Kanardia introduces new 10-inch efis - Nesis Iv 10.
SAAF King Air light transport aircraft loses door in flight.
Nuuva V300 takes off with successful first flight.
Embraer and Kenya Airways sign collaborative inventory planning agreement.
Norway becomes first F-35 partner nation to fulfil its program of record.
Emirates introduces newly retrofitted A380s to Manchester and Milan.
World's fastest business jet, the Bombardier Global 8000, in final assembly and progressing on schedule.
De Havilland Canada introduces new avionics suite for Dash 8 100 and 200 aircraft.
This week in history - Canada was the largest contributor to British Commonwealth WWII air training plan.
Worldwide Accidents and Incidents
Bonus video - Waco's at Blue Valley Mountain
Kanardia Introduces New 10 Inch EFIS - Nesis IV 10
NESIS, the complete navigation, flight and engine monitoring system for the ultralight airplanes, autogyros and helicopters. The Nesis family of avionics is a self-contained state-of-the-art EFIS instrument optimized for NTCA aircraft.
To the existing 7- and 8.8-inch displays, Kanardia now adds the brand-new Nesis IV, with 10-inch touch screen with a panel space saving remotely mounted user interface, aptly named Kliky. This can be mounted vertically or horizontally anywhere on the panel or centre console. This innovative approach to the user interface provides better ergonomics, especially with a yoke, where a joystick controller is not possible.
A fast multicore processor supports 3D terrain, multiple maps (Southern Africa is preloaded), ADS-B In and radio support, check list, video input, flight planning, automatic log book, warnings connected to your audio system, engine cool and shutdown assistance, maintenance warning and personalised layout for engine display. Master and Slave units are available, as well as independent combination backup instruments and PFDs.
As with all other Kanadia Nesis and PFDs, the system supports autopilot functions, either directly to the servos or using an Amigo auto pilot panel. Kanardia's newly upgraded servos with maximum torque increased to 8Nm have an integrated clutch offering zero resistance with Auto Pilot disconnected.
Weighing only 1,1Kg and drawing only 1,2A, NESIS IV needs no cooling fan. The AD-AHRS-GPS module is built in, so with a plug-in ethernet CAN bus, there is almost no wiring work required during installation. The EMS unit is ideally mounted on the engine side of the firewall, eliminating extended sensor wiring into the cabin.
A twin-engine SA Air Force (SAAF) B200C King Air lost its fuselage panel fitted with a door on take-off from Lanseria International Airport at the weekend
A brief SAAF Corporate Service statement has it the 41 Squadron light transport was “involved in an aviation related incident” after taking off from the airport, 28 nautical miles west of its home base at Air Force Base (Waterkloof) in Centurion, on Saturday 12 April. The aircraft was on a maintenance flight.
“The aircraft lost its passenger-side door upon take-off but managed to fly to AFB Waterkloof and landed safely.
“The extent and cost of the damage to the aircraft is yet to be established by a team that has been assigned to investigate the sequence of the unfortunate event.
“At this current stage, there has not been any injuries or damages to infrastructure yet reported,” according to the statement.
Lanseria-based Execujet was awarded a contract for SAAF King Air maintenance, with Armscor in November last year stating the contract runs from December 2023 to late March 2026 and has a ceiling amount of R95 million.
The King Air involved in the incident is registration 650. According to Armscor, King Airs 650 and 652 underwent scheduled servicing but 650 experienced fuel cell leaks when delivered to the SAAF and new fuel cells were ordered. 650 received Blackhawk-upgraded Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engines, producing 1 050 shp up to 25 000 feet, while the aircraft's stock engines begin losing horsepower at 15 000 feet. Both aircraft received refurbished cabins.
The SAAF has four King Airs in its inventory, but may have to withdraw 650 from service if there is major damage to the fuselage.
Another King Air lost its door in February, this time over Bloemfontein. A privately owned medical evacuation aircraft, ZS-LFW, had its door detach in flight while approaching Bloemfontein Airport after a flight from Kimberley on 8 February. No one on board (two pilots, doctor and a paramedic) was injured, and the door was recovered from a parking area in Heidedal (a suburb of Bloemfontein) and returned to the operator.
Door incidents have affected other King Air operators around the world - for example, in June 2024, a King Air C90GTX had its cabin door open mid-flight while climbing out of London Biggin Hill Airport. The external door handle was apparently in the closed position before take-off.
In May 2023 a King Air 350 (N680CB) was cruising over Florida when the airstair door completely separated from the fuselage after a door handle anchor failed, while in December 2022, a King Air 250 (T7-AIRX) was climbing out of Lahr Airport in Germany when its door opened mid-flight and was nearly ripped off.
