MIDWEEK UPDATE 2 JUNE 2021

Compiled by Willie Bodenstein









COVID 19 REGULATIONS, INITIATIVES AND AEROCLUB NEWS

OUR CENTENARY YEARBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FROM OUR NEW WEBSHOP

WWW.AEROCLUB.ORG.ZA/SHOP





The following events will to take place under the rules controlling the number of people congregating together and are therefore not open to the general public.

2 JUNE
EAA Chapter 322 virtual monthly meeting and at Dickie Fritz MOTH hall. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674

5 JUNE
Kroon Airfield Fly-Inn. Contact Marius 083 419 6613 or Kevin 061 008 9561. Food and refreshments will be available as well as a farmers' market, flips and more.

12 JUNE
SAPFA Silver Queen Rally at AFB Zwartkops. Contact Rob Jonkers E-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za Cell: 082 804 7032

12 JUNE
POSTSPONED
Chapter 322 & International Young Eagles Day Panorama Airfield. Volunteers needed to help fly potential Young Eagles. Contact neil1@telkomsa.net or Geoff Sprenger 079 three nine six 5304

16 to 20 JUNE
Please be advised that the 41st South African Hot Air Balloon Championships will be held at Bill Harrop's Balloon field from 16 - 20 June 2021. For more information go to www.hotairballoons2021.co.za or contact Hanke Fourie Cell: 082 553 0210

16 JUNE
RV Fly-In day at Kitty Hawk airfield. Contact Frank van Heerden E-mail: frankvh@mweb.co.za



30 JUNE - 3 JULY
Sport Aerobatics Club National Aerobatics Championships Phalaborwa Airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za or Natalie Stark natalie@stark.co.za

3 JULY
Lydenburg annual Fly-in Festival at Lydenburg airfield. Contact Coenraad De Beer Cell: 076 466 9999

7 JULY
EAA Chapter 322 monthly meeting virtual and at Dickie Fritz MOTH Hall. Contact Neil Bowden Email: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674

9 - 11 JULY
EAA Taildraggers at Warmbaths airfield. Contact Richard Nicholson Email: flybenchmark@gmail.com Cell: 082 490 6227

15 - 23 JULY
Sports Aerobatics Club Advanced World Aerobatics Czech Republic. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za

4 AUGUST
EAA Chapter 322 monthly meeting virtual and at Dickie Fritz MOTH Hall. Contact Neil Bowden Email: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674

7 - 8 AUGUST
Sports Aerobatics Club Western Cape Regionals and training camp Venue TBA. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za

28 AUGUST
SAPFA Secunda Speed Rally at Secunda Airfield. Contact Jonty Esser E-mail: jonty@promptroofing.co.za Cell: 082 855 9435





SLING HIGH WING LAUNCH BREAKFAST



Good day Slingers.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new Sling High Wing is finally upon us! Saturday, July 3rd from 07h00 to 12h00, the Sling High Wing launch breakfast will be held at our premises, Tedderfield Airpark, 23 Nettleton Road, Eikenhof (FATA).

At just R100 per person paid on arrival, bring your mask, bring your buddy, relish in a scrumptious breakfast, shop Sling branded merch from our Sling Store, compete in a spot landing competition, and of course, celebrate with us as we launch our brand new Sling High Wing, a testament to the entire team of men and women who made this possible!

The spot landing competition will be held on arrival between 07h00 and 08h00. Breakfast, tea and coffee will be served from 08h00 with the unveiling of the Sling High Wing commencing at 09h00. Publications and members of the public will also be invited to take pictures, shoot videos and ask Mike, James and Andrew all those burning questions you have always wanted answered!

"The Sling High Wing design sets a new standard for Sling Aircraft. It is the culmination of many years' experience in the design, manufacture and production of the successful range of Sling Aircraft. We now have a substantial portion of the aircraft, being the centre fuselage, produced in composite fibre. This has allowed us to design an aerodynamic aircraft which is beautifully shaped, light and extremely strong."

