MIDWEEK UPDATE 22 JULY 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
Advertising rate card
We are not aware of any events planned for this weekend
1 Aug: The East Rand Flying Club invites aviators to a free fly-in breakfast. Breakfast will be served from 08:00 till 10:30 in the club hangar to the South of runway 14/32. Parking will be along the taxiway in front of the hangars to the South of 14/32. FASI frequency is 122.4. Call crossing N12 to North & N17 to the South.
Join overhead @ 6800' for light aircraft & 6300' for microlights.
Runway 03/21 is tar. Runway 14/32 is grass. Runway 04/22 grass is now a taxiway.
All circuits to the NORTH for 32. Takeoff from 14 NOT PERMITTED. All circuits to the WEST for 03/21.
Contact Paul Sabatier 082 413 4614
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
Visitors flying in for the Air Show via South Africa are reminded of the supplementary return SAA flight on the 1st of August 2015 from Johannesburg to Windhoek. Seats for these flights can now be booked online or at travel shops and details thereof are as follows:
SA3068 DEP JNB 0730 ARR WDH 0835 (0530Z - 07:35Z)
SA3069 DEP WDH 1700 ARR JNB 1950 (16:00Z - 17:50Z)
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
17-20 September: Botswana Air Race at Matsieng, It is going to be the best ever race with sponsored fuel, tents and lots more. Contact admin@airrace.co.bw
3 October: SAAF Museum flying training and open days. Contact Capt. Kobus Kapp 012 351 2342 or E-mail: webmaster@saafmuseum.org
3 October: SAPFA Fun Rally Grand Central. Contact Jonty Esser e-mail: jontye@x7online.co.za Cell: 076 302 0451
10 October: Spring 2015 TMG Fly in at Bundu Inn Flying Estate. Contact Marietjie van Niekerk on 0827656670 or marietjievn@gmail.com
24 - 25 October: Sports Aerobatic Club KZN regionals - Ladysmith. Contact Annie Boon chunge@mweb.co.za
31 October: Bethlehem Aero Club fly-in and hangar dance. Contact Izak Venter e-mail: izak@motsu.co.za or Francois Marais e-mail: info@stanfra.co.za
BE A SAFETY FIRST AVIATOR
July 23 1983 - Air Canada Flight 143, a Boeing 767, runs out of fuel above Manitoba because of a miscalculation; the crew successfully glides the aircraft to a safe landing at a former Air Force base (and current drag strip) at Gimli, Manitoba; the aircraft becomes known as the "Gimli Glider".
July 23 1905 - The first flight of the Wright Flyer III. This is the first fully controllable and practical version of the original Flyer.
July 25 2000 - Air France Flight 4590 Concorde crashes during takeoff from Paris, France after its fuel tank catches fire, killing 9 crew and 101 passengers as well as four on the ground; the entire Concorde fleet is grounded for one year.
July 25 1909 - Louis Blériot claims a £1,000 prize from the British Daily Mail newspaper for being the first pilot to cross the English Channel. He makes the crossing in his Blériot Type XI from Les Barraques (near Calais) to Northfall Meadow (near Dover Castle) in 37 min. Blériot also received an additional £3,000 from the French government.
July 26 2003 - (July 26 - August 3) The 13th FAI World Rally Flying Championship takes place in Rustenburg, South Africa. the individual winners are 1. Nigel Hopkins and Dale de Klerk (South Africa), 2. Janusz Darocha and Zbigniew Chrzaszcz (Poland), 3. Nathalie Strube and P. Sicard (France); the team winners are 1. South Africa, 2. France, 3. Poland.
July 26 1939 - The first of over two thousand Havard aircraft were taken onto RCAF strength.
July 27 1920 - Radio compass used for first time for aircraft navigation.
July 28 1945 - B-25 Empire State Building crash: A US Army Air Forces North American B-25D Mitchell bomber, 41-30577, named "Old John Feather Merchant", crashes into the 79th floor of the Empire State Building in fog at 0949 hrs., killing 3 on aircraft plus 11 on ground and causing over US$1 million in damage.
