MIDWEEK UPDATE 17 JUNE 2015
By the Pilot's Post team
Plan your weekend
Forthcoming events
Notice Board
This week in aviation history
Worldwide incidents and accidents
Aviation News
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19 to 21 June: Mafikeng fly-in. Contact Connie Conradie e-mail: info@mafikeng-flyingclub.co.za Cell: 082 449 1546
20 June: Warbirds over the Vaal fly-in and time trials - Parys Airfield. Contact Scully Levin e-mail: flyboys@global.co.za
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4 July: SAAF Museum flying training and open days. Contact Capt. Kobus Kapp 012 351 2342 or E-mail: webmaster@saafmuseum.org
16 to 19 July: Sports Aerobatics Club Nationals - Klerksdorp. Contact Annie Boon chunge@mweb.co.za
17to 19 July: Nylstroom Taildraggers fly-in - Nylstroom Flying Club. Contact Richard Nicholson e-mail rgn@pcwireless.co.za Cell: 082 490 6227
19 July-3 August: EAA's annual AirVenture to be held in Oshkosh USA. Camping on the airfield contact Neil Bowden e-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net
Hotels in Appleton contact Calvin Fabig e-mail: calvin@designer.co.za
1 August: SAAF Museum flying training and open days. Contact Capt. Kobus Kapp 012 351 2342 or E-mail: webmaster@saafmuseum.org
1 - 2 August: Namibian airshow. Contact Reinhard Gartner e-mail: reinhard@fivestar.co.za
7-10 August: EAA National Convention & AGM. Margate Airport. RSVP at: rsvp@eaa.org.co.za
7-9 August: SAPFA Fun Rally Brits. Contact Frank Eckard e-mail: frank.eckard@mweb.co.za
14 - 15 August: Bethlehem airshow. Contact Stephan Fourie e-mail: fouriesj1491@gmail.com Cell: 072 344 9678
20 - 29 August: Sports Aerobatics Club Unlimited World Championships - France Contact Annie Boon chunge@mweb.co.za
23 August: Grand Rand airshow (Sunday) Contact Stuart Coetzee e-mail: manager@randairport.co.za Tel: 011 827 8884
29 August: Bethlehem Aero Club fun navigation rally. Contact Izak Venter e-mail: izak@motsu.co.za or Francois Marais e-mail: info@stanfra.co.za
12 - 13 August: Sports Aerobatics Club Gauteng regionals and Judges Trophy - Vereeniging Contact Annie Boon chunge@mweb.co.za
4-6 September: Petit Vintage and Classic Fly-in. Contact Ivan van der Schaar 0823759180
5 September: SAAF Museum flying training and open days. Contact Capt. Kobus Kapp 012 351 2342 or E-mail: webmaster@saafmuseum.org
18-20 September: Pyramid Air Park Aviators Weekend Barberton. Contact Peter Lea peter@irricon.co.za or 0825534908
BE A SAFETY FIRST AVIATOR
June 17 1928 - Amelia Earhart becomes first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
June 18 1922 - The first soaring flight of one hour in slope lift (using hill currents) is made by Arthur Martens in a Vampyr sailplane designed by Wolfgang Klemmperer at the Wasserkuppe, Rhön, Germany.
June 19 2002 - (June 19 and July 3) First solo non-stop balloon flight around the Earth: Steve Fossett-from Northam, Western Australia to Queensland, Australia, on a 10-story high balloon Spirit of Freedom. Taking a total time of 13 days, 8 hours, 33 min.
June 21 2004 - SpaceShipOne is the first non-government built spacecraft to transport a person into space and return safely to earth.
June 22 1984 - First flight of the Rutan Voyager, first aircraft to fly around the world without stopping or refueling.
June 23 1943 - The RAF uses chaff, codenamed "Window", for the first time to foil German radar during the Operation Gomorrah raids on Hamburg.
