Aero Club Communique # 7 of 2026.
Why attend Airweek 2026.
Brazil's ANAC Authorizes Production of the Sling TSi LSA.
GAMA releases 2025 aircraft shipment and billing report.
JetZero raises $175 million in series b financing to transform aircraft innovation.
Lanying R6000 tiltrotor UAV completes maiden flight in Deyang City, China's Sichuan.
ICAO - Governments must enhance support for air crash victims and their families.
Embraer and Northrop Grumman pitch KC-390 tanker to the US with boom refuelling.
This week in history - Leonardo da Vinci, artist, scientist, musician and engineer is without a doubt one of the most famous people of all time.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Aero Club Airweek 2023 Event Report
Aero Club Communique # 7 of 2026
Good day to all our Aero Club members and the GA Industry.
12-Year Engines
Appendix 3 of Part 43, the technical standards that will give relief to owners of aircraft with Lycoming and Continental engines that are older than 12 years, was placed on the SACAA website on Friday afternoon.
I quote from their website page:
Electronic copies of the draft Amendments may also be requested from Keitumetse Segami at RDSecretariat@caa.co.za. Interested persons are hereby invited to submit written comments on these draft Amendments on or before 19 March 2026 to the Chairperson of CARCom, for the attention of: Ms. Keitumetse Segami Ikhaya Lokundiza, Byls Bridge office Park, Boulevard, Dooringkloof, Centurion, 0157 Email: RDSecretariat@caa.co.za Tel: (011) 545 103
Please see:
https://www.caa.co.za/legal-notices-2/#Proposed-Amendments
For the full Appendix 3 click on: Schedule 10 SA-CATS 43 (General Maintenance Rules) As reported in previous Communiques, the Aero Club and its partners engaged extensively with the SACAA on the principles and concept of Appendix 3 of the Part 43 Technical Standards.
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The work that went into producing the Appendix and the final result is ample reason for the Aero Club to state that Appendix 3 of Part 43 is a coherent, well-presented document that fully serves its purpose. Therefore, the Aero Club supports Appendix 3 and we believe there is no need to make any further comment about Appendix 3.
The Aero Club and its partners further wish to assist in any way possible to ensure a smooth transition to the new process that will offer relief to the older than 12-year engine aircraft owners.
Fees
In last week's Communique we mentioned the latest changes to the SACAA fee structure as it affects general aviation. A fellow Aero Club council member has mentioned that, although specific reference was made to the process that was followed and the consultations with the SACAA about the fees, it would be good to see actual figures that quantify the fee structure negotiations. Thanks to our council member for his observation and for this idea.
The table below on the next page lists fees of certain elements of Parts 61, 62, 66, 67, 68, 69 and 105 for which we negotiated a reduced fee structure. There is a comparison of the original fee, the original fee proposed by the CAA and the final approved fee.
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The 2026 Aero Club membership renewal commenced on the 1st of December.
Please visit the Aero Club website renewal portal at
https://aeroclub.org.za/membership/ to renew or to register as a new member. If you need to renew your Authority to Fly, see the information below about our Aero Assist system.
Enjoy the week. Fly, drive and be safe. Till next week.
Regards
Walter Doubell
Acting Chairman, Aero club of SA, walter@aeroclub.org.za
Why Attend Airweek 2026
WOW, only one weeks to go! We have had such amazing response from our Sponsors and Exhibitors. They all want to be onsite to serve you - the aviator.What event can you attend with ALL the services put in place for us aviators, and there is NO FEE to ATTEND? Where you can meet various aviation services face to face to discuss queries or order new services. Where you can see; hot air balloons, light sport aircraft (nose gear and tailwheel), classic and vintage aircraft, new tech aircraft, helicopters, motor gliders, skydivers,para-gliders, microlights, gyrocopters operating in different disciplines, ALL in one place!
How often do we have this opportunity? By attending, you are not just enjoying an amazing fly away, you are supporting aviation service providers, who have made the effort to come all the way to Middelburg to meet with you. You are promoting the aviation community, network and share stories.