THE INTINERARY IS AS FOLLOWS:

07h00 to 08h00 - Spot landing competition.
08h00 - Breakfast, tea and coffee is served.
09h00 - The launch of the Sling High Wing will commence.
09h30 - Photo's, videos and Q&A's will commence.
12h00 - Prize giving for the spot landing competition.

If you would like to experience the Sling High Wing launch for yourself, RSVP by Tuesday, 29 June in order to avoid disappointment as space is limited in accordance with COVID-19 regulations. Fly, drive, walk or bike, you will not be disappointed.

RSVP by Tuesday, 29 June

See you there Slingers!



HENLEY AIR LAUNCHES HEMS PROGRAM IN SOUTH AFRICA



Long-standing Bell customer Henley Air has launched its own helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) in South Africa utilizing six Bell products. As a uniquely non-aligned HEMS provider, Henley Air offers its helicopter ambulance service to key hospitals in South Africa.

With over 22 years of experience, Henley Air is a family-owned and managed helicopter company that has provided safe and reliable helicopter-related services to the South African market. The company has demonstrated and executed lifesaving missions such as transportation prior to surgery or organ transplant with the support and reliability of Bell products, such as the Bell 222 UT, which provides internal space and long-range capability, in excess of 320 nautical miles.

As a uniquely non-aligned HEMS provider, Henley Air offers its helicopter ambulance service to key hospitals in the country and has been involved in numerous lifesaving missions with Bell helicopters. Three months ago, Henley Air rescued a young boy injured in a motorcycle accident in Swaziland, a neighbouring country landlocked by South Africa. With no facilities around the area, Henley Air were able to stabilize the patient and transport him to a suitable facility.

Another critical patient was flown over 900 nautical miles with a broken back, rescued from a remote hiking location, to a hospital equipped to support his needs. Henley Air pilots supported said mission by flying over four South African provinces in a 10-hour mission.

Boeta Dippenaar, chief pilot, said, "Henley Air has partnered with some of the biggest hospital chains in South Africa. As an independent HEMS provider, we are hopeful that our services will be used to help people in the country that are looking for access to quick and reliable emergency services. We have ensured that our fleet maintains a 98 percent serviceability rate, meaning that we are on hand to meet all our patients needs in the shortest amount of time."

Emergency services are categorized depending on their level of importance. For instance, Henley Air was requested to fly out to a remote area of the country to aid a patient who had been in an accident. Alternatively, the fleet has been used for transportation of a patient from one hospital to another in need of the appropriate medical care. Given the vast area of South Africa and the distances between some hospitals, inter-hospital transfers (IHTs) are not uncommon.

"In addition to working with some of the most prominent names in the country, Henley Air also boasts the only South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) approved and certified Bell 222 simulator. As the only one in the world, it keeps our crews fully prepared for any situation and/or mission. This, coupled with a sizeable inventory of spare parts, ensures that we can be up and running in the least amount of time to serve any kind of patient," added Dippenaar.

Henley Air pilots typically work a 12-hour shift starting at either 0600 or 1800 and comprise of the most experienced and qualified personnel in South Africa. All pilots must conform to six-monthly Operator Proficiency Checks (OPCs), annual line checks and license revalidations, ensuring that Henley Air keeps the standard of its operations at the highest level.



NIGERIAN AIR FORCE MARK 57TH ANNIVERSARY WITH INDUCTION OF JF-17 FIGHTERS
Written by defenceWeb




On 20 May, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inducted into service its three recently delivered JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft during a ceremony at Makurdi Air Base as it celebrated its 57th anniversary.

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi, said the event marked another step in the President's promise to improve the infrastructure and equipment of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The fourth-generation multi-role combat aircraft were handed over by manufacturer Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). Magashi appreciated the sustained partnership between Nigeria and Pakistan and assured that Nigeria would continue to work with the international community to evolve solutions to the common challenges of terrorism and proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Speaking at the induction ceremony, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladayo Amao, mentioned that under President Buhari, the NAF has inducted 23 new aircraft, comprising ten Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, five Mi-35M attack helicopters, four Agusta 109 helicopters, two Mi-17E and two Bell 412 multi-role helicopters and several Yabhon Flash-20 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the United Arab Emirates, bringing the number of aircraft acquired for the NAF in the last six years to 26, including the three JF-17s.

