MIDWEEK UPDATE 12 MARCH 2014
1 Plan your weekend
2 Forthcoming events
3 Captain's Log
4 Boeing, South African Airways explore ways for farmers to grow more sustainable biofuel crops
5 ATNS and partners scoops prestigious award in Europe
6 Top air show performers commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014
7 AirVenture Ultralight Area: The Fun Fly Zone
8 Daher-Socata delivers forty TBM-850s
9 Airbus Defence and Space introduces the Orlik MPT trainer
10 Boeing's Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) demonstrator recently completed its first flight
11 Chapter 322 at Hobby-X report back
12 Rate Card
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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
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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In 1996, a mere eighteen years ago many a youngster no doubt considered a career in aviation. Which flight school to choose and the cost was and still is a major consideration. There was many excellent schools around many of which today are household names and so the would be aviator was spoiled for choice. At the end of the day which school to choose depended mostly on one's budget. One of the more famous schools of the day charged R15, 950 for a PPL, R89, 540 for a CPL and R142, 990 for an ATPL. Included in the price was accommodation, meals, all flying, ground instruction, equipment, text books and licence fees!
If that was too expensive one could hire and fly a Cessna 152 dual at R365 per hour or a Piper Arrow dual at R455. If you already had your licence and needed a tail wheel conversion that would have set you back a princely R30 per hour dual. If you were thinking of flying helicopters you could expect to pay R695 dual per hour on a Enstrom.
Those that had already obtained their licence and whose budget allowed it and who by then was considering an aircraft of their own was spoiled for choice. One could buy a 1967 Cessna 172 for R159, 00 or a 1974 Cherokee 140 with 1127 SMOH for R135,000, R7000,00 less than it would have cost to get your ATPL! A 1988 Robinson R22 Beta with 130 TT would have set you back R440, 000. If you were looking for a cruiser to fly the whole family you could invest in a 1978 Beech Baron 58 for R765, 000. If your favourite aunt had left you a small fortune and by then you had a fairly large family or was in need of a corporate status symbol then the 1977 Piper Chieftain with all the bells and whistles for R906, 000 would have suited your pocket and lifestyle.
Bored with flying straight and level? Then for R169, 000 you could become the owner of a Pitts Special S1S with only 320 hours. Wanted to go faster? Then the 190hp Continental powered Luton Beta racing aircraft with total time of 460 hours was yours for only R69.000!
If you wanted something with real oomph and to show of your recently acquired aerobatic skills the 1987 Sukhoi 26M with 300 hours total time for R500, 000 was yours for the taking. Still not good enough, then how about a Cold War era jet Warbird and something with real bragging rights? For a measly R395, 000 in today's terms, you could buy a low component time L29 Delphin Jet Trainer delivered to your hanger with your own customised colour scheme!
Still out of your budget? How about a quarter share in a Yak 52 for R65, 000 with your conversion to type and a aerobatic rating thrown in?
Those that have just entered aviation will no doubt years from now look back and reminisce on how easy and affordable it was in 2014. There is nothing wrong with that, after all that is what memories are made off.
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Boeing is launching an initiative with South African Airways (SAA) and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) to expand opportunities for "smallholder" farmers in Southern Africa to grow crops that produce sustainable fuels.
The program builds on a global effort by Boeing, RSB and other partners to help farmers with small plots of land gain access to markets for sustainable biofuels and biomaterials. In the coming months, Boeing and RSB will work with Southern African stakeholders to create pilot programs to build knowledge and skills among groups of farmers who want to certify their crops as sustainable.
Over the long term, as Southern Africa gains capacity in this area, more farmers will be positioned to tap into demand for biofuel feedstocks certified to provide socio-economic value to communities without adverse impact to food supplies, fresh water or land use.
When produced sustainably, aviation biofuel emits 50 to 80 percent lower carbon emissions through its lifecycle
"SAA seeks to drive development of sustainable biofuel supply chains in a way that enhances our region's economic opportunity from local agriculture and energy production," said Ian Cruickshank, SAA Group Environmental Affairs Specialist. "Our joint project with Boeing and RSB is a first step toward the goal of ensuring that our efforts benefit smallholder farmers, given their importance to our country's rural economy."
