MIDWEEK UPDATE 26 FEBRUARY 2020      28 Feb to 1 March: Grassland 2020 Sleep Over Boogie. PPG, PPT, Microlights, LSA's and Gyrocopters welcome. Contact Riaan 061 719 2430 or Pieter 082 451 1546    4: EAA Chapter 322 at Dickie Fritz Moth Hall, Edenvale 7: SAAF Museum AFB Swartkop Open and practice day 7: Brakpan Fun Rally - Brakpan Airport - Contact: Frank Eckard e-mail: frank.eckard@mweb.co.za cell: 083 269 1516 7-8: SAC KZN Regional Aerobatics. Ladysmith Airfield. Contact Annie Boone: chunge@mweb.co.za 18: EAA Talkshow with guest Captain Karl Jensen interviewed by Captain Scully Levin. Booking essential. To RSVP contact Marie Reddy 083 259 7691 21: Bethlehem Speed Rally - Bethlehem Airfield - Contact: Jonty Esser e-mail: jonty@promptroofing.co.za cell: 082 855 9435 21: The Airplane Factory Fly-in, Tedderfield. Contact: Shanelle 011 948 9898 20-21: Fashkosh Airshow Stellenbosch Airfield. Contact: Anton Theart at gm@stelfly.co.za or 079 873 4567 13 to 5 April: Sun 'n Fun, Lakeland Florida USA. Contact: Neil Bowden at Neil1@telkomsa.net or on 084 674 5674  2 - 4: SAPFA Rally Nationals & Fun Rally - Stellenbosch Airfield. Contact Frank Eckard e-mail: frank.eckard@mweb.co.za cell: 083 269 1516 3 - 5: Groblersdal Flying Club fly-in. For more information contact Richard at 082 490 6227 or flybenchmark@gmail.com 4: SAAF Museum AFB Swartkop Open and practice day 4: Robertson fly-in breakfast. Contact Alwyn du Plessis 083 270 5888 4: Wings and Wheels Festival at Uitenhage airfield. Contact Lourens Kruger E-mail: lmk@telkomsa.net Cell: 082 320 2615 18: Aero Club of South Africa Centenary Banquet venue TBA. Contact Marie Reddy E-mail: marie.reddy@gmail.com Cell: 083 259 7691 21: Aero Club of South Africa Annual General Meeting EAA Auditorium Rand Airport. Contact Sandra Strydom E-mail: sandra@aeroclub.org.za Tel: 011 082 1100 22-26: PASA Sky Diving South African Nationals 2020. Venue: Johannesburg Skydiving Club. Contact: pottie@jsc.co.za 24 -25: Garden Route Airshow Brett Scheuble brett@gardenrouteairshow.co.za 084 418 3836 30 to 3rd May: 2020 Aero Club Airweek - Middelburg Airfield - Contact Rob Jonkers e-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za cell: 082 804 7032 or Contact Sean Cronin E-mail: sean@glutek.co.za Cell: 083 447 9895   1: SAPFA Middelburg Speed Rally Middelburg airfield. For more information contact Jonty Esser E-mail: jonty@promptroofing.co.za Cell: 082 855 9435 1-3: North meets South at Gariep Dam. MISASA and SAGPA, all aircraft welcome, (must be AeroClub members). Contact Donald Hicks 083 626 3180 or E-mail Wendonair@gmail.com 6: EAA Chapter 322 at Dickie Fritz Moth Hall, Edenvale 8 -10: 20th Battlefields fly-in to Dundee KZN. For more information contact: Dave O'Halloran E-mail: gm@battlefieldslodge.co.za Cell: 079 496 5286 9: SAAF Museum Airshow at AFB Zwartkops. Contact Mark Kelbrick E-mail: markkelbrick@yahoo.com or Cell 082 413 7577 16: Lowveld airshow: CANCELLED 16: The Coves annual fly-in. Please note this is a closed event by invitation only. Contact JP Fourie Cell: 083 625 4804 12 -15: NAMPO Harvest Day at NAMPO, Bothaville. For more information contact Bennie Zaayman Wim Venter: E-mail: Wim@grainsa.co.za Cell 082 414 8099 20: SAC Free State Regional Aerobatics and day Airshow New Tempe, Bloemfontein. For more information contact: Conrad Botha E-mail: rowco24cc@mailbox.co.za Cell: 082 465 4045 23 -24: SAC Eastern Cape Regionals Wings Park, East London. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za 22 - 24: SAPFA President's Trophy Air Race at Ermelo airfield. Contact Rob Jonkers E-mail: chairman@sapfa.co.za Cell: 082 804 7032 or go to www.sapfa.co.za E-mail: Race@sapfa.org.za 30: Botswana International Airshow at Matsieng Flying Club. Contact Hentie Cell: +267 713 10935 or E-mail: hentie@dwddrilling.com 31: Fly-Mo fund raising breakfast fly-in at Springs airfield. Contact Fanie Bezuidenhout E-mail: ansan@tiscali.co.za Cell: 083 789 5507    Summary of key trends depicted by the CAAI for the 4th quarter of 2019: 1. The index value increased substantially from the 3rd quarter to reach a level of 130.7, which represents a 31% increase in commercial aviation activity since the base period (1st quarter of 2014). This is, however, considerably lower than the all-time record that was attained in the 4th quarter of 2018, namely 204. One of the reasons for the sound recovery of both the index value and the trend is related to the highly successful 2018 Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) exhibition, which was the first AAD since the election of a new executive administration in South Africa, which is committed to pragmatic policies to encourage economic growth, while also combating the scourge of corruption.   2. An encouraging feature of the latest CAAI results is the fact that, after adjustment for inflationary effects, the commercial aviation industry has outperformed the South African economy over the past six years. 3. It is also apparent that the slump in aviation activity that lasted for eleven quarters (until the 3rd quarter of 2018) has been reversed. Aviation remains a highly capital-intensive sector and it has been under some strain as a result of policy uncertainty, low levels of business confidence, lethargic economic growth and high interest rates. 