Unique Early Aircraft Coming To AirVenture Oshkosh!
Aero Club Communique # 5 of .
Embraer Appoints Leandro Marc Pienaar as business development director in Southern Africa region
US expanding Manda Bay airfield in Kenya with multi-million dollar upgrade.
First Tecnam P2012 Traveller sold into the British Isles market.
Cirrus unveils new G3 Vision Jet.
Airbus reports strong helicopter orders in 2025.
Top air show performers commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026.
This week in history - Rose gained the U.K to Cape Town passage record, at 3 days 17 hours and 38 minutes.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Trike City, Brakpan Airfield 2024
Unique early aircraft coming to Airventure Oshkosh!
Great news is that the “Pioneers of Flight” collection is coming to AirVenture Oshkosh this year! This collection features both original and reproduction aircraft from the first 25 years of aviation.
“The earliest designs were conceived by individuals and appear fragile by today's standards, but they accomplished many of the first milestones in flight,” said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The pace of innovations during aviation's first quarter century is astonishing as one looks at where it started to where it was by the late1920s.”
The aircraft will be displayed in AirVenture's Vintage Aircraft Area, a short walk from our campsite. Aircraft confirmed so far include:
• 1907 Demoiselle - Alberto Santos-Dumont design, replica built by Club Ae´ro des Garrigues in France
• 1909 Blériot XI - First aircraft design to successfully fly the English Channel
• 1915 Morane-Saulnier Type L - Replica WWI fighter built by Daher and Moraine-Saulnier employees
• 1916 Standard J-1 - Restored to flying condition by EAA volunteers in 2013-14
• 1927 Swallow biplane - Early airmail biplane that still flies passengers at EAA's Pioneer Airport
• 1927 Spirit of St. Louis reproduction - Built by EAA to flying condition to honor Charles Lindbergh
Oshkosh Tip - The Vintage Area offers lots of shade, activity and is a great place to watch the daily afternoon airshows from!
F-35C Demo - Latest Addition to AirVenture 2026! The U.S. Navy's F-35C demo team this week announced that EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is part of it's 2026 schedule, with the fifth-generation fighter jet performing during the air shows at Oshkosh. Exact dates will be announced as they are finalised. We are also hoping that the F-35B STOVL will also make an appearance as it did last year.
US Visa Applications - 100 Day + Interview Wait Times
South African Passport Holders
Those of you who need to apply for US Visas, don't delay. Interview appointments are running into April right now for Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Please contact Neil for visa information specific to this year's tour +27 84 674 5674 or info@airadventure.co.za. Visa cost is $185, if you are paying more than that, you're on the wrong site!
Visa Waiver Passports - UK, Australia, New Zealand, European etc
Holders of Visa Waiver passports need only apply for an ESTA visa, This is done on-line and is almost immediate.
Visa cost is $40.27, again if you're paying more than that, you're on the wrong site!
2026 AirVenture Tour Dates
Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Tours (ex Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town) depart Friday 17 July 2026 and return Tuesday 28 July 2026.
Delta Tour ex Chicago departs Terminal 5, O'Hare International at aprox 16h00 on Saturday 18 July and returns to O'Hare on Sunday 26 July at about 15h00
Johannesburg and Cape Town options are filling up, If you have not yet secured YOUR place on the 2026 Tour, please click below for details and bookings!
Aero Club Communique # 5 of 2026
Good morning to all our Aero Club members and the GA Industry.
After many meetings, some which were attended by many on MS Teams and other meetings being informal consultations between groups of three or four, there is consensus on the regulatory framework that will grant relief to the owners of Lycoming and Continental piston-engined aircraft of which the engine is older than or last overhauled post 12 years. Members from the Aero Club consulted with our colleagues from the SACAA earlier last week and we can report that there is agreement on the wording of the proposed amendments to the regulations in Part 43.02.1 and Part 91.09.1.
The two parts mentioned above, when read concurrently with the proposed Appendix 3 to Part 43 of the S A Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS), will define the process that will provide the relief that is needed for 12-year plus engines to be operated safely and legally as required in terms of our S A CAA regulations.
After all the meetings, consultations and telephone calls the regulatory formulation process is now underway. This may seem somewhat lengthy, but it is a legislated timeline that cannot be deviated from. The following has already occurred: We are pleased to announce that the proposed amendments to the regulations in Part 43.02.1 and Part 91.09.1 that were on the agenda at this morning's meeting of the Civil Aviation Regulations Committee (CARCom) were approved for promulgation. Appendix 3 of Part 43 has been agreed to by the SACAA and industry and it will be sent by the SACAA for public comment after which it will be signed by our DCA.
