MIDWEEK UPDATE 05 MARCH 2014
1 Plan your weekend
2 Forthcoming events
3 South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) National Banquet 28 February
4 Civil Aviation Authority secures first major conviction against an aviator
5 PTAR at Gariep 29 - 31 May.
6 Successful tests prepare way for production of Denel's New Seeker 400 UAV
7 Enstrom Helicopter Corporation to supply 16 Training Helicopters to the Venezuela Ministry of Defence.
8 Tecnam records two sales during the US Sport Aviation Expo 2014
9 Piper records double-digit increases in 2013 revenue and deliveries
10 Boeing Receives $2.4 Billion Contract for 16 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft
11 South African Airways (SAA) develops a training programme for successful cadet pilots
12 Rate Card
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6-9 March: EAA at HobbyX at the Dome. The EAA along with the Airplane Factory, the South African Model Aircraft Association and the Aero Club of South Africa will be at South Africa's #1 hobby and craft expo at the Dome in Northgate this coming week end.
Come and take a peep at the progress of EAA's Chapter 322 chapter aircraft build on display, a Sky Worx Teddy SW18 fuselage as well as the insight into building a world renowned Sling aircraft with built components on display. There will be RC Models, lots of discussion, videos streaming and general "shoo tin" the aviation breeze with like-minded aviation enthusiasts.
Whether you're looking for ideas, fun stuff to do with your family, or special activities for your own 'me-time', you'll find it all at Hobby-X from 6 - 9 March 2014 at the Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg on Thursday and Friday from 10am to 6pm and from 9am-to 6pm on Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday.
13-15 March: SA Navy Festival. Contact Navy PRO 021 787 5684
21-23 March: Durban Sky Grand Prix, Durban. Contact Gerna Fraser 031 563 9165
22 March: PASASA TMG fly-in, Kittyhawk. Contact Marietjie van Niekerk 082 765 6670
28-29 March: Wings and Wheels festival, Uitenhage. Contact Lourens Kruger 082 320 2615 imk@telkomsa.net
29-30 March: SAC North-West regionals. Contact Annie Boon change@mweb.co.za
4-5 April: Namibian International Airshow. Contact: Maria Diekmann rest@iway.na
5 April: Parys Pylon Time Trials, Parys. Contact: Scully Levin flyboys@global.co.za
11-13 April: SAA Pilot's Association Zebula Airshow and fly-in. Contact: Paul Weich
pdweich@mweb.co.za
28 April-1 May: PASA SA National Skydiving Championships, Wonderboom Airport. Contact: Peter Lawson 012 566 6535 greatfun@mweb.co.za
3-4 May: SAC Free State Regional Aerobatics, Parys. E-mail: change@mweb.co.za
17 May: SAPFA Fun Rally, Krugersdorp. E-mail: mary@expandingbranding.co.za
10 May: SAAF Museum Annual Airshow, AFB Zwartkops. Contact: Lt. Col. O'Connor 012 351 2290 E-mail: oc@saafmuseum.org
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The Johannesburg Branch of SAAFA has for the past twelve years hosted the Annual Banquet at the historical Rand Club in the Johannesburg CBD and this year the Banquet that was attended by 146 members and guests.
The historical Rand Club
The Banquet was generously sponsored by Lanseria based ExecuJet Aviation Group for which the Association is extremely thankful.
The ExecuJet Table
The Banquet brings together serving and past members of the SAAF, dignitaries, military attaches and others.
SAAFA membership is open to members and ex-members of the SAAF or any other friendly Air Force. The SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION is an all-ranks meeting place, founded in 1945. This eminently worthy cause not only recreates in a light-hearted atmosphere of togetherness of its aviation-minded members, but also enjoins them to share responsibility for the needs of less fortunate ex-SAAF types and their spouses. Furthermore, the SAAFA actively promotes the image of the SAAF and its members. Indeed, the two-fold activity of having fun while raising funds continues to produce excellent results over the years. Funds raised thus are distributed via the Association's Care of the Aged programme.
All persons who serve in, or once served in the SAAF (PF or CF), or in any other Allied Air Force, are eligible to join this unique fraternity.
