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.
Aero Club Communique # 1 of 2026.
EAA Chapter 322 Johannesburg - Going into 2026.
Vans Aircraft - First RV-15 kits delivered.
Boeing delivers B-52 with new radar to U.S. Air Force for testing.
Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 enters into service, delivering the most significant Gen2 updates to date.
Embraer delivers first A-29N Super Tucanos to the Portuguese Air Force and announces potential assembly line in Portugal.
F-35 breaks delivery record, continues combat success in 2025.
Leonardo signs contract for 12 M-346 F Block 20 aircraft for Austria.
This week in history - First Flight of the La.vochkin La-15
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - PAC MFI-17 Mushack A2A Shoot
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.
Take your marketing to new heights-advertise with Pilot's Post and be part of South Africa's leading aviation voice.
Contact Willie on 082 442 8815 for a free no-obligation quote, and unbeatable value!
Aero Club Communique # 1 of 2026
The Aero Club Exco and Council wish to extend our best wishes for 2026 to all our members and other colleagues. At the start of this new year, we would like to keep our members informed about what we as Aero Club are doing to further the interests of our members.
One of the serious issues of 2025 was the withdrawal of Aeronautical Information Circular 18.19 which effectively meant that the engines of all fixed-wing aeroplanes and helicopters fitted with Textron-Lycoming and Teledyne Continental engines had to be overhauled if the engine was older than 12 years.
Although there has been communication about the 12-year engine overhaul / AIC 18.19 issue in previous Aero Club Communiques going back to April 2024, we would like to give a recap of the Aero Club's involvement.
• The Aero Club was part of the process from the beginning to find a solution to formulate regulations and/or technical standards that would afford the general aviation operator and owner of aircraft affected by the 12-year rule a safe and equitable alternative to AIC 18.19. This took the form of various CAA workgroups, forums since the rescindment of the AIC at the end of 2023.
AEROCLUB • During these engagements we repeatedly said that we could not support the intention to rescind AIC18.19 without a viable alternative that would ensure that our general aviation members - mostly Part 91 owners and operators - would not be adversely affected by the removal of AIC 18.19. We mentioned 1
at the time that many hundreds of aircraft operated by our members in terms
of Part 91 would be affected.
• The DCA issued an exemption in December 2023 which was renewed after 180 days. This was followed by a general notice in November 2024, effectively maintaining the status quo as per AIC18.19. However, this general notice expired in June 2025 when the CAA proposed amendments to CAR 43.02.8 and CATS 43.02.5. To be noted that the proposed amendments were tabled without industry consultation and went against the relief as set out in the General Notice, with the result being that around 1400 aircraft would be grounded when the aircraft's current CoA expired.
Given the situation that after more than two and a half years that no formal solution was forthcoming to secure the intent of the AIC in a formal regulatory update and the axe had fallen on expiry's of the exemptions and the general notice (where the industry was still of the opinion that a pragmatic solution would be formulated), it left the industry no choice but to take another course of action, which was the route of litigation, and as such it was the point at which the AIC 18.19 task team was formulated with consensus and participation of most of the industry - with funds being contributed for covering the necessary legal costs.
The court case went ahead and it is widely known that the judgement was given against the AIC 18.19 Task Team - to note that the judgement emphasised that there is no case whatsoever to be made that engines which are properly maintained and exceed 12 years without an overhaul are in any way a safety risk. In his judgement the judge said about the CAA's safety concern, “the so-called safety case is unconvincing”.
Since the judgement there have been further developments.
• The SACAA has proposed an amendment to SA CATS Part 43 with the
addition of a further appendix 3 that is a Condition Monitoring Programme. In
addition, there are amendments to Part 91.09.1 and 91.09.2. These proposed
amendments effectively aim to institute and regulate the way engines are managed by the owner / operator of the aircraft.
2 • The Aero Club supports the proposed amendments in principle but will be suggesting changes to the proposals to simplify the Condition Monitoring Programme in appendix
3. As it currently reads it will be cumbersome and restrictive to maintain an engine. • At the CARCom meeting held on the 5th of December 2025 and at the ASO Special Sub-committee meeting on 11th December 2025, the Aero Club supported and in fact requested quicker finalisation of the process to ensure that the regulations were sent for public comment and promulgation as soon as is possible.
• On the 5th of December CAASA submitted a request to the SACAA for interim relief by way of an exemption that would allow Part 91 operators and owners to operate aircraft that have engines older that 12 years. We still await a response on this.