July 28 1858 - Nadar takes first airborne photo (in a balloon).
July 29 2003 - The International Space Station's 1,000th consecutive day of astronauts living on board.
July 29 1929 - A Ford Trimotor flown by Charles Lindbergh began the first coast-to-coast air passenger service through Transcontinental Air Transport (TWA).
India, Chennai: A large part of the wreckage of an Indian Coast Guard Dornier that went missing on 8 June has been found at depth of 990 metres 17 nautical miles south east of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu. The wreckage including the flight data recorder has been recovered but there is no sign of its three crew members.
UK, London: A British Airways flight from London to made an emergency landing after the covers of both engines blew off and one of them burst into flames. The aircraft scattered chunks of metal across the runway. Two nightshift engineers who had worked on the aircraft went on a break and when returning without noticing went to work on an entirely different aircraft leaving the covers of the original aircraft unlatched. The blunder was also missed by the pilot and a ground handler during inspections before take-off.
Russia, Moscow: Two pilots were killed when a Tu-95 strategic bomber with seven people on board crashed during a training flight in far eastern Russia. The five surviving crew members who had managed to parachute out have been sent to a military hospital.
TECNAM P2012 'TRAVELLER” ROLL-OUT ON SCHEDULE
Photos © Tecnam
Tecnam announced that the production of the first TECNAM P2012 “Traveller” is progressing well on its Experimental Assembly Line (XAL) in Capua, Italy, with roll-out scheduled for Q4 2015,
The Tecnam P2012 Traveller is an eleven seat next generation piston engine twin, designed to comply with both FAR part 23 and EASA CS-23.
First verification tests of the preliminary P2012 design on the main aircraft elements such as the fuselage and tail planes has confirmed the excellent parameter declared on the initial production program, underscoring the Tecnam leadership team's confidence in an on-time development, production, flight test and delivery programme.
Many airlines, from US to Africa, Asia and Australia, have been demanding a replacement for the many hundreds of 'heritage' aeroplanes in the FAR23/CS23 category currently in service around the world.
Tecnam's Head of R&D, Prof. Luigi Pascale has designed the P2012 Traveller to enable operators to benefit from very low operating and maintenance costs in particular. Built to operative on even non-prepared runways, with easy and fast turnaround.
The P2012 Traveller has been designed to have high wing, fixed gear and two Lycoming TEO piston engines. Tecnam anticipates the P2012 delivering unbeatable Direct Operating Costs too.
The Tecnam P2012 Traveller will first see service as a passenger aeroplane but has been designed from the start to be a very versatile and flexible aerial platform, offering many multi role opportunities including Hydro, VIP, cargo shipping, parachuting and medevac services.
Initial flight-testing is expected by beginning of next year, as is the opening of the new P2012 Traveller production facility in Capua, Italy.
PILATUS DELIVERS FIRST CHILEAN REGISTERED PC-12 NG
Photo © Pilatus
In a ceremony at Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd the first Chilean registered PC-12 NG was delivered to Aerocardal. The customer, Aerocardal, configured the new aircraft for both executive transport and medevac roles. The PC-12 NG can be easily converted from one interior to the other in less than two hours.
“We had a great experience with the delivery of SN 1513 and a superb trip back home to Chile,” said Aerocardal Director Alex Kauffmann, “the plane was immediately put to use in our operations, and has been extremely well received by our passengers, flight crews, and customers.”
Thomas Bosshard, President and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd stated:
“We are very pleased that Aerocardal has chosen the Pilatus PC-12 NG for their operations in Chile and surrounding countries. The aircraft's flexibility, efficiency, and performance make it an excellent match for the multiple roles in which Aerocardal will use it.”
In Aerocardal's operations, the new PC-12 NG joins an existing fleet consisting of numerous helicopters, business jets and turboprop aircraft. Aerocardal had already flown more than 100 hours on their new PC-12 NG within the first few weeks of delivery. The aircraft is used for executive transport, as an air ambulance, and for cargo.