SAAFA branches are active all over Southern Africa: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East Rand (Benoni), Johannesburg, Kimberley, Lower South Coast (Margate), Laeveld (Hoedspruit), Namibia (Windhoek), Outeniqua (George/Knysna), Pietermaritzburg, Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Stilfontein, Soutpansberg (Machado/Louis Trichardt) and Weskus (Langebaan/Vredenburg). The SA Korean War Veterans Association also has branch status with the SAAFA.
For more information on SAAFA go to: www.saafa.co.za
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AVIATOR
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has secured its first major conviction against unscrupulous behaviour in the civil aviation industry. In what is undoubtedly a precedent-setting conviction, the Port Elizabeth Magistrates Court handed down a term of imprisonment of one (1) year on a charge of forgery and a term of imprisonment of three (3) years on the second charge of contravening various applicable civil aviation regulations to an aspiring pilot. In addition, the court ordered that the accused's private pilot's licence be cancelled.
With regard to the forgery charge, the accused, Mr Nedson Likhunya, used Mr Soponuchi Amadi's private pilot's licence number and altered the document by replacing the photo of the rightful licence holder, i.e. Mr Amadi with his own. On the second charge, Mr Likhunya was caught and convicted for writing an examination towards a commercial pilot's licence on behalf of Mr Amadi, a private pilot licence holder.
His accomplice, Mr Amadi, pleaded guilty on charges pertaining to the contravention of Part 185.00.1 (d) (i) of the Civil Aviation regulations, by allowing Mr Likhunya to write an examination towards a commercial pilot's licence on his behalf. Mr Amadi was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with an alternative of a R10 000.00 monetary fine. Two of the three years were suspended for five years.
According to the SACAA's Director of Civil Aviation, Ms Poppy Khoza, the conviction is a major victory against fraudulent behaviour in the civil aviation industry in this country. "The SACAA and other key industry role-players are working hard to ensure that South African skies are the safest; but these two individuals clearly do not share our view. Moreover, such lawbreakers seem to be oblivious of the fact that in the aviation industry, there is absolutely no room for error. Errors, whether deliberate or not, simply lead to loss of lives," Khoza said.
Adding that "one life lost is just one too many," Ms Khoza said that the actions of the two individuals corroborate with the facts, which illustrate that a significant number of aircraft accidents are caused by man, and not machine.
"The SACAA will continue to intensify its oversight responsibilities, particularly over training schools and licence holders. In addition, we will consistently review and augment our examination and oversight processes in order to ensure that only those who have passed their tests on merit and hold valid licences get to take to the skies. Moreover, we would also like to see aviation penalties bolstered; and hence the SACAA will be intensifying collaboration with law enforcement entities in order to root out any fraudulent activities in aviation," said Khoza.
According to Khoza, the SACAA's Aviation Regulation Enforcement Department successfully administered 83 cases in the 2012/2013 ?nancial year compared to 32 the preceding year. In addition to opening criminal cases against some of the culprits, other penalties included the withdrawal of aircraft certi?cates of airworthiness as well as medical certi?cates. Other lawbreakers were issued with penalty notices and warning letters, whilst others had their various licences, certi?cates or approvals suspended or downgraded or cancelled. Culprits ranged from air traf?c controllers through to pilot's licence holders, air operating certi?cate holders, aircraft maintenance organisations, aviation training schools, aircraft maintenance engineers, aviation security regulated agents, and airport licence holders.
Khoza appealed to members of the public and aviation industry to report any unbecoming civil aviation behaviour to the SACAA. This can be done confidentially through the SACAA's Tip-offs Anonymous facility, 0800 997 263 (free call) or sacaa@tip-offs.com, and the Confidential Aviation Hazard Reporting System (CAHRS) cahrs@caa.co.za or 011 545 1453 (fax) or 011 545 1242 (telephone).
"We hope that these convictions will send a clear message to other unprincipled individuals that the SACAA will not tolerate any form of unethical conduct by any member of the aviation community or the Regulator's personnel. With the high number of accidents, we cannot afford to fold our arms and observe the carnage that is going on in the general aviation sector. The SACAA will continue to work hand in hand with other role players and government law enforcement agencies to hunt down those that violate prescribed civil aviation rules. The SACAA will also continue to lobby for harsher penalties against devious characters in aviation. If we don't, substantial numbers of people in our communities will continue to lose their loved ones," Khoza asserted.