4. Unfortunately, the recovery in the trend of activity since the 3rd quarter of 2018 has been accompanied by a higher level of volatility, with only ten of the 26 different indicators recording gains over the 4th quarter of 2014. 5. A particular point of concern is the poor performance of air traffic movements (ATMs) at most of the airports managed by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA). All nine of these airports recorded lower ATMs in the 4th quarter of 2019, compared to the 4th quarter of 2016.  6. In contrast, the six non-ACSA airports included in the CAAI, recorded consistent growth in ATMs until the first quarter of 2019, but a noticeable slump has since set in. It is quite clear that the stringent visa regulations that were introduced in 2015 by the Department of Home Affairs under then Minister Malusi Gigaba have taken their toll on both the South African tourism industry and the commercial aviation industry.  7. In the 4th quarter of 2019, the value of aircraft spares imports reached its second highest level on record, namely more than R1.1 billion. 8. Total aircraft imports (unladen mass of under 15 tonnes) amounted to R487 million in the 4th quarter, slightly lower than the export figure of R554 million. Background Three key considerations sparked the decision by the Board of CAASA to design the CAASA Aviation Activity Index (CAAI): ? Firstly, the recognition of the indispensable role that commercial aviation plays in facilitating the rapid transport of decision-makers in all spheres of society. ? Secondly, individual data sets reflecting one or more areas of commercial aviation activity often contradict each other, particularly as a result of the capital-intensive nature of the industry's asset base. ? Thirdly, CAASA has identified a need among its members and other stakeholders in aviation to contribute to the knowledge base of conditions in the aviation industry by forging a number of key indicators into a composite index, weighted in terms of their perceived contribution to the general trend in commercial aviation. Composition of the Index A total of 26 different indicators were selected for inclusion in the CAAI, classified in terms of the following eight groups: # Value of imports of non-powered aircraft # Value of imports of aeroplanes & helicopters (of a mass less than 15t )# Value of imports of aircraft spares ? Value of exports of aircraft spares # Value of exports of aircraft # Air traffic movements at nine ACSA airports # Air traffic movements at six non-ACSA airports   Aviation Africa is a two-day summit and exhibition hosted by Ethiopian Airlines. The event features speakers and exhibitors from various industries, with a focus on aerospace and defence. Aviation Africa marks its fifth year in 2020, with over 100 global aviation companies expected to exhibit at the event. The 2019 edition of Aviation Africa featured 860 attendees, 47 airlines represented and 100 sponsors, exhibitors and partners.   2019 is the sixth consecutive year that Cirrus Aircraft has delivered more than 300 SR Series aircraft. Additionally, the Vision Jet continues to deliver into new global markets and has now surpassed 170 Vision Jets in service around the world. Expansion of Cirrus Services™ also fuelled enterprise growth, including the opening of a new Cirrus Aircraft facility in the Dallas Metroplex area. Finally, the total number of Cirrus employees grew by over 10% in 2019 as team members were added in all locations including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Knoxville, Tennessee and McKinney, Texas. In January, the company announced the launch of the all-new 2020 G6 SR Series, the most technologically advanced models ever of the world's best-selling SR20, SR22 and SR22T high-performance piston aircraft. The highlight of the new model year is the introduction of the Cirrus Aircraft mobile app powered by Cirrus IQTM - providing a real-time digital connection to the airplane from virtually anywhere in the world. Further enhancements include re-imagined interior and exterior aesthetics featuring a line of bold new collars. In early 2019, the company announced the launch of the next generation Vision Jet- "G2" - with enhanced performance, comfort and safety. Evolutionary features include increased cruise altitude, speed and range, along with a newly-upgraded Perspective Touch+TM by Garmin® flight deck. In addition to upgrades, several innovative technologies were added to the G2 Vision Jet, including a category-first Autothrottle, Flight Stream connectivity and more. Interior amenities further enhanced the passenger experience with new executive seats, thoughtfully-engineered noise reduction and a passenger productivity console. Later in 2019, Cirrus Aircraft announced the upcoming addition of Safe ReturnTM - a revolutionary emergency Autoland system that enables passengers to land the Vision jet with just the touch of a single button.   