"A sustainable aviation biofuel industry presents a chance for this smallholder farming community to pursue economic development opportunities that would positively impact their livelihood," said Lianne Stein, Boeing vice president of Global Corporate Citizenship. "As part of Boeing's efforts to build better communities worldwide, we are working to ensure positive outcomes for the environment and, most importantly, for the people of Southern Africa."
"We will work with partners from across the region to identify how we can join together to help small farmers improve their production and income," says Rolf Hogan, Executive Secretary, Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials. "Certifying small farmers is the surest way to ensure sustainable biofuels that not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve the livelihoods of rural communities."
This initiative follows the announcement in October 2013 that Boeing and South African Airways would collaborate to develop a sustainable aviation biofuel supply chain in Southern Africa. It is also aligned with a similar effort by Boeing and RSB to expand biofuel crop opportunities for small farmers in Southeast Asia.
When produced sustainably, aviation biofuel emits 50 to 80 percent lower carbon emissions through its lifecycle (compared to petroleum fuel) because biofuel feedstocks absorb carbon dioxide during their growth cycle. Aviation biofuel refined to required standards has been approved for a blend of up to 50 percent with traditional jet fuel. Globally, more than 1,500 passenger flights using biofuel have been conducted since the fuel was approved.
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Madrid, Spain: The prestigious IHS Jane's 14th annual ATC Awards ceremony took place on Monday night, 3rd March 2014, where a cross-section of the air transport community assembled to acclaim leading projects and cutting-edge technological developments. The Ceremony is a precursor to the CANSO World ATM Congress and the Global ATM Conference, currently underway in Madrid, Spain.
The Air navigation service providers (ANSPs) of the Arabian Sea Indian Ocean Air Traffic Services (ATS) Coordination Group (ASIOACG) of which the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) is a member, working with the airline industry, have established what is known as "User Preferred Route (UPR) Geographic Zone" - with resultant safety, efficiency and environmental benefits. This Geographic Zone was launched in October 2013. Trial flights in mid-2013 indicated potential annual Carbon Dioxide (CO2) savings of 10,000 tonnes.
ASIOACG comprises the ANSPs of Australia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa and Sri Lanka. The afore-mentioned ANSP's Management were presented with the most sought-after Service Provision Award at the event.
This year's contenders for the Innovation, Environment, Enabling Technology, Technology, Service Provision and Runway Awards included major consortia as well as relative newcomers to the airspace management industry, with more than 40 nominations received in total. These were shortlisted and pared down to the winning entry in each category by a panel of experienced judges, drawn from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Eurocontrol, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA) and IHS Jane's.
The World ATM Congress - which started on Tuesday, 4th March 2014 and ends today, 6th March 2014 - combines a large-scale exhibition, and world-class conference with the chance to learn about the latest air traffic management trends and developments. ATNS has created and is facilitating a magnificent premier networking hub at the CANSO Exhibition Centre, where various ATNS products and services information is on offer. ATNS actively initiates dialogue with various key groups of stakeholders. Their involvement supports our long-term success by enhancing transparency, sharing knowledge, and generating innovative solutions.
Various ATNS Operations Experts will also take part at the 5th Global ATM Operations Conference, which starts on Thursday, and ends tomorrow, Friday, 7th March, 2014. Having hosted the first ever Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM) Conference in South Africa on 31st January 2014, ATNS experts is expected to contribute immensely - to "the A-CDM in action" discussion topic.
South Africa has hosted major significant events, ranging from sports, technological and aviation, to socio-political and environmental conferences since 1994. Due to our experiences and expertise, ATNS has been invited to deliver a paper on "Traffic Flow Management for High Visibility Events". This will take place on the last day of the Conference.
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Some of the world's top air show performers have made their commitments to flying at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 fly-in - The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration - as part of the afternoon and night air show line-ups.