It needs to be noted that the above is the result of a process that occurred as expediently as it could have, given the time constraints of the Christmas holidays and the required legal waiting periods. The Aero Club was significantly instrumental in ensuring that no time was wasted during the process. We thank our dedicated members who spent many hours in meetings delving into regulations to produce the wording of the proposals that now are approved. We also want to thank the General Aviation Department, the Airworthiness Department, and other colleagues at the SACAA for their collaborative cooperation in getting these amendments to fruition.
The yearly Aero Club Airweek has now cleared the TMA and is in level flight, trimmed and is straight and level towards the destination. The dedicated planning committee has finalised all but a few of the administrative requirements. Allocation of stalls for exhibitors has been done and we may be out of space! The presentations and other programme items are all but done and only need to be fine-tuned.
The way it is going now, all augers very well for a good event. Register your attendance for Airweek at up-to-participate
The Aero Club has had a very long relationship with the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa (CAASA). At the recent 25-year celebration of AAD, CAASA gave awards to Air Show SA, a section of the Aero Club and to the Aero Club for our involvement in AAD over the years.
We as Aero Club will also be involved with AAD 2026 later this year in September.
If you need to renew your Authority to Fly, see the information below about our Aero Assist system.
The 2026 Aero Club membership renewal commenced on the 1st of December.
Please visit the Aero Club website renewal portal at www.aeroclub.org.za/membership/ to renew or to register as a new member.
Enjoy the week, be safe, till next week.
Regards
Walter Doubell
Acting Chairman, Aero club of SA walter@aeroclub.org.za
Monday, 09 February 2026
Embraer appoints Leandro Marc Pienaar as business development director in Southern Africa Region
Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) has strengthened its presence in Southern Africa with the appointment of Leandro Marc Pienaar as Business Development Director.
In his new role, Leandro will lead Embraer's Defence & Security business development efforts in the Southern Africa region, promoting the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano, alongside Embraer's full portfolio of defence products and solutions.
This appointment reflects Embraer's long-term strategic vision to deliver state-of-the-art operational capabilities while fostering collaboration with Southern African countries and local industry, driving growth and contributing to the country's economic development.
Leandro brings extensive experience to the role, having served as Head of Business Development for Africa at Milkor (Pty) Ltd for several years, where he successfully negotiated and supported multi-million-dollar defence contracts across the continent. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pretoria and as a passionate aviation enthusiast, Leandro also holds a private pilot license.
A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services and Support to customers after-sales.
Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.
US expanding Manda Bay airfield in Kenya with multi-million dollar upgrade
The Manda Bay airfield in Kenya is undergoing major expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in late January. The 29 January ceremony was presided over by Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, alongside Christopher Thomas Landau, United States Deputy Secretary of State, as well as the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Roselinda Soipan Tuya, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) said.
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
“The runway expansion is a pivotal strategic capability upgrade that significantly enhances operational reach, heavy airlift capacity, and forward logistical sustainment for joint and partner military operations. It strengthens rapid force projection, persistent operational presence, and time-sensitive response across the theatre. The project directly reinforces readiness, interoperability, and sustained operational effectiveness across peacetime, crisis, and contingency operations,” the KDF said.
The head of Africa Command, US Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, said “Kenya is a key partner for peace and security in East Africa, and this infrastructure directly strengthens how our militaries work together while building Kenya's ability to counter threats like al-Shabaab”.
With the Department of State's awarding of a $71.3 million contract to build the airfield, the development of the 10 000 foot runway advances both US and Kenyan national interests, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa said.
“Together, it will better protect our people and our assets, and it gives both our nations a stronger platform to deter, disrupt, and defeat terrorist organizations,” Anderson said.
Emphasising the runway extension project is in partnership with the United States, the KDF said these gains consolidate Kenya-United States defence integration and establish a credible, enduring security posture in support of regional peace, security, and stability.
Landau commended the Government of Kenya for the partnership, describing the project as a tangible demonstration of the enduring bilateral relationship.
Tuya stated that the Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay One-Way Runway Expansion Project will significantly strengthen regional peace and security by enhancing rapid response, surveillance, and joint operational capability against piracy, human trafficking, and threats to maritime trade.
Kenya Navy base Manda Bay hosts the US military's Camp Simba. It is used by the Africa Command's 406th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), but the base appears to be primarily used by contractor-operated intelligence-gathering aircraft for missions over Somalia.
Al-Shabaab attacked the base in January 2020, destroying several aircraft and killing three Americans: one US Army member and two Department of Defence contractors. Satellite imagery shows that security around the base was significantly upgraded after the attack.
