.
Please note: Those that may be successful in their individual AMOC applications should ensure that they have their aircraft that have been standing brought back into service with guidance from their AMO's and additionally for the pilots that have not flown to take steps to regain currency to do this in a safe manner.
3. The Constitutional quandary regarding separation of powers
On advice from our legal team considering these new proposals we should keep the constitutional challenge prepared and hold it in abeyance at this stage. Timelines and costs have been delivered, and industry associations have made provision should it be necessary to return to the legal challenge.
4. Damages continue to build
The damages suffered by the industry continue to increase and participants in the challenge have been requested to continue to keep record should it be necessary to make a class action for damages which will also be held in abeyance to give the regulator a time to make good on the errors made that have resulted in the current situation.
5. CAASA, AeCSA, AWAC, AAG and AMOSA CARCom participation
CAASA and AeCSA as official members with voting rights on CARCom have confirmed the strategy for CARCom which is along the lines of what was already asked for and what the purpose of the court case was to achieve and notes that hopefully the contentious content in Appendix 3 can be attended to while the CARCom process follows it timelines.
6. Interim relief
The AIC18/19 Task Team will furthermore be delivering a letter to the regulator to consider once again industry's request for interim relief in the form of a General Notice considering that the matter has changed to a PART 91 and part 141 matter. This we hope will be similar to the precedent set when the regulator favourably granted two exemptions (requested by CAASA on behalf of the industry) to facilitate the previous part 43 CARCom process, that did not deliver the desired results. We hope that the Director will apply her mind similarly, and trust that considering the plight of the industry this may be favourable.
The AMOC packs may be requested, and certain details will be required to issue the packs. Send an email with the subject line as follows:
“AMOC 12 year (name of person, name of company, name of organisation, membership number if AeCSA member)”
Example: Email Subject line: “AMOC 12 year (K Storie,Company A,CAASA,CAASA01)”
Note: We will implement email filters to ensure issuance is prioritized.
Make sure the subject line is correct.
The AMOC packs will be available from 8 am 27 Nov 2025 up and until the 9 December 2025 The request for the AMOC pack will be confirmed and recorded before issuing the AMOC pack.
• salome@aeroclub.org.za
• kev@caasa.co.za
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
EAA Proudly Announces the Re-Opening of Chapter 973 at Krugersdorp
After lying dormant for nearly 20 years, EAA members, with the assistance of the Krugersdorp Flying Club, have re-opened the EAA chapter at Jack Taylor, Krugersdorp. Chapter 973 will be based in Jack Taylor's original hangar next to the clubhouse, a prime spot overlooking the runway.
Chapter activities will include a monthly gathering on the second Saturday of the month, regular aircraft maintenance workshops, youth activities, fly-ins, flying competitions and Young Eagles days.
The hangar, which will be transformed into a unique EAA attraction with a library and tool crib, will be open every Saturday morning for those wanting a good cup of coffee, camaraderie and perhaps a breakfast at the restaurant. Well priced Avgas is available at the airfield.
Calendar of events
• 6 December 13h00 - Braai (after the KFC Children's Christmas Party)
• 13 December 15h00 - Hangar Wetting Party
• 24 January - Breakfast Fly-in to FAKR
• 14 February - Chapter 973 monthly meeting, presentation by ex US Military Pilot, TC Schultz
•
To join or for more information Chapter 973 please contact Neil Bowden +27 84674 5674 or Laura McDermid +27 83 604 0582 or e mail info@airadventure.co.za
WhatsApp Chat Group https://chat.whatsapp.com/GJcMdCAfvRC3Kz1eAm4iRd
AirAdventure Tours to Oshkosh 2026
First, apologies for our website being down over the last few days. Our hosting server had a major outage at their Gallo Manor facility. Good news is that they are up and running once more!
This week we invite you to take a look at some of the amazing images captured by Johannesburg based photographer Dave Kessel.
Dave has accompanied us on several trips to OSH, and every time stuns us with truly award worthy photography.
Thank you Dave!
AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 set a new attendance record with over 705 000 people through the gates. The show featured 962 exhibitors and 1 600 forums and workshops; affirming its claim to being the biggest aviation event in the world! Whether you're there to shop, learn or just enjoy aviation at its best, Oshkosh is the one event not to miss!
AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
Plans are well underway for next year's tour to AirVenture Oshkosh. The Rand is relatively strong - whether you're needing to shop for parts or accessories for your project, wanting to participate in the many workshops or just want to immerse yourself in a week of aviation, secure your place below if you have not already done so!
OSHKOSH 2026 TOUR DETAILS
EAA South African Events
Saturday 29th November
• Chapter 973 Work Party, come help us decorate our new hangar! at Jack Taylor, Krugersdorp. From 08h00. Your help and ideas will be welcomed!
Saturday 6th December
• Chapter 322 Awards Breakfast EAA Auditorium Rand Airport 07h30
• Chapter 973 Christmas Braai Krugersdorp Airfield 12h30 (following the Krugersdorp Flying Club's Children's Christmas Party)
Saturday 13th December
• Chapter 973 Hangar Wetting Party Krugersdorp Airfield 15h00
Saturday 17th January
• Chapter 973 Breakfast Fly-in Krugersdorp Airfield.
See you there!
Neil Bowden
Cell 084 674 5674
Enquiries Neil Bowden +27 84 674 5674 info@airadventure.co.za www.airadventure.co.za
Air Adventure Tours (Pty) Ltd
Cell
+27 84 674 5674
Our mailing address is: info@airadventure.co.za
Website www.airadventure.co.za
EAA Chapter 322 Year End Gathering 6 December 2025 Going into 2026
Dear EAA Members family and friends, thank you for your support for the new EAA Chapter 322, Johannesburg (Jhb) Exco. We will make the most of this opportunity to serve our community as best possible. Committee members will be invited to join us to have a full working group that covers all of the functional areas required. Thanks to those that have already agreed to join the committee. An announcement will be made once this process is complete.
Once again, thank you to the 2025 Chapter 322, Jhb committee, who stepped down on 6 November 2025. All Chapters have autonomy and will make decisions based on what is best for them. The new Chapter 322 Jhb Exco met last week to discuss the way forward and are happy to report on the following.
Membership & Payment
Membership fees for 2026 are set at
• R400.00 per person annual chapter fee
• R250.00 per Young Aviator, which is payable to the Chapter direct
- ARO members should renew membership through Aero Club or EAA website.
- Social members may pay the Chapter direct
- Fees will be for the period of 1 January - 31 December annually
- Payment can be made to EAA Chapter 322 direct
Bank account details:
Account Name: EAA 322
Bank: ABSA
Account No: 4053766150
Branch: Greenstone - Code 632005
- Members that operate an aircraft (own or fly) and require ARO membership as per Part 149, are encouraged to renew their membership through the Aero Club of South Africa.
- We are hoping that these fees will encourage members to also join EAA USA, at only $48 a year if you are not already members.
Website
EAA Chapter 322 Jhb will continue to manage their own website as has been the practice with the previous committee. This will be updated and back online in due course.
2026 Gatherings
We are looking forward to a year of informed meetings, guest speakers, fly-aways and build project visits. Please diarise the following for 2026.
17 January 2026 New Year Gathering at Fly In Aviation Estate. Thanks to Graham & Venessa Richardson for hosting us.
7 February 2026 Bi-monthly Meeting at Rand Auditorium
5-8 March 2026 Aero Club Airweek
11 April 2026 Bi-monthly Meeting at Rand Auditorium
May 2026 Away Visit
6 June 2026 Bi-monthly Meeting at Rand Auditorium. Possible Young Eagles International Day
July 2026 Away Visit
1 August 2026 Bi-monthly Meeting at Rand Auditorium
September 2026 Away Visit
3 October 2026 Bi-monthly Meeting at Rand Auditorium
November 2026 Away Visit
5 December 2026 Bi-monthly Meeting at Rand Auditorium
Member's Input
Choosing to be a member of a Chapter is a personal choice. Regardless of the Chapter you choose to be a member of, we welcome you to join us as a visitor, any time.
Membership of EAA Chapter 322, Jhb can be paid from 1 December. Once 2026 Membership is renewed, members will receive their membership cards together with the additional information, including.
• Request for Away Visit recommendations
You will be asked to let us know if you have any special requests for places to visit.