Spain, Seville: The fatal A400M crash that killed four crew members was probably caused by computer files being accidentally wiped from three of its engines. This would have caused the affected propellers to spin too slowly. Airbus discovered anomalies in the A400M's data logs after the crash, suggesting a software fault.
USA, Texas: A 25 year old man South Texas has been sentenced to serve a total of 24 months in federal prison to be immediately be followed by a one-year-term of supervised release for pointing a laser at a Department of Public Safety aircrew while they piloted an aircraft.
Australia, Melbourne: A Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330 made an emergency landing in Melbourne after reports of engine Fire. The aircraft landed safely none of the 300 aircraft were injured.
WOODEN WONDER: RARE MOSQUITO ADDED TO OSHKOSH 2015 WARBIRD LINEUP
Unique experiences offered at Oshkosh to honor Battle of Britain's 75th anniversary
A rare de Havilland Mosquito fighter/bomber, the legendary Royal Air Force aircraft from World War II, will help commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015. The aircraft, operated by the Military Aviation Museum of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and flying after a multi-year restoration by AVspecs in New Zealand, is expected to fly in various warbird shows during the week and be featured in a Warbirds in Review presentation.
“The Mosquito holds an exclusive place in the roster of legendary World War II aircraft, as it was used for daring missions throughout the European Theater,” said Bill Fischer, executive director of EAA's Warbirds of America. “Its unique design, strong flying capabilities, and wood construction made it a unique but very effective weapons platform. To have this rare flying example at Oshkosh, along with other historic Commonwealth aircraft, is certainly one of the highlights of this year's AirVenture gathering of warbirds.”
During the airplane's stay in Oshkosh, the ownership and restoration teams will also make a number of special experiences and perks available to warbird fans. Proceeds from those experiences will help fund the airplane's historic trip to Oshkosh, plus continuing operation and maintenance. Learn more about this effort.
According to (RAF) history, the Mosquito was very close to never being built. Geoffrey de Havilland's original proposal for a bomber made of wood (to save valuable metal for armaments and other war needs) received only reluctant approval, so much so that the de Havilland company funded the prototype's construction from its own resources. After its first flight in November 1940, the airplane's speed and fighter-like handling quickly made it popular for all types of missions. With the development of high-accuracy bombing aids, the Mosquito became known for its ability to destroy a target with less bomb tonnage than larger Allied bombers.
The Mosquito's appearance adds to the world's largest annual gathering of vintage military aircraft. More than 300 warbirds are again expected at EAA AirVenture, with flying demonstrations throughout the week including special extended shows on July 23-25.
SUKHOI HANDED OVER ANOTHER SU-34 FRONTLINE BOMBER TO THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Last year the Sukhoi Company's branch - Novosibirsk aviation plant successfully completed the 2014 State Defense Order and delivered two combat aircraft above the initial yearly plan.
The State Contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for the Su-34s supplies to the Air Force up to the year 2020 guarantees a stable work load of the Sukhoi Company for the coming years and identifies long-term development prospects. Currently, Su-34s operate successfully in the military and demonstrate high performance.
The features of the Su-34 include, in particular, a flight range increased up to 4000 km, a maximum speed of up to 1900 km/h and a payload of up to 8 tons. The aircraft has a new weapon system and an aerial refueling system.
MITSUBISHI MRJ STARTS LOW SPEED TAXIING TESTS
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) started today low speed taxiing tests with the first flight test aircraft of the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet), their next-generation regional jet, at the Nagoya Airport (Toyoyama-cho, Aichi Prefecture).
Taxiing is the movement of an aircraft on the ground under its own power. An airplane uses taxiways to taxi from one place on an airport to another both prior to take-off and after landing. The current taxiing tests will be performed to confirm braking at low speeds and direction control steering.
