MIDWEEK UPDATE 30 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 take place under the rules controlling the number of people congregating together and are therefore not open to the general public.

30 JUNE - 3 JULY
Postponed to 18-21 August
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
Postponed
Lydenburg annual Fly-in Festival at Lydenburg airfield. Contact Coenraad De Beer Cell: 076 466 9999

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

9 - 11 JULY
Postponed until 8 to 10 October 2021
EAA Taildraggers at Warmbaths airfield. Contact Richard Nicholson Email: flybenchmark@gmail.com Cell: 082 490 6227

15 - 23 JULY
Cancelled for 2021
Sports Aerobatics Club Advanced World Aerobatics Czech Republic. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za



4 AUGUST
EAA Chapter 322 virtual monthly meeting and at Dickie Fritz. 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

18-21 AUGUST
Sport Aerobatics Club National Aerobatics Championships Phalaborwa Airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za or Natalie Stark natalie@stark.co.za

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







AIRCRAFT UV COVERS THE BEST POSSIBLE PROTECTION AGAINST THE HARMFUL UV RAYS OF THE SUN



The Team at Aircraft UV Covers strive to give our clients the best possible protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. A cover that gives you that peace of mind that when your aircraft is exposed to the elements, its protected and well looked after.

We take the time to custom make each and every cover to the finest detail. No matter the make or model, we cover them all. Our covers are lightweight and compact, perfect to fly with.

The benefit in owning an aircraft UV cover: Protects the interior of the aircraft from the harmful UV rays of the sun, keeps the windscreen from scratches and keeps the cockpit cool when out of the hanger or on a fly-away weekend.

Our services include: Custom UV dust covers, engine cowling plugs, windscreen sun shields, helicopter rotor and engine covers as well as full airplane dust covers.

To Place your order or ask for a quote visit our website at
www.aircraftuvcovers.co.za



BELL PARTICIPATES IN 67 BLANKETS INITIATIVE



Bell was proud to join MCC Aviation on June 9 in support of a special event in South Africa - the 67 Blankets initiative. During the occasion, Bell flew prominent media and attendees in the Bell 505 and 407, which provided spectacular views of the 2,754 blankets on display. Media influencers Rego and Modise Khoele attended the event and there was a special VIP ceremony hosted by event founder and philanthropist Carolyn Steyn. Thabo Mbeki, South Africa's former president, was the featured speaker.

The 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day began in December 2013, when Zelda la Grange, late former President Nelson Mandela's trusted personal assistant, presented Carolyn Steyn with a challenge: knit, sew or crochet 67 blankets. These blankets would then be distributed to the needy on Mandela Day. People all over the world came to Carolyn's aid in making the blankets and the initiative has grown significantly since its inception.

The 2021 event took place at the Steyn City school, located in the scenic Steyn City Parkland Residence in Johannesburg developed by Douw and Carolyn Steyn. The helicopters flown in were positioned on the school's soccer field, visible to all attendees and media. More than 100 students and other attendees from across the country gathered at the school and participated in the initiative, with the handmade blankets subsequently being distributed to the underprivileged to stay warm, as temperatures can dip as low as -2°C in some cities during South Africa's winter months.

Carolyn Steyn is a friend of Mike Barnes, owner of MCC Aviation and a loyal Bell customer for more than 40 years. Barnes flew her husband, Douw, in the Bell 407 so he could get an aerial view of the event.

"It was an absolute honour and privilege for Bell to be invited to partake in this auspicious event," said Lynette Loosen, Bell regional sales manager, Africa and the Middle East. "The atmosphere was humble and heart-warming with so many sponsors who raise awareness and give back to our communities and those less fortunate in South Africa. At Bell, we recognize that it is our responsibility to help communities and citizens in countries in which we operate, by building meaningful partnerships and trying to contribute in ways that go above and beyond what may be expected."

"We've been supporting Carolyn and this initiative for about five years now," said Mike Barnes, owner, MCC Aviation. One of my pilots learned about 67 Blankets during a radio interview with Carolyn. We contacted her, as we believed a helicopter was the natural necessity to film the blankets from above. It was a wonderful experience flying the Bell 407 for her first event and this started a great relationship with Carolyn and her team. We are proud to support this unique initiative every year."