• An invite to join Chapter 322 WhatsApp Chat group
• Members will be encouraged to volunteer for any duties they feel they can assist with.
ARO
EAA ARO 009 will remain intact for all EAA Chapters in South Africa, with oversight by Paul Lastrucci in 2026.
Finance
We would like to thank Mark Clulow for confirming that he will be the Treasurer for 2026.
EAA Chapter 973 - Seed capital
As voted by members at the AGM on 1 November 2025, after consultation with the retired Committee about providing seed funding for Chapter 973, funding has been agreed on. An amount of R120 000.00, has been requested for the setting up of Chapter 973. This funding will be provided by EAA Chapter 322, Jhb, as a once-off donation given that they anticipate most members will be long-standing EAA members that join them.
Chapter By-Laws
One of the first tasks that the committee will tackle in 2026, is a review of the By-Laws, which were adopted without consideration of our existing Constitution or Manual of Procedures, both of which guide our ARO. We are committed to having the By-Laws in place, however these will be personalised to EAA Chapter 322, Jhb as is the practice in the US. Article VII, Section 7 of the adopted By-Laws makes it possible for the Exco to “pass any resolution or authorise any act of the Chapter”. This decision was made by 5 of 5 committee members. The adoption of the presented document will be overturned and updated to align with Chapter requirements before being published.
Saturday 6 December 2025 - last meeting for the Year for EAA Chapter 322, Jhb
For Saturday 6 December 2025, we look forward to a final farewell to the retired committee joining us at the Auditorium to end the year and formerly part ways as they move across to Krugersdorp to set up Chapter 973.
We will have breakfast buns and an opportunity to network. Neil will award members that have gone the extra mile during 2025, and he will do the MACH draw. The Richardson's are saving their special treat for the new year, when we will join them at Fly Inn Estate on 17 Jan 2026 for a scrumptious breakfast.
We look forward to seeing you all on the 6th December and look forward to the opportunity of working with all of our members.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate
Your EAA Chapter 322, Johannesburg Exco
Paul Lastrucci, Marie Reddy, Ronell Myburgh & Mark Clulow
The strategic acquisition of new technologies could help alleviate the numerous challenges confronting South Africa's border management environment. This is according to leading industry experts who recently participated in the second annual Border Management Conference in Pretoria.
Among those to address the conference was Milkor's Daniel du Plessis, as well as Armscor's Lea Peterson. They both presented a frank assessment of South Africa's current capabilities, arguing that the scale of the challenge requires a combination of modern surveillance technologies, smarter procurement approaches, and enhanced operational integration across the border environment.
Du Plessis, Milkor's Marketing and Communications Director, began by highlighting the immense scope of the Border Management Authority's (BMA's) mandate and the challenges it faces. He noted that that the BMA oversees some 71 ports of entry, of which 52 are border posts, 9 are sea ports, and 10 are international airports, notwithstanding the country's 4800km land border and 2800km coastline. He pointed to South Africa's vast maritime domain as an area of particular concern, noting that the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, which spans “more than 1.5 million square kilometres,” is increasingly vulnerable to resource exploitation and expanding shipping routes. This, he argued, requires strengthened “maritime surveillance, maritime operational capabilities and response capabilities.”
Despite the BMA's fiscal and personnel constraints, du Plessis commended the BMA's performance to date: “The BMA has had a tremendous track record…of doing extremely good work with the available resources, both in terms of personnel and funding.” But he stressed that the scale of South Africa's border security task exceeds the BMA's current capacity. Drawing on international benchmarks, he noted that effective border protection “typically requires 3-5 personnel per 1km to patrol” in high-risk environments. Applied to South Africa, this suggests “a need for between 10 000 and 15 000 dedicated border personnel,” significantly above the BMA's present staffing levels.
Du Plessis also identified equipment shortfalls as a major concern. Benchmarking against Europe, Asia and the US, du Plessis said that ideally South Africa would need to have “about 240 to 480 routine border units [vehicles]” and “100 to 150 armoured vehicles” for high-risk areas. Maritime capability, he added, would ideally involve “about 350 patrol craft and offshore vessels supplemented by 9-12 long endurance UAVs.” Current availability, he noted, is nowhere near this ideal.
