Category Archives: General News and Airshow Reviews
The Spanish Air Force Buys Another 16 PC-21s & Associated Simulators
The Spanish Air Force, Ejército del Aire, decided to purchase 24 PC-21s in early 2020. The final PC-21 of this order was delivered to Spain in mid-2022. The Spanish Air Force has now decided to buy another 16 PC-21s. The contract signed with the Dirección General de Armamento y Material (DGAM) makes Spain the largest PC-21 operator in Europe.
Spain is convinced by the PC-21: since summer 2022, its future military pilots have trained with the world’s most advanced training system by Pilatus. After a very professional negotiation phase, the Spanish Air Force has now ordered another 16 PC-21s to reinforce pilot training with additional Pilatus trainer aircraft. The training bandwidth of the PC-21 will also be enlarged: in future, the PC-21 will also be used for elementary training in addition to basic training.
Lieutenant Colonel Ildefonso Martínez-Pardo González, Academia General del Aire (AGA) Air Operations Group Commander, commented as follows: “Now in use with the Spanish Air and Space Force for over 18 months, the PC-21 integrated training system far exceeds our expectations. Its reliable and efficient powerplant, aerodynamics, safety systems and avionics make the PC-21 a highly versatile trainer, capable of performing any phase of flight training from the most elementary to the most advanced. Our relationship with Pilatus has been outstanding throughout, and a key factor for successful implementation. The excellent collaboration, professionalism and teamwork of everyone involved over the past three years have enabled us to roll out this PC-21 training course in record time without interruption to training.”
PC-21 & Simulators
14 PC-21s will be delivered to the Academia General del Aire (AGA) in San Javier. An additional two PC-21s will also be delivered to the Centro Logístico de Armamento y Experimentación (CLAEX). These two PC-21s will be used for experimental, flight test training and research and development activities. The aircraft will be based in Torrejón near Madrid. The package also includes a PC-21 simulator, two cockpit procedure trainers, additional mission planning and debriefing systems as well as pilot training software.
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, said on the occasion of the contract signing ceremony: “What could be better than a customer who buys again from to Pilatus! Spain is an extremely renowned, professional air force. As such, Spain’s decision is a testimony to the capabilities of our training system. It is the most advanced, most efficient training system available on the market!”
André Zimmermann, VP Government Aviation at Pilatus, added: “Over the last few years, we have built an excellent relationship with the Spanish customer and are now very pleased to help them enhancing their training skills with this follow-on order of PC-21 aircraft and associated Ground Based Training Systems. This proves once again that Pilatus is producing and delivering first class products to satisfy the high requirements of our customers.”
PC-21 – the most efficient training system
With ever growing pressure on air force funding, the completely newly developed PC-21 offers a highly efficient, intelligent platform for training jet pilots. To meet all expectations, the PC-21 has extremely high equipment and performance features. They enable the single-engine turboprop to perform a range of missions previously reserved exclusively for jets. The PC-21 is far more cost-effective and fuel-efficient to operate than a jet trainer. Experience with existing PC-21 customers shows that with the Pilatus Training System, the cost of training a future military pilot can be reduced by over 50 percent.
Reno Air Races to come to an end
It is with heavy hearts that we write this to let you know that, after nearly 60 years of air racing in northern Nevada, 2023 will be the last National Championship Air Races at the Reno-Stead Airport. While we knew this day might come, we had hoped it wouldn’t come so soon. Citing the region’s significant growth amongst other concerns, the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority has made the decision to sunset the event. For so many around the world, Reno has become synonymous with air racing and it is hard to imagine the National Championship Air Races gracing any other skies than those in the Sierra Nevada.
However, we are confident the event will continue. In fact, we are currently exploring several other possible locations to host the event in the future but it starts with making this year’s event the biggest and most successful it can be. In essence, the future of the National Championship Air Races starts now. And, we need your help.
As we take off for one last time in Reno, we are inviting the community and race fans from all over the world to join to send off the National Championship Air Races in style. Consider it a celebration of six decades of thrills, history, pageantry, camaraderie and family. Reno has been the event’s home for the last 59 years, and we could not leave without recognizing the community that has embraced our event and helped make it one of our region’s signature events. We look forward to seeing the many faces the Air Races have brought joy to over the years, as well as new ones who will get the chance to see the only racing event of its kind for the first time this year.
