As usual, this is the last Pilot's Post report for 2025. Publication will recommence on 10 January 2026.
Media Release No 15 Aviation response and actions since our last media statement against engine ruling.
Aviation Rebuilders, AMO188 - rebuilding the future of flight.
SAAF secures South Africa's airspace for historic G20 summit.
Egyptian AH-64E Apache production moving forward.
Egypt receives three more Rafale fighter jets.
This week in history - 22 December 1945 first flight of the Beechcraft Bonanza
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Just Aircraft Highlander flight AirVenture Oshkosh 2024
As usual, this is the last Pilot's Post report for 2025 publication will recommence on 10 January 2026
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MEDIA RELEASE NO. 16. DATE 6 DECEMBER 2025
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.
FEEDBACK ON PROPSALS & RESPONSE
1. CARCom Meeting
CARCom sat yesterday on the 5th of December 2025 to deliberate on the various proposal of which Agenda items 5.2.1 to 5.2.3 were a substantial part. These were SACAA proposals for amendment of PART 43, a new CATS 43 Appendix 3 Program for on condition monitoring for General Aviation and additionally the amendment for Part 91 (rules of the air) sub part 9.
Note this is part way to what industry requested throughout the initial part 43 process to incorporate and upgrade AIC 18/19 which failed and industry was forced to take legal action which do believe has brought is to this point based on the outcomes.
2. Outcome
There was much deliberation with the regulator acknowledging industries prayer that the process needs to be sped up and accelerated. It was agreed that the proposal needed work with errors noted such as the oversight of not including helicopters amongst other elements.
To accelerate the legislated CARCom process timelines it was agreed to immediately send the part 43 and part 91 proposal to be published in the government gazette for comment - this usually happens within a week period. This allows allow members and the public to comment and ensures that the ASO subcommittee to which CARCom has referred it to after the comment phase. This should be thirty days however maybe a little longer to possibly to make provision for the holiday period.
In the interim it was agreed that the regulator will set up work groups to already start working on current comments with the aim to have this ready by the next CARCom sitting on the 9th of February 2025 Note: There must be a sitting of the ASO Subcommittee which we believe will be a special sitting to deliberate and recommend the final versions to CARCom for final approval for recommendation to the Minister for urgent promulgation.
The regulator has assured CARCom that they will endeavour to seek urgent promulgation via the DOT process which includes legal scrutiny for drafting and final request to the minister to promulgate.
Please additionally note: The regulator at this stage withdrew clause 4 that allowed owner training to be on condition stating that they needed further internal consultation and on discussion with the LAC executive the reason was given that there is no intention to allow commercial operations to be maintained “on condition” and training is considered to be commercial wherein they have a duty of care to the public.
Industry believes that many other Nations allow this in training and hence will push for a change in stance.
1
3. Appendix 3 - Condition monitoring program for General Aviation
This document while a good start was agreed to have too many problems and requires urgent work group attention. The SACAA made the decision to hold it back as it would draw to many comments and hence additionally took all references to it out of the other two proposals to be published for comment.
The proposed plan is to work on this document.
Note all the associations in this Consortium believe the initial draft to be excessive and not based on RCM and with excessive requirements which go over and above other first would aviation Nations World's Best Practice however we all enjoy ICAO Annex 8 privileges.
Industry, especially the AMOs and owners must be heavily involved in the work groups to ensure fair and practical requirements are set out in this Appendix 3.
4. Comment period and ASO workgroups
The industry should look out for the notifications of the commencement of the comment period and to whom the comments must be furnished. It is imperative that you comment. Regarding the work groups, we will share the details and again even though it is the festive season industry must get involved in the work groups and these will be virtual as per the requests made and agreed upon.
5. Interim Relief request
CAASA has upon a meeting with, and feedback from the Director via legal compliance expediently applied for an industry wide exemption to cover part 91 and Part 141 owners and operators with the hopes it will be accelerate the ability for industry to fly in the interim. CAASA has utilised a credit with the regulator to pay for the exemption request. We trust as an interim measure this will be favourably looked upon and issued if the Director agrees.
See extract form the response letter received.
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End of extract
6. Damages and losses continue to build in industry
Industry must continue to document losses that, if necessary, should this process fail and we need to again follow the legal recourse. Noting that the Constitutional challenge remains at this stage in abeyance.
7. CALL to ACTION
• Please comment on the proposal these can be positive and negative however do so holistically with an eye for the future and what the effect will be in practical and economic terms.
• Participate in the workgroups as they will be virtual and especially Appendix 3 on condition engine monitoring.
