MIDWEEK UPDATE 13 OCTOBER 2021 Google Banner Ad    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. 16 OCTOBER Krugersdorp Flying Club Spot Landing and Airfield Festival. It is that time of the year again: Join us on 16 October from 07h00 for a fun-filled day at the Jack Taylor Airfield in Krugersdorp. It is the annual Spot Landing and Airfield Festival. There will be food stalls, raffles, Heli flips and the highlight being a visit from the Puma Flying Lions. For more detail, please Whatsapp or e-mail 0835778894 or kfc@iafrica.com 23 OCTOBER Panorama breakfast Fly-In. Contact Alan Stewart E-mail: info@jhbflying.co.za 30 OCTOBER Lydenburg Annual Fly-In Festival. food stalls, heli flights, 3 Live shows and more. Contact Coenraad de Beer 076 466 9999 30 OCTOBER SAA Museum Society presents Breast Cancer awareness day. For more information contact Margeret Cell: 082 336 9600 30 OCTOBER Open day at Henley Air Rand Airport. Contact Andre Coetzee E-mail: andre@henleyair.co.za Tel: +27 (0)11 827 5503  3 NOVEMBER EAA Chapter 322 monthly virtual meeting via Zoom. Contact Neil 084 674 5674 or E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net 5 NOVEMBER Children's Flight at Orient airfield. For more information contact Felix Gosher felixgosher@gmail.com 6 NOVEMBER 5 TO 7 NOVEMBER EAA Sun 'n Fun at Brits airfield. Contact Neil Bowden 084 674 5674 or E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net 13 NOVEMBER SAPFA SA Landing Championships at Brits Airfield. For more information contact Ron Stirk E-mail: melron@mweb.co.za Cell: 082 445 0373 20 NOVEMBER Jack Taylor Airfield Krugersdorp Fly-In. For more detail, please Whatsapp or e-mail 0835778894 or kfc@iafrica.com 27 NOVEMBER SAPFA Springs Speed Rally at Springs Airfield. Contact Dawid Cell: 073 338 5200 david@pilotinsure.co.za 27 NOVEMBER Sports Aerobatics Club Western Cape regionals at Stellenbosch airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za  1 DECEMBER EAA Chapter 322 monthly virtual meeting via Zoom. Contact Neil Bowden084 674 5674 or E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net 4 DECEMBER CANCELLED Aero Club of South Africa annual awards venue TBA. For more information contact Rob Jonkers E-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za Cell: 082 804 7032 4 & 5 DECEMBER Sports Aerobatics Club ACE of Base Baragwaneth Airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za   SAAF STILL NOT MEETING FLYING HOUR TARGETS Written by defenceWeb  The number of hours SA Air Force (SAAF) platforms spent aloft during the 2020/21 financial year was just over 13 700 - 80% of the 17 100 set as the target. In the previous financial year, the airborne arm of the national defence force also failed to reach the 17 200 targeted flying hours set. Hours flown in that year were better, at 16 232 - 94.4% of target - than reported in the latest Department of Defence (DoD) annual report. As is customary, the annual report does not provide any detail on which types recorded which hours, only allocating hours to force preparation and employment as well as VVIP transport. For the 2020/21 financial year, 10 488 hours were logged in force preparation, 2 914 in force employment and just short of 324 hours transporting VVIPs including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials. 21 Squadron based at Air Force Base Waterkloof is the SAAF's VVIP and VIP transport squadron using Inkwazi, the Presidential Boeing 737-7ED (ZS-RSA), along with a Falcon 50 (ZS-CAS) and 900B (ZS-NAN). Helicopter squadrons flying Oryx, from time to time, move VIPs to areas without landing and take-off facilities for fixed wing aircraft. The latest VVIP hours figure is a massive 584 less than that logged in the 2019/20 financial year. Partial explanation for not meeting targeted air hours comes in notes from the report. These have it "the number of hours flown are dependent on the number of serviceable aircraft and operational taskings received" and "delivery of spares was affected by COVID-19 restrictions which had an adverse impact on maintenance and serviceability of aircraft". There is no indication of the hours logged by SAAF Rooivalk and Oryx helicopters in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where these assets form the combined helicopter unit (CHU) of MONUSCO. Internally, SAAF fixed and rotary-winged assets provided medical evacuation services in KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape; delivered medical equipment and supplies to the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape and assisted in firefighting actions in Western Cape as well as distributing disaster relief in Northern Cape. According to the report, search and rescue assistance was "rendered" on eight occasions in hoisting and medical evacuation of sailors from ships in South African territorial waters off KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern and Western Cape. Assistance was given to the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre during the search for a missing aircraft in the Welkom area of the Free State and to the Mountain Rescue Club of SA in the medical evacuation of an injured hiker from the Magaliesberg in North West.  