The 2021 theme was "Stronger Together," emphasizing the unity and commitment of the people of South Africa in helping each other. This year, the blankets were laid out to represent the iconic South African 'Bok' and flag and the image was captured in a unique aerial view from the Bell 505 and 407 helicopters.

Bell is pleased to support our customers, such as MCC Aviation, in local events and national holidays that benefit local communities. We thank the team for including us and look forward to supporting these special events throughout the region.



AIRVENTURE 2021 TO DISPLAY MODERN MILITARY AIRPOWER



Oshkosh will play host to a powerful collection of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy military aircraft this summer during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, scheduled for July 26-August 1.

Aside from the Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft scheduled to attend AirVenture beginning on Thursday, July 29, a number of other miscellaneous military jets and helicopters will be traveling to Oshkosh to either fly in the daily air shows or to be placed on static display.

Among the aircraft you can expect to see in the air or on the ground this July: A-10s performing close air support demonstrations during the air show. F-16 Viper Demo Team performing during the air show. Desert Storm 30th anniversary aircraft (F-15C, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16; Apache, Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters) on static display. F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers on static display and performing in the Navy Legacy Flight. C-17 on static display. KC-135 on static display. Lockheed U-2 to perform flyover. Luftwaffe A400M on static display.

More details and announcements about specific aircraft scheduled to attend AirVenture 2021 will be made in the weeks leading up to the event. Scheduled aircraft may change without notice.



RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2021 PERFORMERS



The STIHL National Championship Air Races are returning with an airshow line-up which is sure to impress. To complement the excitement of head-to-head air racing the Reno Air Racing Association has announced this year's performers as well as the return of their title sponsor, STIHL Inc.

"We are excited to see live racing again and proud to return as the title sponsor," said Roger Phelps, corporate communications manager of STIHL Inc. "There is no other event like this in the world and we know that loyal fans and air racing enthusiasts around the world look forward to the return of the fastest motorsport on earth."

STIHL, the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America*, is known for power, precision and quality of engineering. They have has served as title sponsor since 2016.

The races will return September 15-19 with seven racing classes and a full slate of air show performers. Here's what to expect:

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds - Sept. 18 & 19
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are an official air demonstration squadron proudly serving our country and providing air shows across the world. The American Airmen have an hour-long demonstration showcasing excellence and celebrating American patriotism. As the jets take to the skies and fly only a few feet from wingtip to wingtip, spectators will get a glimpse of the awesome skills and capabilities that all fighter pilots must possess. Attendees on Friday, Sept. 17 will also be treated to a full 40-minute practice show.

F-22 Raptor Demonstration - Sept. 16-19
The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs precision aerial manoeuvres at air shows across the world to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world's premier 5th generation fighter aircraft. The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team is stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. The team has 19 total members to include public affairs and aircrew flight equipment technicians.

Tucker's Air Patrol - Sept. 16-19
Eric Tucker's aviation performance is a throwback to the glory days of barnstorming. His aircraft was built in 1941 and designed in the late twenties. Eric Tucker has flown in air shows across the world, in aircraft ranging from the J3 Cub to the Columbia 400. He will be performing two distinct acts. The first is an eight-minute Dead Stick Aerobatics Act, where he will intentionally halt the engine from a mile high in the sky, stop the propeller and glide safely to the ground. While soaring through the air to the roar of the crowd, he will also perform loops, rolls, spins and hammerheads. The second act is a 15-minute Comedy Act and Car-Top Landing, spectators will have to see to believe.

Jim Peitz Aerosports - Sept. 16-19
Peitz will demonstrate the incredible capabilities of his specialized Bonanza with a wide range of aerobatic manoeuvres including loops, point rolls, barrel rolls, snap rolls, Cuban eights and hammerheads. Peitz has performed in a wide variety of airshow
aircraft including eight years in a Christen Eagle, followed by a 14-year run in an Extra 300L and now the F33C Beechcraft Bonanza for over 10 years. He is the recipient of the most prestigious award in the airshow industry, the International Council of Airshows Sword of Excellence.