• We need the AMOs and AME's and AP's to bring their extensive expertise to the table as this document at present is onerous and without empirical evidence supporting the numerous additions that you will have to comply with should it be passed at CARCom in its current form.
Industry Meeting Virtual Teams Industry meeting at:
8 am Tuesday the 9th Dec 2025 This will provide further guidance and articulate our concerns with the proposals to enable and informed position to be developed by the industry that must comment on the documents.
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 344 885 642 920 16
Passcode: QK2i5jt6
For further information or media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
• Kevin Storie, CEO of CAASA, kev@caasa.co.za
• Walter Doubell, Acting Chairman AeCSA, walter@aeroclub.org.za
• Morne Kleinhans AWAC, morne@awac.org.za
Please note: Many of the associations close for the Xmas period however we will look at emails periodically and answer.
It is unfortunate that once again this comes down to the festive period where significant work must be undertaken and many companies and AMOS and the flying industry deserves a well-earned break and rest.
Please also send cell phone numbers in communication as it is easier over this period to respond via whats app.
Aviation Rebuilders, AMO188 - Rebuilding the Future of Flight
Aviation Rebuilders, established in 1997 by the late Ken Jones, has a long-standing history of excellence in sheet metal work and cable fabrication for light aircraft. The company continues to honour Ken's legacy by upholding the highest standards in craftsmanship and service. His passion still soars through everything they do, and his memory remains their guiding wing.
With a team of dedicated employees, some of whom have been with the company for over 20 years, Aviation Rebuilders thrives on family values, loyalty, and a deep-rooted passion for the aviation industry. Their commitment to quality and integrity remains at the heart of everything they do as they strive to provide exceptional solutions for aircraft maintenance and repair.
Aviation Rebuilders have a fully equipped sheet metal repair facility, with every imaginable piece of equipment that would be required to carry out sheet metal repairs to your beloved aircraft. With decades of expertise in our workshop, the art of sheet metal is practiced with love and care. From their fabulous English Wheel to their various rollers and benders, the possibilities are endless.
A common maintenance issue all aircraft face, is frayed flight control cables, hence predetermined inspection intervals as dictated by the aircraft manufacturer. However, you need not panic; they are at your service for all your flight control cable requirements. Should you need a cable in a hurry, not a problem, they offer and average turnaround time of one day per assembly on standard flight control cables. Cables are assembled as per sample or specification as supplied. A frayed cable will never be the reason for extended downtime on your aircraft.
Approval under SA CAA AMO 188, Category B, enables them to carry out repairs to all aircraft of metal construction for which current publications are available. The company's only limitation would be the height of its hangar roof, so they are reaching for the sky on that one.
They undertake to offer very reasonable quotations on incident/accident damage repairs, either privately or alternatively will happily quote your assessor in the event of an insurance claim. With the support of their approved team of sub-contractors in the mechanical, painting and various other categories as are required, Aviation Rebuilders will manage your repairs and do their utmost to ensure your aircraft is flying again soon.
Conveniently located at the entrance to Rand Airport, arguably the most awesome and historically significant in Joburg, easily accessible from several highways and offering all the services you would expect from your airport of choice, with ATC, Emergency Services and Rand Fire Department all available at Rand Airport, for your safety and convenience, Rand is the ideal destination for all your maintenance requirements.
If your aircraft needs a little TLC or maybe slightly more extensive repairs, please do give Lynne at Aviation Rebuilders a call or drop her an email with your requirements, she promise to do her utmost to assist.
Aviation Rebuilders
The Showroom, Rand Airport, Rand Airport Rd, Germiston, South Africa
011 827 2491 or +27 82 872 4117
lyn@aviationrebuilders.com
www.aviationrebuilders.com
Should you wish to have your company featured in our VIP Aviation Company Reports do contact
Willie Bodenstein
082 442 8815
willieb@pilotspost.com
SAAF secures South Africa's airspace for historic G20 summit
By Dean Wingrin www.defenceweb.co.za
The 2025 Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa from 22 to 23 November, was the first G20 summit to take place on the African continent. Throughout the event, the South African Air Force (SAAF) maintained a highly visible presence.
South Africa significantly beefed up its security posture ahead of and during the summit to safeguard delegates and heads of state. Over the course of the Leaders' Summit, numerous SAAF units played a vital role in securing the national airspace, deploying a range of specialised assets and accumulating more than 133 flying hours in support of the operation.
Drawing on lessons learned from its air-cover responsibilities during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, the SAAF delivered an impressive performance despite tighter budget constraints and a reduced operational fleet. The Directorate Combat Systems employed four Gripen fighter aircraft from 2 Squadron, five Hawk Mk 120s from 85 Combat Flying School, and a Mobile Ground Signal Intelligence System (MGSS) to conduct tactical air reconnaissance.