AIRVENTURE MOMENTUM PUSHES BEARHAWK KIT BACKLOG BEYOND 2022 Bearhawk Aircraft participated in this year's EAA AirVenture Fly-In in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Exhibiting in the experimental aircraft area were Mark Goldberg, manufacturer of Bearhawk kits, and numerous members of the Bearhawk community, plus aircraft on display including the Model 5, its largest that can accommodate engines up to 315 horsepower. According to Goldberg, "Oshkosh 2021 was very busy for us. The crowd was undoubtedly attracted to the Model 5 sitting on 31-inch Alaskan Bushwheels at the front of our booth. We had tons of interest in all our models and the most sales ever at the show this year." Two informative events held during and post-show AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 were presentations given by Goldberg relating the backstory of Bearhawk Aircraft and describing the various models that have evolved from his collaborations with Bob Barrows, designer/engineer of the rugged line of Bearhawk aircraft. The first was a "Homebuilts in Review" session, held mid-week during AirVenture and hosted by Joe Waltz of EAA's elite Homebuilt Aircraft Council. The presentation featured the Bearhawk Model 5 in situ and an interview with Goldberg. Waltz led an informative interview drawing upon his experience as an aircraft builder and advisor as well as in careers as both an Air Force and airline pilot. The Bearhawk Aircraft Presentation at Oshkosh 2021 can be seen at https://youtu.be/hmOAEQkyZlw. The second presentation was EAA's weekly webinar series held on September 8, 2021. In the program, Mark Goldberg discussed the current five aircraft offerings, responding to listener and moderator questions. The two Bearhawk presentations offer a glance at what makes the aircraft appealing to pilots and builders. Sturdily built, Bearhawk aircraft deliver a broad performance envelope optimizing both speed and short-field operations. In addition, their unique load carrying abilities make them suitable for both cross-country and backcountry travel. The archived webinar can be seen at https://www.eaa.org/videos/6271502678001. Goldberg has been involved with Bearhawk for more than 20 years. He built his first Bearhawk, a 4-Place model, at the launch of his kit manufacturing business. Previously Goldberg was flying a RV-8 he had built, but felt the need for an aircraft he could fly more safely into unpaved strips. Goldberg attributes first becoming aware of the Bearhawk design to a Sport Aviation Magazine article from 1995, at which time the only aircraft examples flying had been built from plans-a time-intensive process. Today, Bearhawk quick-build kits can be completed in around 1,000 hours. Around 200 are currently flying. Visitors at AirVenture often ask, "Why is the Bearhawk better?" The cool and casual response from both Goldberg and Barrows usually starts with a modest description of the Bearhawk's technical prowess. For starters, Bearhawk wings form a constant airfoil with aluminum skin and flush rivets; a smooth surface translates to aerodynamic efficiency. This contrasts with fabric covered wings forming scallops between structural members. Barrows worked with Harry Riblett on the design of the self-named, 10% thicker (roughly one-inch taller) airfoil now used on all Bearhawk aircraft. The product of their efforts was an optimized wing with 1-2 knot slower stall speeds and up to 5 mph gain in cruise speed. Also remarkable is that each Bearhawk model is designed to Utility category strength at full gross weight. Barrows places this, along with weight savings, at the top of his design criteria. More highlights are revealed in a 17+ minute YouTube interview, Bearhawk - Bob Barrows' Approach to Airplane Design.  SONEX HIGH WING: NEW VIDEO INTERVIEW A new video has just been released by the Left Seat Adventures YouTube channel featuring an interview with High Wing lead designer and Sonex General Manager Mark Schaible. Learn more about the new Sonex Aircraft High Wing designs from Mark in this interview and stay tuned for more to come as we progress with the design process.  