She alluded to the possibility of introducing a name and shame system where members of the public and aviators can get to know the individuals and organisations that repeatedly show a lack of the requisite airmanship ethos; and are a danger to society.
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arrived......!!!
For those of you that are not aware, we will be racing at the Gariep Dam from 29 - 31 May. This year's venue promises to be one of best.... To be honest, I think Gariep might be the hidden Gem that we have been looking for! Gariep Dam is situated in a stunning part of the country, central within South Africa and in easy reach for everybody.
SAPFA in conjunction with Hans Potgieter and his team from Airshow & Events have been hard at work to provide you with a memorable PTAR 2014 and a weekend filled with fun, laughter and the passion for flying.
As Gariep Dam is a small town we will be setting up "camp" on the airfield and will provide all the amenities for you right there. Food, drinks, entertainment, the lot.
All the accommodation options are on the SAPFA website , they range from the Forever Resort with chalets (1/2/3 bedrooms), a wide selection of Guesthouses and The Stijl Hotel. Please go and have a look at what suits you best and book as early as possible.
As per normal there will be Rental Cars available at the airfield. Due to distance from the main centers, Budget have come to the party and will be our only Rental provider. Having your own transport is always first prize as you can come and go as you please and be sure that you are in time for the briefings etc , I would recommend getting your own wheels but as an extra we will have 2 small shuttle busses running between the airfield and the various sleeping places.
We have endeavoured to make your race weekend as enjoyable and user friendly as possible and included in your entry fee we will provide the Pilot and Navigator with Breakfast and Dinner on the airfield as well as the Prize giving Banquet. If you do have family members or friends joining, they are more than welcome , upon entering just follow the instructions on the website and pay for the meal tickets.
Another change, which we already made last year but some not aware of, is that we have shortened the race distances to approximately 300nm. The reason being to make the Race safer and easier for the aircraft with limited range at full power.
This year the entries will officially open on 3 March and is on a first come first serve basis, so please enter ASAP. Last years entrants will be given preference until 10 March. They will receive an emailed link to their entry form in the next day or so. New entrants must click the link on the SAPFA website. Entry is only open to SAPFA members so go to the Aero Club website and pay your subs if you have not already done so.
We can only accept 100 aircraft due to logistical and safety reasons. Due to the central location of Gariep Dam, we are confident that we are going to fill up the places very quickly!!
Remember you are only confirmed once the money is paid !!
Looking forward to see you all, old and new at Gariep !! We will keep you posted with regular updates."
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Denel's Seeker 400 unmanned aircraft system successfully completed its first round of flight tests after a three year development process.
Tsepo Monaheng, the CEO of Denel Dynamics says he is confident that production of the Seeker 400 for clients will start in the second half of the year. "This is a remarkable achievement for Denel and again confirms our global leadership position in the design and manufacturing of UAVS."
The tests done at the Alkantpan range in the Northern Cape focused on performance parameters. A second round of tests, due to be conducted in March, will determine the craft's production readiness.
The Seeker 400 can be used for a wide range of military and civilian missions, including disaster response and maritime surveillance. It can stay up in the air for 16 hours at altitudes of up to 18 000 ft. At typical operating altitudes of between 4 500 and 9 000 ft it is invisible to a person on the ground and is effectively inaudible at altitudes higher than 1 000 metres above ground.
Mr Monaheng says the Seeker 400 has the ability to simultaneously carry two different payloads such as an electro-optical payload and synthetic aperture radar and a completely digital video system. These payloads can be changed over in the field, allowing the Seeker to be tailored for different tactical situations.
The 250km line-of-sight range can be doubled through the deployment of a tactical ground station. This enables the Seeker 400 to relay data to ground stations and field commanders over extended distances.
Mr Monaheng says the Seeker 400 is a highlight in South Africa's development of a local UAV which started in the mid-1980s. Its forerunner, the Seeker 2, has been deployed in operational service by international clients, including in Afghanistan.
The Seeker was also the first UAV in the world cleared for operations in controlled airspace when it was deployed to monitor potential hotspots during South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.
The Seeker 2 has undergone further developments by Denel Dynamics, and has since rebranded as the Seeker 200, and offered to clients who require medium endurance and dual payload capability offered by the latest version.