As with the P2006T SMP, the P2012 is available in several configurations and options, allowing the customer (or the mission system integration service company) to best tune the investment. The standard configuration features, in fact, two hatches with on-ground removable covers, multiple sockets for 28VDC mission power (up to 3.360W available) and a seat retrofit kit to allow restoration of the passenger configuration. There is a wide range of options available to customize the SMP, such as 115/230VAC plugs, 14VDC connectors, mission screen for pilot, operator console, electrically operated sliding doors for hatches, antennae pre-installation and approval. Tecnam also offers a wide range of services, from dedicated fitting plates to turnkey solutions, ensuring that the customer will always be confident about its aerial platform choice: the P2012 SMP. The Tecnam P2012 features a sleek, modern design with state-of-the-art equipment, fixed landing gear, robust interiors and easy-to-replace parts. Like all Tecnam aircraft, the Traveller offers high efficiency and low maintenance costs with its simple and easily accessed airframe and systems. The aircraft is powered by two Lycoming 6-cylinder TEO-540-C1A turbo engines. It is the first piston-powered aircraft with electronic management of engine power, which, coupled with the Garmin autopilot, enables a reduced workload for pilots and a great extension of the engine life.   In 2019, Textron Aviation delivered 206 Citation business jets - nearly 60 more than the nearest competitor, according to the GAMA report. Citations joining the worldwide fleet last year include the super-midsize Cessna Citation Longitude, with 13 deliveries since its September 2019 certification. For the fourth consecutive year, the Citation Latitude topped GAMA's list as the most delivered midsize business jet with 58 aircraft delivered in 2019. The popular midsize jet entered the market in 2015 and quickly established itself as the Citation with the highest average daily utilization. For operators, the Latitude delivers an unmatched combination of best-in-class short-field performance with extended maintenance intervals and lower operating costs. Passengers benefit from the most refined cabin in the midsize class, offering a six-foot stand-up flat-floor cabin, added legroom and class-leading baggage weight capacity. Every Cessna Citation business jet is backed by Textron Aviation's extensive global customer service team. Through a global network staffed with more than 3,000 employees, customers have direct access to a team of expert service representatives offering maintenance, inspections, parts, repairs, avionic upgrades, equipment installations, refurbishments and other specialized services.     France has received a total of four Super Hercules aircraft - two C-130J-30 combat delivery airlifters and two KC-130J aerial refuelers - through a Foreign Military Sale with the U.S. government. The two C-130J-30 airlifters were delivered in 2017 and 2018, and first KC-130J delivered in September 2019. All of these Super Hercules are operated in conjunction with France's existing C-130H fleet. France is the 17th country to choose the C-130J for its airlift and refuelling needs. The C-130J Super Hercules is the most advanced tactical airlifter in operation today, offering superior performance and enhanced capabilities with the range and versatility for every theatre of operations and evolving requirements. As the preeminent tactical aerial refuelling tanker, the KC-130J is a battle-tested solution that takes full advantage of the tremendous technological and performance improvements inherent in the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. A true force multiplier, the KC-130J refuels both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft as well as conducts rapid ground refuelling. With this delivery, France joins a global community of KC-130J operators. In 2018, Germany announced the acquisition of a C-130J-30/KC-130J fleet, to be operated in partnership with France - making this the first operator relationship of this type in C-130J history. The C-130J Super Hercules is the global standard in tactical airlift, providing a unique mix of versatility and performance to complete any mission - anytime, anywhere. The Super Hercules worldwide fleet has more than 2 million flight hours and is the airlifter of choice for 20 nations.    