The MRJ is a family of 70- to 90-seat next-generation regional jets under development by Mitsubishi Aircraft. The MRJ will offer substantially higher fuel efficiency combined with reductions in noise and emissions, and also provide spacious cabin comfort on a level unprecedented in regional jets to date. Orders have already been received for 407 aircraft of the MRJ (223 firm), and the MRJ's rollout ceremony was held last October 2014. Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI are fully collaborating in close partnership on operations such as ground testing and preparation for transition towards inauguration of the MRJ's manufacture. The first flight scheduled for September or October of this year.
Going forward, Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI will continue devoting their collective resources towards the successful completion of the MRJ project as a significant contribution to the development of the aviation industry.
"We are excited to announce the formation of ONE Aviation. I feel privileged to lead this experienced team of aviation professionals as we increase production of the Eclipse Jet, further the development of the Kestrel turboprop, and build a suite of General Aviation products second to none in the industry," stated Alan Klapmeier, CEO of ONE Aviation. "I am particularly excited about the Eclipse 550. As our pilot experience and aircraft needs grow, we look to move up - to fly higher, faster, and safer. For many pilots and aircraft owners, the Eclipse Jet, with its incredible efficiency and safety record, provides that next step," further stated Klapmeier.
ONE Aviation will focus on providing high performance aircraft owners an uncompromising aviation experience - from producing innovative aircraft to delivering industry leading training and customer support services. ONE Aviation will immediately gain operational and marketing efficiencies by consolidating and leveraging the Eclipse and Kestrel business operations, supply chain, marketing and sales teams all under a single and seasoned management team.
"Combining the synergies of Eclipse and Kestrel under the leadership of Alan Klapmeier is a perfect fit. I believe that our current, as well as our future, customers will appreciate Alan's vision and his prior experience in leading the design, development, and production of one of the world's most successful aircraft programs. Alan knows our customers, he is a champion for them, and he is recognized throughout the aviation industry as an innovator and transformational leader," stated Mason Holland, Chairman of ONE Aviation.
The Eclipse Jet is currently in production and is the world's only twin-engine light jet priced below three million dollars. While flying at 41,000 feet and incorporating auto throttle technology, the Eclipse Jet is not only the most fuel efficient aircraft in its class, but one of the world's safest aircraft, with over 300,000 incident free fleet hours.
The Kestrel K350, currently under development, will redefine the industry's single-engine turboprop market. Like the Eclipse, the Kestrel K350 is designed to make high performance aircraft more accessible to the General Aviation customer by reducing complexity and increasing value.
“We are very proud to have reached the milestone of 2 million passengers. It is a testimony to our high standard service both on the ground and on-board, our excellent connectivity options and our top-notch operational efficiency with 90% of our flights departing on-time. I wish to thank above all else our employees, the ASKY family, who work hard every day and have made the airline the success it is today”, said Henok Teferra, ASKY CEO.
“ASKY's objective is to serve the air connectivity needs of the West and Central Africa travelling public, so that they are able to do business in the region, conduct important government work and visit their friends and relatives” added Henok Teferra.
Brazil's oil and gas sector will experience the performance, reliability, comfort and safety of Airbus Helicopters' new H175 during a demonstration tour for the super-medium class rotorcraft.
The H175's schedule will bring this latest-generation helicopter to two of the main bases that support off-shore operations: Cabo Frio, on 8 June; and Macaé, on 9-10 June, as well as stopovers at Rio de Janeiro's Jacarepaguá Airport on 11-12 June.
Airbus Helicopters' H175 was designed to meet the most demanding oil and gas industry airlift missions. It offers new levels of comfort with the largest cabin in its class, as well as low in-flight vibration and noise levels; while providing highly cost-effective service, with a maximum payload capacity of 16 passengers, low fuel consumption and the range to reach 90 percent of Brazil's offshore installations.
Operational reliability is another strength of the H175, having already demonstrated its high availability in more than 800 flight hours performed by customers since deliveries began last December.
The H175 is a perfect complement to Airbus Helicopters' heavy-lift H225, of which 14 are deployed by three major operators in Brazil. As a tandem offered only by Airbus Helicopters, the H175 and H225 are able to support the country's oil and gas sector development in terms of range and payload.
