MIDWEEK UPDATE 31 AUGUST 2016
THIS WEEK IN MIDWEEK UPDATE
AvClicks Photo Competition……Plan Your Weekend……..Forthcoming Events
Aviation News………. Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
This Week in Aviation History………Advertising Rate Card
Pilot's Post is proud to launch its "AVclick 2016" aviation related photo competition. By entering your favourite photos, you will not only share your aviation photography passion with thousands of others, you will also stand a chance to win exciting prizes this year. Our prizes for this competition were carefully chosen to suit everyone's aviation interest and that is why we are offering the winner a choice between three different options.
For more information go to: www.pilotspost.com/arn0000956
To vote for your favourite photo click on "Vote for"
Vote for 18-1…………………………Vote for 18-2
Vote for 18-3………………………….Vote for 18-4
Go to www.pilotspost.com/arn0001049 to vote for the August finalist
3: Kitty Hawk's annual RV day. Thee Kitty Hawk RV Raptor Team will be performing and the MG Car Club will also be visiting. Contact Irmarie Jooste (012) 802 0942 office@kitty-hawk.co.za www.fakt.co.za
3: EAA Chapter 322 will be hosting our first Breakfast Fly-/Taxi-/Drive-/get there any way you like-In at the EAA Auditorium Rand Airport. The famous "Braaimasters" Coen, Pottie and Ronnie will be in attendance, cooking up a storm. A special "322" breakfast is on the cards!
3: All aviation enthusiast are cordially invited (Space limited to 100 Aircraft). Arrivals will be from 08:00, A complimentary buffet breakfast will be served from 08:30 and there will be a safety talk Presented by Santjie Whites Team on Search and Rescue within South Africa. There will also be braai packs available should you wish to stay for a lunch. RSVP to jonathan@airborneinsurance.co.za or contact us on 011 467 8577.
3: SAAF Museum flying training and open days. E-mail: webmaster@saafmuseum.org
SEPTEMBER
7: EAA Chapter 322 monthly meeting, Dickie Fritz Moth Hall Edenvale. Contact editor@afskies.co.za
10: The East Rand Flying Club invites aviators to a free fly-in breakfast. Breakfast will be served from 08:00 till 10:30 in the marquee to the North of runway 14/32. Parking will be along the taxiway in front of the hangars to the North of 14/32. FASI frequency is 122.4. Call crossing N12 to North & N17 to the South. Join overhead @ 6800' for light aircraft & 6300' for microlights. Runway 03/21 is tar. Runway 04/22 grass is now a taxiway. NOTE: Runway 14/32 will be closed. All circuits to the NORTH for 32. Takeoff from 14/32 NOT PERMITTED. All circuits to the WEST for 03/21.
10: Rustenburg Rustenburg will be hosting a breakfast fly-in. Contact Mauritz Muller, mauritzmuller1@gmail.com . Rustenburg Airfield INFO: Elevation: 3700 feet Runway: 16 and 34, 1200 meters long, asphalt. Frequency: 122.4 Coordinates 25<38O39S 027<16O16E. Rustenburg is an unmanned airfield, you must ensure communication with other aircraft, join overhead at 5200 feet and then follow the normal joining procedure for runway 16 or 34 depending on the weather. Also see this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rustenburg_Airfield
10-11: SAC Gauteng regionals & Judges Trophy Vereeniging. Contact Annie Boon e-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za
14-18: Africa Aerospace and Defence expo AFB Waterkloof. Contact Leona Redelinghuys e-mail: expodir@aadexpo.co.za
17-18: 2016 Airfest at Wings Park. All welcome. Family fun combined with fly in and great laughs. Come over and have an awesome weekend. Vintage aircraft and even a jet or two. Go to www.airfest.co.za
24: Gaborone International Air Show. Gaborone, Botswana. https://web.facebook.com/events/1191554624241034/
22-26: The 2016 Africa Cup . Hotel Numbi, Hazyview.