Tony Higa Airshows - Sept. 16-19
Tony Higa is no stranger to the Reno Air Races as he's been competing since 2003. This year he'll be racing around the pylons as well as giving air race spectators a show of his aerobatic talents. In 2016 Higa made his airshow debut and is credentialed as an aerobatic pilot in a North American T6 Texan, SNJ and Harvard. Born and raised in Okinawa, Japan, Higa's first trip to the U.S. was to watch the STIHL National Championship Air Races in person. Just four years later he made the move to the U.S. to pursue his dream of racing, becoming an aerobatic airshow pilot and to build his dream airplane which he is now flying today.



BOEING TO BOOST UK ROYAL AIR FORCE CHINOOK FLEET



U.S. Special Operations Command awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a $578 million Foreign Military Sales contract approved by the U.S. Department of State to deliver 14 extended-range Chinook helicopters to the UK Royal Air Force (RAF).

The extended range Chinook gives the RAF fleet more versatility to execute the domestic and international heavy-lift missions that only the Chinook can facilitate.

"These Chinooks are the future of heavy-lift, built on an existing foundation of advanced capability and life cycle affordability," said Andy Builta, Boeing vice president and H-47 program manager. "This contract for Block II aircraft sets the stage for the next 60 years of Chinook excellence on the battlefield."

Boeing and the RAF recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first Chinook delivery to the UK. Boeing will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Chinook's first flight later this year.

The United Kingdom will be the first international operator of a Block II Chinook. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2026.

Boeing has more than 4,600 employees in Pennsylvania supporting the Chinook, the V-22 Osprey, the MH-139A Grey Wolf and a number of services and engineering efforts. Including suppliers and vendors, Boeing's activities support an estimated 16,000 jobs in Pennsylvania.

The Chinook fleet for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports more than 450 highly skilled jobs across the UK. Boeing colleagues provide maintenance and services support at Gosport, MOD Boscombe Down and are embedded alongside the military at RAF Odiham.



FOLLOWING HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT AND FLIGHT TEST PROGRAM BELL V-280 VALOR FOCUSES ON FLRAA COMPETITION



Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company is advancing Bell's flight-proven V-280 Valor program to meet requirements for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program of record. The competition is expected to begin with the army releasing a Request for Proposals this summer. The optimized design for a fleet of next-generation tiltrotors builds on the exemplary flight-test results and programmatic execution during the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR TD) program and Competitive Demonstration and Risk Reduction (CD&RR) efforts.

Bell and Team Valor are transitioning focus to the critical next phase of the competition supporting Army Modernization. The V-280 Valor marked the completion of its three-year flight-test program with a series of demonstrations to highlight its revolutionary performance during more than 214 hours of flight. The V-280 completed all planned Key Performance Parameters including low-speed agility, long-range cruise, 305 knot high-speed flights and rapid mission systems integration during this thorough test period. Five Army Experimental Test Pilots have flown the V-280 over 15 sorties. Additionally, Bell hosted "Soldier Touchpoint" events enabling critical feedback from pilots, mechanics and infantry squads for the Army program office to inform their requirements. This feedback provided critical data that decreased risk and rapidly advanced the maturation of technology for a FLRAA weapons system to meet war fighters Joint All-Domain Operational requirements.

"The FLRAA challenge presented by the U.S. Army was unattainable using helicopter configurations. They have been clear about the need to modernize and field transformational capabilities. We assessed several vertical lift technologies and determined the tiltrotor to be the only solution to the agility, range and speed requirements of a Long-Range Assault Aircraft that can meet the cost, timeline as well as the risk profile required for a successful acquisition program. Bell and our Team Valor teammates could not be prouder of the V-280's record of performance in close collaboration with the U.S. Army throughout the JMR TD and CD&RR to date," said Keith Flail, executive vice president, Advanced Vertical Lift Systems at Bell. "Our team is committed to providing the army the highest performance and flight-proven option to move into the FLRAA program of record."

In addition to flight-testing, Bell and Team Valor delivered extensive data explaining how the program will deliver an affordable program by developing a weapons system built with efficiency in mind. The V-280 incorporates a Modular Open Systems Approach and relies on simplified and inherently reliable designs to increase lifecycle affordability and sustainment using a holistic view of digital models, processing and analysis to improve operations and maintenance.