Another incident in April 2002 occurred in the United States when a Super King Air's (N26SJ) passenger/crew door separated from the airframe while in cruising flight. The door was recovered in the locked position - subsequent examination showed a fatigue fracture of the upper aft latch bolt.
Nuuva V300 takes off with successful first flight
Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, recently announced the successful first hover flight of the Nuuva V300, a long-range, large-capacity hybrid-electric VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) unmanned aircraft. This milestone marks an advancement in the development of advanced, sustainable and versatile unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The Nuuva V300 is designed to carry a 600-pound payload over a range of up to 300 nautical miles and is capable of operating from paved or unimproved surfaces. The aircraft is engineered to load cargo through the nose of the fuselage, simplifying the process for operators and allowing for multiple payload configurations. Built to support a capacity of more than 100 cubic feet, it can hold up to three cargo pallets or be loaded with loose cargo, enhancing its utility for a variety of logistics needs.
“We are thrilled to witness the Nuuva V300's first flight, a demonstration of our leadership in emerging technology and advanced air mobility, as well as our commitment to multi-purpose aviation solutions,” shared Kriya Shortt, President & CEO of Textron eAviation. “The Nuuva V300's unique capabilities and robust design will not only transform logistics but also play a crucial role in commercial and defence missions such as search and rescue, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and ship-to-shore deliveries.”
“Today's milestone is a testament to the hard work and innovative spirit of our team at Pipistrel,” added Gabriel Massey, President & Managing Director of Pipistrel. “The Nuuva's first flight demonstrates Pipistrel's strength in electric propulsion and dedication to advancing the aviation industry through our active involvement in research programs and our successful collaboration with regulatory agencies, including our recent operational authorization from the Italian Civil Air Authority (ENAC).”
Equipped with a zero-emission electric vertical take-off powertrain and a separate dedicated cruise propulsion system, the Nuuva V300 will provide unparalleled flexibility and runway independence. The aircraft is powered by in-house developed proprietary battery systems, ensuring efficient, sustainable and cost-effective performance. This unique combination of technologies will enable the Nuuva V300 to operate in a wide range of environments.
The Nuuva V300 is remotely monitored by an operator at the ground control station, developed in cooperation with Textron Systems, a fellow Textron Inc. company, enabling fully automatic point-and-click operations. Textron Systems has decades of experience designing, manufacturing and fielding uncrewed command and control systems, including millions of operational UAS flight hours in support of several U.S. Army Programs of Records.
The aircraft, which is equipped with automatic Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight capabilities, will transition from vertical to forward flight on its wings and follow the most recent flight plan until landing. The first air vehicle is powered by a fly-by-wire, triple-redundant flight control system supplied by Honeywell.
To support the continued expansion of the aircraft's flight envelope, a second Nuuva V300 air vehicle will also join the flight program in 2025. This addition will further enhance the aircraft's performance and ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Embraer and Kenya Airways Sign Collaborative Inventory Planning Agreement
Embraer a global aerospace industry leader, and Kenya Airways, a leading African airline, today signed an agreement for the Embraer Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) program, which will optimize its inventory levels and reduce its operational costs for its E190 jets. The contract will provide support for 13 aircraft. Kenya Airways is an Embraer customer since 2006 and flies to 45 destinations worldwide, 37 of which are in Africa, connecting over 5 million passengers.
“Embraer is honoured by Kenya Airways' trust on the Collaborative Inventory Planning management system. We are ready to support the airline to keep its E-Jets fleet ready to fly, matching excellent performance and low operational costs. Our solution will provide Kenya Airways access to Embraer's global logistics network and deepen the partnership between our companies,” says Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support.
ECIP offers several advantages to customers. First, most of the inventory investment is made by Embraer, reducing substantially the investment usually carried out by customers. Also, fixed yearly pricing for each part allows customers to balance costs more precisely with performance levels guaranteed by Embraer Services & Support. The operation is data-driven, with a weekly ordering recommendation based on customer usage and stock level data that is created utilizing advanced software and Embraer Planning experience shared collaboratively. Finally, all customers participating in ECIP can count on Embraer's materials management expertise on a customized and flexible solution for spare parts management.
Norway Becomes First F-35 Partner Nation to Fulfil Its Program of Record
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today completed the delivery of the 51st and 52nd F-35As to the Royal Norwegian Air Force, making Norway the first F-35 partner nation to fulfil its program of record.
