MIDWEEK UPDATE 18 FEBRUARY 2021
COVID 19 REGULATIONS, INITIATIVES AND AEROCLUB NEWS
AERO CLUB AGM NOTIFICATION
Dear Member, this is a reminder of the upcoming 80th Annual General Meeting of the members of The Aero Club of South Africa. The details of this meeting are as follows:
Date: 16 March 2021
Time: 18:00 for 18:30
Place: Virtual Meeting (Zoom) - Invitation details will be made available on the website closer the date
Available on the Aero Club website are the following documents:
• The agenda
• The draft minutes of the last AGM no 79
• Proxy form
• Nomination for Council Seat
Should you wish to place any items on the agenda under General, please notify the Aero Club Office at office@aeroclub.org.za for inclusion. Any nominations to be made to serve as Council office bearers can be to the same address. See you there.
www.aeroclub.org.za/annual-general-meeting
AERO CLUB MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME
Dear Aero Club Member,
To renew your membership or join the Aero Club and its sections, go to www.aeroclub.co.za where you can use the Aeropay System, or you can pay via EFT. The Aero Club fee has seen a small nominal increase (from a previous reduction applied for 2020) and section fees have either remained the same or have also applied nominal increases. We continue to manage our budgeted finances to apply our resources to facilitate advocacy matters with the regulator with collaborative support from the sections. Please review and renew your membership as per the payment methods noted. If you have any difficulties, please contact the Aero Club office by email or phone as given below: - Sandra and Charne are ready to assist.
Tel: 011 082 1100
Fax: 086 635 3755
E-mail: office@aeroclub.org.za
www.aeroclub.co.za
R1,000.00 WORTH OF PRIZES - THE CHOCK NORRIS AVIATION THEMED PHOTO CONTEST
Vote now for February week 3 finalists
Vote for FebW3.1
Vote for FebW3.2
How to Enter:
Entering your aviation related photo is easy and simple. All images must be emailed to pilotspost@gmail.com with the following detail included:
Your name,
Email address,
Telephone number,
Where the photo was taken,
Phone used,
A theme name of the photo (Optional).
Due to the large amount of entries we expect, Pilot's Post will not acknowledge your entry!!
Entry Rules:
1. When entering the competition and by sending your photo to Pilot's Post, you explicitly grant the publication of your submitted photograph at Pilot's Post team's discretion without any remuneration or obligation to you.
2. Submitted photos must be resized to be less than 1 megabyte in size. If full-size photographs are required, the Pilot's Post team will request them from you.
3. Only photos taken with cell phones will be accepted.
3. All submissions must have an aviation theme.
4. Photo submissions may be cropped and / or resized only. Any other form of photo alteration or manipulation is not allowed and will be disqualified.
5. You may submit up to three entries per week.
Judging:
1. The Pilot's Post team will select the 2 best photos submitted every week and add them into our "Midweek Update" published every Thursday morning, where our readers will then cast their votes by simply clicking the link below the photo of their choice.
2. At the end of each month, a complete article will be published on Pilot's Post to include the weekly photo submissions with the most reader votes. Our readers will then again have the opportunity to cast their votes by simply clicking the link below the photo of their choice. The photo with the highest number of votes will then be judged the Winner of the Month.
3. A prize of a set of Chock Norris personalised Aircraft Chocks with leather storage bag valued at R500
and
a voucher from the Pilot Shop valued at R200.00 will be awarded to each monthly winner
and
a soft cover copy of the Aero Club of South Africa's Centenary Yearbook valued at R300.00 sponsored by Chapter 322 of the EAA of SA
Eligibility:
The Pilot's Post "Chock Norris 2020" aviation related photo competition is only open to photographers resident in South Africa as our prizes are not transferable and can only be redeemed in South Africa.
EAA CHAPTER 322
With our MACH program (Member Awards for Chapter Help), your membership could win you a trip to Oshkosh!
Click on the link below today to renew or join!
www.eaa.org.za/membership/membership-form
or for EAA membership information go to
www.eaa.org.za
The following events will to take place under the rules controlling the number of people congregating together and are therefore not open to the general public.
27 FEBRUARY
EAA Chapter 322 drive-in or fly-in night at Jack Taylor Krugersdorp. We will show a movie on a giant screen on the airfield. Members can drive in or fly in (camp that night on the field). The planned movie is 'Flying the Feathered Edge' with Bob Hoover.