The 406th AEW reported in October 2025 that the facilities at Camp Simba were being upgraded, with temporary tents being replaced by more durable containerised housing units for US personnel, Janes noted.
First Tecnam P2012 Traveller sold into the British Isles market
Tecnam is proud to announce a significant milestone in its global establishment of the P2012 Aircraft Series with the delivery of a P2012 Traveller into the British Isles commercial market. The aircraft was acquired on December 30, 2025, by MONTE Global Asset Management, a specialist investment firm focused on financing mission critical and sustainable regional aircraft.
The aircraft will be leased to the Airtask Group and operated by their subsidiary, Hebridean Air Services. It is scheduled to serve the essential Public Service Obligation (PSO) route between Stornoway (EGPO) and Benbecula (EGPL). Currently, this route supports the local community with four scheduled return flights a day, three days a week.
The sale was facilitated by Oriens Aviation, the authorised Tecnam sales centre for the British Isles. This transaction highlights the P2012 Traveller's growing reputation as the premier platform for essential regional connectivity, specifically designed to replace aging heritage fleets in demanding operational environments.
Francesco Sferra, P2012 Sales and Business Development Manager at Tecnam, commented: “We are incredibly proud to see the P2012 Traveller enter the British Isles market. This aircraft was designed specifically to offer a modern, more comfortable, safe, and cost-effective solution for short-haul routes that connect remote communities. After personally proofing the aircraft in Scotland in an early 2025 demo tour, now seeing the P2012 selected for the rugged and demanding environment of the Scottish Hebrides confirms that we have delivered on that promise. We look forward to supporting Hebridean Air Services, Airtask, and MONTE in this new chapter of regional connectivity.”
The planned start of operations is scheduled for Q1 of 2026. Before entering service, the aircraft will undergo a proving flight with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to be formally registered on the Airtask Group's Air Operator's Certificate (AOC).
The introduction of the P2012 Traveller represents a modernization of the fleet serving the Hebrides, promising enhanced passenger comfort and reliability.
Cirrus unveils new G3 Vision Jet
Cirrus introduced the next evolution of its jet product line with the new Generation 3 (G3) Vision Jet®. The G3 Vision Jet reveals a reimagined interior with premium materials and an expanded seating option for six adults, as well as ATC Datalink and over 30 refinements designed to create a new era of smart and safe Personal Aviation™.
The Vision Jet is recognized as the world's first single-engine Personal Jet and the best-selling jet in aviation. Known for its V-tail design, quiet and spacious cabin, safety systems and intuitive Perspective Touch+™ avionics, the Vision Jet was designed with the pilot and passengers in mind. Cirrus is now delivering the G3 Vision Jet.
“The G3 Vision Jet is a testament to our relentless innovation, continued investment in Personal Aviation and our owners who want to travel efficiently with award-winning safety features, the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland for peace of mind,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “The G3 Vision Jet interior was engineered for excellence and comfort, now offering expanded seating for increased mission capability. The Cirrus Perspective Touch+ flight deck adds new features for reduced pilot workload, including ATC Datalink and Alerts-Linked Checklists, while new Cirrus Spectra™ wingtips illuminate the ramp.”
The G3 Vision Jet adds Perspective Touch+ flight deck features to reduce pilot workload, increase safety and maximize productivity: ATC Datalink: Pilots can text to communicate with air traffic control to receive route updates, altitude assignments and more. Automatic Database Updates: Flight data is always up to date, streamlining the pre-flight process with the Cirrus IQ PRO Advanced™ subscription. Alerts-Linked Checklists: Provide quick access to relevant checklists during high-workload scenarios when a caution or warning alert may arise. Taxiway Routing and 3D SafeTaxi®: Increase situational awareness in airport environments with clear airport surface maps and directions for navigating unfamiliar airports. Cirrus Spectra™ Wingtips & Lights: New wingtip and landing lights are 2.7 times brighter, while the signature Cirrus halo light distinguishes the jet on the ramp.
Over 700 Vision Jets have been delivered worldwide, maturing to serve business owners, entrepreneurs and those who demand efficient and cost-effective travel. Owners enjoy a lifetime of concierge, streamlined aircraft ownership through the Cirrus ecosystem of services for aircraft sales and management, finance and insurance, flight training, service and more.
Airbus reports strong helicopter orders in 2025
Airbus Helicopters logged 544 gross orders (net: 536) in 2025, highlighting a strong market growth with a solid performance this year across the entire civil and military range. The orders came from 205 customers in 50 countries. The Company also saw a strong market momentum for its Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in 2025. In terms of unit bookings, Airbus Helicopters secured a market share of 51% of the civil and parapublic market and its military market share rose to 28%. The Company delivered 392 helicopters in 2025.