1: SAAF Museum flying training and open days. webmaster@saafmuseum.org
1: SAPFA Grand Central fun rally & open precisions. Contact Rob Jonkers e-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za Cell: 082 804 7032
4 - 9: South African Hot Air Balloon Championships , New Castle. Contact Hanke Fourie Cell: 082 553 0210 E-mail: accounts@aeroclub.org.za
5: EAA Chapter 322 monthly meeting, Dickie Fritz Moth Hall Edenvale. Contact editor@afskies.co.za
15: Oct. Sheila Taylor Nav Rally - Krugersdorp . Up for grabs: the Sheila Taylor Navigational Skills Shield. This annual event was postponed due to weather and now rescheduled for the 15th October. Breakfast will be served in the clubhouse and there will be a prize giving after the event. The 26 SOUTH Clubhouse will be open for lunch as usual. Please support your club, invite friends and family and lets all have an enjoyable day. You may also enter directly on the SAPFA website at: http://www.sapfa.co.za/index.php/component/competition/?view=pilot
22-23: SAC KZN regionals Ladysmith. Contact Annie Boon e-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za
23 - 24: Karoo Gariep Fly-in. Contact PC Ferreira Cell: 082 567 9211 website: www.karoogariep.co.za
29: Port Elizabeth airshow. Posponed Contact Crystal Watson e-mail: cwatson@mweb.co.za Cell: 083 459 7758
FIRST SHIPMENT OF PIPISTREL AIRCRAFT FOR THE INDIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED
Photos © Pipistrel
Pipistrel country head Wg Cdr (Retd) Sanjay Thapar VM, described the process: "In pursuant to the contractual commitments Pipistrel Slovenia is imparting conversion training to Indian Air Force Engineers, Technician and Pilots on newly supplied Garud Microlights at Air Force Station Hindan, in India. Training was undertaken at C-130 & C-17 Tetra School at Air Force Station Hindan. The first batch of Engineers and technicians successfully completed their training on 22 July 2016.
PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM ACHIEVES MILESTONE
An artist rendering of the VH-92A aircraft. Photo © Sikorsky
Martin (NYSE: LMT) today the successful execution of the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program Critical Design Review (CDR), signalling the program is ready to proceed to assembly, test and evaluation.
The joint Sikorsky/Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) VH-92A helicopter program team met in July with key collaborators from government and industry for an in-depth design review. Throughout the review the VH-92A program team successfully demonstrated that the design meets the system requirements. Review participants included NAVAIR and industrial partners who took part in the technical presentations.
"This milestone is an important achievement for our program and demonstrates Sikorsky and NAVAIR are well aligned," said Spencer Elani, Sikorsky director, VH-92A helicopter program. "We got here by completing several milestones on or ahead of schedule. We are committed to staying on that track as we head into the building phase of the program."
The U.S. Navy awarded a $1.24 billion fixed-price incentive Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract with production options to Sikorsky on May 7, 2014, for 21 operational and two test aircraft. Initial fielding is planned for 2020, with production concluding in 2023. Under the contract, Sikorsky will use its production S-92® aircraft and integrate government defined mission systems and an executive interior.
"This is an important step forward in the replacement of our presidential fleet of helicopters. The successful CDR demonstrates this helicopter system meets the requirements of the USMC and gives them exceptional mission performance from a platform that is affordable and supportable for this important mission," said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert Pridgen, program manager for the Naval Air System Command's Presidential Helicopter's Program Office.
Two Engineering Development Model (EDM) aircraft are undergoing the modification process at Sikorsky's Stratford, Conn., location. First flight of a VH-92A configured aircraft is planned for 2017.
The VH-92A will transport the president and vice president of the United States and other officials. Sikorsky brings unmatched experience and a proven track record to this mission having flown every US commander-in-chief since President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The VH-92A will continue this legacy for decades to come.
LEONARDO CONFIRMS CERTIFICATION ACTIVITIES OF THE AW609 ON TRACK
Photo Leonardo-Finmeccanica
With industrialization underway, Leonardo-Finmeccanica has expanded the AW609 TiltRotor program to include the company's Philadelphia facility. The involvement of the Philadelphia site in the AW609 program represents the anticipated progression towards assembly and certification with the FAA as the certification authority. Facilities in the Italy, UK and Poland continue to play critical production roles.
While this flying prototype will soon be relocated to Italy, flight testing activities in Philadelphia will continue upon the arrival of an AW609 recently assembled and ground tested in Italy. Another AW609 is being assembled in Philadelphia with plans to enter the test fleet in 2017. Certification of the first commercial tiltrotor is expected in 2018, with deliveries to customers to follow.