• The Aero Club will be submitting a detailed and comprehensive suggestion for the proposed amendment of Appendix 3 of Part 43. The above illustrates how the Aero Club involves itself to see to the interests of its members. We do not always achieve immediate success, but we keep at it. And, it sometimes is an arduous task.
The Aero Club's involvement in the 12-year engine overhaul issue is not the only area where the members' interests have been protected. We will be advising you of more of our efforts in the future. In the interim, please contact me if you need any information.
Regards
Walter Doubell
Acting Chairman, Aero club of SA walter@aeroclub.org.za The 2026 Aero Club membership renewal commenced on the 1st of December. Please visit the Aero Club website renewal portal at https://aeroclub.org.za/membership/ to renew or to register as a new member.
EAA Chapter 322 Johannesburg - 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 and 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, 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.
EAA 322 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 contribution 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.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate
Your EAA Chapter 322, Johannesburg Exco
Paul Lastrucci
Marie Reddy
Ronell Myburgh
Mark Clulow
Vans Aircraft - First RV-15 Kits Delivered
The first RV-15 wing kit for delivery to a customer. In fact, not just one but two RV-15 wing kits were trucked away on the afternoon of December 23rd. Successful Reno racer Kevin Eldredge was first in line at EAA AirVenture 2025 to place a deposit on the RV-15 wing kit, and was the first to pick up his kit at the factory this week. The second kit was originally purchased by Eldredge for his wife, but will now be built by Spanky Melton.
Eldredge and company arrived in time for a tour of Van's Aircraft, a quick visit with Van's leadership team and CEO Mikael Via, and even a brief chat with founder Richard VanGrunsven. Since he arrived early, Kevin was able to see a few of the vinyl-protected parts before the lid was screwed down and got to open one of the new “RV Tackle Box” parts-bins debuting with the RV-15. In place of commingled parts, the new system places all kit components into segmented stackable plastic boxes that come with a “placemat” guide including a photo of the actual part, part number, and a QR code that points to our webstore in case additional or replacement parts are needed.
The new “RV Tackle Box” hardware management system debuts with the RV-15 wing kits being delivered now.
A quick ceremony where all the Van's employees signed the top of the first crate was followed by loading of the precious cargo onto Eldredge's flat-bed trailer. His next stop is Spokane, Washington, where his build will take place. Kevin told us that he plans to start on the project soon after Christmas.
RV-15 wing kits will continue to roll out of the factory through the end of the year and deliveries will accelerate in January. Sales of the RV-15 wing kit continue to be above expectations.
With capricious weather disrupting our final flight tests of the RV-15's horizontal tail, sales of the tail kit will move to the end of January, with deliveries still expected to begin around the end of March. Builders with wing kits already delivered or on order will receive priority when the tail kits are released for sale.
Boeing Delivers B-52 with New Radar to U.S. Air Force for Testing
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first B-52 Radar Modernization Program (RMP) flight test aircraft to the U.S. Air Force for testing with the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The test aircraft was fitted with an APQ-188 active electronically scanned array radar system that is akin to those on fighter aircraft.
The RMP upgrades are a critical part of the B-52's broader modernization efforts that will keep U.S. global strike capability ahead of threats through 2050 and beyond. The testing at Edwards AFB follows ground integration and initial system functional checks completed at Boeing's San Antonio facility.
“The new radar will significantly increase B-52 mission effectiveness by improving situational awareness, speeding target prosecution and enhancing aircrew survivability in contested environments,” said Troy Dawson, vice president of Boeing Bombers. “This phase of the program is dedicated to getting it right at the start so that we can execute the full radar modernization program.”
Data gathered during testing will inform subsequent developmental test phases and the planned retrofit of the 76 operational B-52 aircraft.
RMP also includes two Display and System Sensor Processors as its mission computers to integrate the radar with B-52 systems, along with two large 8×20-inch high-definition touchscreens at the Nav and Radar Nav stations for radar imagery, control and legacy displays, and two fighter-like hand controllers for radar operation. The system features upgraded cooling, providing liquid cooling for the radar and engine bleed-air heating for very cold conditions.
Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 Enters Into Service, Delivering the Most Significant Gen2 Updates to Date
The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 has entered into service, setting a new standard for the Citation Gen2 family. Launch customers and longtime Citation owners Dave Mecartney and Shannon Day took delivery of their new aircraft this week. Mecartney-an experienced aviator with nearly two decades flying Citation light jets and a member of Textron Aviation's Customer Advisory Board-helped shape the enhancements that elevate the CJ3 Gen2 experience. Key upgrades include Garmin auto throttle technology, added pilot legroom and a fully customizable cabin environment, all driven by customer feedback.
“The Citation CJ3 Gen2 delivers an unmatched experience from day one-thanks to its exceptional range, payload and efficiency, combined with new productivity and comfort features,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “Customers like Shannon and Dave will undoubtedly appreciate this aircraft, our most comprehensive Gen2 investment to date.”
Certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in October 2025, the aircraft was designed based on customer feedback via a Customer Advisory Board made up of owners, pilots and mechanics helping to create the ultimate aircraft experience. This feedback was key in every detailed enhancement in the aircraft, from cockpit to cabin.
“After extensive consideration of the competition, there was no equal for handling, service and support, training and reliability in the entry level jet category than the CJ3 Gen2,” said Shannon Day. “When we decided to upgrade our mission capabilities, staying in the Citation family was an easy decision. The CJ3 Gen2 is a great next step in my aviation journey and I'm looking forward to the advances in this aircraft like autothrottles, an externally serviceable lavatory and more legroom for a 6'3” pilot.”
The cockpit in the CJ3 Gen2 provides an extra 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) of legroom for the pilot, improving entry and egress from the pilot's seat before and after flight. It offers a proven and trusted avionics system with the latest Garmin G3000 software and hardware, including:
Garmin Autothrottles to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection; Intuitive touchscreen interface via Garmin Touchscreen Controllers; GDL60 for aircraft connectivity, including remote transmission of flight plans, automatic database updates as well as wireless transmission of aircraft diagnostic data.
The fully customizable luxury interior allows customers to create the ideal environment for their specific mission with seating for up to 10 occupants. For added convenience, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 includes an externally serviceable lavatory.
“As a Cessna Citation owner since 2007, the brand has consistently earned my trust with a proven heritage, superior reliability and one of the strongest service and support networks in the industry,” Mecartney added. “The aftermarket support has always been responsive, efficient and predictable-which is invaluable as an owner-pilot. Choosing the CJ3 Gen2 felt like a natural continuation of a relationship and an aircraft lineage that I've relied on for nearly two decades.”
Textron Aviation delivers unmatched Aftermarket support through a global network designed to keep customers flying. With 20 company-owned service centres worldwide, 21 Authorized Service Facilities (ASFs) for Citation jets and more than 80 Mobile Service Units (MSUs), expert help is always within reach. The company's expanded parts distribution network-with seven distribution centres and 17 stockrooms globally-offers same-day shipping and online ordering for over 150,000 unique part numbers. Textron Aviation Parts Distribution is backed by a team of more than 600 dedicated professionals and an expanded global customer support team, providing customers with the assistance they need wherever they are. The Aftermarket team offers 24/7 AOG support, delivering fast, reliable solutions that minimize downtime and maximize aircraft availability.
With a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles (3,778 kilometres) and a maximum payload of 2,135 lbs. (968.4 kg), the Citation CJ3 Gen2 offers excellent range, payload and field performance to enable pilots to achieve a variety of missions in extensive conditions.
Embraer Delivers First A-29N Super Tucanos to the Portuguese Air Force and Announces Potential Assembly Line in Portugal
Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3), today delivered the first five A-29N Super Tucanos to the Portuguese Air Force (PRT AF) during a ceremony held at OGMA's facilities, attended by authorities, Embraer executives, and guests. This delivery comes just one year and one day after the acquisition agreement was signed, highlighting Embraer's ability to meet its customers' operational needs. The acquisition of these aircraft - part of an order for 12 units - represents a significant milestone in Portugal's process to modernize its air capabilities.
During the occasion, Embraer and the Portuguese State signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at the potential establishment of an A-29N final assembly line in Portugal. Aircraft produced at this facility would address possible demands from other European nations through government-to-government negotiations, contributing to the strengthening of the defence industrial base in Portugal and across Europe.
“We are not only introducing a new air attack capability with proven results to support the Detached National Forces, but also addressing potential new scenarios. The Super Tucano now offers the possibility of performing anti-drone missions, demonstrating the flexibility of the aircraft chosen by the Air Force. I want to emphasize that this was the Air Force's choice, with political decisions supported by technical opinions,” said Nuno Melo, Minister of Defence of Portugal.