Aerocardal specifically selected the Pilatus PC-12 NG for its range, cabin size, speed and low operating costs. In Chile, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, Aerocardal sees an excellent opportunity to grow their market share relative to higher cost twin-turboprop aircraft currently providing these services.
KODIAK NOW CERTIFIED IN RUSSIA AND NAMIBIA
Photos © Quest Aircraft
Quest Aircraft Company announced that it has received type certification for the KODIAK from the Civil Aviation Authority of Namibia, Africa, and also from the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). The latter includes the 11 countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
“We continue to strategically expand our presence internationally, which includes working on additional aircraft type certifications in key markets,” said Steve Zinda, Vice President of Sales for China, Middle East, Europe and Africa. “The KODIAK's versatility, reliability and performance capabilities make it well-suited for a variety of missions and we expect to see both these markets continue to grow.”
There are currently seven KODIAKs in operation on the African continent. The most recent of which was delivered to Scenic Air, a well-respected sightseeing and passenger transport operator that is based in Eros, Windhoek, Namibia. Scenic Air was instrumental in working with Quest and the Directorate of Civil Aviation to obtain the certification.
“I would like to thank Scenic Air for being the first KODIAK operator in Namibia and for their help with the Namibian certification process,” Zinda continued. “Their KODIAK, which entered service in October 2014, sees a lot of flight activity and we appreciate Scenic's relationship with our company. We look forward to seeing additional KODIAKs in Namibia and elsewhere in Africa soon.
“There has been considerable interest in the KODIAK from the Russian and CIS market. Now that we have certification in hand, our sales efforts in the area will definitely be enhanced,” Zinda concluded.
Quest has seen strong market acceptance in key market segments around the world, including personal use, Part 135 operations, government, and humanitarian organizations.
The KODIAK is certified in 29 countries around the world, with additional certifications imminent.
The KODIAK's rugged aluminum construction combines superior STOL performance and high useful load. It offers proven turbine reliability with the Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine, has the ability to land and take off from unimproved surfaces and is capable of working off floats without structural upgrades. The KODIAK can take off in under 1,000 feet at full gross take-off weight of 7,255 lbs and climb at over 1,300 feet per minute.
DAHER, THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TBM, SALUTES THE SUCCESSFUL CHANNEL CROSSING MADE BY THE E-FAN 1.0
Photo © Daher Socata
Daher, the manufacturer of the TBM, salutes the successful Channel Crossing made by the E-Fan 1.0 technology demonstrator, part of the E-Fan all-electric aircraft program, developed by Airbus Group subsidiary Voltair. For Daher, this was a tip of the hat to aviation history, since the engineer Raymond Saulnier, from whom Daher traces its origins, was one of the designers of the aircraft that Louis Bleriot used to make the first Channel crossing in 1909.
As part of the all-electric aircraft program launched by Airbus Group, Daher is responsible for the design and certification of the first electrically-propelled twin-seater training aircraft. This is a first concrete application of the program, with E-Fan 2.0 to be series-built and marketed as a trainer aircraft. E-Fan 2.0aims to be first electric aircraft certified by the European civil aviation authorities, and the first all-electric aircraft designed specifically for pilot training, and will therefore be setting an international standard. One goal of the program is also to open the way for applications of electricity on larger aircraft.
Daher, together with the French Directorate-General for Civil Aviation - is also in charge of defining the operational rules applicable to this initial training aircraft.
"The success of this Channel crossing by the E-Fan 1.0 is a milestone that confirms the viability of the all-electric aircraft concept, in the same way that Louis Blériot demonstrated 106 years ago with the same flight that the aeroplane could become a means of transportation. So this is a program of great importance for the future, not only for the aerospace industry, but also for all the advanced technology industries where the effective control of electrical energy is the strategic factor", explained Didier Kayat, Deputy CEO of Daher.
"We are particularly proud to contribute to this future program alongside Airbus Group and Voltair" commented Nicolas Chabbert, director of Daher's Aircraft BUwhich is driving the project. "We bring tothis program our manufacturing expertise dating back to the Morane-Saulnier company.