While du Plessis placed a strong focus on the BMA's various challenges, he emphasised that this assessment “is not a criticism,” but an honest reflection of its operational environment. “Current challenges are funding and staffing…it limits your day-to-day operations, limits the funding required for new technology, new equipment, and infrastructure upgrades…and limits the staff available for operations.”
Despite these challenges, du Plessis did point to a number of areas where significant progress has been made. These ranged from improved transit times at the Oshoek Border Post to the BMA's “tremendous work in apprehending over 6 000 undocumented immigrants,” noting that while the “successes show potential they are still only the tip of the iceberg.” He said there is still a lot to be done.
Du Plessis argued that strategic investments in technology could significantly reduce undetected crossings and improve operational efficiency. Advanced unmanned systems, in particular hold significant potential for force-multiplying benefits, he argued, pointing to the Milkor 380 UAV as an example of the ideal asset required for persistent surveillance, given its “30 hours endurance, 4 000km range, and a multitude of different advanced sensors.”
“Using unmanned vehicles to overcome large areas of unmonitored land and maritime borders, with limited staff, could reduce undetected crossings by 50 percent,” du Plessis stated.
Like other industry representatives present, du Plessis called for greater collaboration with South Africa's defence industry, noting that many of the required capabilities already exist locally. “We are exporting everything you need already to foreign countries, why not make use of this,” he said.
Moreover, he urged the adoption of public-private partnerships (PPPs), arguing that PPPs “supplement and add to the state's capabilities” without replacing them. As an example, he proposed a pilot project for a “400 km Beitbridge security zone,” offering the use of a Milkor 380 UAV with the state only responsible for the running costs.
Procurement must become a strategic enabler
Lea Peterson, Business Enablement Projects Coordinator at Armscor, addressed the legal, technical, and operational considerations that underpin border-security procurement.
Using the recent adoption of body-worn cameras as an example, she noted that systems must meet stringent national requirements, ensuring that evidence is “handled securely, that is not altered and is auditable.” She described body-worn cameras as essential for both safety and transparency, adding that they are “foundational support for the BMA's mandate.”
On technology acquisition more broadly, Peterson stressed that systems must be “legally sound, user friendly, and technically robust.” For drones, this includes “user controls, collision avoidance, and avoiding drifting.” She warned that funding shortages affect not just equipment, but also long-term compliance and operator performance. “We cannot swap the issue of funding for investment in equipment that makes the work of our officials easier,” she said.
The crux of her argument was that agencies, like the BMA, when approaching procurement, must think strategically. Procuring the right system, at the right price, is far more effective over the long term than buying for the sake of it. “Our commitment must be for strategic investment not just expenditure,” she emphasised. “Ineffective border technology leaves South Africa vulnerable to various illegal activities which directly erodes national security and costs the fiscus.”
SA Army gearing up to receive new drones
The South African Army is preparing to take delivery of new fixed and rotary wing drones for, amongst others, border protection duties. The new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be acquired from Cape Town-based AutonoSky and China's Autel Robotics.
AutonoSky was founded in 2020 to drive the innovation of aerial systems to assist rescue, fire and security organisations in their operations. It develops complete aircraft, electronics, and AI-driven software in-house. It supplies drones, payloads, and training across defence, logistics, and industrial sectors. AutonoSky manufactures the Autono1 heavy-lift multi-rotor UAV - this has a maximum payload of 30 kg and a flight time of up to 60 minutes. This UAV is locally manufactured and has been integrated with multiple specialised payloads, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research K-Line fire detection sensor and advanced electro-optical systems.
AutonoSky is also expanding its portfolio to include a new class of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing platforms based on South African-owned intellectual property. This will feature modular payload architecture, enabling EO/IR, communications relay, and specialised sensors. “The VTOL platform is being developed with a strong focus on supporting defence, border security, conservation, and humanitarian logistics, giving South Africa a homegrown option in a category traditionally dominated by foreign suppliers,” AutonoSky said.
Complementing this, AutonoSky has introduced the A22 Manqoba - a tactical, foldable multi-rotor UAV purpose-built for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), border security, and rapid-response missions. The A22 provides a 6-8 kg tactical payload capacity, which can include EO/IR sensors, spotlight, loudhailer, and K-Line sensor.