Those performers include national aerobatic champions and long-time Oshkosh favourites. They will add to the one-of-a-kind aircraft and performances that are part of the popular daily flying programs. EAA AirVenture 2014 is July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
"We're getting greater diversity and more pilots involved in the Oshkosh air shows than ever before," said Jim DiMatteo, EAA vice president of AirVenture features and attractions. "Air show performers know that adding 'Oshkosh' to their resume establishes them as one of the best of the best, as they're flying in front of the most knowledgeable audiences in all of aviation with tens of thousands of pilots each day."
Among those pilots and aircraft already committed to Oshkosh in 2014:
Chuck Aaron (Red Bull BO-105 helicopter)
AeroShell Aerobatic Team (T-6s)
Roger Buis (OTTO helicopter)
Bob Carlton (Sub Sonex jet)
Kirby Chambliss (Red Bull Edge 540)
EAA Warbirds of America (Various warbirds)
Fairey Gannet XT752
Kyle Franklin ("Dracula" Franklin Demon-1 biplane)
Geico Skytypers (SNJs)
Mike Goulian (Extra 330SC)
Jerry Kerby (RV-8)
Greg Koontz (Xtreme Decathlon)
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When attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 this summer, enter the ultralight area at your own risk; you're likely to encounter fun in Oshkosh's Fun Fly Zone!
Plans are progressing full steam ahead in the ultralight area with an emphasis on participation, hands-on learning, flight demonstrations of unique flying machines, and much more. Visitors will be immersed in everything this fun-based aviation segment has to offer.
"This year is shaping up as one of the most action-packed, fun-filled conventions in many years," said EAA's Timm Bogenhagen, ultralight and light plane community manager. "With the many improvements to the area made last year, it's easier to get there and move around to see all the action taking place."
Along with ultralights, the Fun Fly Zone is convention home to light planes, powered parachutes and trikes, hot-air balloons, homebuilt rotorcraft, and light-sport aircraft (LSA). Plans are being made to commemorate this year's 10th anniversary of the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft regulations. The Fun Fly Zone is also the only place you'll be able to see regular flights of the emerging category of electric powered aircraft.
The Fun Fly Zone ultralight runway is where you can get up close to the many daily aircraft operations, including morning and evening ultralight flying, homebuilt rotorcraft flights, as well as several scheduled special flight activities like the Valdez STOL demonstrations on Friday evening, August 1, and an early Saturday morning balloon launch. Balloons will also conduct tethered operations at other times during the week.
On Saturday morning, the ultralight area will become a Fun Run Zone with the start and finish of AirVenture's popular Runway 5K run.
Knowledge will also be on display throughout the week as dozens of vendors display their wares in the special exhibitor's area. Visitors can learn more about fun flying at numerous hands-on workshops and forums in the presentations area.
The Fun Fly Zone will also have special parking areas for all types of featured aircraft, along with under-the-wing camping. Ultralight chapters will have a specially designated area to meet and promote their unique activities.
The Ultralight Barn will continue to serve as Fun Fly Zone headquarters where members can register to camp, shop for AirVenture ultralight merchandise, obtain technical information, and more services.
There's much more in store, so stay tuned for more announcements as they're confirmed.
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Five percent increase in TBM aircraft delivered from 2012
Total number of TBM 850s worldwide now exceeds the TBM 700 fleet
The 2013 deliveries bring total TBM-series aircraft received by customers to 662 units, of which 338 are the TBM 850 version
DAHER-SOCATA announced that 40 new TBM 850s were delivered in 2013, providing a five percent increase from 2012 and representing a 20 percent market share for aircraft in its category - up from 18 percent in 2012.
This marks the fourth best year for the company's TBM aircraft family since 1990, and it highlights the continued value of a very fast turboprop aircraft in the demanding light turbine business jet market.
The 2013 deliveries bring total TBM-series aircraft received by customers to 662 units, of which 338 are the TBM 850 version - the latest member of DAHER-SOCATA's very fast turboprop aircraft product line.
TBM's continuous sales success demonstrates the very fast turboprop's efficiency and performance in meeting customers' demands
Stéphane Mayer, President and CEO of DAHER-SOCATA - the aerospace and defense activity of the DAHER Group - noted the TBM 850's continued importance for the company's overall operations.