CUTTING-EDGE A350 XWB ARRIVES IN THE UNITED STATES
Photo © Airbus
Atlanta is first of five U.S. cities to see the A350 XWB on its Americas Demo Tour
As it touched down in Atlanta, the newest commercial aircraft in the world, the Airbus A350 XWB, kicked off the U.S. leg of its tour of the Americas. The demo tour features a flight test version of the aircraft, which Airbus is showing off to investors and airlines in Atlanta, Newark, Chicago and Milwaukee before the general public can experience the A350 XWB at EAA's AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
While it is in Atlanta, Delta Air Lines employees will tour the aircraft, familiarizing themselves with its layout and features. For many of them it will be their first opportunity to get a closer look at what will become the newest member of its fleet in 2017, when Delta accepts the first delivery of its 25 A350 XWBs. Delta currently operates Airbus A319, A320 and A330 aircraft, with additional outstanding orders for each type.
The A350-900 that is in the U.S. this week is a flight test aircraft featuring a two-class cabin. It seats 42 in lie-flat, business-class seats, which are four abreast, and 210 economy-class seats. For passengers, the aircraft will provide new levels of comfort, with extra space in all classes. It features wider panoramic windows, larger overhead stowage compartments and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity.
The A350 XWB also features the latest in aerodynamic design, carbon-fiber fuselage and wings, and new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. These technologies translate into a 25-percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions as well as lower maintenance costs.
As of the end of June 2015, the A350 XWB had won 781 firm orders worldwide from 40 customers. Currently, three North American customers have orders for a total of 82 A350 XWBs.
TEN FOKKER AIRCRAFT PLACED IN FIRST HALF OF 2015
Photos © Fokker
Fokker Services, part of Fokker Technologies, announced that a total of ten Fokker aircraft were placed with six existing Fokker operators during the first half of 2015 by their respective aircraft sellers. These comprise two Fokker 70's and eight Fokker 100's.
'Low operating costs, comprehensive support and more flexible Rolls-Royce Tay engine support solutions are the drivers behind all of the deals these last six months', says Fokker Services' Director of Aircraft Remarketing Peter van Oostrum.
Latin America's Fokker presence has increased as Air Panamá took delivery of 3 Fokker 100s making a total of 5.
Kazakhstan's Bek Air added 1 more Fokker 100 to its fleet, making a total of 7, serving both scheduled and charter routes.
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines bought 2 more Fokker 100's making a total of 15. At the same time, Network Aviation, a Qantas subsidiary, also purchased 2 more Fokker 100's making a fleet of 14 Fokker 100's.
Papua New Guinea's Air Niugini added a second Fokker 70 to its fleet of 7 Fokker 100's and 1 Fokker 70. The additional Fokker 70 will also have long range capability due to the embodiment of a Fokker Services' service bulletin for an integral center wing tank, which facilitates up to 800 nm [1,500 km] more range capability.
In South Africa, Golden Wings took ownership of the Fokker 70 that was previously leased.
While no Fokker 50s were placed yet this year, two aircraft were converted to full freighters and delivered to Swedish operator Amapola.
Fokker Services does not sell nor lease Fokker aircraft. Rather, it facilitates placements by sellers and lessors through its FLYFokker program, in addition to providing comprehensive support to Fokker aircraft operators throughout the world.
At present there are more than 500 Fokker aircraft operational across the world. The Fokker aircraft have earned a reputation for advanced technology, comfort, operational reliability, low noise levels and durability. Many consider the Fokker aircraft among the best mid-size aircraft ever built.
Forthcoming events
Notice Board
This week in aviation history
Worldwide incidents and accidents
Aviation News
Advertising rate card
We are not aware of any events planned for this weekend
Join overhead @ 6800' for light aircraft & 6300' for microlights.
Runway 03/21 is tar. Runway 14/32 is grass. Runway 04/22 grass is now a taxiway.
All circuits to the NORTH for 32. Takeoff from 14 NOT PERMITTED. All circuits to the WEST for 03/21.