The NAF is expecting another 20 aircraft, including 12 A-29 Super Tucanos (along with pilot, engineer and technician training) from the USA and eight Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (two Wing Loong II, four CH-4 and two CH-3 aircraft from China).

The NAF has been able to train 133 new pilots during the six years under Bushari's six years of rule, along with many engineers and technicians who have received training in multiple countries.

Pakistan recently provided MFI-17 Super Mushak basic trainers as well as Karakorum K-8 intermediate jet trainers and technical assistance to keep the Nigerian fleet of F-7NI Fishcan fighters operational.

www.defenceweb.co.za





VAA 50TH ANNIVERSARY BRINGS MULTIPLE AIRCRAFT GROUPS TO OSHKOSH




Notable aircraft anniversaries and gatherings of beautiful airplane types are among the highlights this year as the Vintage Aircraft Association celebrates its 50th anniversary during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021.


Among the featured aircraft in 2021 are Stinsons, commemorating their 100th anniversary held over from 2020 and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer family which will be joined by other Short Wing Pipers such as the iconic Vagabond, Clipper, Pacer, and Colt. Limited special parking areas have been established for these two groups. Stinson owners who want to participate should contact the Stinson Owners Group at www.stinsonowners.org, while Short Wing Piper owners should contact the Short Wing Piper Club at www.shortwingpiperclub.org.

There are numerous other notable vintage aircraft gatherings at Oshkosh, including those held over from 2020. Owners should contact their type clubs (noted here if available) for additional Oshkosh information: Taylorcraft 2020 75th anniversary, Ercoupe 2020 80th anniversary, Aeronca Chief 2020 75th anniversary, Cessna 120/140 75th anniversary, Globe Swift 75th anniversary, Howard Aircraft, Cessna 195, Cessna 180/185, Twin Bonanzas, Comanche, Aircraft, Beech Staggerwings and North American/Ryan Navions 75th anniversary.

Due to limits on aircraft group parking areas at AirVenture, aircraft types may park together only if they arrive together. There is designated parking for past Oshkosh grand champion aircraft.

VAA officials also welcome a limited number of aircraft for its Affordable Aircraft area, which highlights how vintage aircraft provides a way into aviation ownership at an affordable price. Interested aircraft owners may contact VAA through that webpage.



REDTAIL FLIGHT ACADEMY PURCHASES TWO PILOT 100I AIRCRAFT AS PART OF MINORITY YOUTH AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM



Piper Aircraft has announced an order for two (2) Pilot 100i single-engine trainers from the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., inspired aviation scholarship program, the RedTail Flight Academy (RFA).

The RedTail Flight Academy, which began its legacy with the Major General Irene-Trowel Harris Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, will officially begin training students in September 2021. The Academy, with a mission of honouring the legacy of the original Tuskegee Airmen, will be based at New York Stewart International Airport, will train to a Part 141 curriculum and will start with six pilot scholarships, increasing to thirty students per year by 2026. Student training will take place over ten months and will result in a multi-engine commercial pilot license with instrument rating for candidates between the ages 18 and 21.

"Piper Aircraft is proud to be part of the launch of the RedTail Flight Academy", said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support. "The Piper Pilot 100i is the ideal initial trainer for this program as it offers the reliability and ruggedness of the PA-28, Garmin advanced avionics as well as acquisition and operating costs that will enable the RedTail Flight Academy to achieve their scholarship goals. We look forward to continuing to support the RedTail Flight Academy and their mission as they advance their training program and develop qualified commercial pilots for the aviation industry."

"Our vision is to create a state-of-the-art flight training academy that uses aviation as a developmental tool focusing on STEM, leadership development, and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen", said Glendon Fraser, Director, Lee A. Archer Jr., RedTail Youth Flying Program. "The addition of two Piper Pilot 100i aircraft is a key milestone as we work to achieve our vision and meet our goal of providing thirty commercial pilots per year with zero cost to deserving candidates. Additionally, providing a modern single-engine aircraft equipped with a glass cockpit affords our students a competitive advantage for flying in the contemporary world



AIRBUS DELIVERS THE 100TH A400M



Airbus has reached 100 A400M deliveries with MSN111, the tenth A400M for the Spanish Air Force. The aircraft performed its ferry flight on 24th May from Seville to Zaragoza, where the Spanish A400M fleet is based.