While we discuss the future of the Air Races, we are grateful for our time at the Reno-Stead Airport and our partnership with the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority. Our event has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy, while instilling a love for flying in the community and becoming a valued partner to many charities and non-profits. We have always been so thrilled to show off the beautiful Reno Tahoe area to the tens of thousands that flew in just for our event and we’re looking forward to doing that again this year. The support from both our community and visitors has been overwhelming, and the impact they helped us make in Reno is immeasurable.
The last National Championship Air Races will take place from September 13-17. The 2023 event is set to return with more than 150 planes and pilots as well as several ‘hands-on’ displays and experiences including the GRADD-NVBAA STEM Education Discovery Zone, heritage displays, military demonstrations and static displays and more. The event will also mark the third year of competition for the STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) Drag which has become a phenomenon in the skies. While this is our last year at this location, the Reno Air Racing Association is committed to preserving and growing this great event and developing the next generation of Air Race fans. We look forward to seeing you in September. You can save your spot now by purchasing tickets at www.AirRace.org
With much appreciation and love,
The Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors
RENO AIR RACING ASSOCIATION
14501 MT. ANDERSON ST.
RENO, NV 89506
USA
Africa Sees General Aviation Success with Versatile Bell 429
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the delivery of a Bell 429 and a signed purchase agreement for another Bell 429, both to customers in Africa.
The Bell 429 is a popular choice for the African market and continues to demonstrate important qualities such as safety, reliability, and performance. The aircraft also offers a smooth, peaceful ride as well as a spacious and customizable cabin depending on mission type.
“We are proud to support our customers in Africa with the Bell 429. With two now operating in South Africa and a third one soon to be operating in West Africa, the aircraft continues to excel across the many market segments for which it was designed. Featuring state-of-the-art technology to provide enhanced safety, comfort, performance and most importantly reliability, we are confident that these aircraft will help support on whatever their missions entail,” said Sameer Rehman, managing director, Africa and the Middle East, Bell.
Caverton Helicopters Limited in Cameroon signed a purchase agreement for the first oil and gas configured Bell 429 in West Africa. Caverton Helicopters is a subsidiary of the Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc (COSG), which is a fully integrated offshore support company providing aviation and marine logistics services to businesses operating in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria and across West Africa.
“Having operated a variety of Bell products across our operations over the years, we are excited to continue with this brand, which is synonymous with safety and excellent performance,” said Captain Bello Ibrahim, managing director, Caverton Helicopters. “Introducing the Bell 429 into our fleet is an exciting milestone for us and will enable us to provide the best support for our oil and gas clients across the continent.”
The newly delivered 429 will be used for corporate transportation. Thanks to its large cabin, impressive speed, and modern technology, proving critical to its operators, there are a variety of configurations available, enabling the platform to perform numerous missions ranging from energy to law enforcement and public safety.
With more than 602,000 global flight hours, there are now 430 Bell 429 in operation, more than 20 of which are in the Middle East and Africa.
Aero Club Air Week Middelburg 2023
by Dian Townsend
The Aero Club Of South Africa once again hosted their Air Week at Middelburg Airfield from the 3rd to the 5th of March 2023. Although not quite the same size (or if we are really honest, quite far from the same size actually), Air Week presents an Oshkosh in South Africa feel.
The event delivered a great variety of action over the weekend. The fly-in, starting on the Friday already, carried on right through the rest of the weekend. Some aerobatics displays from the likes of the Flying Lions Aerobatic Team and Goodyear Eagles were flown to perfection as per usual, a glider launch demo made for some really interesting viewing, and a final hot air balloon flight after dinner on the Saturday night showcased the lesser seen part of flight.
For attendees who opted to spend the weekend, camping options were available with breakfast in the mornings and a delicious braai each night. Night festivities on the Saturday included a quiz hosted by David from PilotInsure, that tested the very limits of years of accumulated aviation knowledge.
All in all the event was very well attended, with pilots coming and going throughout the whole weekend, and in a post COVID-19 world, events like these are a great example of how beautifully our aviation community has once again risen from the ashes and is now again flourishing.
With the benchmark now well and truly set, we look forward to seeing what the rest of the year’s aviation events have in store!
Please browse through our gallery!
Armed Forces Day Richards Bay 2023
Richards bay in the northern part KwaZulu-Natal, was this years host city to welcome the South African National Defence as part of armed forces day. This saw all arms of service descend into the coastal town.
This including the South African Army, South African Navy, South African Air Force and the South African Military Health Service.