Contact Paul Sabatier 082 413 4614
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
Visitors flying in for the Air Show via South Africa are reminded of the supplementary return SAA flight on the 1st of August 2015 from Johannesburg to Windhoek. Seats for these flights can now be booked online or at travel shops and details thereof are as follows:
SA3068 DEP JNB 0730 ARR WDH 0835 (0530Z - 07:35Z)
SA3069 DEP WDH 1700 ARR JNB 1950 (16:00Z - 17:50Z)
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
17-20 September: Botswana Air Race at Matsieng, It is going to be the best ever race with sponsored fuel, tents and lots more. Contact admin@airrace.co.bw
3 October: SAAF Museum flying training and open days. Contact Capt. Kobus Kapp 012 351 2342 or E-mail: webmaster@saafmuseum.org
3 October: SAPFA Fun Rally Grand Central. Contact Jonty Esser e-mail: jontye@x7online.co.za Cell: 076 302 0451
10 October: Spring 2015 TMG Fly in at Bundu Inn Flying Estate. Contact Marietjie van Niekerk on 0827656670 or marietjievn@gmail.com
24 - 25 October: Sports Aerobatic Club KZN regionals - Ladysmith. Contact Annie Boon chunge@mweb.co.za
31 October: Bethlehem Aero Club fly-in and hangar dance. Contact Izak Venter e-mail: izak@motsu.co.za or Francois Marais e-mail: info@stanfra.co.za
BE A SAFETY FIRST AVIATOR
July 23 1905 - The first flight of the Wright Flyer III. This is the first fully controllable and practical version of the original Flyer.
July 25 2000 - Air France Flight 4590 Concorde crashes during takeoff from Paris, France after its fuel tank catches fire, killing 9 crew and 101 passengers as well as four on the ground; the entire Concorde fleet is grounded for one year.
July 25 1909 - Louis Blériot claims a £1,000 prize from the British Daily Mail newspaper for being the first pilot to cross the English Channel. He makes the crossing in his Blériot Type XI from Les Barraques (near Calais) to Northfall Meadow (near Dover Castle) in 37 min. Blériot also received an additional £3,000 from the French government.
July 26 2003 - (July 26 - August 3) The 13th FAI World Rally Flying Championship takes place in Rustenburg, South Africa. the individual winners are 1. Nigel Hopkins and Dale de Klerk (South Africa), 2. Janusz Darocha and Zbigniew Chrzaszcz (Poland), 3. Nathalie Strube and P. Sicard (France); the team winners are 1. South Africa, 2. France, 3. Poland.
July 26 1939 - The first of over two thousand Havard aircraft were taken onto RCAF strength.
July 27 1920 - Radio compass used for first time for aircraft navigation.
July 28 1945 - B-25 Empire State Building crash: A US Army Air Forces North American B-25D Mitchell bomber, 41-30577, named "Old John Feather Merchant", crashes into the 79th floor of the Empire State Building in fog at 0949 hrs., killing 3 on aircraft plus 11 on ground and causing over US$1 million in damage.
July 28 1858 - Nadar takes first airborne photo (in a balloon).
July 29 2003 - The International Space Station's 1,000th consecutive day of astronauts living on board.
July 29 1929 - A Ford Trimotor flown by Charles Lindbergh began the first coast-to-coast air passenger service through Transcontinental Air Transport (TWA).
UK, London: A British Airways flight from London to made an emergency landing after the covers of both engines blew off and one of them burst into flames. The aircraft scattered chunks of metal across the runway. Two nightshift engineers who had worked on the aircraft went on a break and when returning without noticing went to work on an entirely different aircraft leaving the covers of the original aircraft unlatched. The blunder was also missed by the pilot and a ground handler during inspections before take-off.
Russia, Moscow: Two pilots were killed when a Tu-95 strategic bomber with seven people on board crashed during a training flight in far eastern Russia. The five surviving crew members who had managed to parachute out have been sent to a military hospital.
TECNAM P2012 'TRAVELLER” ROLL-OUT ON SCHEDULE
Photos © Tecnam
The Tecnam P2012 Traveller is an eleven seat next generation piston engine twin, designed to comply with both FAR part 23 and EASA CS-23.
