Pilot's post-take your marketing to new heights.
Kit planes for Africa - Awarded the PGS Trophy for the manufacture or design in recreational aviation.
Communique to Aero Club of SA Members.
Milkor promotes 380 UAV as it continues development of larger 780.
Ambitious air mobility group and Zuri.com SE sign investment terms to accelerate hybrid-electric aircraft development.
Deutsche Aircraft to showcase D328eco® as sustainable connectivity solution for Canada.
BIRD Aerosystems delivers airborne missile protection system to African military.
Emirates and South African Airways enhance codeshare agreement, building on 28 years of partnership
This day in history - USAF Major Robert M White takes the X-15 to a height of 30,970 m.
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus Video - Van's RV 8 Formo 2020
Pilot's Post-Take Your Marketing to New Heights
As usual, the last Pilot's Post report for 2025 will be published on 10 December and publication will recommence on 10 January 2026.
If your business wants to connect directly with the most engaged and influential audience in South African aviation, there's no better platform than Pilot's Post Online Aviation. In 2024 alone, we published 48 Midweek Updates and 192 in-depth Sunday feature reports, keeping readers informed, inspired, and invested in the latest developments across the aviation world. We remain the only South African publication providing daily coverage from Oshkosh and most major UK airshows, giving our audience exclusive insights they can't find anywhere else.
Over the past 14 years, we've produced an unmatched 3,729 articles and reports, building a reputation for credibility, quality, and consistency that both readers and advertiser's trust. No other aviation publication in South Africa can rival our reach, depth, or engagement and none can offer better exposure at more affordable rates. Whether you're launching a new product, promoting a service, or strengthening your brand presence, advertising with Pilot's Post ensures your message soars directly to the people who matter most in aviation.
Take your marketing to new heights-advertise with Pilot's Post and be part of South Africa's leading aviation voice.
Contact Willie on 082 442 8815 for a free no-obligation quote, and unbeatable value!
Kit planes for Africa - Awarded the PGS Trophy for the manufacture or design in recreational aviation
Founded in the early 1990s, Kitplanes for Africa has become a leading South African designer and manufacturer of light aircraft built for rugged bush operations. Known for reliability, simplicity, and affordability, its core models-the Bushbaby, Explorer, and Safari-are widely respected among bush pilots across Africa and beyond.
CEO Stefan Coetzee, a former farmer turned aviator, earned his PPL in 2002 and became a flight instructor by 2005, later founding an NPL training school at Komatipoort Airfield. With over 3,400 flight hours and extensive technical qualifications-including certified aircraft welding and Approved Person status-he has held key roles with SACAA, APOSA, and MISASA.
After acquiring KFA in 2008 (becoming sole owner in 2011), Coetzee relocated operations to Petit Airfield in 2013, driving international growth and product innovation. Under his leadership, KFA has introduced advanced aircraft variants, achieved European certification through Germany's DULV, and expanded globally, with over 700 aircraft operating across multiple continents.
As CEO of KFA South Africa and KFA Aircraft USA, Coetzee continues to guide the company's global strategy, sustaining its reputation for dependable, bush-ready aircraft and accessible aviation design.
Aviation Response and Actions Since Our Last Media Statement Against Engine Ruling
1. Task Meeting
The task team met recently to consider all possible options available after the judgment. Factually, the court case, while legally not in our favour based on legal elements and not merit, has confirmed that the regulator has prejudiced the industry, noting that the regulator has implemented their CATS 43 based on no fundamental safety case or impact assessment. These vital facts showcase the flaws in the regulators management of change and decision-making processes.
2. The Alternative means of compliance (AMOC)
To date no AMOC was accepted by the SACAA, despite applications, with one application going to appeal and rejected on the same safety case that was proven as having no substance in the case. Note these AMOC's were brought in while the confusing General Notice was in play. The General Notice was rejected by insurance companies as a waiver, but banked upon by the regulator.
The participants of this matter intend to press ahead with AMOC applications, while awaiting feedback from Lycoming and modernising the AIC 18/19 program of ongoing maintenance methods that has delivered safe aviation for all these years. Despite the CARCOM Part 43 process, the regulator failed to incorporate an AMOC, despite numerous requests from the industry to do so.
3. The Constitutional quandary regarding separation of powers
Our legal team is investigating and preparing the groundwork for a constitutional challenge which will require specialised council. Timelines and costs are being developed as well as calculating the funding required to bring about such a challenge.