TEXTRON AVIATION RECEIVES ORDER FOR 20 CESSNA SKYHAWK AIRCRAFT TO PROMOTE THE GROWING NEED FOR PILOT TRAINING IN CHINA  Textron Aviation has announced that Sichuan Longhao Flight Training Co., Ltd. (Longhao Flight Training School) in China, has signed a purchase agreement for 20 Cessna Skyhawk piston aircraft. The aircraft, which are expected to be delivered throughout 2022, will be utilized for primary pilot training in southwest and central China, further expanding and enhancing Longhoa's training efforts. China continues to experience a growing number of licensed pilots in recent years following the General Office of the State Council's efforts to accelerate the training and development of pilots. "With a long-standing relationship with Longhao, this order demonstrates its support and confidence in Textron Aviation and our products," said Mike Shih, vice president of Sales and Strategy in China, Textron Aviation. "We are pleased to be part of the efforts in China to cultivate new generations of pilots and promote the common development of aviation under the current 14th Five-Year Plan. Flight schools in the region continue to leverage the unique strengths and capabilities of the Cessna Skyhawk to support the need of pilots in China." The school currently utilizes 14 Skyhawk aircraft and three flight simulators for pilot training, as well as a Cessna Citation M2 as an advanced training aircraft. The Cessna Skyhawk is the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history. Since the aircraft first took to the sky in 1955, more than 45,000 Skyhawks have been delivered to customers around the world - more than any other aircraft in the industry and solidifying the Skyhawk as the aircraft of choice for pilot training. The single-engine four-seat high-wing aircraft is renowned for offering the best combination of modern features, including the leading Garmin G1000 NXi avionics system with wireless connectivity, a standard angle-of-attack display system and proven dependability.  Leveraging the heritage of an iconic name embedded in the helicopter industry community and a symbol of commitment to stay at the forefront of innovation, Agusta is a unique combination of best-in-class performance, comfort and refined Italian style. Leonardo is committed to providing operators now and into the future unmatched tailored-made solutions. New solutions will entail all new dedicated operational and customer services and information, aircraft interior and layout configurations and bespoke possibilities in the VIP transport sector. Gian Piero Cutillo, Leonardo Helicopters MD, said: "With Agusta, we give our VIP operators a strong brand that they can easily recognise and identify with, a sign that embodies their desire for excellence and quality with a personal touch and distinction, which includes their flight experience. We want them to be themselves before take-off, during flight and upon arrival at their destination, setting them apart from others. The strength and recognition of the Agusta brand legacy still continues to live on in this particular market segment." Since the arrival of the popular and iconic A109 fifty years ago, 'speed and elegance' have been clear examples of recurring words from operators to define a helicopter and an experience. The significant growth and evolution of the highly successful range of solutions across all civil and public service applications over the last decades led 'Agusta' to become synonymous with those characteristics of outstanding performance, aerodynamics, advanced technology and high customisation levels. This is particularly true and persistent for passenger transport roles. The announcement took place at the grand opening of the new rotorcraft terminal by Leonardo and Falcon Aviation Services in Dubai, purposely designated Casa Agusta. The terminal will facilitate the mobility to and from the Expo 2020 site in Dubai. An AW609 TiltRotor and an AW609 full scale VIP/corporate cabin mock-up will be on static display close to Casa Agusta for a limited period. The first appearance of the AW609 TiltRotor in the Middle East with its official presentation in Dubai marks the global commercial launch of the revolutionary multirole aircraft as it gets closer to its civil certification. The Casa Agusta design is based on a brand-new concept, which combines a helipad, showroom and lounge areas in a single city-based heliport. The terminal concept will support the development of a network of point-to-point connections for both urban transfers and connections between cities, while meeting the growing demands for sustainable and modern vertical lift mobility, as well as greater access to urban areas. VIP and charter services users and passengers will be provided with levels of service typically available in larger private airport facilities far from downtown and urban areas. Casa Agusta features a strong environmentally friendly design, which is modular through the use of recyclable materials and, if required, the terminal can be transported. Leading operator Falcon Aviation Services will use the terminal to deliver the best-in-class helicopter transport services. The experience must provide a sense of Agusta before each take-off and landing. Leonardo has developed an ideal ground base, which will be at the start and end of each journey. A modern, modular, sustainable, refined rotorcraft terminal, which meets the evolving trends in airborne mobility with an adaptable space and areas to enjoy for business or relaxation. Through the combination of an amazing infrastructure with the revolutionising AW609, which delivers rotorcraft versatility and turboprop-like performance, what Leonardo is doing in Dubai today perfectly epitomises the company's vision of a not-so-distant future in modern air mobility. Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo CEO, said: "The aviation industry of the third millennium is rapidly evolving towards new forms of mobility, with the aims of modernity, security, and sustainability. Indeed, our aim is not just to build new bridges for the exchange of goods and services, but, most importantly, to foster the movement of people and new ideas, which are key to economic and cultural growth. Leonardo wants to be a driver of this transformation, leveraging on the capabilities that distinguish us: high-end technologies, professionalism and people-centric. What we announce and show here today will strongly contribute to support this evolution in mobility." With an over 40% share in the multiengine VIP helicopter market by deliveries, Leonardo is an indisputable leader in this sector. The company has the largest and most modern models and capabilities range of any other manufacturer, meeting and even exceeding the most stringent certification and safety standards with a range of advanced technologies for navigation, mission, safety, and cabin experience.  Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Army have signed a $136 million contract for the first CH-47F Block II Chinooks. The Army exercised options for four contracted CH-47F Block II Chinooks with the aircraft scheduled for delivery beginning 2023. Separately, the Army awarded Boeing a $29 million advanced procurement contract for the second production lot of CH-47F Block II aircraft. The Block II Chinook features multiple upgrades aimed at providing additional lift capability and increasing commonality between U.S. and allied fleets, thus reducing maintenance costs. "This is a big step in Chinook modernization, supporting the Army's future multi-domain vision," said Andy Builta, vice president of Cargo & Utility Helicopters and H-47 program manager. "The Block II technologies will drive commonality across the fleet and enable our soldiers to return home safely for decades."  EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) ("EHang" or the "Company"), the world's leading autonomous aerial vehicle ("AAV") technology platform company has announced that its long-range dual-seat passenger-grade AAV VT-30 made its global debut at the unveiling ceremony and exhibition at the Jiuzhou Airport in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, before the upcoming 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition ("Zhuhai Air Show"). The VT-30, officially released in May this year, is the first in EHang's product suite that is designed for inter-city transportation. With a hybrid structure, VT-30 is designed to achieve a maximum balance of hybrid lift and push, which has the advantages of intelligent safety features, autonomous flying capabilities, cluster management, low noise and so on. The VT-30 is designed to carry two passengers, with a designed flight distance of 300km and a designed flight time of 100 minutes. Edward Xu, Chief Strategy Officer of EHang said, "EHang will continue to innovate and improve the future Urban Air Mobility ("UAM") ecosystem. The VT-30, which focuses on inter-city travel, will be a complement to the EHang 216, which focuses on intra-city air mobility, to bring safe, autonomous and eco-friendly air mobility for everyone." During the 2021 5th Central and Southern China General Aviation Development Forum, Edward Xu gave a keynote speech on the topic of "Driving UAM Innovative Transformation". He stated that the upgraded UAM operations with fully autonomous flying technologies can improve flight safety and quality of service. Moving forward, EHang will continue to advance the 100 Air Mobility Routes Initiative, accumulate data and experience for UAM operations and promote the development of the UAM industry. As a pioneer in the global UAM industry, EHang was granted two honours - the Guangdong Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ("UAV") Industry Outstanding Contribution Award and the Guangdong UAV Social Responsibility Contribution Award - by the Guangdong General Aviation Association and the Guangdong UAV Industry Association at the 2021 2nd General Aviation Night event. These accolades reflect the industry's recognition of EHang's active innovation in the exploration and development of general aviation.  Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), introduced two all-new aircraft, further expanding its ultramodern, high-technology family of aircraft: the Gulfstream G800, the longest-range aircraft in Gulfstream history and the Gulfstream G400, the first new entrant to the large-cabin class in more than a decade. Gulfstream announced the new aircraft before a live audience at its Savannah headquarters along with a global virtual broadcast via its website, Facebook and YouTube. The exclusive event featured a virtual tour of the new G400 and a live reveal of the first G800, stunning attendees and viewers as it made its debut. "For more than six decades, Gulfstream has led the business aviation industry with our commitment to continuous improvement and by consistently setting new standards for safety, performance, innovation and comfort," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. "Today marks a major milestone and investment in our company's future with the introduction of the G800, our fastest longest-range aircraft yet and the G400, the industry's first new large-cabin aircraft in more than a decade." The G800 offers customers the longest range in the Gulfstream fleet with its 8,000-nautical-mile/14,816-kilometer range at Mach 0.85 and 7,000-nm/12,964-km range at Mach 0.90. Powered by high-thrust Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and the Gulfstream-designed wing and winglet introduced on the Gulfstream G700, the G800 also features enhanced fuel-efficiency and more city-pair capabilities. "We designed the ultralong-range G800 to extend our customers' reach to more people and places around the world," said Burns. "The G800 redefines what it means to go farther and faster in a Gulfstream and offers even more time savings with its impressive range at high speed." The G800 is designed to seat up to 19 passengers and offers up to four living areas or three living areas with crew compartment. It also features the signature Gulfstream Cabin Experience with 100% fresh, never recirculated air, whisper-quiet noise levels, industry-leading low cabin altitude and 16 Gulfstream panoramic oval windows. The all-new G400 offers a combination of long-range, high-speed performance; cabin comfort; and environmental efficiency unrivalled in its class. The G400 ramps up environmental performance by reducing fuel consumption, emissions and noise through its use of Gulfstream's aerodynamic clean-wing design and advanced Pratt & Whitney PW812GA engines. The aircraft will fly 4,200 nm/7,778 km at its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85. Three floorplans are offered, with options for seating up to nine, 11 or 12 passengers and the G400 provides the signature Gulfstream Cabin Experience and 10 Gulfstream panoramic oval windows. "The G400 was conceived and designed with direct customer input. It features revolutionary reliability and safety features we pioneered with our award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck and the largest cabin in its class, making it an outstanding addition to our next-generation fleet," said Burns. "The aircraft re-envisions this market segment with its maximum operational flexibility and enhanced cabin comfort." Both the G800 and G400 are equipped with the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck featuring electronically linked active control sidesticks - an industry first - and the industry's most extensive use of touch-screen technology with 10 touch-screen displays. Additional health and safety enhancements include 100% fresh, never recirculated and never prefiltered air; the lowest cabin altitude in their respective classes; a plasma-ionizing clean air system neutralizing 99.9% of airborne bacteria, spores and odours and the company's award-winning Predictive Landing Performance System (PLPS), providing pilots advanced warning of potential runway excursions so they can adjust approaches or go around. Dual head-up displays in the G800 feature Gulfstream's new Combined Vision System (CVS) that unites the Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) and Synthetic Vision System (SVS) into a single image, increasing pilot situational awareness and access to more airports worldwide. G800 customer deliveries are anticipated to begin in 2023 and G400 deliveries are anticipated to begin in 2025.  Canadian entrepreneur Charles Tremblay has become the first customer in North America to take delivery of an ACH130 Aston Martin Edition helicopter. The Aston Martin Edition helicopter was completed at Airbus' facility in Oxford, UK, with additional mission and avionics equipment installed at Airbus Helicopters Canada in Fort Erie, Ontario. A prominent member of the Quebec community and a licensed fixed-wing and helicopter pilot, Mr. Tremblay owns a construction company in Gatineau, Quebec and will personally fly the helicopter for both personal and business use. Mr. Tremblay said, "The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is a truly beautiful helicopter which is ideally suited to the needs of owner pilots. I'm very much looking forward to taking it flying." The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is the product of a fruitful collaboration between the aeronautical designers at Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) and the automotive designers at Aston Martin, marrying ACH's key values of excellence, quality and service with Aston Martin's commitment to beauty, handcrafting and automotive art. It brings a new level of aesthetics and rigorous attention to detail to the single-engine helicopter market. The Aston Martin Edition helicopter is one of