In the same week, the A400M global fleet also achieved the 100,000 flight-hours landmark performing missions worldwide for all eight customer nations. All A400M operators have been able to operate the aircraft intensively for Covid-19 emergency response missions, as well as conduct joint, collaborative operations.

These milestones clearly demonstrate the maturity of the A400M programme on all fronts.

Recently the A400M successfully conducted a major helicopter air-to-air refuelling certification flight test campaign in coordination with the DGA (French Directorate General of Armaments), completing the majority of its certification objectives, including the first simultaneous refuelling of two helicopters.

The A400M is already able to drop up to 116 paratroopers, via simultaneous dispatch from the side doors with automatic parachute opening, or from the ramp with automatic parachute opening or in freefall, day and night. Recent tests were completed in Spain, in collaboration with the UK Royal Air Force parachute test team, to expand up to 25,000 feet (7,600 metres) for automatic parachute opening - and up to 38,000ft (11,582 metres) for free fall.

The A400M also completed additional tests to expand its air drop capability, including multiple platforms with parachute extraction (23 tonnes). France and Spain participated in these flights. Another way to deliver cargo on austere airstrips without handling equipment was also certified: Combat offload of up to 19 tonnes of pallets (one pass) or 25 tonnes (two passes) on paved or unpaved airstrips.

The A400M also achieved a new decisive milestone after the certification flights of its Automatic Low Level Flight capability for Instrumental Meteorological Conditions (IMC). Using navigation systems and terrain databases, without the need of a terrain-following radar, this is a first for a military transport aircraft. This makes the aircraft less detectable in hostile areas and less susceptible to threats while conducting operations in hostile environments.

In terms of collaborative missions, the Spanish Air Force supported the French Armée de l´Air in the transport of a Caracal helicopter from Cazaux (France) to Tucson (USA), using a Spanish A400M. The flight was used by CLAEX (Spanish Logistics Centre for Armament and Experimentation) and CECTA (Air Transport Cargo Evaluation Cell) to validate the loading process on Spanish A400Ms.

Key military missions last year included the delivery of almost 40 tonnes of food, water, fuel and ammunition by a single French A400M to troops based in the Sahel region of Africa, the first A400M to airdrop supplies in a country outside of Europe.

In addition, Germany became the first A400M customer to use the A400M as a tanker in real missions providing support in the "Counter Daesh" operation in Jordan.



CROATIA SELECTS THE RAFALE



Croatia has selected the Rafale for its Air Force, following an international call for tenders as part of its Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. The contract between the French and Croatian authorities will cover the acquisition of 12 Rafale previously in service with the French Air Force, as well as fleet support and training.

Dassault Aviation and its partners are delighted with the choice of Croatia as a first-time user of a "Dassault aircraft" and the fifth Rafale export customer and thank the Croatian authorities for their confidence. They commend the work done by the "France" team in the frame of the call for tenders and actively support the French authorities in finalizing the signature of this contract.

This latest success in a competition between European and U.S. aircraft confirms the technological and operational superiority of the Rafale, latest-generation, combat proven, multirole fighter. It also reinforces the Rafale's position in the European Air Forces, making an active contribution to European defence sovereignty.



FIRST SUBARU BELL 412EPX HELICOPTER DELIVERED TO JAPAN'S NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY



Subaru Corporation is pleased to announce the delivery of its SUBARU BELL 412EPX helicopter to Japan's National Policy Agency. This marks the world's first delivery of the SUBARU BELL 412EPX, the latest upgrade of the renowned Bell 412 series jointly developed by Subaru and Bell, a Textron Inc. company.

The helicopter will be used by the Iwate Prefectural Police in its mission to serve the local community after pilot and maintenance training have been completed at Subaru's Aerospace Company's Utsunomiya Plant.