First verification tests of the preliminary P2012 design on the main aircraft elements such as the fuselage and tail planes has confirmed the excellent parameter declared on the initial production program, underscoring the Tecnam leadership team's confidence in an on-time development, production, flight test and delivery programme.
Tecnam's Head of R&D, Prof. Luigi Pascale has designed the P2012 Traveller to enable operators to benefit from very low operating and maintenance costs in particular. Built to operative on even non-prepared runways, with easy and fast turnaround.
The P2012 Traveller has been designed to have high wing, fixed gear and two Lycoming TEO piston engines. Tecnam anticipates the P2012 delivering unbeatable Direct Operating Costs too.
The Tecnam P2012 Traveller will first see service as a passenger aeroplane but has been designed from the start to be a very versatile and flexible aerial platform, offering many multi role opportunities including Hydro, VIP, cargo shipping, parachuting and medevac services.
Initial flight-testing is expected by beginning of next year, as is the opening of the new P2012 Traveller production facility in Capua, Italy.
Photo © Pilatus
“We had a great experience with the delivery of SN 1513 and a superb trip back home to Chile,” said Aerocardal Director Alex Kauffmann, “the plane was immediately put to use in our operations, and has been extremely well received by our passengers, flight crews, and customers.”
Thomas Bosshard, President and CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd stated:
“We are very pleased that Aerocardal has chosen the Pilatus PC-12 NG for their operations in Chile and surrounding countries. The aircraft's flexibility, efficiency, and performance make it an excellent match for the multiple roles in which Aerocardal will use it.”
In Aerocardal's operations, the new PC-12 NG joins an existing fleet consisting of numerous helicopters, business jets and turboprop aircraft. Aerocardal had already flown more than 100 hours on their new PC-12 NG within the first few weeks of delivery. The aircraft is used for executive transport, as an air ambulance, and for cargo.
Aerocardal specifically selected the Pilatus PC-12 NG for its range, cabin size, speed and low operating costs. In Chile, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, Aerocardal sees an excellent opportunity to grow their market share relative to higher cost twin-turboprop aircraft currently providing these services.
Photos © Quest Aircraft
“We continue to strategically expand our presence internationally, which includes working on additional aircraft type certifications in key markets,” said Steve Zinda, Vice President of Sales for China, Middle East, Europe and Africa. “The KODIAK's versatility, reliability and performance capabilities make it well-suited for a variety of missions and we expect to see both these markets continue to grow.”
There are currently seven KODIAKs in operation on the African continent. The most recent of which was delivered to Scenic Air, a well-respected sightseeing and passenger transport operator that is based in Eros, Windhoek, Namibia. Scenic Air was instrumental in working with Quest and the Directorate of Civil Aviation to obtain the certification.
“I would like to thank Scenic Air for being the first KODIAK operator in Namibia and for their help with the Namibian certification process,” Zinda continued. “Their KODIAK, which entered service in October 2014, sees a lot of flight activity and we appreciate Scenic's relationship with our company. We look forward to seeing additional KODIAKs in Namibia and elsewhere in Africa soon.
“There has been considerable interest in the KODIAK from the Russian and CIS market. Now that we have certification in hand, our sales efforts in the area will definitely be enhanced,” Zinda concluded.
Quest has seen strong market acceptance in key market segments around the world, including personal use, Part 135 operations, government, and humanitarian organizations.
The KODIAK is certified in 29 countries around the world, with additional certifications imminent.
The KODIAK's rugged aluminum construction combines superior STOL performance and high useful load. It offers proven turbine reliability with the Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine, has the ability to land and take off from unimproved surfaces and is capable of working off floats without structural upgrades. The KODIAK can take off in under 1,000 feet at full gross take-off weight of 7,255 lbs and climb at over 1,300 feet per minute.