Aircraft manufacturing activity, with its successful TBM family, is a highly strategic business for DAHER-SOCATA and for DAHER," he explained. "It demonstrates our capacity to handle the full range of responsibilities of a complex aircraft program. This is unique in the market, and highly appreciated by our customers in the field of aerostructures and services.
Mayer said he recognizes and shares the passion and dedication of the international TBM owners and operators community, as demonstrated by the strong growth in attendance at last year's TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) convention.
Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice-President of the DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Business Unit, noted the TBM's continuous sales success demonstrates the very fast turboprop's efficiency and performance in meeting customers' demands, today and in the future.
While the majority of TBM 850s purchased in 2013 were sold on the U.S. market (72 percent), strong levels of activity also were logged in other regions
The increased flexibility offered by the TBM 850 Elite version, introduced in 2012, along with the development of our international network and a constant commitment of DAHER-SOCATA and its partners to customer satisfaction also were strong contributors to the 2013 success.
Chabbert added that last year's European regulatory change allows commercial operators to fly passengers in instrument meteorological conditions with single-engine aircraft, opening new perspectives for the TBM family and acknowledging the safety of turboprops.
While the majority of TBM 850s purchased in 2013 were sold on the U.S. market (72 percent), strong levels of activity also were logged in other regions. Europe accounted for 10 percent of the deliveries, with France taking the lead in this region for the first time since the TBM 700's introduction.
Latin America represented 7.5 percent of TBM 850 deliveries, with these aircraft handed over in Brazil, Chile and Mexico. In addition to a TBM 850 provided for Australia, the aircraft's global scope expanded in 2013 as Saudi Arabia became the first Middle East country to welcome a TBM.
About the TBM 850
DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 is the world's fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load - which are enhanced on the current version - as well as the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers' favorite features. TBM 850 Elite offer to owners the unique capability of tailoring the cabin to host 4 or 6 persons on board.
Since its launch in 2005, the TBM 850 became and international success with 338 units delivered as of December 31, 2013. At this date, the overall TBM 700/TBM 850 fleet of 662 aircraft had exceeded more than 1.1 million flight hours.
About DAHER-SOCATA
DAHER-SOCATA is the aerospace & defense division of the DAHER Group. DAHER is a tier-1 equipment supplier to the high-technology industries. An independent intermediate-sized company, DAHER deploys its integrated equipment and services supplier model across the aerospace & defense, nuclear & energy and capital goods industries, and its growth is centered on complementary sets of expertise (Industrial Design and Manufacturing, Integrated Industrial SupportTM) combined into a comprehensive global offering. With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.
Created in 1863, DAHER is an international group, present in 12 countries across the world. DAHER generates a turnover of more than 925 million euros, with an order book corresponding to approximately three years of turnover.
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Airbus Defence and Space rolled out the PZL 130 Orlik MPT (Multi-Purpose Trainer), a new version of the twin-seat aircraft with glass cockpit. This solution is a development of the Orlik TC II Garmin already in service in the Polish Air Force. The presentation of the aircraft was held in the Warsawa Okeçie factory, to a senior audience of the Polish administration and armed forces.
The new version is currently entering the test phase, in preparation for certification by the Polish airworthiness authority ULC
The Orlik MPT offers the flight parameters and systems essential for military pilot training in the 21st century at a significantly lower cost compared with other aircraft of this class. The upgrade, focused on an integrated "glass cockpit" and additional systems, greatly increases the scope of applications in military pilot training, including basic tactical training and lead-in to combat training. The aircraft's efficiency, low flight-hour cost and range of training capabilities will position the Orlik for the international marketplace.
The improved performance and equipment of the Orlik MPT offers a cost efficient solution for the basic and advanced training needs
In September 2011, Airbus Defence and Space (the former Airbus Military EADS PZL "Warszawa-Okecie") and the Air Force Institute of Technology (Instytut Techniczny Wojsk Lotniczych - ITWL), as well as other Polish institutions signed the agreements to upgrade the Orlik TC II to the new MPT standard.