Armed Forces day is celebrated to remember the sinking of the SAS Mendi which sunk in the English channel in 1917, which saw a number of South Africans perishing in the incident. On 21 February 1917 a large cargo steamship, Darro, collided with her in the English Channel south of the Isle of Wight. Mendi sank, killing 646 people, mostly black South African troops, as well as white Southern African officers and NCOs, and crew.
Armed Forces day in Richards Bay got to show the citizens of South Africa their National Defence Force. This saw a fan park, where they were able to interact with service men and women and see a number of static displays. It was also and opportunity for the youth to choose a career with the recruitment drive that was also on offer. A fun run was also included the public to take part in.
The arena display was also a favorite with the Navy drill squad. The K9 unit, a capability demonstration, including a bridge build, Motorcycle track demonstration, a skydive drop from a 44 Squadron Casa 212-300 was just to name a few!
Air displays included a 85 Combat Flying School Hawk Mk120 and the Silver Falcons Aerobatic Team.
Unfortunately with the recent rain downpour around the country including KZN. The capability demonstration on Naval Island located in the harbour of Richards Bay could not take place.
However the Night shoot both the public day and invited guested only event at alkantstrand beach did take place. Making its public live firing debut the Denel Land Systems Badger. A number of other armored vehicles took part including the Ratel,127mm Bateleur and more.
An air display by the Hawk Mk120 flown by Major Rehan “Kaine” Venter. A 16 Squadron Rooivalk Helicopter display was also presented by Raccoon.
The parade took place on the 21st February. Where president Cyril Ramaphosa attended the historical event. Who also handed over a dozen medals during the proceedings.
As usual the SANDF put on a great parade including matching coloums, mechanised columns and a flypast.
The flypast included a flags flown by three Agusta A109LUHs at the beginning of the parade and twenty one gun salute.
A mass helicopter fly-past including four Agusta A109LUHs, a Rooivalk and Oryx Helicopter.
The Silver Falcons Aerobatic team who also gave a mini flat display at the end of the fly pasts.
And finally the combat formation making up of three Hawk Mk120s from 85 Combat Flying School and two 2 Squadron JAS39C Gripens. Bringing the sound of freedom to the streets of Richards Bay.
The reasoning to these events are not just to show the defence force off but comes as a deployment and training to all arms of service. Next years armed forces day will take place in Gauteng.
Browse through our gallery below!
Indian Air force C17 Globemaster fetches South African cheetahs
Twelve more Cheetahs would be flown from South Africa to India on Saturday 18th February 2023 with the help of an Indian Air Force’s (IAF) C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital on Thursday, India Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that these 12 Cheetahs will be released on the same day of their arrival at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The Cheetah Project Chief SP Yadav informed that the aircraft had taken off for South Africa on the morning of Thursday 16th February and will land in Gwalior around 10am on Saturday 18th February.
The cheetahs will be released in Kuno National Park by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the presence of Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Jyotiraditya Scinida on February 18,” SP Yadav said.
He further added that after taking clearance from Customs, the Cheetahs will be brought here by MI-17 helicopter. “All the cheetahs have adapted well to their surroundings in Kuno National Park and were brought from Namibia on 17 September 2022. All cheetahs are keeping well except one named ‘Sasa’, and now she is also doing well,” he added.
Previously on 17 September 2022, eight Cheetahs were brought to the Kuno National Park from Namibia in South Africa and were released by PM Modi on his birthday.
As per MoU with South Africa, the initial batch of 12 cheetahs is to be flown from South Africa to India this month. The MoU terms are to be reviewed every 5 years.
The MoU on the reintroduction of Cheetahs to India facilitates cooperation between the parties to establish a viable and secure cheetah population in India, promotes conservation, and ensures that expertise is shared and exchanged, and capacity is built, to promote cheetah conservation.
Under the ambitious project of the Indian Government-Project Cheetah- the reintroduction of wild species particularly cheetahs is being undertaken as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines.
India has a long history of wildlife conservation. One of the most successful wildlife conservation ventures ‘Project Tiger’ which was initiated in 1972, has not only contributed to the conservation of tigers but also to the entire ecosystem.
Both South Africa and India are part of BRIC’S, this tasking of this flight surely will strengthen ties once again with both nations!
BRIC is a grouping acronym referring to the developing countries of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, which are identified as rising economic powers. It is typically rendered as “the BRIC,” “the BRIC countries,” “the BRIC economies,” or alternatively as the “Big Four.” The name has since been changed to BRICS after the addition of South Africa in 2010.