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674
27 FEBRUARY
Rand Airport Rally
Contact Frank Eckard E-mail: frank.eckard@mweb.co.za Cell: 083 269 1516
26 & 28 FEBRUARY
Sandstone Steam Festival
Contact 051 933 2235 Website: www.sandstone-estates.com
3 MARCH
EAA Chapter 322 monthly virtual meeting at Dicky Fritz MOTH hall
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674
6 MARCH
SAPFA Morningstar ANR Morningstar Airfield
Contact Tony Russell E-mail: tonyr@therussells.co.za Cell: 0832640107
6 MARCH
Eagles Creek Breakfast Fly inn
6 & 7 MARCH
Sport Aerobatic Club Judges Trophy Venue TBA
Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za
12 & 13 MARCH
Bethlehem Aero Club event TBA
Contact Stephan Fourie E-mail: fouriesj1491@gmail.com Cell: 072 344 9678
16 MARCH
Aero Club of South Africa AGM venue TBA
Contact Rob Jonkers E-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za Cell: 082 804 7032
EXTRA NG IS FAA CERTIFIED
The all-composite and carbon fibre constructed Extra NG unlimited aerobatic aircraft that designer Walter Extra unveiled in 2019 has received FAA certification. Orders are already "fast accumulating" for the nimble and robust $450,000 performance specialist, the company said.
The NG stands for Next Generation. The aircraft is a radical departure from the tube-steel construction of its Extra Aircraft predecessors that have been favoured by legions of aerobatic champions. Though the NG lacks the metal skeleton under its smooth skin, engineer and company founder Extra said it's just as strong because of "residual strength" embedded into the carbon fibre components.
The newest Extra rolls "at a blindingly fast rate of about 400 degrees per second" that impressed AOPA Editor at Large and aerobatic aficionado Dave Hirschman during a test flight.
Thick, symmetrical wings without dihedral means there's no coupling between any of the controls, "so stepping on a rudder pedal in level flight doesn't raise a wing," Hirschman noted during an August 2020 flight review. He said that elevator trim "doesn't change from stall speed to VNE," and a "combination of counterweights, horns and aileron spades keeps control forces the same, even as the airplane's speed changes." He noted a speedy "12 seconds and 1,500 feet of altitude gain" during a 4-G pull to vertical for a hammerhead manoeuvre.
The Extra NG is powered by a 315-horsepower Lycoming AEIO-580 engine and an MT Propeller MTV-9 three-blade constant-speed prop. The power combination allows a full aileron deflection speed of 187 knots indicated airspeed, a maximum snap roll speed of 140 KIAS, a Vne of 220 KIAS and a stall speed of 63 KIAS. Maximum take-off weight is 2,095 pounds with a useful load of 695 pounds; empty weight is 1,400 pounds. Usable fuel is 51 gallons.
Twenty aircraft have been built to date and Southeast Aero Sales Inc. is the North American distributor. "It's freaky how fast this thing goes fast," sales representative and accomplished aerobatic pilot Doug Vayda told Hirschman. "Its rate of acceleration going downhill is mind bending."
The Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs is a Precision Landing, and STOL Takeoff and Landing competition held annually at Omaka Airfield, Blenheim
Congratulations to Deane Philip for his first-place finish at the 2021 New Zealand Bush Pilot Championships (officially named the "Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs") in Omaka, New Zealand, on Saturday, February 6, 2021. Deane won the national event with both the shortest take-off and shortest landing in his Zenith STOL CH 701, powered by a 130-hp Viking 130 engine.
Deane further reported that it was a "very difficult day with very humid conditions so no lift," yet he conceded that it was "Great to have someone new win, with fantastic results."
BRINGING BACK A LEGEND, THE PAC CRESCO II
One of the worst kept secrets is out - Pacific Aerospace is bringing back the Cresco after a hiatus of almost 20 years! - Dubbed the Cresco II, the new aircraft will have some modifications, mainly around pilot safety and comfort, but will otherwise be essentially unchanged. This is an exciting development for both the company and the agricultural aviation industry.
With its tricycle landing gear and rear mounted hopper, the Cresco is unique in agricultural aircraft and, through this configuration, allows for safe operations off these sloping hill strips. The Cresco has the advantage of forward visibility and wind gust capabilities lacking in tail dragger aircraft with forward mounted hoppers.
In other roles it is able to take a pilot and allows seating for up to seven passengers or twelve skydivers and can get to 14,000 ft (4,267m) in 12 minutes.