The SUBARU BELL 412EPX is designed to operate in demanding weather conditions and is built to support policing, firefighting, disaster prevention and response missions for countries around the world. The aircraft is used as the foundation design for the UH-2, the next generation utility helicopter for the Japan Ground Self Defence Force.

In addition to manufacturing and sales, Subaru will enhance its commitment to the SUBARU BELL 412EPX by providing aftermarket support such as parts supply and maintenance.



MD HELICOPTERS ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP



MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced the addition of new members to its leadership team, paving the way for further increased product expansion, growth, and delivery on customer expectations.

"The last year has been an exciting and transformative time for MD Helicopters. We have made significant changes to our leadership team, adding individuals with the skill, experience and power to lead us into the future alongside the rest of our leadership team," said Alan Carr, Sole Director of MDHI's board of directors. "We are already seeing the results from these actions as our deliveries build and processes improve, even in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's a new day for MD Helicopters."

Mario Coracides - Vice President, Supply Chain. In this position, he oversees the supply chain strategy with an eye toward improving productivity, reliability as well as supplier quality while gaining cost efficiencies and better preparing the company to succeed after the pandemic. He has held senior leadership roles for Pacific Architects and Engineers (PAE), Dresser-Rand, Finmeccanica S.p.a. and roles of increasing responsibility at Honeywell, United Technologies and General Electric.

Marc Brodeur - Vice President, Commercial and Military Sales. In this pivotal position, Brodeur is responsible for the leadership of the MDHI military and commercial sales and marketing team, developing new business opportunities and creating customized solutions aligned to customer requirements. An aviator and retired U.S. Army Colonel, Brodeur brings more than 20 years of experience in relationship building, global sales, business development in aerospace and defence industries to his new role.

Barry Sullivan - Chief Financial Officer. Sullivan manages the company's finance, accounting, tax, risk management, collection, legal and contracts and information technology departments. He plays a key role in progressing MDHI's financial and information technology systems to drive continuous improvement throughout the organization. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer for HDT Global, Ecotality, Diamondback Tactical, ProLink Holdings Corp and Robertson Fuel Systems.

Duncan Koerbel - Vice President, Program Management. In this newly created executive-level position, Koerbel oversees day-to-day activities of MDHI's program management department, building on existing processes and structure while driving program execution and accountability. His past positions include chief technology officer at Suzlon Wind Energy, vice president and general management roles at Fairchild Dornier, Lockheed Martin, Bombardier Aerospace and President of Adam Aircraft in Denver.

Rounding out the MDHI leadership team are: Cheryl Bazzell as Vice President, Global Human Resources; Nick Nenadovic as Vice President, Aftermarket and Customer Support; Chris Jaran as Chief Operating Officer; Ramon Moro as Vice President, Engineering; James Rodriguez as Vice President, Operations; Richard Caplette as Vice President, Quality; and Jeff Adamcik as Deputy General Counsel and Secretary.

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), is a leading rotorcraft manufacturer of American made commercial, military, law enforcement and air-rescue helicopters. The MDHI family of rotorcraft is world renowned for its value, versatility and performance. Commercial offerings include the MD 500E, MD 530F, MD 520N, MD 600N and twin-engine MD 902 Explorer. The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior and MD 530G Attack Helicopter comprise the company's high-performance military offerings. A key feature of the MD 902, MD 600N and MD 520N is the innovative NOTAR® system for anti-torque control with no tail rotor - exclusively by MDHI to provide safer, quieter performance and confined-area access capability.



AIRBUS PERFORMS FIRST FIVE-BLADED H145 RETROFIT OF DRF LUFTRETTUNG HELICOPTER



Airbus Helicopters, in cooperation with DRF Luftrettung, has performed the first retrofit of a four-bladed H145 into the new five-bladed version. The helicopter, an H145 of the German HEMS operator, was first delivered in 2018 and will be deployed at DRF's base in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany.

The upgrade to the five-bladed version can be performed by every Part145 maintenance organisation by following the associated service bulletin issued by Airbus Helicopters. It consists in exchanging the rotor system, updating the helicopter's Helionix avionics suite and installing a new horizontal stabilizer.