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The aircraft will be delivered within the next 18 months and will be used for training by the Venezuelan Air Force and Navy. The contract includes 16 standard model 480B helicopters as well as spare parts and tools, pilot and mechanic training, and in-country technical assistance during the life of the contract. With its solid customer support system and newly expanded facility, Enstrom is ready to meet the challenge.
"We are very excited about this opportunity to provide training helicopters for Venezuela," said Tracy Biegler, Enstrom CEO. "This is their first helicopter purchase from a U.S. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in more than ten years. We are pleased that the 480B was selected for this training mission."
Venezuela and Enstrom have a positive history together. The Venezuelan National Guard operates Enstrom helicopters purchased in the 1970s; they expanded their fleet in 2001.
The contract includes 16 standard model 480B helicopters as well as spare parts and tools, pilot and mechanic training, and in-country technical assistance during the life of the contract
Contract negotiations were coordinated through Helinautica, C.A., which represents Enstrom in Venezuela. Owner of Helinautica, Guillermo Basalo Sucre, was pleased with the final contract. "It's no surprise that we went with Enstrom, considering the positive experience we've had with them," said Guillermo Basalo, "Excellent product support was a key factor in selecting Enstrom again."
"All parties are pleased with the final result," said Orlando Alaniz, Enstrom's Director of Sales and Marketing. "It was a privilege to work with the Helinautica team and the fine organization at VEXIMCA, the contracting agency for the Venezuela government."
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The P2008 TC is the turbo charged version of the P2008 LSA, featuring the Rotax 914
The P2008 TC is the turbo charged version of the P2008 LSA, featuring the Rotax 914. This option for the P2008 increases the horsepower to 115hp, and brings the aircraft to a true 120kt cruise speed. It also gives the ability to maintain a true 120kt indicated air speed at higher altitudes, where thinner air will lead to faster ground speeds, making this aircraft the ideal touring LSA!
The two buyers were very impressed with the sleek lines of the P2008, the roomy cabin, and the loaded Garmin glass panel that the demo model was showing off. The leather seats, beautiful Ferrari red paint scheme, and ground adjustable three-blade Sensenich prop finished off the spectacular look of this loaded model, making it the best looking, and one of the best equipped LSAs at the entire show.
The two buyers were very impressed with the sleek lines of the P2008, the roomy cabin, and the loaded Garmin glass panel
Tecnam had a strong showing at the Expo this year, with four aircraft on display, including the P2008 TC, a standard P2008, the P92 Echo Light, and the P92 SeaSky amphibious float plane. A daily seminar was offered showcasing the history of Tecnam in the world of aviation, as well as several manufacturers showcase flights showing off the wonderful flying capabilities of the Tecnam models. Multiple demo rides were completed, with several more sales expected to follow in the weeks following the event. Tecnam will be showing off its full line of aircraft next at the 40th Annual Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida, the first week in April.
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Piper Aircraft Inc. achieved double-digit growth in new aircraft revenue and new airplane deliveries for 2013 in a challenging global market for aircraft sales.
The growth was led by increases in the sales of piston-powered training aircraft. Piper ended 2013 with a 13 percent increase in revenue from new aircraft sales of $168,776,759, compared to $148,968,967 in 2012, the second consecutive year of 13 percent revenue growth.
The revenue increase was a result of a nearly 19 percent boost in new aircraft deliveries for 2013 - up 30 airplanes to 188, compared to 158 in the previous year. Piston-powered aircraft deliveries increased 22 percent to 154 aircraft in 2013 from 126 aircraft in 2012, reflecting increased trainer aircraft sales.
CEO Caldecott: Met Financial and Production Forecasts
"Overall, Piper continued to meet delivery and financial projections for the year, despite economic challenges in many countries," said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott. "The economics of our single-engine aircraft and our line of sophisticated and proven training aircraft is compelling to many aviators and pilot training institutions around the world."
"Our performance substantiates Piper's recommitment to the global pilot training market. This next year will continue to present economic challenges and consequently we expect a similar pace of deliveries matched to market performance," he added.
In addition to growing the sales of pilot training aircraft in the year just ended, Piper broadened its global footprint through the addition of international dealers, and completed transformation of its entire aircraft product line to upgraded advanced Garmin avionics.