the most distinctive sights in the skies and was completed at Airbus' facility in Oxford, UK, which manages this special configuration. Additional mission and avionics equipment was installed at Airbus Helicopters Canada in Fort Erie, Ontario prior to customer acceptance. "Working with a diverse team across the globe to deliver this helicopter has been an extremely rewarding experience for our teams. It's a pleasure to receive this vote of confidence from Mr. Tremblay with the order of this helicopter, which brought together Airbus teams from around the world," said Dwayne Charette, president of Airbus Helicopters Canada. "The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is both luxurious and extremely practical, particularly with the addition of the Canadian manufactured cargo pods outfitted on Mr. Tremblay's helicopter. We wish him the very best with his ACH130 Aston Martin Edition."   Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, has announced that its award-winning PW800 engine has been selected to power the all-new Gulfstream G400 business jet. "We are delighted that Gulfstream has once again turned to our engine family to power this new addition to its portfolio," said Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada. "Gulfstream was the launch customer for the PW800 engine family, when the PW814GA-powered G500 entered into service in September 2018, followed by the PW815GA-powered G600 in August 2019. The PW800 engine on the G400 will bring a new level of performance and efficiency to the large-cabin business aircraft class." Pratt & Whitney Canada will deliver a fully integrated powerplant solution comprised of the PW812GA engine and nacelle system provided by Collins Aerospace. The PW812GA extends the application of the successful PW800 architecture, with optimizations for the advanced requirements of the G400 aircraft, including the latest full authority digital engine control (FADEC), sophisticated technology to support engine health monitoring and the use of advanced materials such as titanium and composites to deliver superior performance and availability. The PW800 is the most modern, efficient and environmentally responsible engine in its class. Using the most sustainable and high-performance technologies, the engine offers double-digit improvements in fuel burn, emissions, maintenance times and noise. For passengers, the engine provides an unmatched experience with an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin, making it the quietest engine in its class. The PW800 engine shares a common core with the Pratt & Whitney GTF commercial jet engine which has flown more than 10 million hours since launch in 2016. Owners and operators will be able to maximize their aircraft availability with PW800's Eagle Service™ Plan, which offers the most comprehensive hourly maintenance program on the market. It represents the industry's most extensive end-to-end coverage to provide a true 'concierge level' of service, supported by data-driven prognostics. In fact, data provided by the engine enables deep insights and predictive diagnostics to maximize the engine's performance and maintenance requirements. Specifically, the engine is equipped to monitor over 300 engine parameters with analytics that optimize maintenance intervals and provide preventative maintenance recommendations. "The PW800 engine family overall has been performing exceptionally well, benefitting from more than 75,000 hours of flight since entering into service," says Della Posta. "Gulfstream's selection of the PW812GA demonstrates the engine's mission-readiness, its flexibility and broad appeal in the mid- to large-business jet market."   Ukraine Air Alliance flight 4050, an Antonov An-12, crashed on approach to Lviv International Airport, Ukraine. The aircraft departed Vigo Airport, Spain about 22:20 UTC on October 3 on a flight carrying 13000 kgs of automobile spare parts to Bursa, Turkey. A refuelling stop was planned at Lviv, Ukraine. At 03:20 UTC (06:20 local time) the flight entered the airspace of Ukraine and the crew listened to the ATIS frequency to obtain the latest weather information. Low visibility procedures were in force at Lviv, with runway 31 in use for ILS approaches. Fog had reduced the visibility at the touchdown zone to 150 meters with a vertical visibility of 50 m. At 03:40 the flight reported capturing the localizer and the controller reported visibility had increased to 800 m at the touchdown zone and a vertical visibility of 60 m. After the flight was cleared to land, the aircraft descended significantly below the glide slope. At a distance of 3,3 km from the runway, the aircraft had descended to an altitude of 100 meters. At an altitude of 60 meters, an alarm sounded that the decision height had been reached, to which no crew member responded. At a distance of 1359 meters from the runway threshold, at an altitude of 5-7 meters, the aircraft collided with trees and crashed. Probable Cause: Causes The most probable cause of the