2026 is For Aviators, By Aviators
Please be part of the community
01 For us to be able to plan for your attendance, please :
•Register
•Book your tent or bring your own let us know if you are camping. This enables us to plan better for the campers.
For those that have booked, THANK YOU.
As aviators, we all watch the weather, but please don't wait until the last minute to register. This way, we have a better idea for planning.
WHAT'S NEW
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT AIRWEEK 2026
Flying Activities
• STOL Competition - if you think you can take or and land short, enter!
• Static Display - iconic aircraft can be registered to reserve space here.
• Aircraft Judging Competition - just build or completed a restoration project. Enter your Aircraft (thanks Paul, Pierre and team for spending your Saturday).
• SAPFA Fun Rally - try your hand at a fun navigation rally
• SAMAA - display and activity with a scholars education program.
• PASA will be skydiving (still to be scheduled)
• BAFSA will be present with a hot air balloon
• Puma Lions - These beautiful Harvard's plan to visit on Saturday
• MISASA will host a spot landing for arrivals on Saturday morning
Presentations, Workshops and Discussions
Please refer to the Program (through the Register Here button) for details. Some of the highlights include;
• Crash Site Investigation Panel Discussion
• Listen to what is happening in the AP world first hand from APOSA Chairman
• Goodyear Aviation Tyres SA Manger will join us from Port Elizabeth to talk about Tyre care and principles (Absolute Parts).
• Comet Aviation will demonstrate an Oil Change on a ROTAX engine
• Understand what is happening in the Aircraft Sales Market - new and used. If you are in the market to buy or sell, join this presentation highlighting important factors and sharing some tips (Absolute AC Sales)
If you are planning an activity or gathering, that we are not yet aware of,
please let us know.
How you can contribute?
• Apart from participating in activities
• Consider volunteering to assist the marshals
Who will be there
• Lots of pilots, aviators and aviator enthusiasts
• Sling - Three Sling Aircraft on display (for flying). Major presence & will be flying as much as possible.
• Comet Aviation / Rotax - Major presence and a demonstration on a ROTAX oil change
• SANTAM
• Absolute Aircraft Sales- Pipistrel or other interesting Aircraft on display
• Absolute Parts - Presence
• Aviation Direct (Easy Cockpit & Easy Plan)
• ARC
• Airwear (Kerry will be travelling up all the way from KZN to be with us!)
• Aeronautical Aviation
• Aviate Pilot Shop will be on site (Safomar)
• DJA Insurance
• Evans Aviation
• Hartern Financial Services
• LSA Covers
• Next Aviation
• SAFOMAR Wingman/ Safomar Maintenance will be onsite with Aircraft on display
• Vektor
• and more
In addition to these Stands and Displays
• Savanna will be present and flying (Mike will travel from East London to join us!)
• Safari / Kit Planes Africa will be present and flying & major STOL competitor
• Various Aircraft have indicated they will be present and are willing to fly pilots. Try something different. No pre-bookings, you have to be there to find the opportunity.
• If you are an instructor with an aircraft, and would like to make yourself available for renewals, please let us know by email and we will share this information
Aviation Service providers include
• Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC)
• Ground Search & Rescue services (with their fury friends)
• SA Weather Services (SAWS)
• Mayday-SA
• Bateleurs
• SACAA
• And various ARO's
Living Arrangements
• Rent a tent or bring your own, bring your RV - please still register! (limited power is available)
• Stay in town - lists of accommodation is provided.
• Transfers- Airfield to recommendation establishments provided at nominal fee. Don't forget to indicate this on the form as we will set up a group for this service to assist with pickup's. Please do bear in mind that while we will endeavour to help everyone with their needs, this is not an individual service.
• Breakfast and Lunches at the Airfield from vendors
• Friday braai dinner @ R200 per person
• Saturday low key dinner with awards @ R285 per person (no dress code)
We are looking forward to spending time with you in Middelburg!
As this communication contains a substantial amount of information, we acknowledge that something may have changed and we may not have noted this as yet. Please reply to this email with any comments or additions you have for the event.