The production of helicopters delivered under the state defence contract was carried out at the enterprises of the Russian Helicopters holding - Progress AAC and Rostvertol. The Rostov enterprise, in particular, produces Mi-28NM helicopters. The new Night Hunter looks significantly different from the basic version of the Mi-28N helicopter. The Mi-28NM has acquired a new fuselage shape, modernized engines and an auxiliary power unit, a new avionics system, advanced weapons capability, and can be operated in conjunction with unmanned aerial vehicles and ground command posts. Currently, Progress AAC is already carrying out experimental design and tests to upgrade Ka-52 helicopter on the contract of the Russian Ministry of Défense and under the supervision of specialists form the Kamov Design Bureau. This will considerably improve performance of the helicopter. The work is underway to increase the target detection and recognition range and expanding the range of weapons used. State Corporation Rostec is one of the largest industrial companies in Russia. It unites more than 800 scientific and industrial organizations in 60 regions of the country. Its key areas of activity are transport engineering, electronics, medical technology, chemistry and innovative materials. Rostec holdings form three clusters: electronics, weapons and aviation. The corporation's portfolio includes such well-known brands as AvtoVAZ, KAMAZ, Kalashnikov, Russian Helicopters, Uralvagonzavod and others. Rostec is active in the implementation of all 12 national projects.    India, Srinagar: A group of five people were off-loaded from a IndiGo A321neo flight for "unruly behaviour" when one of them trying to forcibly open a door of the aircraft as it was taxiing for take-off, insisting that their two companions who lost their boarding passes be allowed to take the flight. The pilot brought the plane back to the parking bay and off-loaded the group. The report has been filed with the relevant authorities as per protocol. South Africa, Port Elizabeth: A SAA South African Airways Airbus A320-200 on a flight from Johannesburg was on approach to Port Elizabeth when cabin crew noticed an unusual odour. Two flight attendants began to feel unwell. The aircraft continued for a safe landing in Port Elizabeth with emergency services on standby. The airline reported a paint smell was reported in the cabin just prior to landing, oxygen was administered to two flight attendants affected by the fumes.  USA, Fredericksburg: Ryan Guy Parker, the owner of an aircraft washing business at Shannon Airport in Fredericksburg was arrested for allegedly flying an unsafe aircraft without a pilot's licence. Witnesses saw Parker at Shannon Airport flying a small plane that described as "a bucket of bolts" flying about 50 feet above two large airport fuel tanks with 18,000 gallons of fuel as well as flying in patterns for about 10 or 15 minutes. When Parker landed, the aircraft bounced and spun out. Parker told the first witness he had been working on the plane when the throttle got stuck, and that's what sent him into the air. USA, Coleman County Texas: A Beechcraft B200 King Air, operated by TLC Air LLC was destroyed when it impacted open field terrain northeast of Coleman County, Texas, after reporting electrical problems and trying to return to the point of departure of Abilene Airport, Texas, USA. The three occupants onboard sustained fatal injuries. USA, Daytona Beach International Airport: A Cessna 510 Citation Mustang experienced a gear up landing at Daytona Beach International Airport, Daytona Beach, Florida. The aircraft suffered minor to moderate damage and the two occupants onboard were not injured during the incident. Turkey, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport: The cause of the plane accident at the runway at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport that killed three and injured 180 people on Feb. 5 may be hydroplaning, according to initial findings. It has also been revealed that the Indonesian second officer of the plane could not help the system because the officials at the operations tower spoke Turkish and all the conversations were held by the Turkish captain pilot.     He took from LAX in full afterburner mode and climbed to 35,000 feet (10,668 meters) over the Pacific Ocean to start the test sequence but it was quickly apparent that something was wrong: The flight controls were heavy, and then there was a hydraulic system failure that caused the Super Sabre pitch down into a dive. Smith couldn't pull it out of the dive and the airplane's speed rapidly increased, eventually passing Mach 1. Smith was unable to regain control of the F-100. He had no choice but to bail out. As he ejected, Smith read the instruments: the Mach meter indicated Mach 1.05-785 miles per hour (1,263 kilometres per hour)-and the altitude was only 6,500 feet (1,981 meters). The force of the wind blast hitting him as he came out of the cockpit knocked him unconscious. Estimates are that he was subjected to a 40 G deceleration. His parachute opened automatically and he came down approximately one-half mile off Laguna Beach. Fortunately, he hit the water very close to a fishing boat crewed by a former U.S. Navy rescue expert. The F-100 dived into the Pacific Ocean approximately ¼-mile (0.4 kilometers) offshore between Dana Point and Laguna Beach. George Smith was unconscious for six days, and when he awoke he was blind in both eyes. After four operations and seven months in the hospital, he recovered from his supersonic ejection and returned to flight status.  |
                           |
 |
 |
Copyright © Pilot's Post PTY Ltd
The information, views and opinions by the authors contributing to Pilot's Post are not necessarily those of the editor or other writers at Pilot's Post.