“The formal delivery of these aircraft represents another decisive step in the modernization of the Air Force, reinforcing its robustness and technological capacity. Beyond replacing pilot training equipment that has been in operation for almost four decades, this acquisition also allows for the strengthening of new capabilities, namely in close air support in joint and/or combined operations, ensuring the armed protection of forces on the ground. In parallel, the Air Force reaffirms its position as a benchmark among its peer forces by operating the first A-29N Super Tucano with NATO configuration, guaranteeing Portugal a strategic advantage and a return for the national economy,” states the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves.
"The delivery of the first A-29N Super Tucanos to the Portuguese Air Force strengthens and expands the strategic partnership established between the Portuguese State and Embraer through the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft program. There is growing interest in employing the A-29 for counter-UAS missions in Europe, and a potential assembly line in Portugal paves the way for the development of new business and broader cooperation with the Portuguese defence industry," said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
Portugal now joins a growing list of nations that rely on the A-29's proven capabilities for a wide range of missions. The aircraft's entry into service reinforces Embraer's commitment to supporting NATO allies with reliable and innovative solutions.
A global leader in its class, the Super Tucano has been selected by 22 air forces worldwide and has accumulated more than 600,000 flight hours. The aircraft has attracted the interest of several other nations due to its unmatched combination of capabilities, making it the most efficient option on the market.
For air forces looking for a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions, including Advanced Pilot Training, Close Air Support (CAS), air patrol, air interdiction, Joint Terminal Attack (JTAC) training, armed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), border surveillance, and air escort.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is further enhanced by advanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI) avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe. The A-29 is capable of operating from unpaved runways in harsh environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers a high level of reliability, availability, and structural integrity with low life cycle costs.
F-35 Breaks Delivery Record, Continues Combat Success in 2025
In a record-breaking year for the F-35 Lightning II program, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivered 191 F-35s in 2025, surpassing the previous delivery record of 142 jets. Annual F-35 production is now running at a pace five times faster than any other allied fighter currently in production, underscoring the program's scale and maturity.
The milestone comes on the heels of the program reaching one million flight hours earlier in the year. In 2025, the program team also delivered the most advanced software to date with the completion of TR-3, as they sustained the global fleet of almost 1,300 aircraft and growing.
Most importantly, the F-35 continued to prove its performance in real-world combat operations, including: Playing a key role in suppressing Iran's air defences during Operation Midnight Hammer; Recording nearly 5,000 mishap-free flight hours during a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B deployment; Eliminating Russian drones over Poland, marking the first time NATO F-35s have engaged threats in allied airspace.
Customers displayed continued confidence in the F-35 as they expanded their fleet size, with Italy and Denmark increasing their programs of record by adding 25 and 16 aircraft to their fleets, respectively. And across the program, international customers met major program milestones: Finland celebrated the rollout of its first F-35. Belgium welcomed its first in-country aircraft. Norway completed deliveries of its F-35 fleet.
In September, the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin reached final agreement of Lots 18-19 for the production and delivery of up to 296 F-35s for $24 billion, marking the finalization of the largest production contracts in program history. The JPO and Lockheed Martin also agreed to an Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract award this year, which supports annualized sustainment activities across the F-35 enterprise for 2025 and beyond.
"I'm immensely proud of the F-35 enterprise for delivering on our production commitments, performing with excellence and growing our global partnerships in 2025," said Chauncey McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Lightning II Program. "As our warfighters continue to employ the F-35 to protect the interests of America and our allies around the world, we're committed to continuing to push the latest technology into the hands of the warfighter to defeat any threat."
With 12 nations operating the F-35 across the global fleet, and almost 1,300 aircraft in service, the F-35 is delivering on its promise of unmatched reliability and lethality. Lockheed Martin is positioned to keep the fleet at the cutting edge of technology and support our allies as they expand their capabilities worldwide to ensure the F-35 remains an indispensable contributor to global security for decades to come.
Leonardo Signs Contract for 12 M-346 F Block 20 Aircraft for Austria
Leonardo has signed a contract with the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness for the supply of 12 M-346 multirole aircraft to the Austrian Air Force (Luftstreitkräfte), responding to the defence needs of Austria's national airspace and territory and for the training of its military pilots.