Brazil's ANAC Authorizes Production of the Sling TSi LSA
The Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) has granted TAF Brazil LTDA ME official recognition of the Sling TSi as a Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA). With this authorization, TAF Brazil is now approved to manufacture the model locally, significantly expanding the range of light sport aircraft available on the Brazilian market. This makes TAF the tenth Brazilian manufacturer to receive recognition in the Special LSA category.
The key highlight of the Sling TSi is its four-seat configuration, making it only the second Special Light Sport Aircraft in the world to meet the international consensus standards for this category. The model combines performance, efficiency, and comfort-addressing the growing demand for modern, versatile light sport aircraft.
For the recognition process, ANAC conducted a sample document review, technical inspections at TAF's manufacturing facilities, and aircraft evaluations. The process ensured that all analyses and tests required by the consensus standards were properly carried out and that the manufacturer's declaration was technically sound.
The recognition of the Sling TSi was made possible thanks to ANAC's update of the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations in July 2022. The revised rules now allow aircraft with up to four seats and a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of up to 1,361 kg, in accordance with the standards developed by ASTM International.
This regulatory modernization aligns Brazil with international standards while reducing development and approval costs for new aircraft projects compared to traditional type-certification processes-without compromising safety, thanks to compliance with the established consensus standards.
GAMA Releases 2025 Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report during its annual State of the Industry Press Conference. Overall, when compared to 2024, the business jet and piston airplane segments saw increases in shipments and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $35.7 billion, an increase of 14.6%.
“The state of the general aviation manufacturing industry remains steadfast. We continue to see robust numbers of total aircraft delivered as well as annual billings eclipsing $35 billion, the highest it has ever been. While some segments are seeing marginal declines in deliveries, they are all still above 2019 levels. As manufacturers work hard to meet the challenges and demand of today, they remain focused on advancing safety and innovation for the future of the entire aviation industry,” said James Viola, GAMA President and CEO.
Airplane shipments in 2025, when compared to 2024, saw piston airplanes increase by ten units to 1,782, turboprops decline slightly by 5.1% with 594 units, and business jets increase 11.8% with 854 units. The value of airplane deliveries for 2025 was $31.0 billion, an increase of 16.1%.
Helicopter shipments in 2025, when compared to 2024, saw piston helicopters at 206 units, and preliminary turbine helicopters at 732 units, a decrease of four and fourteen units respectively. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2025 was $4.7 billion, an increase of approximately 5.5%.
Year-End Aircraft Shipment and Billing
Jetzero Raises $175 Million in Series B Financing to Transform Aircraft Innovation
JetZero, the U.S.-based start-up airplane maker designing the world's first commercial all-wing airplane, announces it has raised approximately $175 million in its Series B financing, led by B Capital, a global multi-stage investment firm. United Airlines Ventures, Northrop Grumman, 3M Ventures, Trucks VC, Marlinspike, Aero X Ventures, and RTX Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of RTX, among others, also participated in the round. To date, JetZero has raised and secured commitments of more than $1.0 billion, including government grants, incentives and commercial commitments.
The new capital will accelerate the development of JetZero's full-size Demonstrator, a prototype designed to achieve at least 30% improved aerodynamics compared to traditional tube and wing aircraft. The Demonstrator is on track for its first flight in 2027.
“The strength and diversity of our investor base reflects the momentum behind JetZero and the industry's readiness to reshape the future of aviation,” said Tom O'Leary, JetZero co-founder and CEO. “This round brings together key strategic partners across the value chain from demand to supply to implementation, including United Airlines Ventures and RTX Ventures, as well as longtime supporters of JetZero from our Series A financing and a new, lead investor in B Capital, focused on innovative, resilient technology. Together, we are delivering an efficient aircraft that elevates the passenger experience, drives American leadership in advanced manufacturing and exports, and strengthens the aviation supply chain.”
“JetZero is redefining aviation with its all-wing aircraft, setting a new benchmark for efficiency, cost, and the passenger experience,” said Jeff Johnson, General Partner at B Capital. “As aviation faces rising emissions and fuel costs, the need for a step change in efficiency has never been greater. JetZero is positioned to reshape the industry, and we're proud to partner with the team as they advance this ground breaking technology.”