TEXTRON AVIATION UNVEILS THE CITATION CJ4 GEN2, THE NEXT GENERATION IN THE INDUSTRY LEADING CESSNA CITATION LINE-UP
Textron Aviation today announced the newest addition to the Cessna Citation business jet family, the Citation CJ4 Gen2. The largest Citation in the light jet segment offers operators a host of features that elevate ramp presence and in-flight comfort, including a new stair and handrail, premium seating options and enhanced ambiance lighting throughout.
Textron Aviation is taking orders for the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 with deliveries beginning immediately. The Cessna Citation CJ4, which achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification in 2010, remains a 525C type aircraft and has already received current interior certification for the CJ4 Gen2.
Along with the new cabin seating options, there is enhanced lighting in the pockets, on the sidewall and floor and in the cupholders. This is the first Citation aircraft equipped with CoolView lavatory skylights to provide more natural lighting throughout the lavatory and aft cabin area. Operators can choose the jet's Premier Collection design option, which also offers a completely new lavatory vanity and sink.
The aircraft offers an upgraded wireless cabin management system consisting of an onboard media server with the ability to stream preloaded audio and video files, access XM Satellite Radio and view moving maps. As part of the new system, passengers can also wirelessly control cabin lighting, window shades and temperature from their own mobile devices while productivity is powered by the USB charging ports at each cabin seat.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 allows customers to go further with the light jet segment's leading range-to-payload ratio and a best-in-class IFR range of 1,926 nautical miles (3,567 km) with a maximum cruise speed of 451 knots. The single-pilot certified jet combines superior speed, range and operating economics when compared with larger aircraft, making it the ideal platform for owner/operators or corporate missions. The CJ4 Gen2 has seating for up to ten passengers and includes a notable 1,040-pound baggage capacity.
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PILATUS OFFERS PC-24 WITH 10-SEAT COMMUTER INTERIOR
A first PC-24 with high-utility 10-seat commuter configuration has been delivered to a customer in the western United States, allowing the super versatile jet to prove yet again how it is an excellent fit for the widest of mission profiles.
Seat pitch in the commuter configuration varies from 34 (86) to 40 inches (102 centimetres). Each seat features a side storage compartment and cup holder as well as four 115-volt power outlets to enhance in-flight productivity. The PC-24's entirely flat floor also adds to comfort on long trips.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION FLIGHT TESTS THE NEW SU-30SMD
In February 2020, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Yuri Borisov, announced plans to unify the Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-35 fighter aircraft which prompted development of a new version called the Su-30SMD, executed by the Sukhoi design bureau working together with Irkut Scientific Production Group.
Contrary to all expectations, the developers have decided not to use the venerable Su-30MKI testbeds, but instead took a series Su-30SM airframe, serial RF-34010/Bort 72 Blue (construction number 10MK5-1411) serving with the 4th Guards Red Banner Maritime Attack Aviation Regiment of the Russian Naval Aviation based at Chernyakhovsk NAB in the Kaliningrad region.
The aircraft arrived at the Irkut plant for revision in mid-2020 and according to the plan, it was due to be delivered by the end of the year. First reports of the testbed performing its testing routine came in late January 2021 at the Zhukovsky airport near Moscow.
LEONARDO CELEBRATES THE AW139 HELICOPTER'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS 1ST FLIGHT
A sales champion with 1,200 sold, 1,100 delivered and 3 million flight hours. In-service since 2004, the AW139 has become the most important helicopter programme in the world's industry in the last two decades. More than 280 customers in over 70 countries use the AW139 for all kinds of missions in all environments.
The AW139 intermediate-twin engine 7 tonne boasts orders of almost 1,200 units from more than 280 customers in over 70 countries on all continents. The aircraft has shown extraordinary levels of reliability and operational capabilities with more than 3 million flight hours recorded since the first delivery took place at the beginning of 2004.
The AW139 fleet has a global presence: around 30% in Europe, almost as much in Asia and Australasia, 15% in the Americas, followed by the Middle East. The international success of the AW139 is so important that to meet market demands, the helicopter is produced on different assembly lines both in Italy, in the Vergiate plant, and in the United States in Philadelphia which has delivered around 30% of all units to date. The US Air Force will soon introduce the AW139-based Boeing MH-139 to replace the UH-1N fleet.