“Airbus Helicopters is committed to its continued support of Brazil's oil and gas sector by offering the best products - backed by a full range of services,” said Christopher Grainger, Airbus Helicopters' Vice President Oil and Gas. “Today, some 50 of our rotorcraft are flown by the country's energy operators, having accumulated more than 350,000 flight hours.”
Photo © Sunlight Image
Founded in 1909, Paris Air Show is the biggest show dedicated to the aerospace industry worldwide. A true force for the development of this industry in France and catalyst to many international cooperation operations, it is the meeting place favoured by many actors of the industry who exhibit, sell and buy the latest innovations. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the international aerospace community and the general public, the Show offers business, visibility and knowledge opportunities. The Paris Air and Space Show is a must-attend event organized by the SIAE, 100% owned by the GIFAS.
The aircraft: High-tech new products and loved old-school:
This year at Paris Air Show, several aircraft will be shown. General aviation, commercial or military: Innovation is everywhere. Airbus' E-Fan is a real breakthrough in ecology. Airbus will also show the new A350 XWB designed to replace both the A330 and A340. The A350 uses the latest technologies the fly further with heavier loads and with less fuel. The Rafale will, of course, be on the show and 2015 is an important year for this fighter, for it is the year of its commercial success at export.
Antonov will also be there with its new AN178 and BOMBARDIER with its new CS300. Visitors will also be able to see Bell-Textron's Scorpion. This small military plane will be tasked with ISR, light ground attack and CAS, using advanced technologies with a remarkably low cost. Another important appearance, the JF-17 from Pakistani air Forces. Public may also see more “classic” aircraft such as the Curtiss P40, the P51 and the Fouga Magister, live presentations will be impressive as usual.
Key figures for the 2013 Air Show:
- 2 215 exhibitors from 45 countries (France included)
- 139 273 professional visitors from 181 countries (France included)
- 285 official military and civilian delegations from 102 countries
- 3 100 journalists from around the world
- 150 aircraft presented, including 40 in-flight
- 7 000 business meetings organized
- 176 299 public visitors
“Our customers, partners and employees are rightfully proud of this amazing accomplishment,” said Dale Klapmeier, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “We started Cirrus Aircraft with the entrepreneurial dream of changing the world and making people's lives better through aviation, and we are humbled today to see 6,000 of our airplanes operating in more than 60 countries around the world.”
Cirrus Aircraft is recognized globally for its relentless pursuit of aircraft safety, comfort and technology innovations. The Duluth, Minnesota based company has consistently pioneered the introduction of new features to the high performance piston market, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), pilot-friendly glass panel avionics, luxury automotive ergonomics, terrain warning systems, ice protection, synthetic vision, airbag seatbelts, global datalink weather/communications, electronic stability control and more. The original Cirrus SR20 was introduced in 1999, followed by the SR22 in 2001 and the turbocharged SR22T in 2010.
“Our passion and dedication at Cirrus are making aviation safer and more enjoyable for thousands of people,” continued Klapmeier. “I'm truly excited to see our team continue to change the world as we prepare for the introduction of the Vision SF50® Personal Jet and the opening of our Vision Center in Knoxville, TN.”
The Vision SF50 Personal Jet, with over 550 positions reserved, aims to revolutionize personal and regional business transportation. Three conforming prototype test aircraft have accumulated over 500 flight test hours and the first production aircraft is currently moving down the manufacturing line in Duluth, MN.
The recently announced Vision Center will be the flagship location for all Cirrus Aircraft Customer Experience activities including sales, delivery, training, maintenance, support, personalization, fixed base operations and more. It is scheduled to open in mid 2016.
The 6,000th aircraft boasts an eye-catching, aerodynamically inspired design and will be on display at this year's EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI from 20-26 July at the Cirrus Aircraft tent (#183).
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