Photo © Daher Socata
As part of the all-electric aircraft program launched by Airbus Group, Daher is responsible for the design and certification of the first electrically-propelled twin-seater training aircraft. This is a first concrete application of the program, with E-Fan 2.0 to be series-built and marketed as a trainer aircraft. E-Fan 2.0aims to be first electric aircraft certified by the European civil aviation authorities, and the first all-electric aircraft designed specifically for pilot training, and will therefore be setting an international standard. One goal of the program is also to open the way for applications of electricity on larger aircraft.
Daher, together with the French Directorate-General for Civil Aviation - is also in charge of defining the operational rules applicable to this initial training aircraft.
"The success of this Channel crossing by the E-Fan 1.0 is a milestone that confirms the viability of the all-electric aircraft concept, in the same way that Louis Blériot demonstrated 106 years ago with the same flight that the aeroplane could become a means of transportation. So this is a program of great importance for the future, not only for the aerospace industry, but also for all the advanced technology industries where the effective control of electrical energy is the strategic factor", explained Didier Kayat, Deputy CEO of Daher.
"We are particularly proud to contribute to this future program alongside Airbus Group and Voltair" commented Nicolas Chabbert, director of Daher's Aircraft BUwhich is driving the project. "We bring tothis program our manufacturing expertise dating back to the Morane-Saulnier company.
Photo © Airbus
As it touched down in Atlanta, the newest commercial aircraft in the world, the Airbus A350 XWB, kicked off the U.S. leg of its tour of the Americas. The demo tour features a flight test version of the aircraft, which Airbus is showing off to investors and airlines in Atlanta, Newark, Chicago and Milwaukee before the general public can experience the A350 XWB at EAA's AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
While it is in Atlanta, Delta Air Lines employees will tour the aircraft, familiarizing themselves with its layout and features. For many of them it will be their first opportunity to get a closer look at what will become the newest member of its fleet in 2017, when Delta accepts the first delivery of its 25 A350 XWBs. Delta currently operates Airbus A319, A320 and A330 aircraft, with additional outstanding orders for each type.
The A350-900 that is in the U.S. this week is a flight test aircraft featuring a two-class cabin. It seats 42 in lie-flat, business-class seats, which are four abreast, and 210 economy-class seats. For passengers, the aircraft will provide new levels of comfort, with extra space in all classes. It features wider panoramic windows, larger overhead stowage compartments and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity.
The A350 XWB also features the latest in aerodynamic design, carbon-fiber fuselage and wings, and new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. These technologies translate into a 25-percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions as well as lower maintenance costs.
As of the end of June 2015, the A350 XWB had won 781 firm orders worldwide from 40 customers. Currently, three North American customers have orders for a total of 82 A350 XWBs.
Photos © Fokker
'Low operating costs, comprehensive support and more flexible Rolls-Royce Tay engine support solutions are the drivers behind all of the deals these last six months', says Fokker Services' Director of Aircraft Remarketing Peter van Oostrum.
Latin America's Fokker presence has increased as Air Panamá took delivery of 3 Fokker 100s making a total of 5.
Virgin Australia Regional Airlines bought 2 more Fokker 100's making a total of 15. At the same time, Network Aviation, a Qantas subsidiary, also purchased 2 more Fokker 100's making a fleet of 14 Fokker 100's.
Papua New Guinea's Air Niugini added a second Fokker 70 to its fleet of 7 Fokker 100's and 1 Fokker 70. The additional Fokker 70 will also have long range capability due to the embodiment of a Fokker Services' service bulletin for an integral center wing tank, which facilitates up to 800 nm [1,500 km] more range capability.
In South Africa, Golden Wings took ownership of the Fokker 70 that was previously leased.
While no Fokker 50s were placed yet this year, two aircraft were converted to full freighters and delivered to Swedish operator Amapola.
Fokker Services does not sell nor lease Fokker aircraft. Rather, it facilitates placements by sellers and lessors through its FLYFokker program, in addition to providing comprehensive support to Fokker aircraft operators throughout the world.
At present there are more than 500 Fokker aircraft operational across the world. The Fokker aircraft have earned a reputation for advanced technology, comfort, operational reliability, low noise levels and durability. Many consider the Fokker aircraft among the best mid-size aircraft ever built.
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