Lanying R6000 Tiltrotor UAV Completes Maiden Flight in Deyang City, China's Sichuan
The Lanying R6000, a 6-ton tiltrotor UAV developed by China's United Aircraft, completed its maiden flight here on Sunday, marking a new step in the country's ambitions in advanced vertical-lift aviation.
The UAV has a payload capacity of up to 2,000 kg, with a maximum cruising speed of 550 km per hour and a range of about 4,000 km at altitudes up to 7,620 m. (Photo by Yin Gang/Xinhua).The Lanying R6000, a 6-ton tiltrotor UAV developed by China's United Aircraft, completed its maiden flight here on Sunday, marking a new step in the country's ambitions in advanced vertical-lift aviation.
The Lanying R6000, a 6-ton tiltrotor UAV developed by China's United Aircraft, completed its maiden flight here on Sunday, marking a new step in the country's ambitions in advanced vertical-lift aviation.
ICAO - Governments Must Enhance Support for Air Crash Victims and Their Families
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is urging governments and air transport partners worldwide to accelerate the implementation of comprehensive support systems for air crash victims and their families and to implement recent enhancements to ICAO's accident investigation standards.
In a statement marking today's International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and Their Families, ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma underscored the need for urgent and collaborative action, rooted in compassion and responsibility, to reach all those affected by aviation accidents: On this day, we turn our thoughts to those who have lost their lives in air accidents, their families and all those who have been affected. We also recognize our collective responsibility to support them.
Accident victims and advocates have helped improve support programmes and aviation safety. Today, we see better communication, improved assistance, and stronger investigations designed to prevent future tragedies. Now, the international community must act urgently to deliver better support for air crash victims and their families.
The unanimous Resolution adopted at the 42nd Session of ICAO's Assembly last year provides clear and urgent guidance for the international community to do more.
The Resolution calls on all States and partners to establish strong national systems for assistance to victims and families, to strengthen monitoring and compliance with international standards and to remain prepared in today's rapidly evolving aviation environment.
Across the world, governments are responding to the call to action. ICAO is standing with its Member States, raising awareness and offering tools, training, and guidance to help ensure that practical assistance reaches those who need it most.
The international community must build an air transport system more deeply rooted in care, responsibility, and trust.
Following the unanimous adoption of ICAO Assembly Resolution A42-15, ICAO has set clear expectations for every State and operator to adopt effective family assistance plans. This includes the prompt and respectful treatment of families at every stage, from the immediate aftermath of an accident to the provision of long-term care and support networks. The Assembly Resolution further emphasizes the necessity of timely notification for families, the accurate recovery and identification of victims, and the implementation of modern legal frameworks, seamless information-sharing, and mechanisms for advance financial support when tragedy occurs.
ICAO continues to guide Member States' enhancement of their national legislation, regulations and policies. A fully binding standard in Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation now requires every State to legislate clear and enforceable support for families. These efforts are complemented by improvements to investigation systems, which now require faster release of preliminary information, plain language in reporting, and meaningful opportunities for families' voices to be considered throughout the investigative process.
Recent ICAO symposia, most notably those held in 2021 and 2024, have placed family representatives, psychological experts, and industry leaders together at the same table, leading to new forms of support and the identification of best practices across jurisdictions. These forums have spurred major advances, including harmonized compensation regimens, psychological and trauma care guidance, and the integration of family needs into national aviation preparedness planning.
ICAO has made the expansion of technical assistance, capacity building, and international awareness a top priority for the next triennium. Dedicated workshops, practical manuals, and tailored training courses are now available to help every State to deliver dignified and coordinated support to victims and families. ICAO is also actively encouraging the ratification of the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air (Montreal Convention, 1999), which currently has 143 parties and forms the backbone of a modern, global legal framework for air carriers' liability and compensation for victims and families. By supporting wider accession to this Convention, ICAO is helping advance the rights of victims and their families.
The Organization is reinforcing the audit and monitoring processes that help States pinpoint gaps and drive improvements. Tools such as the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme and electronic filing systems for compliance have increased both transparency and accountability, making it easier to track progress and share lessons learned. ICAO's commitment extends to regions facing elevated risk, including those impacted by conflict, where enhanced information-sharing and new initiatives such as “Safer Skies” provide additional layers of protection for passengers and crew.