"The F-35 is the world's best fighter jet and I am very pleased that we will receive the last of the 52 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin that Norway has ordered," said Tore O. Sandvik, Norwegian Minister of Defence. "The aircraft ensure that we can safeguard Norwegian sovereignty and maintain even better control over our areas on land, at sea and in the air."
The advanced capabilities and increased interoperability of the F-35 enhances Norway's sovereign defence and cooperation with key allies across Europe, including its closest neighbours in the Nordic region. The F-35 fleet will play a critical role in protecting the High North and supporting NATO missions.
"Norway's F-35 fleet enhances interoperability across the Norwegian Armed Forces' defence systems, improving situational awareness of the entire force and strengthening transatlantic security," said Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin. "We are honoured to build upon our more than 50-year partnership with Norway, ensuring the Royal Norwegian Air Force remains ahead of emerging threats to protect security for Norway and its allies for decades to come."
As the cornerstone of the battlespace for 20 allied nations, the F-35 enables peace through strength in the 21st century. With over a million flight hours and a global fleet of more than 1,150 aircraft and growing, the F-35 provides unrivalled capabilities, strengthening deterrence for allies around the world. F-35s operate from 48 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil.
As adversaries rapidly advance technology, the F-35's unmatched connectivity and ability to work in partnership with assets operating across land, sea, air, space and cyber is essential to securing the skies today and into the future.
Emirates Introduces Newly Retrofitted A380s to Manchester and Milan
Emirates will be introducing its newest Airbus A380s fitted with its latest cabins, including Premium Economy, to Manchester and Milan. The latest retrofitted A380s will operate on EK017/018 to Manchester from 6 June, and on EK091/092 to Milan from 1 July.
With the introduction of Emirates' newly retrofitted A380 to Manchester, the airline will expand its Premium Economy offering to nearly 5,000 weekly seats in and out of the UK from June. The enhanced service to Manchester complements the four retrofitted A380s currently serving the daily Dubai-London Heathrow route, the Emirates A350 operating to Edinburgh, and the soon-to-launch refurbished Boeing 777 scheduled to serve London Stansted from May.
Milan will become Emirates' second Italian gateway to offer the airline's latest cabins and Premium Economy seats following the planned deployment of the airline's A350 to Bologna later in June.
These additions will expand Emirates' network of retrofitted A380 destinations to 19 global points, underscoring the airline's commitment to investing in the very best customer experience in the sky and adding more premium cabin options and choice across geographies. By July, travellers from Manchester and Milan will be able to experience Emirates' latest cabin features onboard the four-class A380 on the full journey to key points across Australasia and Asia including Sydney, Singapore, Osaka, Mumbai, Bangalore, and more.
On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat offers generous pitch and width for working and relaxing, as well as customised features like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. The onboard experience is rounded off with meticulously selected in-flight amenities, a curated menu, and extensive beverage options, including the Chandon Vintage Brut 2016, a global exclusive to Emirates Premium Economy passengers.
World's Fastest Business Jet, the Bombardier Global 8000, in final Assembly and Progressing on Schedule
Bombardier recently announced that its Global 8000 business jet program is progressing to plan, with its first Global 8000 production aircraft continuing in the assembly phase in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. Major components from Bombardier facilities were delivered per plan and the aircraft is progressing through the high-tech manufacturing process toward planned entry-into-service (EIS) in 2025.
“Bombardier's Global 8000 possesses outstanding short-field capabilities, with the ability to access smaller airports other aircraft in its category can't access. This helps make it the clear choice for discerning owners and operators who prioritize convenience and flexibility,” said Stephen McCullough, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development, Bombardier. “This impressive aircraft will be the fastest and longest-range purpose-built business aircraft ever built and its rare combination of innovation, performance, and comfort will allow our customers to reach new heights in their business aviation experience.”
As the manufacturing process ramps up, Bombardier's Flight Test Centre in Wichita recently put the Global 8000 flight test aircraft through its paces, flying testing missions to Europe, showcasing its outstanding performance attributes in real-world functional operating conditions and drawing rave reviews from test pilots.
“The first Global 8000 production aircraft is steadily progressing through final assembly, and we are on track to meet our targets for this incredible aircraft - the industry's fastest and most impressive ultra-long-range business jet,” said David Murray, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Excellence System. “Our engineering and production teams continue to display unmatched levels of commitment, innovation and expertise at all stages of the manufacturing process.”
The new Global 8000 business jet will also set new standards for performance and ride quality, with the fastest speed, longest range and the smoothest ride. With an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles and an unequaled top speed of Mach 0.94, the Global 8000 is the ultimate time machine, unlocking more city pairs than ever before including Dubai-Houston, Singapore-Los Angeles, London-Perth and many others.