New Activity in Panama, Russia, China and Japan
Piper's 10 domestic dealers registered strong sales of Piper M-Class and Seneca V aircraft. The first Senecas with upgraded Garmin G1000 avionics were delivered in the United States. Piper's 23 international dealers and representatives recorded new market activity in 2013 with sales into Panama, Russia, China and Japan. Piper intends to further expand sales and service of Piper products throughout the world.
Fourth quarter revenue in 2013 was $54,785,284, compared to $42,090,089 a year ago, a 30 percent increase reflecting increased deliveries of 61 aircraft compared to 42 in 4Q 2012.
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BOEING RECEIVES $2.4 BILLION CONTRACT FOR 16 P-8A POSEIDON AIRCRAFT
A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft undergoes mission systems installation in the company's factory near Boeing Field in Seattle. Boeing has delivered 13 P-8A production aircraft to the US Navy to date. The P-8A achieved "initial operational capability" and the first aircraft deployed to Kadena, Japan in late 2013.
Photo by Boeing
The order, which will take the total fleet to 53, marks a transition from preliminary low-rate production.
Boeing has delivered 13 P-8As to the Navy, which deployed its first patrol squadron to Kadena, Japan in December 2013 and has been conducting operational missions since then.
"This milestone is a testament to the incredible effort and dedication of the team to deliver the P-8A to the fleet as planned," Navy P-8A program manager Capt. Scott Dillon said. "The future of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community has begun to make history with the P-8As already delivered to the fleet. These full-rate production aircraft will give us the opportunity to deliver the best system through a cost-effective procurement contract."
Based on Boeing's Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A will enhance the service's anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Overall, the Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As to replace its P-3 fleet.
"This contract reflects the success of the program and enables us to continue delivering an advanced, cost-effective maritime patrol aircraft to the Navy," added Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "We delivered eight P-8s, all on or ahead of schedule in 2013, and we intend to keep that streak going in 2014."
The third Boeing [NYSE: BA] P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Indian Navy arrives today in India, on schedule.
Photo by Boeing
Boeing assembles the P-8A aircraft in the same facility where it builds all its 737 aircraft. The Poseidon team uses a first-in-industry in-line production process that draws on Boeing's Next-Generation 737 system and has resulted in cost and schedule savings.
Boeing's industry team includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.
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South African Airways (SAA) is investigating the possibility of utilising the in-flight relief pilot programme as a direct and meaningful contribution towards the development of future pilots for the airline industry. This is in line with the strategic objectives of the airline's new long-term strategy, Gaining Altitude. The strategy requires SAA, among other things, to contribute towards skills development.
Suggestions made that the introduction of this programme means lowering of standards are both reckless and spurious.
"We have taken a decision to investigate the possibility of putting together a programme that will assist entrants to the airline's Cadet Pilot Training Programme who have successfully completed the initial training. This will enable them to receive more training in-house and acquire much needed experience in their journey towards becoming fully fledged Airline pilots," said acting Chief Pilot, Captain Sandy Bayne. "Nothing about the minimum requirements to become a First Officer with SAA changes," he emphasised.
SAA has decided to explore the possibility of providing training for cadets in-house as a way of familiarising them as early as possible during their development with the SAA culture and philosophy. Once enrolled in this programme, they will serve as In-flight relief pilots or Second Officers only on long-haul flights.
The introduction of this programme neither replaces nor alters the requisite standards and proficiency levels to become a pilot with the airline. SAA pilots are recognised world-wide for their stringent training. They are subject to annual and ad-hoc audits by the local Civil Aviation Authority as well as audits by its codeshare partners. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) runs a full operations safety audit on SAA every two years.
As part of their training and development, the In-flight relief pilots will be deployed on long-haul flights where they will get exposure in certain areas. They will be expected to meet the high standards required by the SAA Training department and will be continuously subjected to rigorous development and assessment. It will take them approximately three years before they could start training as First Officers on the airline's narrow body aircraft.
"The much talked about 250 flying hours will form part of the requirements to join as Second Officers in line with international best practice which many airlines across the globe follow," added Bayne.
As the airline's new strategy places much emphasis on performance excellence, SAA will therefore continue to promote through its training programmes the maintenance of high standards, consistent with its good safety record which has become synonymous with the airline.
For those interested in applying for positions with SAA as First Officers, the minimum requirements remain 1 500 flying hours and a Commercial Pilot's Licence. In addition, a candidate must have operated a twin-engine aircraft for at least 200 hours
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