Looking ahead, ICAO is cultivating a truly safety-centric culture across global aviation. Airlines, airports, and authorities are encouraged to prioritize empathy, transparency, and direct support for families as fundamental building blocks of aviation safety. Every lesson learned is promptly circulated worldwide, allowing States and operators to benefit from evolving best practices and innovative solutions.
As the ICAO Council President has made clear, the time to act is now. ICAO stands with air crash victims, their families, and all those whose lives are touched by aviation tragedies.
Embraer and Northrop Grumman Pitch KC-390 Tanker to the US with Boom Refuelling
Embraer and Northrop Grumman say they are working together to evolve the KC-390 Millennium into a tanker variant aimed at the United States Air Force and allied operators, with a central focus on adding a boom refuelling capability to the aircraft.
In a statement issued on February 19, 2026, the companies said the collaboration is intended to “rapidly advance” a next-generation air-refueling system and set the stage for a KC-390 “Multi-Mission Tanker” concept.
Planned enhancements cited by the partners include an “advanced autonomous” aerial refuelling boom, upgraded communications, improved situational awareness, survivability options, and adaptable mission systems.
Tom Jones, Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, said the company is making “strategic investments” to address what it sees as a gap in “advanced air mobility solutions,” particularly among allies seeking “greater operational autonomy and efficiency.”
Embraer Defence and Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior said the effort will prioritize a boom refuelling system for the KC-390, calling the aircraft “operationally proven and cost-effective,” and suggesting it could be added to the US Air Force inventory quickly.
A boom is a key requirement if Embraer wants the KC-390 to refuel a broader set of US and allied receivers, since the KC-390's current refueling approach is probe-and-drogue, while US Air Force tankers predominantly use boom refueling.
The partnership follows an earlier KC-390 effort with L3Harris Technologies that ended in 2024.
Leonardo da Vinci, artist, scientist, musician and engineer is without a doubt one of the most famous people of all time.
Italian born da Vinci has managed to combine his gifts for extraordinarily creative work. Da Vinci was obsessed with flying and conceptualized several different machines. While many of his designs languished in his notebook as their builds were impossible in da Vinci's lifetime, he did manage to build a flying machine resembling a helicopter.
Da Vinci's machine was powered by four men that would turn the screw type rotor. It did not work because the body of the machine itself rotated in the opposite direction to the rotor.
South Africa, Madidi, N of Pretoria, Gauteng: A Sling Aircraft Sling 2 NGT operated by the Excellentia Airline Academy crashed in a field in Madidi, north of Pretoria, Gauteng. The instructor and commercial pilot perished, and the aircraft received substantial damage.
Australia Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport, VIC (MEL/YMML): A Team Global Express flight TFX36, a Boeing 737-800 (BCF), was rolling during take-off on runway 34 when the crew observed a vehicle enter the runway at the intersection of runway 09/27 and conducted a high-speed rejected take-off. The aircraft vacated the runway and remained stationary on the taxiway for 15 minutes before it taxied back to the apron. It was able to continue the flight at 06:19 local time.
Russia, 130 kilometres from the Amaranka, Romny District, Amur Region: A Robinson R44 helicopter disappeared from radar in the Amur Region. The aircraft departed from a logging site 130 kilometres from the village of Amaranka. Local authorities reported that three people were believed to be on board the missing Robinson: the pilot and two passengers. Also on board the aircraft was an investigator from the Oktyabrsky Interdistrict Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Amur Region and the head of the district police department and the juvenile affairs unit of the Oktyabrsky Ministry of Internal Affairs. They arrived at the forest site by ground transportation. According to preliminary information, permission to fly had not been obtained. During search and rescue operations, approximately 1.5 km from the take-off site, a helicopter was found in a destroyed state and the bodies of the deceased pilot and two passengers. It was established that the aircraft belonged to the deceased pilot, who did not have the right to operate it, the flight was carried out without notifying air navigation authorities, and the helicopter was not officially registered in the prescribed manner (the registration plates were missing).