SANDF offers relief to flood-hit communities in Limpopo under operation chariot
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) continues its support to many flood-stricken
communities and on Wednesday, 15 February 2023 has offered disaster relief to rescue two
community members who were trapped for three days on an island in the Letaba River in Tzaneen,
Limpopo Province following heavy downpours that caused rivers to burst their banks in many parts
of the country.
In doing this task, the SANDF operates in concert with various government disaster management
agencies as part of Operation CHARIOT to reach out to many trapped villagers who were severely
affected by flooding conditions caused by torrential rains leading to localised flooding over most
parts of South Africa since Friday, 10 February 2023.
Amid warnings of disruptive rains over several parts of the country resulting to the declaration of a
state of disaster by the President of the Republic, the SANDF activated its inherent search and
rescue capabilities which received a request from Mpumalanga disaster management centre to
render much-needed relief to flood victims in Limpopo Province.
The rescue operation that saw two civilians rescued from the banks of the river was conducted
using a hoist technique by the Oryx helicopter from 17 Squadron supported by ER24 crew
members. The rescued flood victims were later taken to Tzaneen Clinic for treatment of
dehydration and related conditions, which after were released from the clinic.
Armed Forces Day media launch Richards Bay
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is hosting the 2023 Armed Forces Day (AFD)
in Richard’s Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, from 15th – 21st February 2023. The event comprises a series of
planned activities culminating in the main parade on 21 February.
The AFD Parade will be preceded by a Wreath Laying Ceremony. The Commander-in-Chief and
President of the country, his Excellency President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, will lay a wreath in
commemoration of all SANDF soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty, both internally and externally
including those that perished aboard the SS Mendi troopship that sank on 21 February 1917 after it
collided with a large cargo steamship, Darro, in the English Channel south of the Isle of Wight.
The SANDF, with the event, purports to, among other things to honour serving members who
serve the nation with pride and pay special tribute to soldiers who paid the ultimate price and lost
their lives in the line of duty. The other aspect is taking the SANDF to the people, therefore,
allowing communities who ordinarily are not exposed to the SANDF, to have first-hand experience
and interact with the men and women in uniform and their prime military equipment.
The SANDF equipment will include, among others, SA Army’s heavy armored vehicles and
weapon systems, SA Air Force(SAAF) aircraft and helicopters. SA Navy’s warships and SA
Military Health Services (SAMHS) will also display capabilities.
The AFD Media launch took place on the SAS Mendi, this frigate is the last of four Valour-class frigates built for the South African Navy by the European South African Corvette Consortium and entered service in March 2007. SAS Mendi was named by Mrs Helena Retief, wife of the Chief of the Navy Vice Admiral Johan Retief.
Speech’s by Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Monde Lobese and Chief South African National Defence Force General Rudzani Maphwanya with regards to the following events in Richards Bay, as well as the next move for the Durban Naval base relocating to Richards Bay!
AFD 2023 Events
Last SAFAIR L100 leaves SA
On a cold and wet Saturday the 11th February saw SAFAIRs last Lockheed L100 Hercules leave South African soil for the very last time. This particular L100 will join the fleet of Lynden Air Cargo. Lynden Air Cargo is an American cargo airline based in Anchorage, Alaska, USA. It operates scheduled services and on demand charter, international and domestic flights, including services for the US military. Its main base is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
(SAFAIR) Safair Operations as it is known today was established in 1965. At the time it was known as Tropair (Pty) Ltd and was a general aviation charter company. In 1970 the company name changed to Safair Freighters (Pty) Ltd when the company was purchased by Safmarine and the new entity began operations on 18 March 1970. Its primary client in the 1980s was the South African Defence Force.
The company operated the largest fleet of L100 aircraft in the world. Humanitarian Aid and Relief operations has always been Safair’s “niche” market. Safair assisted aid and relief agencies such as the United Nations, World Food Programme, and the International Committee of the Red Cross in delivering much needed humanitarian aid to stricken regions on the African continent as well as other areas in the world where such assistance was required.
The L100-30 left with the new November registration of N411LC and its previous South African registration was ZS-OPS. She was built in 1978 as a Lockheed L-100-30 Hercules (L-382G) C/N 382-4799).