4. Damages are building up
The damages suffered by the industry have increased since we brought the initial application and methods to prepare for such a case are currently being investigated from a class action point of view, noting that there will be significant groundwork to bring such an action.
Since the matter went to court, the regulator has not advised officially if they are planning any program and have not placed it on the airworthiness forums agenda in the past 2 sittings despite assurances from the senior manager Mr Thabantso that this would transpire.
While we are open to discussions as the matter is no longer sub judicia, there will be one more attempt
to meet with the regulator to clarify their position as it may have changed since the judgement. A team will be prepared after a few internal meetings pending within some of the consortiums of individual organisations.
5. Unity
There are many differing legal views and various other factions that have plans to challenge the situation legally. We are also aware of letters to the Minister and the DCA, not dissimilar to our reach outs prior to embarking on our legal challenge.
Industry must stand together as a divide and conquer approach by the regulator is clearly evident. If there are other organisations wishing to try alternative routes, industry as a whole should support it and ensure that the significant data developed and utilised to showcase that this is not a SAFETY matter as portrayed by the regulator and goes against their mandate - should be shared.
We have forged forward and while not having won outright, we have showcased the huge gaps in the regulator's decision making and feigned inclusive consultation methods. This must be built upon to ensure that the regulator is held accountable as they are supposed to ensure growth balanced with safety.
Another progress virtual meeting by the AIC 18.19 Task Team will be held shortly once the pre-elements of our strategy have been solidified by the task team.
A link will be sent out early next week via the usual channels. Please contact your club, association or organisation for details to become involved or contribute:
melissa@caasa.co.za
, walter@aeroclub.co.za , morne@awac.org.za
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Kevin Storie, CEO of CAASA, kev@caasa.co.za
Communique to Aero Club of SA Members
The Council of the Aero Club of South Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Walter Doubell as the Acting Chairperson of the Aero Club of South Africa NPC, effective 7 November 2025. This follows the resignation of our former chairperson, Goitse Diale.
This appointment was made at a Council Meeting of the Aero Club Council on 7 November 2025 and is in accordance with the Aero Club Constitution, which provides for the election of an acting Chairperson from among the current elected Exco officers to support leadership continuity and succession planning. The appointment of Walter Doubell as the Acting Chairperson of the Aero Club is until the next Annual General Meeting which will be held no later than May in 2026.
The Council extends its appreciation to all members and Section representatives for their support and constructive engagement during this transitional period. The Aero Club remains fully operational and focused on strengthening communication, unity, and strategic alignment across all sections of recreational aviation.
Further details regarding upcoming initiatives and Council priorities will be communicated within the next week.If you have any questions, please contact us on any of the email addresses below.
Warm regards,
The Council of the Aero Club of South Africa
Ambitious Air Mobility Group and Zuri.Com SE Sign Investment Terms to Accelerate Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Development
Zuri is a Czech-based aerospace company developing hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft and unmanned aerial systems for regional passenger, cargo, and defence operations. Founded in 2017, Zuri's mission is to enable efficient, sustainable, and accessible regional air mobility.
Ambitious Air Mobility Group NL Holding N.V. (AAMG) and Zuri.com SE (Zuri) have signed binding investment terms to advance the development, certification, and deployment of Zuri's hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft platform for passenger, cargo, and defence applications. The investment also supports unmanned and optionally piloted variants developed for cargo and defence operations.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in three core areas: Strategic investment: AAMG joins as a long-term industrial and financial partner supporting Zuri's hybrid-electric aircraft program and business growth. Aircraft orders: AAMG will place forward orders for unmanned and optionally piloted aircraft for logistics, cargo, and defence operations. Program collaboration: Joint initiatives will focus on accelerating certification readiness and preparing for commercial production and operational deployment. Zuri Hybrid VTOL aircraft lineup featuring passenger, cargo, and defence variants on the tarmac, representing the company's scalable hybrid-electric air mobility platform.
Michal Illich, CEO, Zuri.com SE, said: “AAMG brings not only investment but also experience and an international network that strengthens our ability to accelerate certification and production toward operational deployment. This partnership reinforces Zuri's mission to deliver sustainable hybrid-electric aviation across defence and civilian markets.”