The AW139 has grown significantly over the years, adapting to the changing needs of customers. The maximum take-off weight increased from 6.4 to 7 tons. Almost 1,000 mission kits and equipment have been certified. With advanced protection systems against icing, the AW139 can fly in all-weather conditions. This model is also the only one in the world capable of continuing to fly for over 60 minutes without oil in the transmission, twice as much as the 30 minutes set by certification authorities.
The aircraft of choice in its class against which all existing and newcomers are measured, the AW139 also represents a turning point in the rotary-wing sector through the introductory concept of the Leonardo "helicopter family". The AW139 is, in fact, the forefather of a helicopter family comprising of the smaller and lighter AW169 and the larger and heavier AW189 models, the only case in the world, that share the same design philosophy, the same high performance, the same flight characteristics and the same certification standards, as well as the same approach to maintenance and training. A concept that allows operators with large diversified fleets, with models ranging from 4 to 9 tons of weight, to create significant synergies in crew training, flight operations, maintenance and logistics support.
BELL ANNOUNCES SALE OF SIX BELL 505S TO JAMAICA DEFENCE FORCE
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today a signed purchase agreement for six Bell 505 aircraft to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). The newly acquired Bell 505s will be configured to support public safety missions in country and be used by the Force's Caribbean Military Aviation School (CMAS) to train international rotorcraft pilots.
In 1963, JDF began its operations with two Bell 47G aircraft and has expanded their fleet and relationship with Bell throughout the years. This new aircraft delivery will grow JDF's current fleet to 10 Bell helicopters, which serve in search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, natural disaster relief, national security and military training operations.
"Expanding our Bell fleet to incorporate the Bell 505 adds more versatility to our capability portfolio and supports our mission to protect and serve the citizens of Jamaica," said Lt. Col. Brian Lundy, commanding officer of the Air Wing, JDF. "Our team of pilots and maintenance technicians are extremely happy with the training, support and customer service from Bell."
With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is Bell's newest five-seat aircraft designed for safety, efficiency and reliability using advanced avionics technology. Its similarities with the Bell 429 platform allow for a smooth pilot transition as JDF begins training operations. With a Garmin G1000, the platform shares similar avionics with JDF's Fixed Wing Trainer aircraft and reduces pilot workload, enhancing the students' learning experience.
BRAZILIAN NAVY COMPLETES SUPER LYNX MK21B ACCEPTANCE
The Brazilian Navy and Leonardo completed the factory acceptance test for the fourth out of eight upgraded Super Lynx Mk21B helicopters at the end of last year in the UK. The Super Lynx Mk21B helicopters have now formally taken over flying duties from the existing Lynx Mk21A.
The upgraded Lynx helicopters give Brazil's Naval Aviation a substantial improvement in its capabilities, with much increased aircraft performance and mission effectiveness. The maiden flight of the Brazilian Navy Super Lynx Mk21B took place in Sep. 2017 at Leonardo's Yeovil site.
There is a resident onsite Brazilian Navy team (the 'GFRLynx Team'), who have been present in Yeovil since 2015. Consisting of a total of nine naval personnel from the HA-1 Lynx Squadron, it is headed by a naval captain and supported by a mix of commissioned and non-commissioned officers.
The Super Lynx Mk21B is powered by two new generation CTS800-4N engines, already used on the Super Lynx 300 and the AW159 helicopters, which provide the aircraft with major performance improvements, especially in hot environments, increasing payload and mission effectiveness.
A new glass cockpit is complimented by an advanced avionics suite comprising of a tactical processor, satellite-based navigation system, civil navigation aids including a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), automatic identification system (AIS), radar warning receiver/electronic surveillance measures integrated with countermeasures dispensers and a full night vision goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit, together with a new electrically powered rescue hoist.
The Brazilian Navy has been operating Lynx helicopters for more than four decades. There are currently more than 190 of Leonardo's helicopters operating in Brazil, performing a variety of missions, including corporate/private transport, law enforcement, public services, offshore transport, search and rescue and naval applications.
JOBY AVIATION GENERATES FIRST REVENUE, TAKES KEY STEP TOWARDS CERTIFYING AIRCRAFT
Joby Aviation, a transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing ("eVTOL") aircraft, which it intends to operate as a commercial passenger aircraft in 2024, today announced that it has begun generating revenue as part of achieving another major milestone in the Agility Prime program.
"The Agility Prime and Joby partnership is now on an accelerated path to identify the opportunities for early adoption of these aircraft for logistics that provide flexibility to operators and savings to taxpayers. We are also one step closer to the commercialization of a clean, quiet, modern, transportation system," said Nathan P. Diller, AFWERX Agility Prime Director.