"We have come a long way since we started our journey eight years ago. We made commitments, we safely executed our program on time and we validated our performance claims and the accuracy of our digital models through flight demonstrations. Ultimately, the army doesn't send war fighters into battle riding in the back of digital models and so we thought it was important to bring that physical proof," said Ryan Ehinger, vice president and program director, FLRAA at Bell. "This next-generation aircraft technology provides a proven foundation, the 'truck', for the employment of our open architecture digital backbone to provide maximum flexibility for the army to sustain their mission systems in a way that makes sense for them. It also empowers them to ensure their long-term interoperability in future Joint All-Domain Operations."

As the FLRAA competition moves towards a program of record, Bell will continue CD&RR Phase II efforts to provide initial preliminary designs for major subsystems and the conceptual weapons system, based on data-proven performance that ensures transformational capabilities will be delivered in line with the Army's schedule.



U.S. ARMY SPECIAL-MISSIONS EQUIPPED BEECHCRAFT KING AIR 300 SURPASSES 50,000 FLIGHT HOURS



Textron Aviation celebrates its leadership of the twin-engine turboprop segment by announcing a Beechcraft King Air 300, delivered in 1987 and in service in the U.S. Army fleet of aircraft since 2009, has surpassed a significant 50,000 flight hours milestone.

The Beechcraft King Air is the world leader in twin-turboprop special mission operations because of the aircraft's unmatched capabilities, ruggedness and reliability.

Bob Gibbs, Vice President of Special Mission Sales & Strategy. "The Beechcraft King Air is the world leader in twin-turboprop special mission operations because of the aircraft's unmatched capabilities, ruggedness and reliability," said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales and Strategy for Textron Aviation. "On behalf of our Textron Aviation employees who proudly sell, build, deliver and support the U.S. Army's Beechcraft King Air fleet, it is our distinct privilege to congratulate them on this momentous milestone."

The milestone King Air 300 is one of a larger fleet of Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (MARSS) aircraft. MARSS aircraft are quick reaction capability assets supporting the U.S. Army's requirement for aerial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. MARSS delivers imagery and signals intelligence data directly to the warfighter.

An aircraft that was able to reach 50,000 flight hours, with more than 30,000 hours in mostly austere environments, deserves recognition as do the soldiers who flew and maintained the aircraft, and those who stood at the ready to support its missions through parts replacement, repairs and other requirements.




ASTRONAUT JOE ENGLE ARCHIVE COLLECTION EXHIBIT OPENS JUNE 4 AT EAA AVIATION MUSEUM



The personal archives and memorabilia of astronaut Joe Engle, the only person to participate in the X-15, Apollo and space shuttle programs, will go on display at the EAA Aviation Museum on June 4, after Joe and Jeanie Engle donated the collection to the EAA Aviation Foundation in 2020.

The Engles will participate in a brief dedication and ribbon cutting for the display, adjacent to The Borman Collection on the museum's main level, honouring Gemini and Apollo astronaut Frank Borman. It further exemplifies the connection between aviation and the pioneers of spaceflight, who came from the nation's corps of top test pilots and aviators.

"The personal archives donated to EAA by Joe and Jeanie Engle are especially important because of the breadth of experiences they had in the programs that stretched the boundaries of flight," said Ron Connolly, director of the EAA Aviation Museum. "Joe's X-15 experience in the 1960s took us to the edge of space, followed by his experience training in the Apollo program and his leadership in the testing and early missions of the space shuttle that helped create the ongoing manned space efforts that continue today."

Joe Engle is a member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, having been inducted into both in 2001. His personal archives coming to EAA include memorabilia from his careers in NASA as well as the U.S. Air Force, where he participated in both the USAF Test Pilot School and the Aerospace Research Pilot School. Engle was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1966 and served as support crew and capcom for Apollo 10 and backup lunar module pilot and capcom for Apollo 14.

Engle later commanded space shuttle approach and test flights in 1977 and served as commander of the second space shuttle flight, STS-2, in 1981 and the STS-51I shuttle flight of the shuttle Discovery in 1985.