The MGSS, which provides mobile command-and-control (C2) communications capabilities, forms part of the SAAF's Mobile Communications Unit (MCU). The MCU is responsible for delivering operational, mobile and deployable communications and electronic warfare (EW) support to the Air Force.
The Directorate Helicopter Systems deployed three Rooivalk attack helicopters from 16 Squadron, two Oryx medium-transport helicopters, and two Agusta A109 light-utility helicopters to provide command and control, close air support, and counter-incursion capability against potential surprise raids.
Meanwhile, the Directorate Command and Control Systems operated a Plessey Tactical Mobile Radar, as used by 142 Squadron. This system, based on the Marconi S711 radar, is mounted on MAN 8×8 vehicles, enabling rapid mobility and deployment. The Directorate also provided a Sector Control Centre at Bushveld Airspace Control Sector (BACS), two anti-drone Sentries, a frequency-spectrum analyser, and mobile communications facilities to maintain a comprehensive air situational picture across South Africa's airspace.
Although not officially confirmed, the anti-drone Sentries may refer to DroneShield's DroneSentry mobile counter-drone (C-UAS) system, which integrates various sensors, including radio frequency (RF), radar and optical, to detect, track and defeat unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Spectrum analysers, vital to communications and EW operations, are used to detect and identify radio emissions across unknown frequencies, assisting in the localisation and classification of communication or radar signals.
In terms of flying hours, the four Gripen aircraft accumulated 25.8 flight hours, while the Hawks recorded 39.1 hours on G20 support duty. The Rooivalk fleet logged 21.6 hours, Oryx helicopters flew 10 hours, and the A109s contributed 36.7 hours.
Rear Admiral (JG) Prince Tshabalala, Director of Defence Corporate Communication, told DefenceWeb that “the SAAF successfully met all operational objectives set for the G20 Summit.”
In addition to the SAAF's efforts, the South African Army undertook ceremonial duties, with the National Ceremonial Guard receiving and bidding farewell to heads of state from 20 to 25 November 2025 at OR Tambo International Airport. The Army also maintained a standby force to respond to any eventuality.
Egyptian AH-64E Apache production moving forward
Boeing has been awarded a contract for the production of new AH-64E Apache helicopters for Egypt, as well as Poland and Kuwait, as Egypt continues to expand its attack helicopter fleet. Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
The US Department of Defence on 25 November announced that Boeing had received a $4.6 billion contract for new build Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, Longbow crew trainers, and associated components, spares, and accessories for Poland, Egypt, and Kuwait, with work to be carried out by May 2032.
The Egyptian Air Force ordered its first 36 AH-64A Apaches in 1994, and in 2000 Boeing received a contract to remanufacture 35 to AH-64D configuration - the last aircraft were completed in 2006. In 2009, Egypt requested 12 new AH-64Ds, with at least ten being delivered in 2014.
In November 2018, the US Department of State approved the sale of ten AH-64Es and associated equipment to Egypt, valued at $1 billion.
The Egyptian Air Force is also remanufacturing D models to E standard, with May 2020 and March 2023 contracts covering this. Boeing said it received a contract in 2023 to upgrade 25 Egyptian Apaches to AH-64E configuration. Upgrading all its Ds to Es is estimated to cost about $2.3 billion and this includes T700-GE-701D engines, modernised sights, pilot night vision sensors, missile warning systems, and other systems.
It is not known how many Egyptian AH-64Es are included in the November 2025 contract announcement. Kuwait will be receiving eight new AH-64Es and 16 remanufactured AH-64Ds, while Poland is to receive 96 new AH-64Es.
Egypt is looking to acquire over 2 000 Hellfire missiles and more than 500 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) 70 mm guided rockets worth nearly $700 million for its Apache helicopters. The possible sale was approved in December last year.
The AH-64E is the latest version of the Apache and has a number of improvements and upgrades, including more powerful engines, upgraded transmission and improved avionics.
Boeing recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apache's first flight on 30 September 1975. In recent months, Boeing has delivered new Apaches to customers around the world, including the Australian Army, Indian Army and Royal Moroccan Air Force. There are currently more than 1 300 Apaches operating worldwide.
According to Boeing, Egypt currently has 43 AH-64Ds and 18 CH-47D Chinook helicopters supporting its armed forces and disaster relief efforts. Egypt's attack helicopter force also includes 46 Kamov Ka-52s received from Russia and a small number of Mi-24 attack helicopters.