Performance isn't the only area where the Global 8000 shines. This unmatched business jet will offer unsurpassed comfort, featuring four true living spaces and a separate crew rest area. The discerning business jet will also feature the longest seated length size in its class along with the industry's healthiest cabin, designed to maximize passenger comfort and productivity throughout their travels.
De Havilland Canada Introduces New Avionics Suite for Dash 8 100 And 200 Aircraft.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has launched the development of a new avionics solution for the Dash 8 100 and 200 aircraft. With our partner Universal Avionics, a new customized Universal InSight avionics suite is now under development and will be available for customers wishing to upgrade their aircraft.
In cooperation with our partners Universal Avionics and JANA Inc., DHC is developing an avionics upgrade that will increase navigational capabilities and improve safety by providing improved situational awareness for pilots, making it an excellent solution for current operators. The certification of the new avionics' solution is anticipated to be obtained in the first half of 2026. Widerøe's Flyveselskap AS will be the launch customer for the upgrade program.
Jean-Philippe Cote, Vice President of Programs and Business Improvement for De Havilland Canada commented: “We are pleased to introduce an upgraded avionics suite for our Dash 8 100 and 200 customers. This upgrade will ensure that these rugged and reliable aircraft will be flying for many years to come. Partnering with Universal Avionics to upgrade our Dash 8 100 & 200 aircraft reinforces De Havilland Canada's commitment to investing in the fleet and delivering modernized and reliable solutions to our customers. The new avionics provides a good solution to replace components difficult to replace and repair. This solution is part of our overall goal as a company to keep our existing fleet flying."
Universal's InSight flight display system installation on the Dash-8 adds five high-resolution LCD displays with improved synthetic vision and digital engine indication, replacing aging CRT equipment to remove unnecessary weight making this an upgrade a significant improvement over the current avionics suite.
15 March 1940
During the second world war the British Commonwealth air training plan was Canada's largest contribution to the war effort. On this date, the first trainees were taken on, and within a year the BCATP had 77 training facilities operating across the country. At its peak the program had 97 schools, and was graduating 3000 flyers a month.
It trained Allied aircrew, including pilots, navigators, and other specialists, in Canada's large and safe open spaces, according to The Canadian Encyclopaedia and Veterans Affairs Canada. This program, which trained over 130,000 airmen, made Canada the "aerodrome of democracy" and a vital asset in the Allied victory.
South Africa, A Slick 540 of the Marksmen Aerobatic team collided with terrain east of Kitty Hawk Aerodrome (FAKT), Pretoria. The sole pilot, who was not part of the team, perished and the aircraft was destroyed. According to an eyewitness the aircraft did not recover after entering into a spin.
South Africa, Waterkloof Air Force Base (WKF/FAWK): A South African Air Force Beech B200C Super King Air had just departed from Waterkloof Air Force Base (WKF) when the left-hand main cargo door blew open and broke off. The aircraft returned to WKF. The aircraft suffered substantial damage.
Japan, Tokyo International Airport/Haneda (HND/RJTT): A Japan Airlines' Boeing 737-846 on a flight from Tokyo/Haneda to Kitakyushu, contacted left runway edge lights of runway 05 of Haneda during take-off roll and damaged a taxiway light at intersection D3. The take-off was aborted. No reported injuries. There was a trace of contact with the light on the No.2 tire of the left main landing gear. The runway 05 was closed for 50 minutes. JCAB decided to NOT rating the occurrence as a serious incident. ADS-B data suggests that the aircraft lined up on the left runway edge of runway 05. The highest recorded ground speed was about 56 knots. The aircraft came to a full stop on the runway and taxied back to the apron about 20 minutes later. The incident occurred one hour past sunset. At the time of incident, the runway centre lights around the intersection D2 where the Boeing entered the runway 05 were switched off due to maintenance, and only beyond D3 were illuminated.
Austria, LOAD, Völtendorf Airfield: The Aerospool WT 9 Dynamic (OE-7134) was being used for Glider towing. On approach to landing, it crashed into trees short of the airstrip. The plane burned out completely and the only occupant died at the site of the crash. The aircraft was on approach to landing - not in climb according to initial information. Witnesses claim that the plane had problems during flight and allegedly caught fire. The pilot had no chance of survival.
USA, Hudson River near Jersey City, NJ: A Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, N216MH, was destroyed following an inflight breakup, impacting the Hudson River near Pier 40 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The pilot and five passengers sustained fatal injuries. Videos show the helicopter inverted without the main rotor assembly before impacting the water. The main rotor, with part of the transmission attached, and parts of the tail were seen to fall separately.