The innovative five-blade bearingless rotor increases the useful load and further enhances the mission capabilities of the aircraft, while eliminating rotor hub maintenance.



HONDA AIRCRAFT COMPANY UNVEILS THE HONDAJET ELITE S



Honda Aircraft Company revealed a new upgraded aircraft, the "HondaJet Elite S," at its first ever virtual product launch event themed "Innovation Continues: Elite S."

The HondaJet Elite S features several upgrades that expand operational capability and improve flight operation. With an increased maximum take-off weight of 200 lbs., customers can now fly up to 120 nm (138 mi) further at a higher payload, or take an additional passenger during their typical mission. Additionally, the new avionics features of FAA DataComm and ACARS replace traditional voice commands with text-based messaging to improve the clarity and efficiency of communications. Combined with the newly introduced Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS), the Elite S further reduces pilot workload and maximizes safety.

Taking the HondaJet's signature exterior profile to the next level, the HondaJet Elite S introduces new styling with exclusive paint schemes available in Gunmetal, Luxe Gold and Deep Sea Blue. These new colour options are topped off with a signature Elite S logo, with the bold red 'S' and further customization available depending on exterior colour selections.

While introducing the HondaJet Elite S, Honda Aircraft Company unveiled an Elite S with a special paint scheme, which represents the company's continued commitment to research and development of leading-edge technology to realize new possibilities and propose new value for business aviation.

"Since its introduction in 2018, the HondaJet Elite has achieved the best performance in its class while also being the most efficient and with the new Elite S, we take another step forward in expanding the aircraft's capability," said Honda Aircraft Company's President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. "As a result of the innovation, design and engineering on the new Elite S, we are once again setting a new standard in business aviation."

The HondaJet Elite S has inherited the aeronautical breakthroughs developed by Honda Aircraft Company, including the Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) fuselage nose and wing, composite fuselage and a highly customized avionics suite. The aircraft continues to be the most efficient, quietest, fastest, highest and farthest-flying in its class.

The aircraft is also powered by the GE Honda Aero Engines HF120. All of these advancements contribute to the aircraft's superior performance, unparalleled efficiency and maximized fuselage space, making the aircraft's cabin the largest in its class. The HondaJet Elite S cabin features a full service galley, a private lavatory with optional belted seat and an industry first Bongiovi sound system. The aircraft sets the standard in safety and human-machine interface technology with an ergonomically designed cockpit and highly customized Garmin® G3000 avionics suite.





AUSTRALIA


File photo. Not the incident aircraft.

The pilot who overflew his destination and was unresponsive to air traffic control calls for 40 minutes had fallen asleep due to fatigue likely exacerbated by mild hypoxia from the intermittent use of supplemental oxygen, a new ATSB investigation has found.

The pilot was conducting a ferry flight of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft from Cairns to Redcliffe, Australia on the afternoon of 2 July 2020. While cruising at 10,000 feet the pilot encountered unforecast icing conditions and poor visibility due to cloud and climbed to 11,000 feet and began using the aircraft's supplemental oxygen system intermittently. (Pilots are required to continuously use supplemental oxygen when flying unpressurised aircraft, such as the Caravan, when flying above 10,000 feet.)

When the aircraft was about 53 km west-north-west of Sunshine Coast Airport, air traffic control (ATC) unsuccessfully attempted to contact the pilot regarding their planned descent into Redcliffe, the investigation notes.

Following repeated calls to the pilot, ATC enlisted the assistance of pilots in nearby aircraft to contact the Caravan pilot, who was seen to overfly Redcliffe and track towards Brisbane.

The pilot of a Royal Flying Doctor Service Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft departing Brisbane was asked by ATC to intercept and contact the Caravan pilot, but their initial efforts were unsuccessful. The King Air pilot then dipped their wings and approached the Cessna in an attempt to trigger its traffic alert and collision system (TCAS), but the pilot remained unresponsive.

At 5:35 pm, after 40 minutes without contact and when the aircraft was about 111 km south-south-east of the intended destination, the pilot woke up and ATC communications were re-established. The pilot was then instructed to land at Gold Coast Airport, where the aircraft landed safely just after 6pm.