Jeanie Engle has an impressive NASA career as well, having served as the Johnson Space Centre's Chief Knowledge Officer for eight of her more than 30 years there. She also served as Johnson Space Centre's Chief Information Officer and Deputy IT Security Manager during her career.



VOLTAERO SIGNS AIRWAYS AVIATION AS ITS FRENCH LAUNCH CUSTOMER FOR THE CASSIO FAMILY OF HYBRID-ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT



An agreement signed positions Airways Aviation as the candidate launch customer in France for VoltAero's family of Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft, to be deployed for regional mobility and in pilot training.

Based on this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), VoltAero will collaborate with Airways Aviation on defining the utilization of Cassio aircraft in their four-, six- and 10-seat versions (the Cassio 330, Cassio 480 and Cassio 600, respectively) to develop scheduled and on-demand air transport services in Southern France.

Signing the collaborative Memorandum of Understanding at Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport were Capt. Mauro Calvano, the President of Airways Aviation (at left) and Jean Botti, VoltAero's CEO and Chief Technical Officer (center). Joining them was Marina Evans, the General Director of VoltAero.

Additionally, Airways Aviation is to explore Cassio's use in the company's own world-class pilot training courses - including the development of a flight simulator, as well as evolving innovative training and courses related to hybrid-electric technologies in aviation - covering such subject matter as airports and infrastructure.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Jean Botti, VoltAero's CEO and Chief Technical Officer; and Capt. Mauro Calvano, the President of Airways Aviation, during an event at Airways Aviation's Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport headquarters.

This event, which was themed: "For a Quieter and Cleaner Sky," also included the presence of VoltAero's Cassio 1 hybrid-electric demonstrator aircraft, which performed a local flight to highlight its performance capabilities and low noise level. Cassio 1 was made available for inspection by invited local and regional officials, as well as by pilots currently in Airways Aviation's training.

"Airways Aviation is the perfect partner for VoltAero, as this company's dual expertise in pilot training and aircraft operations will enable us to jointly pursue a shared vision for the future of hybrid-electric aircraft," Botti said.

With 30-plus years of expertise, Airways Aviation's business activity includes the Airways Aviation Academy - a leading global aviation school for the training of pilots, cabin crews and ground-based workers at locations in France and Australia. In 2019, Airways Aviation Group acquired the renowned French aviation education and training organization, ESMA (Ecole Supérieure des Métiers de l'Aéronautique), which is the largest and most important privately- owned multidisciplinary aviation school in Europe.

To date, Airways Aviation and ESMA have graduated a combined total of more than 33,000 pilots, cabin crew members, aircraft maintenance engineers and ground handling personnel.

Capt. Calvano added: "We all are very excited about the collaboration. Our mission at Airways Aviation is to train, educate and shape a new generation of industry professionals, and we do it in a socially responsible manner - so this is a natural partnership with VoltAero. As we believe VoltAero's Cassio will be a game changer, we also are looking at the potential for air taxi operations with the aircraft in beautiful Southern France and the Mediterranean area."

VoltAero is advancing the Cassio family's design phase, benefitting from the validation of its hybrid-electric powertrain through flight trials with the company's Cassio 1 demonstrator aircraft. The first Cassio version to be produced is the four-seat Cassio 330, with a combined hybrid-electric power of 330 kilowatts. Cassio 330 deliveries are targeted beginning in 2023, to be followed by the Cassio 480 and Cassio 600, utilizing hybrid-electric propulsion rated at 480 and 600 kilowatts, respectively.



VOLOCOPTER FLIES AT PARIS AIR FORUM



The pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), Volocopter, flew their Volocopter 2X electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Le Bourget Airfield during the Paris Air Forum. With both, the flight demonstration of their Volocopter 2X and the VoloCity model onsite, the German UAM developer demonstrated the progress they are making to introduce eVTOL aircraft as an addition to existing transportation in the Paris region.

The 3-minute remote controlled flight was the first public flight demonstration of an electrically powered air taxi in France. It gave the public a real-life experience of what an air taxi looks and sounds like in operations. Attendees watched as the Volocopter 2X flew a 500 m route at speeds up to 30 km/h and 30 m high along the Le Bourget Airfield. This flight marks the beginning of a multi-step test and market development campaign in cooperation with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC - Direction générale de l'aviation civile) to safely bring electric air taxis to the Île-de-France region. Attendees could sit inside the VoloCity model for a first-hand experience and detailed explanation of the benefits of electric air taxi services.