“Airbus Helicopters' outstanding performance in 2025, marked by an order intake increase close to 20% in units, demonstrates that our modern civil and military portfolios are delivering the precise mission capabilities required in today's complex environment,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Our focus on defence and security has never been sharper. Furthermore, we are leading the shift toward UAS by integrating Survey Copter into our core operations, establishing a comprehensive range of tactical drones. By combining drones with our advanced and unique HTeaming capabilities, we provide a seamless, networked ecosystem for the modern battlespace. I want to thank our customers for their unwavering trust as we continue to pioneer the future of aerospace,” he added.
The year was defined by major sovereign commitments, most notably from Spain, which placed a landmark order for 100 helicopters-including 50 H145Ms, 31 NH90s for all three branches of the armed forces, and the first orders for the H175M. Germany continued its modernisation by exercising an option for 20 additional H145Ms (bringing the total to 82), with the first helicopters already delivered. Meanwhile, the NH90 programme saw a renewed momentum: the Netherlands added three aircraft to their fleet, Greece signed a critical follow-on support contract, and Germany took delivery of its first NH90 Sea Tiger, the latest evolution for world-leading Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface Warfare capabilities.
In the heavy segment, the Super Puma family proved its versatility as Greece ordered eight H215s for firefighting. The H225M reached new milestones with Morocco signing a contract for ten H225M helicopters, along with first deliveries to Iraq. The light twin segment was equally robust, with Spain placing an order for 13 H135 helicopters and the UK National Police Air Service ordering seven H135s. With 149 orders, the H145 has once again reaffirmed its position as the best seller on the civil and parapublic and military markets.
Airbus signaled a new chapter in vertical lift at VERTICON 2025 with the unveiling of the H140, a next-generation light twin-engine helicopter. Incorporating techno-bricks like the T-tail configuration, the H140 has already secured 61 firm orders. Innovation also reached new heights with Racer which surpassed its original performance targets to achieve a cruise speed of 440 km/h (240 kts), reaffirming Airbus' ability to deliver speed with a simpler aerodynamically optimised architecture.
The Company also established a comprehensive tactical drone range by integrating Survey Copter into its core offerings. Airbus signed its first UAS contracts with Drone Forge and the European Maritime Safety Agency opting for Flexrotor and the French Ministry of Armed Forces ordering six VSR700s. Through HTeaming, Airbus is pioneering the crewed-uncrewed teaming with a standalone solution that allows crews to manage uncrewed systems in real-time, multiplying mission capabilities.
This technological leap is mirrored in the H160 programme, which saw its military version, the H160M "Guépard”, complete its maiden flight in July. The H160 confirmed its successful entry into service by securing approximately 50% of the civil and parapublic market share in the medium twin segment. The first H160 in a law enforcement configuration was delivered to the French Gendarmerie Nationale and the programme added firefighting to its mission profiles with a delivery to Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau and an order from the Nagoya City Fire Bureau. The H160 also began offshore operations for the Energy sector in the U.S. with operator PHI Aviation. The H175 received 15 orders in 2025, solidifying its position in the super medium segment.
To support this unprecedented demand, Airbus Helicopters continued to expand its global industrial base. In 2025, work commenced on a new Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vemagal, Karnataka, India. To be inaugurated in the coming weeks, this facility will become the world's fourth H125 FAL, reinforcing Airbus' commitment to the Indian market and global supply chain resilience.
Top Air Show Performers Commit to EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2026
Some of the world's top air show performers have made commitments to fly at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 - the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration - as part of the afternoon and night air show lineups.
Performers at the 73rd EAA fly-in convention, scheduled for July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport, include aerobatic champions and longtime Oshkosh favorites. The event features nine air shows over seven days, including night air shows on July 22 and 25. Daily afternoon air shows are presented by Daher, while the July 22 night air show is presented by Covington Aircraft and the July 25 night air show is presented by Hartzell Propeller.
“Each year, we build the air show roster for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh based on welcoming some of the best air show performers in the world, along with suggestions from attendees that include past favorites and new performers emerging on the scene,” said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This year the air shows will also be celebrating America's 250th birthday and already feature the best of the best, with even more confirmations to come.”