NAVY AVIATION ON RUSSIAN NAVAL FORCES DAY
Photo © Ilyushin
During it's more than 80 years of experience OJSC Ilyushin Aviation Complex designed a wide range of outstanding aircraft for the Naval Air Forces.
Since first days of World War II the Naval Air Forces pilots performed bomb attacks of the adversary objects within its territory, operating various modifications of the long-range bomber aircraft - DB-3. On the night of August 7, 1941 aircrew of 15 DB-3T aircraft bombed Berlin for the first time ever.
During the post-war period ILyushin Experimental Design Bureau (former company name) worked on designing of jet front-line bomber - IL-28. Later on, on the 1st of June, 1950, the Council of Ministers of the USSR arrived at the decision concluded to design IL-28T - a torpedo aircraft made on the basis of the abovementioned aircraft type. The prototype aircraft first flight took place on the 8th of January, 1951. In October, 1951 the Naval Air Forces put a training aircraft into its service - Il-28U.
In the late 1950's a new threat emerged out of the blue, i.e. the potential adversary deployment of nuclear submarines equipped with ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. On the 18th of June, 1960 the Council of Ministers of the USSR issued a decree on the development of IL-38 long-range ASW aircraft based on IL-18. The given aircraft was to be equipped with Berkut radio and hydroacoustic system. First-time flight of the first IL-38 prototype aircraft took place on the 28th of September, 1961. The first aviation group re-equipped with IL-38 aircraft is the 24th separate long-range ASW aviation regiment of the North Fleet (Kipelovo airport, the Vologda region).
In 2015 OJSC Ilyushin Aviation Complex fulfilled its obligations under the state contract signed in between for the repair and serial modernization of the first group of IL-38 ASW aircraft, operated by the Russian Naval Air Forces, up to IL-38N. The total number of contractual modernized aircraft is 5 aerial vehicles. The following group of IL-38 ASW aircraft, operated by the Russian Naval Forces, will be modernized under the new contract signed in between the company and the Russian Ministry of Defence.
The modernization of the given type involves installation of the new Novella-P-38 target search and track system which significantly enhances the range of the tasks performed by the aircraft as well as its combat capabilities. The modernization is considered to be a prominent credit for OJSC «IL», United Aircraft Corporation and OJSC «Holding Company «Leninits» that helps to maximize national defence capabilities. The new target search and track system ensures the successful implementation of the following tasks: patrol, search and engagement of submarines (applying the enhanced range of armament comparing to basic IL-38), radar surveillance of surface and air targets, mine deployment, search & rescue operations in the sea as well as ecological monitoring of the sea surface.
Photo © Piper Aircraft
"EASA certification is an important milestone allowing us to kick off a major sales campaign to bring the M500 to the European market," said Simon Caldecott, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. "This is the third international certification for the M500 including Brazil, Canada, and Japan, and is significant because there is a growing demand for an aircraft that offers the advanced safety features and the best value proposition of any aircraft in its class. Its reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A engine, unpaved field approval, and added safety of the enhanced autopilot flight control system, make the M500 well-suited for European topography and the market's requirements."
The five-place M500 features the latest advances in Garmin G1000 technology, with industry leading safety features unique to this class of aircraft. Electronic Stability Protection, Underspeed Protection, Coupled Go-Round, Synthetic Vision Technology, and Automatic Level Mode are also featured for consumers seeking the safest aircraft possible, without sacrificing speed and power. GFC 700 remains standard, as well.
Other major improvements for the M500 include the Aspen EFD-1000 standby instrument, electroluminescent placards in the cockpit, GTX 33 Extended Squitter Transponder, a centrally located single audio panel, dual USB charging ports, and an optional GTS 825 Traffic Advisory System, which coupled with the GTX 33ES gives the aircraft ADS-B In and Out functionality.
About Piper M500
The Piper M500 features the latest in Garmin G1000 avionics, enhanced safety features, and a number of other significant product improvements. The six-place M500 is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A 500shp engine, sports a 260 KTAS / 482 km/h max cruise speed and has a range of 1,000 nm / 1,852 km. Equipped with an improved Garmin G1000 avionics suite featuring the most advanced safety features available in any single engine turboprop aircraft, the 2016 M500 is listed at a competitive price of $1.99 million.