"The first flight in Paris highlights Volocopter's commitment to bring air taxi services to this region in time for the 2024 Olympic Games," says Florian Reuter, Volocopter CEO. "The alliance of the Paris region, Groupe ADP, and RATP Groupe and their intent to bring electric air taxis to France is a stellar example of the collaborative approach we see to be the most successful for adding this exciting category of mobility to cities globally."

Florian Reuter - CEO, Volocopter: "The first flight in Paris highlights Volocopter's commitment to bring air taxi services to this region in time for the 2024 Olympic Games. The alliance of the Paris region, Groupe ADP, the RATP Groupe and their intent to bring electric air taxis to France is a stellar example of the collaborative approach we see to be the most successful for adding this exciting category of mobility to cities globally."

Volocopter was announced as the first vehicle and operations partner for the launch of the urban air mobility industrial branch in Paris in September 2020. Now the company is planning to open a local office and is recruiting staff and expanding local partnerships to ensure the new UAM solutions meet local demands. Volocopter is also working on an agreement with Groupe ADP and RATP Groupe to collaborate for the 2024 Olympics to enhance regional connectivity in a meaningful way and showcase the benefits and key attributes of urban air mobility.

Edward Arkwright - Deputy CEO, Groupe ADP: "We were as close as never before in France to experience electric aviation. Volocopter is a vivid example of what the futures of aviation could look like, both carbon-free and innovative, that Groupe ADP wants to accompany thanks to our infrastructure assets, expertise, and know-how. Along with the other partners of the RE.Invent Air Mobility initiative, Volocopter is now ready to enter a first test flight campaign by September on the Pontoise airfield sandbox we have been building up in the past months. And we are thrilled to be partnering with them, RATP Group and DGAC towards our objective of flight demonstrations in the Paris Region during the 2024 Olympic Games, to lay the foundation of a strong UAM industrial ecosystem in France."





On July 29, 2006, a de Havilland DHC-6-100, N203E, registered to Adventure Aviation, LLC, and operated by Skydive Quantum Leap as a local parachute operation flight, crashed into trees and terrain after take-off from Sullivan Regional Airport, near Sullivan, Missouri. The pilot and five parachutists were killed and two parachutists were seriously injured.
The flight was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. Witnesses at the airport reported (and photographic evidence showed) that, shortly after the airplane lifted off from the runway, flames emitted from the airplane's right engine. Witnesses reported that the airplane continued to fly low above the treetops before turning right and diving nose first into the ground.
According to photographic evidence provided by a witness, the pilot taxied the airplane onto runway 24 from the intersecting taxiway, which is about 1,700 feet from the runway's west end, and began a take-off roll to the west from that location, rather than using the runway's entire 4,500-foot length. Photographic evidence depicting the airport windsock shows that the airplane departed into a moderate headwind. Witnesses at the airport reported seeing the airplane take off and climb to about treetop height. Several witnesses reported hearing a "poof" or "bang" noise and seeing flames and smoke coming from the right engine.
One witness reported that, after the noise and the emergence of flames, the right propeller was "just barely turning." Photographic evidence shows that, at one point after the flames occurred, the airplane was about one wingspan (about 65 feet) above the runway. One witness estimated that the airplane climbed to about 150 feet.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause of this accident was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of power in the right engine due to the fracturing of compressor turbine blades for undetermined reasons. Contributing to some parachutists' injuries was the lack of a more effective restraint system on the airplane.



Kenya, Ol Tepesi area, Ngong, Kajiado County: A Kenya Air Force (KAF) Mil Mi-171E with 23 occupants is said to have crashed in Ol Tepesi area, Ngong, Kajiado County during a training mission. The helicopter was destroyed by fire. According to an official report ten occupants died in the crash and thirteen occupants who were seriously injured, were rescued.

Ethiopia, near Gijet: An Ethiopian Air Force Lockheed L-100-30 Hercules has been destroyed in an accident near Gijet, Ethiopia. Unconfirmed reports suggest the aircraft was downed by the Tigray Défense Forces (TDF) during the armed conflict known as the Tigray War that started in November 2020 between Ethiopia and the Tigray Region.