“Together, the A22 and upcoming VTOL platform form part of AutonoSky's broader strategic roadmap to deliver a complete, locally produced unmanned capability stack - covering heavy-lift, tactical, and long-range missions across the SANDF's operational spectrum,” the company said.
Autel Robotics, established in 2014, offers a range of quadcopter UAVs, as well as the Dragonfish series of fixed wing vertical takeoff and landing UAVs. This has up to 180 minutes of flight time, a range of up to 45 km, and ability to carry electro-optical/infrared sensors.
The SA Army is acquiring both multi-rotor UAVs and fixed wing aircraft with a wingspan of three metres. Procurement includes training, support and maintenance. The SA Army is currently busy analysing specific requirements of each of its land borders before deploying the aircraft for border security.
In 2023, National Treasury allocated that R700 million for border safeguarding technology in 2024/5 and 2025/26. R500 million has been budgeted for border patrol vehicle replacement while R200 million worth of sensor technology will be acquired for Operation Corona border protection in 2025/6 including a geographic information system (GIS) capability (R22.5 million); intelligence collection and processing capabilities (R47 million under Project Baobab); upgraded Chaka command and control system (R7.2 million); Reutech RSR 903 radars (R57 million); 60 observation posts (R16 million under Project Dominate); 16 quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicles (R16 million) as well as long-range UAVs (R24 million).
At the moment the SA Army mainly uses small multi-rotor drones like the DJI Mavic Pro, DJI Matrice etc. These are deployed along the border lines, in the Kruger National Park, and on international deployments, amongst others - for example, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), drones are used for base protection and route reconnaissance.
Officer Commanding 1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel W Booysen, speaking to the media during Exercise Vuk'uhlome 2025, said drones are in huge demand from Army units, whether it is for disaster response efforts, border security, or functions and events.
The organised crime networks on the borders, particularly those operating along the Mozambique and Zimbabwe borders - have drones, he said. “We need to have better tech than that,” Booysen told DefenceWeb.
Defence Intelligence (DI) has acquired Seeker 400 UAVs from Denel but these are not believed to be used for border security or on deployments. They are intended more for national security efforts rather than tactical intelligence. Defence Intelligence took delivery of the first Seeker 400 in late 2015, although operational testing and evaluation was still underway in 2019 ahead of the type being granted full military type certification.
Morocco orders ten H225M helicopters to replace Pumas www.defenceweb.co.za
Morocco has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for ten H225M helicopters, which will replace 24 Pumas the have been in service for over 40 years. Airbus Helicopters made the announcement at the Dubai Air Show on 18 November. The company said the new H225Ms will be equipped for combat search and rescue operations and will be operated by the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF). It did not specify delivery dates nor cost.
The helicopters will be installed with a double hoist installation, a searchlight and a Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system. They will be able to carry machine guns and an electronic warfare system for self-protection.
“We are honoured that Morocco has chosen to replace its legacy Puma fleet with the H225M,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “This is another step in the partnership we have been building over the decades with the Kingdom of Morocco. The H225M is enjoying a strong momentum on the market. This aircraft is a reference for complex missions in tough environments. This order solidifies the H225M's reputation as the helicopter of choice for combat search and rescue and special operations across the world.”
The contract with Airbus Helicopters also includes a support and service package with connected services. Maintenance will most likely take place at the Airbus Helicopters customer centre in Morocco, the creation of which was announced in 2024. This is to support the 60 Airbus helicopters in service with the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie. It will develop into a service centre for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) with new dedicated facilities and will become the regional centre for Airbus helicopters in West Africa.
Airbus has had a presence in Morocco since 1951 through Airbus Atlantic, a wholly-owned Airbus subsidiary specialising in composite manufacturing, the assembly of complex metallic sub-assemblies, and the maintenance and support of avionics equipment.
H225s are already in service with Morocco's military police, the Gendarmerie Royale, but the RMAF's order is part of its rotary-wing modernisation, which also includes the delivery of new AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the United States.
Airbus Helicopters said there are more than 360 H225s and H225Ms in service around the world, totaling close to 980 000 flight hours. Military customers include France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore,Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq and Kuwait.