The contract includes aircraft supplied in the light fighter configuration under the new M-346 F Block 20 standard, equipped with cockpits featuring a Large Area Display (LAD), active electronically scanned radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems. The supply also includes a complete suite of simulation systems, an initial stock of spare parts, ground equipment and logistics / maintenance support for six years following the delivery of the first aircraft.
This new development follows two contracts already signed in 2022 and 2023 for the supply of 36 (18 + 18) AW169M LUHs (Light Utility Helicopter) to the Austrian Ministry of Defence. It also follows the Austrian MoD's decision to rely upon the IFTS (International Flight Training School) based in Decimomannu, Italy to train its fighter pilots, a decision which allowed to fully appreciate the features and operational qualities of the M-346, the backbone of the school.
Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo's Aeronautics Division, said: “We're extremely proud of the launch of Austria's M-346 programme, and we are aware of the value that the synergy between national institutions and industry can generate in response to the emerging requirements of friend countries, as we have already seen in the past. And so we are pleased to continue doing our part, supplying aeronautical solutions enabled by significant technological enhancements. At the same time, this programme confirms the international competitiveness of the M-346 system. It responds to the need for operational versatility dictated by today's scenarios requiring responsiveness and adaptability, growing digitisation, efficient management of new defence assets, complementarity and interoperability, and suitable training for personnel.”
In Austria, the M-346 F Block 20 will replace the Saab 105, retired from service in 2020, in the dual role of fighter for lower-intensity operations and advanced trainer. Leonardo's platform simultaneously offers a complete, integrated advanced flight training system - including a GBTS (Ground Based Training System), combined simulated elements and scenarios with real flights according to a Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) logic - with additional light combat capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions enabled by advanced mission systems, equipment and sensors, also including aerial refuelling capability.
The M-346 is the core element of a cutting-edge and continuously evolving advanced flight-training system that has already demonstrated its effectiveness: a success story that has logged over 150,000 hours in flight with nearly 160 aircraft sold to date, enabling several air forces in Europe and worldwide to train pilots for flying high-performance fighters such as the Eurofighter, F-35 and next-generation 'combat air systems'.
20 countries already train their pilots on the M-346 or have chosen this aircraft, in the fighter version, as a light multirole fighter. Thanks to its high-performance capabilities and manoeuvrability, the M-346 has also been chosen by the Italian Air Force as the future aircraft for the “Frecce Tricolori”, Italy's national aerobatic team.
The first flight of the Lavochkin La-15
The Russion Lavochkin La-15 developed in the immediate postwar years, it combined swept wings, a pressurized cockpit, and solid handling at a time when the Soviet Union was rapidly refining its jet fighter designs.
Lavochkin had previously found success designing single-engine fighters for the Soviet Union during World War II. In the waning years of the War, Lavochkin began to develop the La-150 single-seat jet fighter in response to the German Me 262 Schwalbe.
Pilots praised the La-15 for its smooth performance however the aircraft's complex construction and production costs ultimately worked against it. Even so, the La-15 helped shape the thinking and technology that led directly to more successful Soviet fighters in the early Cold War era.
Lavochkin built 235 La-15s up until the aircraft's retirement in 1953. A sole Fantail survives today and can be seen on display at the Central Air Force Museum in Monino, Russia.
Austria, Wien-Schwechat International Airport (VIE/LOWW): Finnair flight AY1472 (ops by NoRRa) from Vienna to Helsinki collided with a de-icing truck at Vienna Airport on Friday evening. The de-icing truck hit the wing of the aircraft during de-icing. Flight was cancelled.
India, 10 km S of Rourkela Airport (RRK): IndiaOne Air flight I7102, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, crashed during a forced landing 10 km south of the destination, Rourkela Airport (RRK). All six occupants were injured. The flight departed Bhubaneswar (BBI) at 12:20 local time and climbed to the cruising altitude of 8000 feet. During descent, at 13:14, the flight declared and emergency. A forced landing was carried out five minutes later.
Colombia, Juan José Rondón Airport (RON/SKPA), Paipa, Boyacá: A Piper PA-31-325 Navajo C/R (Colemill Panther 350hp conversion), N325FA, failed to gain altitude during take-off from runway 05 and crashed at Juan José Rondón Airport (RON/SKPA), Paipa, Boyacá. The six occupants, including singer Yeison Jiménez, perished and the aircraft was destroyed by fire. Silhouette image of generic PA31 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different.