Robert Kamp, CEO & Senior Partner, AAMG, added: “This partnership marks a clear step toward delivering transformative long-range regional capabilities through hybrid-electric aviation. Zuri's manned and unmanned platforms provide class-leading performance for both cargo and civilian VTOL operations. They have a compelling vision that maximises the impact of our vertiport network and regional air mobility.”
Milkor Promotes 380 UAV as It Continues Development of Larger 780 www.defenceweb.co.za
The Milkor 380 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is the largest such aircraft to be designed and manufactured in Africa, and will be complemented by an even larger UAV - the Milkor 780 - which is currently under development.
Milkor said the 380 “exemplifies South Africa's growing prowess in aerospace technology and its potential to enhance security, surveillance, and operational efficiency. With the eyes of the world on South Africa during the G20, the Milkor 380 stands as a testimony to South African innovation with applications for border protection, intelligence gathering, and beyond, underscoring the nation's commitment to self-reliant defence solutions.”
“The Milkor 380, developed entirely in South Africa, represents a significant leap forward in unmanned systems technology. Designed for versatility and reliability, it addresses a wide range of operational needs in both military and civilian contexts. As global leaders convene in South Africa for the G20 in late November, this UAV highlights how local innovation can contribute to international security dialogues, particularly in areas like maritime domain awareness and counter-terrorism.”
Milkor said the aircraft is globally competitive, and features a wingspan of 18.6 metres, enabling stable flight in diverse conditions. With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1 500 kg and a payload capacity of up to 220 kg, it can accommodate a variety of mission-specific equipment, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and precision-guided munitions.
Powered by a turbocharged Rotax 915is engine (in future it will feature a turboprop), the UAV achieves an operational endurance of up to 35 hours, allowing for extended loiter times over target areas. It operates at altitudes reaching 30 000 feet, “providing a strategic vantage point for surveillance while remaining beyond the reach of many ground-based threats.” Top speed is 250 km/h and cruise speed 110-150 km/h.
The Milkor 380 features modular payload bays for seamless integration of advanced systems, such as signals intelligence (SIGINT) pods and electronic warfare (EW) suites. Recent advancements include a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hanwha Systems to incorporate active electronically scanned array (AESA) synthetic aperture radar (SAR), enhancing its all-weather imaging capabilities for global export markets. Autonomous take-off and landing systems reduce operator intervention, while satellite communication extends its range to over 4 000 km in beyond-line-of-sight operations.
Milkor has partnered with leading companies, such as Germany's Hensoldt, to integrate sophisticated sensor suites, including the ARGOS II HDT Airborne Observation System with laser designator capabilities. The aircraft's nose is capable of housing several different electro optical/infrared and radar sensors. For maritime/naval roles, Milkor partner with Aerodata AG to create the AeroForce 380, integrating a radar, AIS, and electro-optical/infrared gimbals.
The Milkor 380 can be armed, and has already been displayed with Al Tariq X-series precision guided munitions, Halcon Desert Sting DS-16 guided bombs, and FZ602 laser-guided rocket launchers. A mockup of a Milkor-developed missile has also been shown under the aircraft, as Milkor is exploring in-house missile development.
The Milkor 380 is ideal for a broad spectrum of applications, the company said, such as border surveillance, maritime surveillance, wildlife conservation, and strike missions. It could, for example, help secure South Africa's land borders, combating cross-border crime and human trafficking; be used to assist in anti-poaching efforts in reserves like the Kruger National Park; coordinate disaster relief efforts; and help monitor South Africa's 2 800 km coastline.
The Milkor 380 first flew in September 2023 and is currently in production at the company's Cape Town facility - it has secured export orders. Annual production stands at eight per year, with plans to reach 16 units a year around 2026. First deliveries to customers are expected this year.
The Milkor 380's production phase has paved the way for an even larger follow-on project, the Milkor 780 with a 24 metre wingspan. This high-altitude, long-endurance UAV is expected to carry 2 700 kilograms of payload on nine hardpoints. It will have a flight time of 30-40 hours, giving a maximum range of 9 300 km (line-of-sight communications range will be 250 km). Maximum speed will be 315 km/h and its cruise speed will be 230 km/h.
“The 780 project is currently in the detailed design stage, moving towards completed data packs and manufacturing should start later this year or early next year,” Milkor Marketing Manager Daniel du Plessis reported earlier in 2025. “Our assembly facility should be able to build two 780s at a time.” The entire airframe will be built at a dedicated production facility in Cape Town, which is being fitted out.