The ATSB found that the pilot was likely experiencing a level of fatigue due to inadequate sleep the night before and leading up to the incident. Further, operating at 11,000 feet with intermittent use of supplemental oxygen likely resulted in the pilot experiencing mild hypoxia. This likely exacerbated the pilot's existing fatigue and contributed to the pilot falling asleep.



South Africa, Polokwane Civil Aerodrome: A Kitplanes for Africa Bushbaby with the pilot on board was partially consumed by fire subsequent to impact with off-airport terrain shortly after take-off from Polokwane Civil Aerodrome. The pilot received serious burn injuries and was transported to hospital, but passed away the next day.

Kenya, Usenge village: A Bell 407 with 5 occupants including the previous Kenyan Prime Minister rolled over in a field on the premises of the Kudho Primary School within Usenge village, Kenya, during take-off. The helicopter had dropped off former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. All on board survived.



Libya, Benina AFB, Benghazi: A Libyan National Army (LNA) MiG-21 crashed while practising for a military parade after a technical malfunction. The pilot died in the crash.

USA, Oak Island, Northwest Angle, MN: Sunset Flying Service LLC de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Mk I with three occupants sustained substantial damage subsequent to an apparent geardown landing to the waters of Lake of the Woods near Sunset Lodge on Oak Island in Northwest Angle, Minnesota. Two of the three occupants onboard the floatplane received unspecified injuries.



USA, Frozen Creek, Breathitt County, KY: an experimentally built Van's RV-8, impacted open field terrain in the Frozen Creek community of Breathitt County, Vancleve, Kentucky. The airplane was destroyed by the post-crash fire and the sole pilot onboard was fatally injured.

Switzerland, near Melchsee-Frutt, Obwalden: A Swiss Air Force Northrop F-5E Tiger II of the Swiss Air Force "Patrouille Suisse" crashed under unknown circumstances near Melchsee-Frutt, Obwalden. The pilot ejected safely and the aircraft was destroyed.



USA, Denver International Airport, CO: A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8H4 suffered a bird strike on take-off from Denver, Colorado. One bird was ingested by an engine while one hit and damaged a landing light. The aircraft turned back and landed safely, 16 minutes after take-off.

USA, McDermott, Scioto County, OH: A Davlor Aircraft Leasing LLC experimental kit built Lancair Evolution with two occupants impacted heavily wooded terrain under unknown circumstances in McDermott, Scioto County, Ohio. Eyewitness reports suggest the airplane was either in a spin or "spiralling out of control" The airplane was destroyed by the ensuing post-crash fire and the two people onboard were fatally injured.



USA, near Loveland-Northern Colorado Regional Airport, CO: A St Croix Lightplanes LLC Pipistrel Alpha Trainer with two on board following a loss of engine power crash landed to open field terrain 12 miles northeast of Loveland-Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL/KFNL), Wellington, Colorado. The airplane came to the rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage and the two people onboard received unspecified injuries.

USA, Pearland Regional Airport, Houston, TX: A PZL-104 Wilga 35A with two occupants operated by Colonel Mustard Aviation LLC was destroyed in a landing accident at Pearland Regional Airport (KLVJ), Houston, Texas. One of the two occupants onboard was fatally injured while the second occupant survived with serious injuries.





26 MAY 1972



Cessna builds its 100,000th aircraft, the first company in the world to achieve this figure.

For much of the mid-to-late 20th century, Cessna was one of the highest-volume and most diverse producers of general aviation aircraft in the world. It was founded in 1927 and was purchased by General Dynamics in 1985, then by Textron, Inc., in 1992. In March 2014, when Textron purchased the Beechcraft and Hawker Aircraft corporations, Cessna ceased operations as a subsidiary company and joined the others as one of the three distinct brands produced by Textron Aviation.

Cessna Aircraft was formed when Clyde Cessna and Victor Roos became partners in the Cessna-Roos Aircraft Company in 1927. Roos resigned just one month into the partnership, selling back his interest to Cessna. Shortly afterward, Roos's name was dropped from the company name.

The Cessna DC-6, the companies first production model, earned certification on 29 October 1929, the same day as the stock market crash of 1929.



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