Lockheed L100 Speculations
Aircraft Configuration Possibilities/Operation
Flat floor/wooden floor
Roller system
Fuel Burn : ± 2700 litres per hour
300 kts maximum cruise speed
Seating capacity of up to 90 passengers on airline type seats *
Bulk liquid transport – up to 24 000 litres (fuel)
20 000 kg for more than 1 200 nautical miles
Short field landing and take-off capability
Aerial delivery of food and medicine (Air drops)
Transportation of sea containers, large vehicles/trucks, oversized cargo
External fuel tanks for increased range
Combination of freight and passengers
Wingspan 40.41m (132 ft 7″)
Length 34.37m (112 ft 9″)
Height 11.66m (38 ft 2″)
Maximum certified take-off weight 70 307kg (155 000lbs)
Maximum certified landing weight 61 235kg (135 000lbs)
Maximum certified zero fuel weight 57 727kg (127 000lbs)
Basic empty weight 34 545kg (76 000lbs)
Average APS weight 35 000kg (77 000lbs)
Landing Requirements
The maximum landing weight for the Hercules L100-30 is 135 000 lbs (61 235kg). At this weight the following landing distances are required.
Airfield Elevation Runway Length (zero wind)
Sea Level 4 800 ft
1 000 ft 5 000 ft
2 000 ft 5 200 ft
3 000 ft 5 300 ft
4 000 ft 5 500 ft
5 000 ft 5 700 ft
[02/11, 20:46] Neil Swart: Cargo compartment…
[02/11, 20:46] Neil Swart: Length 17.07m (54 ft)
Width 3.02m (10 ft 3″)
Height 2.74m (9 ft 3″)
Cubic capacity 140 cubic meter (excluding ramp)
Floor height (above ground) 0.99-1.04m (3 ft 3″-3 ft 5″)
Cargo floor Aircraft can be supplied with either a flat metal floor, a wooden floor or an adjustable roller system
In 2013, Safair created a low-cost carrier subsidiary called FlySafair. They currently operational with the first flight having taken place on 16th October 2014. FlySafair operates passenger flights between Cape Town, George, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, Lanseria, Durban and East London. This is the companies primary focus now and moved away from cargo operations!
Western Cape AMS Mountain Rescue during International Sailplane Grand Prix
A foreign gliding competition pilot participating in the African leg of the International Sailplane Grand Prix was rescued from high up a Western Cape mountain after his sailplane crashed (Wednesday, 23/1/25). Speaking from his bed in the hospital, he said that he was very fortunate to survive the close call and thanked the professional and efficient rescue coordinated by the South African ARCC (Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre).
It is understood that the pilot got into difficulties overhead the mountains West of Villiersdorp and was able to put the fixed-wing glider down on a steep slope some distance below the top of the peaks. Fellow pilots (also participating in the competition) that saw the crash raised the alarm with Air Traffic Control, which in turn activated the ARCC. This information and the location sent by the pilots’ onboard satellite tracking device, which pinpointed the exact crash location, assisted in guiding the Western Cape Department of Health EMS/Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter directly to the scene.
With no level terrain to land at the scene, a Provincial EMS paramedic and MSAR Rescue Climber were hoisted down by the helicopter to the wreckage. The pilot (who was conscious and managed to provide additional information via phone) was extracted from the wreckage and hoisted in a stretcher into the helicopter.
He was flown to a Villiersdorp sports field, where Western Cape Metro EMS, SAPS Rescue, Overberg Metro Rescue management, and SAPS Villiersdorp assembled to prepare and secure a landing zone for further treatment and remain available should further resources to support the first team be required.
Several other resources, including SARZA and K9 was also on standby. The pilot was admitted to Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital with lower back injuries. He commented, “under the circumstances, I feel surprisingly well; I had what felt like at least 1 million guardian angels helping me”.
He remarked that his survival is in no small part due to the cockpit of the Jonker sailplane that he was flying protecting him during the crash. Jonker Sailplanes is a proudly South African company that designs sailplanes for local and international markets (in fact, all the sailplanes participating in this leg of the International Sailplane Grand Prix were manufactured by Jonker manufactured).
The scene has been handed to the SAPS and SACAA AIID (Accident and Incident Investigations Division) for further investigation.
The South African ARCC is the legally mandated function (South African Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Act No.44 of 2002, as amended) that coordinates all aviation search and rescue-related occurrences in South Africa. The ARCC reports to SASAR and the Department of Transport. Under international aviation agreements and ICAO regulations, the South African ARCC is responsible for aviation incidents extending South of South Africa across the international waters in the Southern Oceans down to the South pole. The Mountain Club of SA, along with many other emergency response organisations, is a dedicated SAR Unit to the ARCC.
Photos: ARCC Supplied, Brent Russell, FAI Sailplane Grand Prix