Milkor hopes to unveil the Milkor 780 at the 2026 edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, and launch the aircraft on to the international market then.
Deutsche Aircraft to Showcase D328eco® As Sustainable Connectivity Solution for Canada
As regional aviation faces mounting challenges across Canada, Deutsche Aircraft is stepping forward with a bold vision for sustainable connectivity. At the upcoming Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) Conference & Tradeshow, taking place from 18-20 November, the OEM will present its next-generation turboprop, the D328eco, designed to serve remote communities, support economic growth and meet Canada's environmental goals.
Key Capabilities of the D328eco include: • Short take-off and landing capability for gravel and unpaved runways • Multi-mission flexibility allowing passenger, cargo and medevac configurations • Break-even load factor of just 55%, enabling profitability on thin routes • Canadian-built engines by Pratt & Whitney Canada
“The D328eco is more than an aircraft-it's a lifeline for underserved regions,” says Nils Heuer, Director of Sales at Deutsche Aircraft. “It's built to connect communities where other aircraft simply cannot operate.”
“The D328eco is designed with sustainability at its core - not as an afterthought. From its compatibility with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel to its efficient operations on short and unpaved runways, it's a solution tailored for the environmental and connectivity needs of regions like Canada,” said Regina Pouzolz, Director of Sustainable Flight at Deutsche Aircraft.
BIRD Aerosystems Delivers Airborne Missile Protection System to African Military www.defenceweb.co.za
BIRD Aerosystems has delivered and deployed its Advanced Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) for an African air force, which is using it on its fleet of Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters.
The company made the announcement in late October, saying the project encompassed the effective installation, integration, and field testing of AMPS on a fleet of Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters. “This comprehensive approach not only meets the critical requirements for enhanced aircraft survivability but also ensures that the fleet achieves full operational readiness against emerging surface-to-air missile threats.”
Central to the AMPS suite is BIRD's SPREOS DIRCM (Self-Protection Radar Electro-Optic System), which uses radar and infrared tracking capabilities to detect, verify, and neutralize incoming missile threats. In conjunction with SPREOS, the installation includes the µEYE Missile Warning Sensor (MWS), a compact electro-optical sensor.
“The delivery of our AMPS configuration, featuring the SPREOS and µEYE sensors, illustrates our strengthened partnership with this vital African Air Force,” said BIRD's Co-CEO and Founder, Ronen Factor. “By controlling the development process, we offer unparalleled flexibility and rapid customization, contributing to enhanced fleet readiness and crew safety.”
BIRD Aerosystems in January this year revealed that an undisclosed African Ministry of Defence had its AMPS for its Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopter fleet in what the Israeli company said was a significant contract.
“Our systems are installed on over 700 aerial platforms globally, delivering unmatched protection in the most dangerous conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Southern Sudan and other current conflicts. The AMPS technology, with its proven track record and cutting-edge capabilities, ensures the highest levels of operational security,” Factor said in January.
In 2022, the company's AMPS-MV airborne missile protection system was added to a customer's Mi-17 helicopters operating on behalf of the United Nations in Africa. In late 2020 BIRD Aerosystems revealed that an unidentified African customer had ordered its SPREOS directional infrared countermeasures system for its VIP and military aircraft fleet. That year, the company announced it had delivered its Airborne Missile Protection Systems to a VIP customer in Africa to protect a presidential Boeing 737 aircraft. The AMPS system included an AeroShield POD and Missile Approach Confirmation Sensor.
BIRD Aerosystems says it specialises in airborne missile protection systems and Airborne Surveillance, Information and Observation (ASIO) solutions - eight years ago the Angolan Air Force began operating a Cessna Citation jet configured by BIRD for the maritime surveillance role. It was fitted with Leonardo's SeaSpray active electronically scanned array (AESA) multimode surveillance radar and a Controp electro-optical (EO) sensor in a belly fairing. The aircraft also has an automatic identification system (AIS) receiver and satellite communications systems.
In May 2022 the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) took delivery of the first of two Cessna Citation CJ3 maritime surveillance aircraft as part of its Deep Blue maritime security project, after being fitted with BIRD's Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence and Observation maritime solution as well as its Mission Management system (MSIS). The ASIO solution includes a search radar and electro-optical/infrared gimbal.