The news of Joby generating revenue from the program comes on the heels of the company being awarded the Air Force's first-ever airworthiness approval for an eVTOL vehicle at the end of 2020.
Joby also confirmed that it agreed to a "G-1" certification basis for its aircraft with the FAA in 2020. A "G-1" outlines the criteria that need to be met in order for an aircraft to be certified for civil commercial operations and reaching the milestone marks a key step on the way towards certifying any new aircraft in the US.
Joby's aircraft will be certified in line with the FAA's existing Part 23 requirements for Normal Category Airplanes, with special conditions introduced to address requirements specific to Joby's unique aircraft. These special conditions, defined in the "G-1" document, are expected to be published in the US Federal Register in the coming months.
USAF
Aboard the aircraft that was involved in a mission qualification training exercise was the two mission pilots, MC 1 and MC 2. The mission proceeded uneventfully until the left engine catastrophically failed one hour and 45 minutes into the flight when a fan blade broke free, causing the left engine to shut down. The MC1 improperly assessed that the operable right engine had failed and initiated shutdown of the right engine leading to a dual engine out emergency.
The MC 1 attempted to fly the MA back to KAF, approximately 230 nautical miles (NM) away. Unfortunately, the MC 2 was unable to get either engine air started to provide any usable thrust. This resulted in the aircraft unable to glide the distance remaining to KAF. With few options remaining, the MC 1 maneuverered towards a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Sharana, but did not have the altitude and airspeed to glide the remaining distance. He then unsuccessfully attempted landing in a field approximately 21 NM short of FOB Sharana.
The Accident Investigation Board (AIB) found by a preponderance of the evidence that the cause of the mishap was the MC 1's error in analysing which engine had catastrophically failed. This error resulted in the MC's decision to shut down the operable right engine creating a dual engine out emergency that eventually led to the fatal crash landing.
South Africa, Clanwilliam Dam, Western Cape: A Robinson R22 Beta cropsprayer operated by Rotorworx Aviation crashed into Clanwilliam Dam and sank under water. The pilot managed to swim safely ashore.
South Africa, near Carletonville Airfield Gauteng: An Atlas Angel crashed after take-off from Carletonville Airfield after a loss of engine power. Two occupants sustained serious injuries, two were not injured. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Uganda, Entebbe, near Lido: A Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Agusta-Bell AB 206B JetRanger II with two occupants crashed during a training flight and was destroyed. Both pilots were seriously injured while one died later in hospital.
USA, Mid-Valley Dusters Inc Airport, Alamo, TX: An Aero Commander S2R with only the pilot on board experienced a runway overrun subsequent to an aborted take-off attempt at Mid-Valley Dusters Inc Airport. The airplane sustained unreported damage. The pilot was not injured during the incident.
USA, Gnoss Field Airport, Novato, CA: A Cirrus SR22T Turbo operated by Love to Fly Aviation LLC experienced a deer strike upon landing at Gnoss Field Airport, Novato, California. The airplane sustained minor damage and the two pilots onboard were not injured during the incident.
Paraguay, South of Asunción-Silvio Pettirossi International Airport: A Cessna 402B operated by Fuerza Aérea Paraguaya with eight on board crashed while landing near International Airport Silvio Pettirossi (ASU/SGAS), Luque, near Asunción, Central Department. Seven occupants were killed, one was seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed by fire.
USA, Pittsburgh International Airport, PA: A Delta Air Lines Boeing 717-2BD with 74 on board slid off the taxiway near Runway 10R as it taxied for departure. The aircraft came to a stop on down sloping terrain. The passengers left the aircraft via the emergency exit by a stair at the rear after the cone was ejected. There were no injuries and the aircraft suffered only minor damage.
Germany, Leipzig Halle Airport: A DHL Air Boeing 757-236 cargo plane, returned to land at Leipzig Halle Airport in Germany after the cargo door opened in flight shortly after departure. The aircraft had taken off for a flight to Frankfurt Airport, Germany. The climb was stopped at about 5700 feet and the flight turned back to Leipzig. The aircraft stopped on the runway and was towed to the cargo apron about 35 minutes later.
10 February 1929
Evelyn "Bobbi" Trout broke the record for the first all-night flight by a woman as well as and the new women's solo endurance record flying more than 17 hours in an open cockpit Bruner Winkle biplane.
She passed away on 24 January 2003 at age 97.
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