The presentation of the aircraft was held in the Warsawa Okeçie factory, to a senior audience of the Polish administration and armed forces
The investment for the Orlik MPT prototype presented has reached 40 million zlotys. The new version is currently entering the test phase, in preparation for certification by the Polish airworthiness authority ULC.
The upgrade, focused on an integrated "glass cockpit" and additional systems, greatly increases the scope of applications in military pilot training
The improved performance and equipment of the Orlik MPT offers a cost efficient solution for the basic and advanced training needs within the syllabus of the world's air forces. The global trainer fleet is estimated at 10,000 aircraft, with a potential demand of 16,000 new trainers in the next ten years.
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Boeing teammate Field Aviation conducted the successful testing during a four-hour flight on Feb. 28 from Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Field Aviation modified the Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft's structures and systems into the MSA configuration.
MSA uses proven technologies developed for Boeing's P-8A Poseidon program to provide multi-mission surveillance capabilities
"We accomplished everything we set out to achieve," Field Aviation Pilot Craig Tylski said. "The aerodynamic performance was right on the money and even with the additional aerodynamic shapes, such as the radome, the demonstrator performed like a normal aircraft. The control and handling were excellent."
Additional airworthiness flights are scheduled for the next two months. Once they are complete, the aircraft will fly to a Boeing facility in Seattle where the MSA mission systems will be installed and tested.
MSA uses proven technologies developed for Boeing's P-8A Poseidon program to provide multi-mission surveillance capabilities. The baseline configuration features Active Electronically Scanned Array multi-mode radar, an Electro/Optical/Infrared sensor, Electronic Support Measures, a Communications Intelligence sensor and Automated Identification System.
Boeing achieved first flight of the MSA demonstrator on an accelerated schedule due to rapid prototyping and lean manufacturing techniques by Boeing Phantom Works, the company's advanced technology organization, working closely with industry teammates.
Boeing has selected the Challenger 605 business jet as the MSA platform and will leverage Field Aviation's engineering and modification experience with the Challenger family of aircraft to modify the jet.
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Special mention goes to the Aero Club GM Kev Storie, Sandra and Nicole who manned the Aero Club table and the ever-enthusiastic Mike Blyth, Andrew Pitman, Kyle Beckett, Gareth Bosch, Vaughn Drew and the whole Airplane Factory team for helping us take our display stand to a new level with their impressive Sling display. I also want to thank Bob Skinner of SAMAA, his wife Marietjie and daughter Mariska for complementing the show with the model aircraft display and for so patiently fielding a lot of questions from hordes of visitors. Junior World Model Aircraft Champion Roston Dugmore's aerobatic display in the Dome with his feather-light radio-controlled foam model was a real showstopper. It was great having a Junior World Champion strutting his stuff right there in our midst. Model flying is usually the initial seed-planter in the minds of budding aviation enthusiasts. Many thanks also to Athol Franz who always gives us a multitude of African Pilot magazines to hand out and help spread the aviation gospel amongst the flying enthusiasts and hobbyists.
Chapter 322's Teddy build graced the stand and prompted a lot of interest from visitors. Members of Chapter 322's Teddy build team were on hand throughout the show to pass on information and advice, thanks to all the technical guys headed up by Kevin Hopper, Neville Du Piesanie, Sid Bottom and Derek Orford.
The outstanding success of the Sling aircraft in South Africa and beyond is always a show-stopper. The round the world video kept many viewers riveted (excuse the pun, haha) on just how well designed, solidly built and thoroughly reliable the Sling really is. Many of the visitors could not comprehend that this feat was done not only once, but twice and then some! They were captivated by being able to see a build in progress right in front of them, which is the best possible way to establish awareness and spark enthusiasm for aviation.
In closing, I just want to say that it's great to be associated with all you guys who always go out of your way to share your passion for Sport Aviation in this country. Equally, to all the volunteers who helped man the stand and all our members who visited Hobby-X and came to support us at the EAA stand, you really did us proud. Of course there are always lessons to be learnt from every one of these events, and we will be sure to put on an even better show next year. Lastly many thanks to Gloria Bastos and her able team for allowing us this opportunity.
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