Emirates and South African Airways Enhance Codeshare Agreement, Building on 28 Years of Partnership
Reinforcing its longstanding commitment to South Africa, Emirates announces third daily flight to Cape Town, building on a year of significant investment in operations. From 1st July 2026, Emirates will connect South Africa and Dubai with a consistent and reliable schedule of 56 direct flights every week, boosted further through interline and codeshare partners
With single ticket fare and hassle-free baggage handling, Emirates customers will be able to enjoy seamless access from Johannesburg to three domestic points in South Africa - Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and a further thirteen regional points in Africa including Abidjan, Accra, Botswana, Dar es Salaam, Kinshasa, Windhoek, Lagos, Lusaka, Lubumbashi, Harare, Victoria Falls, Windhoek, and Mauritius. The codeshare will enable Emirates to tap into feeder traffic from South Africa, and regionally alongside long-haul connecting passengers from the UK and US.
This builds on the existing codeshare partnership, that provides South African Airways customers with access to Dubai on Emirates' soon-to-be 56 weekly flights from three gateways, as well as a further 68 global destinations available on an interline basis. Since January, 45,000 passengers have taken advantage of this partnership.
The agreement was signed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, by Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Professor M. John Lamola, Group Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways. Beyond the reciprocal codeshare, the MoU also outlines scope to explore further collaboration across loyalty programmes and cargo operations, as well as closer cooperation to explore synergies between their shared network and schedules.
Building on a year of unwaveringly high demand, Emirates has announced a third daily flight on the Dubai-Cape Town route, from 1st July 2026. Operated with a Boeing 777, the new service boosts seat capacity by a further 600+ seats in and out of South Africa's most visited city every day.
In the last year, Emirates' double daily schedule to Cape Town has been operating at a very high seat factor, especially during peak periods. Inbound traffic from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the UAE, is on the rise, while outbound traffic remains strong to Europe and the East Coast of the US.
2025 marks Emirates' 30th year of operations to South Africa, since its inaugural flight to Johannesburg in 1995. Throughout the year, the airline has consistently demonstrated its steadfast commitment to the market through significant investment in operations that focused on enhancing the traveller experience. Emirates ramped up flights to and from Johannesburg, with a fourth daily flight that added a morning departure, to create new opportunities to travel.
Emirates also deployed its first retrofitted Boeing 777 in Africa to South Africa, bringing its latest signature product and experience to Cape Town and Johannesburg. Elevating the passenger experience with the latest signature interiors and upgraded cabins, the retrofitted Boeing 777 introduced Premium Economy, the highly lauded cabin that's been likened to business class on many other airlines.
Maj Gen, Robert Michael White born on 6 July 1924 was an American electrical engineer, test pilot, fighter pilot, and astronaut. After graduating from high school, he entered active military service in November 1942 as an aviation cadet in the United States Army Air Forces, and received his pilot wings and commission as a second lieutenant in February 1944.
During World War II, he served with the 355th Fighter Group in the European Theatre of Operations. He flew P-51 Mustangs from July 1944 until February 1945, when he was shot down over Germany on his 52nd combat mission. He was captured and remained a prisoner of war until his release in April 1945.
He was one of twelve pilots who flew the North American X-15, an experimental spaceplane jointly operated by the Air Force and NASA. As an engineer, he supervised the design and development of several modern military aircraft.
On July 17, 1962, he flew the X-15 to an altitude above 50 miles, thereby qualifying as an astronaut according to the United States definition of the boundary of space.
He passed away on 17 March 2010.
Democratic Republic Congo, Kolwezi Airport (KWZ/FZQM): An AirJet Angola flight MBC100, an Embraer ERJ-145LR, suffered an accident during landing on runway 29 at Kolwezi Airport (KWZ) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All passengers and crew were evacuated safely. The aircraft was partly consumed by fire. The aircraft had been chartered by the DRC Ministère des mines to fly a government delegation to Kolwezi following a fatal mining accident there. The flight had departed Kinshasa-N'Djiili and made a stopover at Lubumbashi (FBM). Due to construction work, the threshold of KWZ runway 29 was displaced by 1000m at the time of the accident. Video shows the aircraft touching down in the normal touchdown zone of runway 29 and rolling into the area under construction, losing at least one of the main landing gears in the process.