Netherlands, West of Teuge Airport: Skydive Teuge Cessna 208B Supervan 900 with 18 on board sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in a field 2 km west of Teuge Airport, the Netherlands, next to the A50 motorway. The engine had lost power shortly after take-off from Teuge Airport. There were no fatalities.

Russia, near Tanay Airfield: A Let L-410UVP-E with two crew and 17 skydivers on board was destroyed in an accident after take-off from Tanay Airfield, Kemerovo Region, Russia. The aircraft was operating the fourth flight of the day, carrying skydivers. Preliminary information suggests the no.2 engine failed shortly after take-off. The aircraft impacted a field when the pilot attempted to turn back. The crew and two skydivers perished.



USA, near Mercer, Madison County, TN: A Cirrus SR22T GTS X operated by Skylane Partners LLC with only the pilot on board clipped treetops and crashed in a soybean field near Mercer, Madison County, Tennessee. The sole pilot onboard was fatally injured.

Germany, Stauffenbühl Airfield, Eschwege: A Grob G103C Twin III Acro glider operated by Eschweger Luftsportverein eV with two occupants was destroyed when upon landing, a pilot lost control. Both pilot and passenger died in the crash.



USA, Pacific Ocean, offshore Maili Point, Oahu, HI: A Yakovlev Yak-52 operated by Affordable Casket Outlet LLC with the pilot on board following a loss of engine power, the aircraft sustained substantial damage from the ensuing ditching to the waters of the Pacific Ocean, offshore Maili Point, on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The pilot was not injured.

Sweden, Härjeåsjön flygfält, Härjedalen: A husband who had given his wife a flight tour in a Phoenix Air U15 motorised glider as a gift was on the ground filming when the aircraft landed at an airstrip located near Härjeåsjön, Härjedalen. He was standing too close to the airstrip and was hit by the wing and was seriously injured.



Belize, Monkey River area: An Aero Commander 500 that landed in a mangrove forest in the Monkey River area was apparently transporting drugs. Upon arrival of Belizean law enforcement officers, the drugs had already been offloaded.

USA, east of Logan-Cache Airport, Logan, UT: A kit built Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey LSX with only the pilot on board sustained substantial damage subsequent to the impact with an unoccupied residential structure in North Logan. The sole pilot onboard the airplane received fatal injuries.

USA, Rogers Field Airport, Chester, CA: A Zenair CH 701 with only the pilot on board, sustained substantial damage subsequent to the ensuing forced landing to open field terrain in Plumas County northeast of Rogers Field Airport (O05), Chester, California following a loss of engine power. The sole pilot onboard the tailwheel equipped airplane was not injured.





7 JULY 1950



First Farnborough airshow held.

The Farnborough Airshow, officially the Farnborough International Airshow, is a trade exhibition for the aerospace and defence industries, where civilian and military aircraft are demonstrated to potential customers and investors. Farnborough has seen the debut of many famous planes, including the Vickers VC10, Concorde, the Eurofighter, the Airbus A380 and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. At the 1958 show, the RAF's Black Arrows executed a 22-plane formation loop, setting a world record.

In 1952, the futuristic Avro Vulcan delta bomber was displayed a few days after its first flight, along with the giant Saunders-Roe Princess double-decker flying boat powered by ten Proteus turboprops, one month after its maiden flight, but a de Havilland 110 disintegrated and crashed into the spectator area, killing 29 and its two crew. In 1958, the Fairey Rotodyne was the star attraction, with its "tip-jet" powered rotors, transitioning from a helicopter vertical take-off and hover to autogiro flight, exceeding helicopter speeds

The international trade show is put together every two years by FIL Farnborough International Ltd. and runs for five days. Formerly, the show ran for a full week with trade visitors attending on the first five days and the weekend reserved for the general public. Programming takes place at the Farnborough Airfield, which lies roughly 50 kilometres south-west of London.



PLEASE GO TO
www.youtube.com/channel/UCCuRVZAGodT6sztTeXBGeMw
and subscribe to our YouTube channel




Midweek Update







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.