Speaking ahead of the EDEX 2025 defence show in Cairo this week, Vince Logsdon, vice president, International Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, Boeing Defence, Space & Security, said “We are proud of Boeing's long-standing partnership with Egypt, one of the region's most important defence and security players. EDEX continues to be a critical platform for us to engage directly with our customers, strengthen collaboration with the Egyptian Armed Forces, and demonstrate how our proven and mission-ready capabilities can support the country's evolving defence priorities.”
Boeing's defence relationship with Egypt spans more than 45 years, beginning in 1979 with the Egyptian Air Force's acquisition of the F-4 Phantom II.
Egypt receives three more Rafale fighter jets www.defenceweb.co.za
The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) has received three more Rafale fighters from Dassault Aviation as it gets closer to completing an order for 30 new Rafale F3Rs. Photos appeared online on 26 November showing three single-seat Egyptian variants (EM12, EM13, and EM14) taxiing at Dassault Aviation's Merignac facility ahead of delivery to Egypt.
In early October, a batch of three Rafales - two single-seaters (EM10 and EM11) and a two-seater (DM21) - were ferried to Gebel El Basur Air Base after test flights in France, joining the 203rd Tactical Fighter Wing and its 34th and 36th Tactical Fighter Squadrons.
In November 2021 Egypt ordered 30 new Rafale F3Rs in a roughly €3.75 billion deal. Deliveries began in late 2024 starting with EM09 (first seen in October last year), and are set to conclude by next year, at which time Egypt will have 54 Rafales in service (an additional aircraft was added to replace an airframe that was lost in a crash). To date, 41 Rafales have now been delivered from France, including 24 from the first contract signed in 2015 (for eight single-seaters and 16 two-seaters, which had been delivered by 2017).
The Rafale F3R model is equipped as standard with the Thales RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar; SPECTRA electronic self-protection system; infrared search and track sensor (IRST); helmet visor compatibility; and advanced mission management software. The aircraft can use target acquisition and designation pods such as the Thales Talios.
It is likely the Egyptian Rafales will be fitted with AASM-1000 Hammer guided bombs and NARANG in-flight refuelling pods - the F3R can also carry MBDA Meteor and MICAR air-to-air missiles, SCALP/Storm Shadow cruise missiles, GBU-series of guided bombs, and Exocet anti-ship missiles. A 30 mm cannon is also fitted internally.
Since entering Egyptian service, Rafales have been used operationally in Libya, and had reached 10 000 flying hours by March 2023.
Some Rafale components are manufactured locally in Egypt by the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation (AOI). During the EDEX defence exhibition in Cairo this week, a new contract was signed between AOI and Dassault to strengthen their partnership.
Major General Engineer Mokhtar Abdellatif, Chairman of AOI, said cooperation is strong in the areas of manufacturing certain components of Dassault products in accordance with international quality standards through AOI's engine factory.
Annelise Dallut, General Manager of Dassault Aviation in Egypt, said the advanced manufacturing capabilities of the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation can serve as an industrial hub for increasing Dassault's exports to Arab and African countries. She added that Dassault has strict requirements for quality, operation, and production, which are met at the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation's engine factory.
At IDEX 2025, AOI displayed engine components and parts from the Rafale's wing. The Egyptian company is also understood to manufacture components for Dassault's Falcon business jets.
South Sudan, Wau Airport: A Samaritan's Purse aircraft en route to Maiwut was hijacked by an armed South Sudanese man who forced the pilot to divert the flight toward Chad. The pilot reportedly flew for nearly an hour while trying to convince the hijacker that the plane did not have enough fuel to reach Chad. The man eventually allowed the pilot to land in Wau for refuelling. Once on the ground, security personnel apprehended the suspect without incident. The pilot and two passengers later returned safely to Juba with the aircraft. The South Sudan CAA reported the type of aircraft involved in the incident. Local media used a stock photo of a Samaritan's Purse Cessna 208B. Photos on Facebook, purportedly from a passenger on the flight, show a Samaritan's Purse Cessna 208B and a Douglas DC-3-65TP (N467SP) on the ground at Wau. Flight tracking data show N467SP circling around Wau for about three hours before landing there at 11:30 UTC.
Democratic Republic Congo, Lake Tanganyika, off Yungu: A helicopter crashed into Lake Tanganyika near the town of Yungu while en route to Kalemie. Of the 5 occupants on-board, at least one has died with the others recovered in an unknown condition. Rescue operations reportedly continued until the late evening.
Nigeria, near Karabonde: A Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet of the Nigerian Air Force crashed during climb during a routine test flight from Kainji. The crew maneuverered the jet away from populated areas before ejecting.
Just Aircraft Highlander Flight AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 916