Photo © Cessna
Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced it has completed initial ground engine tests on the Citation Longitude's Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines, paving the way for first flight of the prototype aircraft in the coming weeks. The test verified the functionality of the engine start, fuel system and auto-throttle as well as interfaces with the avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems.
"The engine run tests are one of the final major milestones as we prepare for first flight," said Scott Ernest, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. "This step really allows us to prove the maturity of the aircraft and its systems. Following this, we will do a series of functional and structural tests on the airframe in preparation for first flight. The speed at which we are progressing on the Longitude program demonstrates our industry-leading development cycle and affirms our commitment to new product investment."
Cessna successfully mated the wing and fuselage of the first Longitude in May, just six months after unveiling details of the super-midsize jet, and powered the electrical distribution system for the first time in June.
Revolutionizing the super-midsize market
The Citation Longitude is the company's latest innovation as it continues to invest in its family of larger business jets. The aircraft is designed specifically for maximum passenger comfort and offers the lowest cabin altitude in its class at 5,950 feet. State-of-the-art cabin technology allows passengers to manage their environment and entertainment from any mobile device, while standard high-speed internet maximizes in-flight productivity. With seating for up to 12 passengers, the Longitude features a stand-up, flat-floor cabin with a standard double-club configuration and a class leading walk-in baggage compartment fully accessible in flight.
The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, bringing customers the lowest ownership costs in this category. It features the next evolution of the Garmin G5000 flight deck and is powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines with fully integrated autothrottles. The aircraft offers a full fuel payload of 1,500 pounds, a maximum cruise speed of 476 knots and a high-speed range of 3,400 nautical miles. With optional head-up display and enhanced vision capability, the Longitude facilitates eyes-up flying. The spacious cockpit incorporates easier access and an ergonomic design that fully focuses on crew comfort and efficiency.
USA, Nebraska: A man, dressed only in his boxer shorts, managed to scale an airport fence, steal a pickup truck owned by Southwest Airlines and crash it into the nose of an airliner. Authorities are now investigating how the suspect allegedly managed to get onto the runway of Omaha's Eppley International Airport and ram a Southwest Airlines aircraft that was about to take-off with 18 on aboard. Tim Conahan, chief of police at the Omaha Airport Authority, said the suspect's behaviour possibly indicated "some type of drug overdose or that he has mental issues."
USA, Traverse City: A co-pilot on a charter plane in Traverse City was arrested after a colleague suspected that he was drunk. Traverse City police Capt. Kevin Dunklow said a breath test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.30, nearly four times the legal threshold for drunken driving. The pilot flies for Talon Air, which in a statement to the Free Press applauded one of its pilots for discovering that the suspect was drunk.
USA, Pensacola: A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 suffered an in-flight loss of an engine air inlet cowl near Biloxi, Mississippi. The airplane departed New Orleans International Airport and while climbing through FL310, about 26 km south off Biloxi, the air inlet cowl of the nr.1 engine broke away. The flight then diverted to Pensacola where it landed. After landing damage was observed to the wing leading edge, between the engine and the fuselage and a tear in the fuselage.
1 SEPTEMBER 1948
First flight of the Saab J-29, Sweden's first jet
Saab J-29 "Tunnan" Photo SAAB AB
The original R 1001 was designed around a mostly straight wing, but after the Swedish engineers had obtained German research data on swept-wing designs, the prototype was altered to incorporate a 25 degree sweep, first tested on a modified Saab Safir (designated Saab 201). The SAAB 29 prototype flew for the first time on 1 September 1948. It was a small, chubby aircraft with a single central air intake, a bubble cockpit and a very thin swept-back wing. The test pilot was an Englishman, S/L Robert A. 'Bob' Moore, DFC and bar.
Photo SAAB AB
The crash record in early service was poor, mainly due to the inexperience with swept-winged aircraft and the lack of a two-seat, dual control Tunnan trainer variant: this meant that Swedish fighter pilots could only be trained using two seat variants of the de Havilland Vampire (a straight-winged jet), before going solo in a Tunnan. Ninety nine pilots were killed during military practice flights in Sweden.
Saab J-29, Swedish Air Force Historic Flight. Photo John5199 / commons.wikimedia.org
J-29 Tunnan in UN service. Photo SAAB AB / commons.wikimedia.org
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