Among the performers and aircraft already on the schedule are:
Randy Ball (MiG-17)
Vicky Benzing (P-51)
Jeff Boerboon (Extra 330SC)
Bob Carlton (Jetfox twin-engine sailplane)
The Chuters (skydiving)
Class of '45 (Corsair/P-51)
Greg Colyer (2 T-33s)
Susan Dacy (Stearman)
Erik Edgren (Taylorcraft)
Kyle Fowler (Long-EZ)
Kyle Franklin (Super Cub)
Michael Goulian (Extra)
RJ Gritter (Decathlon)
Ed Hamill (Folds of Honor Pitts)
Jack Aces (3 P-51s)
Greg Koontz (Decathlon)
Nathan Hammond (Super Chipmunk)
International Aerobatic Club demo
Jerry Kerby (T-28)
Frank Kimmel (Corsair)
Tom Larkin (Sonex Mini Jet)
Britt Lincoln (Extra 330SC)
Jarrod Lindemann (Jet Waco)
David Martin (Aircraft TBD)
Northern Stars (Pitts Specials)
Jim Peitz (F-33 Bonanza)
Red Bull Air Force (Chambliss/Fitzgerald/Coleman)
Jeff Shetterly (T-6)
Skip Stewart (Prometheus 2)
Team Redline (RV-8s)
Tinstix of Dynamite (Stewart/Burns)
Titan Aerobatic Team (T-6s)
USAF F-16 Viper Demo
USAF F-22 Raptor Demo
U.S. Army Golden Knights (skydiving)
Bernie Vasquez (P-47 Thunderbolt)
Matt Younkin (Beech 18)
These early confirmations are in addition to the previously announced P-38 and DC-6 from The Flying Bulls from Austria, whose only public U.S. appearance will be at AirVenture. Many more performers will be announced, including some only-in-Oshkosh performers and aircraft. Exact days for each performer and complete daily air show lineups will be announced as they are finalized.
Thomas Rose gained the U.K to Cape Town passage record, at 3 days 17 hours and 38 minutes.
Born on 27 January 1895 Thomas Rose (Better known as "Tommy" Rose) DFC was a British flying ace in World War I, credited with 11 victories. He also won the King's Cup Air Race in 1935 and from 1939-45 was Chief Test Pilot with Phillips & Powis Aircraft Ltd. - renamed Miles Aircraft Ltd. in 1943.
Rose joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and was posted to No. 64 Squadron later that year, flying DH.5s. The squadron was involved in the Battle of Cambrai in a ground-strafing role. It subsequently re-equipped with SE5as, which led to greater involvement in aerial combat. He was awarded the DFC in November 1918, having become a deputy flight commander.
He became a national hero in March 1936 after his flight to Cape Town and back; "he can now claim to have made the fastest time for the trip both out and home. His new record is 6 days 6 hr. 57 min. (he got to the Cape in 89 hr. 37 min.), which beats F/O David Llewellyn's time-the previous best-by 5 hr. 6 min."
After the flight he had tea with the Prime Minister, General Hcrtzog, and also saw General Smuts.
Rose passed away on 20 June 1968 and is laid to rest in Alderney, Channel Islands.
South Africa, Johannesburg-Grand Central Airport (GCJ/FAGC): A Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee crashed on private property near the Carstenhof Hospital, Glen Austin, Midrand, Gauteng, when performing touch and goes on runway 35 at Grand Central Airport (FAGC). The instructor and student pilot suffered serious injuries and the aircraft received substantial damage.
South Afica, near Kromvlei, S of Alberton, Gauteng: A Bell 230 crashed during a training exercise in a field near Kromvlei, south of Alberton, Gauteng. During the impact, the tail boom section broke off from the fuselage and the helicopter tipped over on its left side. The instructor suffered minor injuries and the trainee pilot escaped unharmed and the helicopter received substantial damage.
UK, about 2 km SE of Littleborough, Rochdale, Greater Manchester: A Cirrus SR20 G6 Premium Platinum, G-GXVV, came down in a sloping field about 2 km southeast of Littleborough, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, after the CAPS was activated (pull #170). Both occupants perished and the aircraft was written off. The aircraft came to rest inverted. Photos from the scene show the parachute detached from the aircraft, blown against a power line pylon. The power company reported no damage to power lines or pylons.
Atlantic Ocean, 70 NM from Santiago de Compostela: easyJet UK flight U23211, an Airbus A320-214, suffered a loss of pressurization while en route from Edinburgh to Fuerteventura at FL390. The flight was carried out with the inoperative engine 1 bleeding system, which was allowed per dispatch regulations. During the en-route phase and being within Spanish airspace, approximately 70 NM from Santiago de Compostela, a leak warning was activated in the engine 2 bleed system, which caused a loss of pressurization in the cabin. The crew activated the auxiliary power unit, and using their oxygen masks, diverting to Porto Airport (Portugal), where they landed without further eventuality. No damage was done to the aircraft. None of the people on board were injured.