Saab and CAE Advance GlobalEye Worldwide with New Global Cooperation Agreement
Saab and CAE today announced the signing of a global cooperation agreement to collaborate on advanced training specifically tailored to Saab's Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platforms, including the GlobalEye Airborne Surveillance Platform.
The agreement, formalized during the week of the state visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Sweden to Canada, marks a significant advancement in the long-standing relationship between the two companies and strengthens international cooperation in airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and integrated mission platforms.
Building on Saab's expanding partnerships in Canada, the collaboration will combine Saab's decades of expertise in multi-domain sensing, command and control, and AEW system integration with CAE's global leadership in simulation-based training. Together, the companies will deliver comprehensive, high-fidelity training environments that replicate the complexity of modern airborne surveillance missions for GlobalEye operators.
Saab's President and CEO, Micael Johansson, said the agreement underscores the long-term vision for expanding the capacity of AEW capability. “This partnership strengthens our commitment to GlobalEye customers and reinforces our strategy to deliver world-leading airborne early warning capabilities with best-in-class training. CAE is a trusted partner with unmatched expertise of training solutions, and together we will increase the operational readiness for Airborne Early Warning platforms users around the world.”
Echoing this sentiment, Matthew Bromberg, President and CEO of CAE, noted “The agreement between Saab and CAE sets the stage for a global AEW&C training franchise anchored in Canada,” said Matt Bromberg, CEO and President, CAE Inc. “Today's announcement reflects years of trust and joint success with Saab and responds to an evolving geopolitical landscape that demands stronger, integrated partnerships.”
The announcement comes at a time of deepened defence and security collaboration between Sweden and Canada, highlighted by the Royal Visit. Both nations share a commitment to strengthening transatlantic security, advancing aerospace innovation, and supporting the interoperability of allied forces. The agreement between Saab and CAE reflects this broader partnership, demonstrating how Swedish and Canadian industry can work together to enhance global security and deliver cutting-edge capabilities to international customers.
The Short Belfast a heavy lift turboprop freighter that was built by British manufacturer Short Brothers at Belfast retires from service
Only 10 aircraft were constructed, all of which entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF), who operated it under the designation Short Belfast C.1.
Upon its entry into service, the Belfast was the largest aircraft that the British military had ever operated up to that time. It was also notable for being the first aircraft to be designed from the onset to be equipped with full 'blind landing' automatic landing system equipment.] Following the formation of RAF Strike Command and a reorganisation of transport assets, the RAF decided to retire all of its Belfast transports by the end of 1976.
Shortly after the type had been retired by the RAF, five Belfasts were sold and entered civilian service with the cargo airline TAC Heavy Lift. TAC used the aircraft for charter transport, including flights for the RAF. One Belfast is on display at the Royal Air Force Museum idlands.
South Africa, near Morningstar Airfield, Cape Farm, Cape Town, Western Cape Date: A The Airplane Factory Sling 2 crashed after an engine failure shortly after take-off from runway 20 at Morningstar Airfield, Cape Farm, Cape Town, Western Cape. Both occupants perished and the aircraft received substantial damage.
South Sudan, near Rupchier Boma, Guat Payam: A Nari Air aircraft, operating as flight 114, carrying relief goods crashed close to the destination, Leer County Airstrip. All three occupants died in the crash.
Japan, off Shizuoka prefecture: Delta Air Lines' flight DAL/DL388 from Shanghai/Pudong, China to Detroit, USA, an A350-941, suffered hydraulic problem while en route at off Shizuoka, Japan at FL350 at c. 20:22 LT. The flight crew declared an emergency, descend rapidly and made a diversion to Tokyo International Airport/Haneda (HND/RJTT), Japan where a safe landing was carried out at 20:50 LT. No reported injuries. The runway 34R was temporary closed for the rest of the day.
Australia, near Wedderburn Airport (YWBN), Wedderburn, NSW: A Van's RV-7 crashed crashed in a forest near Wedderburn Airport (YWBN), Wedderburn, New South Wales, following a mid-air collision with another Van's RV-7 that landed safely. The sole pilot (and owner/builder) perished and the aircraft was destroyed. The pilots were part of four aircraft of the Freedom Formation Display Team.
As usual, the last Pilot's Post report for 2025 will be published on 10 December and publication will recommence on 10 January 2026.
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