accident, collision of a serviceable aircraft with the ground during the landing approach in a dense fog, was the crew's failure to perform the flight in the instrument conditions due to the probable physical excessive fatigue, which led to an unconscious descent of the aircraft below the glide path and ground impact. Contributing Factors Probable exceeding the aircraft take-off weight during departure from the Vigo Airport, which could result in increase in consumption of the fuel, the remainder of which did not allow to perform the flight to the alternate Boryspil aerodrome. Venezuela, Machiques de Perijá, Zulia: A destroyed single engined Socata TBM700/850 (P&W PT-6 powered) turbine aircraft was found on an illegal landing strip in Machiques de Perijá, Zulia. It probably had been used for transporting drugs.  USA, near Oxord, Granville County, NC: A Cessna A150M Aerobat operated by Blue Angels Aviation LLC on a training flight with two on board sustained substantial damage subsequent to a nose over during a forced landing to open field terrain following a simulated engine-out procedure near Oxford, Granville County, North Carolina. The two pilots onboard the airplane were not injured. Russia, N of Rostov: A S7 Airlines Boeing 737-83N with 177 on board diverted to Rostov Airport following an engine failure. The aircraft had departed Moscow at 06:23 UTC on a flight to Simferopol. At 06:59 a descent was initiated from the cruising altitude of 37000 feet. The flight crew elected to divert to Rostov, where a safe landing was made at 07:50 UTC.  USA, Death Valley National Park, CA: US Navy Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet operated by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-9 "Vampires" with only the pilot on board was damaged beyond repair when it crashed in Death Valley National Park, California, about 40 miles from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The pilot ejected and sustained minor injuries. Albania, Kelmendi: An ultralight without registration crashed under unknown circumstances in Kelmendi, Albania. Two occupants were seen fleeing the scene. The ultralight sustained substantial damage. USA, 2 km W of Thomson-McDuffie County Airport, GA: A Sierra West Airlines Dassault Falcon 20C with two occupants was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain while on approach to Thomson-McDuffie County Airport (HQU/KHQU), Thomson, Georgia. The captain and first officer were fatally injured. The final ADS-B data point (located 1.1 nautical miles from Rwy 10 threshold) showed a descent rate of -1,600 feet per minute at 700 ft pressure altitude (820 ft MSL) and a ground speed of 133 Kts. The Field elevation is 500.9' MSL. Lowest permitted decent on any approach to Rwy 10 is 400/1. Netherlands, Westerschelde off Ossenisse: A Stampe SV-4B ditched in the Westerschelde, off Ossenisse, the Netherlands after the engine lost power. The aircraft nosed over during the ditching. The pilot was rescued and the aircraft was towed to shore (Hansweert) by a boat. The aircraft was deemed not repairable due to the damage and salt water immersion.  USA, near Los Banos Municipal Airport, CA: Following a loss of engine power, a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog sustained substantial damage subsequent to the ensuing forced landing to terrain southeast of Los Banos Municipal Airport (LSN/KLSN), Los Banos, California. The sole pilot onboard the airplane was not injured. USA, north of Greenville Downtown Airport, SC: Following a loss of engine power due to oil pressure problems, a Flight Design CTLS LSA sustained unreported damage subsequent to impact with trees following the deployment of the emergency parachute system during an attempted approach North of Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU/KGMU), Greenville, South Carolina. The sole pilot onboard sustained minor injuries.   7 OCTOBER 1963  First flight of the Learjet 23 prototype, the very first Learjet built. Learjet was one of the first companies to manufacture a private, luxury aircraft. Lear's preliminary design was based upon an experimental American military aircraft known as the Marvel, substituting fuselage-mounted turbojet engines for ducted fan turboshaft engines. However, that preliminary design was abandoned and the final Learjet design was instead adapted from an abortive 1950s Swiss ground-attack fighter aircraft, the FFA P-16. The original Learjet 23 was a six- to eight-seater and first flew on October 7, 1963, with the first production model being delivered in October 1964. Just over a month later, Lear Jet became a publicly owned corporation. Several derived models followed, with the Model 24 first flying on February 24, 1966 and the Model 25 first flying on August 12, 1966. On September 19 of the same year, the company was renamed Lear Jet Industries Inc.  www.youtube.com/channel/UCCuRVZAGodT6sztTeXBGeMw and subscribe to our YouTube channel  Google Block Ad |
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