Tag Archives: Aviation News
67 Days to AAD 2022 Media Briefing
The countdown to 67 days to Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow which will be held at Airforce Base Waterkloof in the city of Tshwane from 21-25 September 2022.
A media briefing plus a youth development familiarisation to the world of aerospace was held at 28 Squadron “Portamus” (We Carry” home of the Lockheed Martin C130BZ under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Nandi Zama.
The Deputy Chief of the South African Air Force, Major General Innocent Buthelezi welcomed the guests on behalf of the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo and said that he is happy that an event of this magnitude had been dissected, reinvented, finally comes to life.
“When we started there was still so much uncertainty on whether we would be able to host the 11th edition. The pandemic still was at its worst and we watched and waited as we gathered every pronouncement made by the World Health Organisation and our Department of Health.
The Deputy Chief of the SA Air force mentioned that he personally likes the theme of this year’s AAD which is: exploring new paths, sharing solutions and showcasing innovation and capabilities.
“For the first time in the history of AAD, we have secured the express permission for the presence and use of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) or drones during the show. It is evident that the future is upon us and still coming at us at the speed of light. Innovation is coming from young minds, minds that can still dream big.
Invited guests witnessed the signing of agreements between the AAD and the City of Tshwane, Gautrain and the South African Airways, we are assured of the success of AAD2022,” said Major General Buthelezi
The 67 learners from Mshuluzani Mayisela Primary School from bronkhorstspruit and said, “these learners are fresh, impressionable minds, we aim to ignite the spark of aviation in their minds so that they can always remember that they were part of this august moment,” he said
The Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Mr Randal Williams welcomed the AAD team to the City of Tshwane and said, “we are thrilled to be associated with the AAD, what is interesting is that it showcases the latest technological innovations.
Ms Nompaza Ndlovu, the chairperson of AAD said, “this is a new dawn as we slowly recover from the shackles of the pandemic, I am pleased that we are back in action because we will bring all the strategic partners together to realise what we have been looking forward to, the best AAD this year,” she mentioned.
Foreign airforces have been invited to the event with a couple already committing their presence at this year’s AAD.
Obviously we will know closer to the event who’s who that will be at AAD 2022. Ticket sales and vendor applications will also be available in August next month.
Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow will run from 21-25 September 2022.
Aero Expo South Africa 2022
Aero Africa was passionately welcomed back to Wonderboom National Airport in the city of Tshwane, South Africa, this past week and adding Saturday for some of the public to attend the now 2nd edition of the general aviation trade show.
This being Africa’s largest general aviation trade show, covers the full spectrum of services and products for the aviation industry. Discover what direction developments in the General Aviation industry are going.
This years expo was a bit smaller as the previous Aero Africa that took place for the first time back in 2019.
Due to the fact that planned returns of the expo were to take place in 2020/2021, got cancelled due to the all now well known covid-pandemic.
As that being said, we can now appreciate the event is back and we and the industry can only grow stronger going forward.
Visitors were welcome to fly-in to AERO South Africa in their own aircraft for the proceedings of each of the three days.
That including free landing, approach and ground handling fees for fly-ins to the event.
Potential buyers had the opportunity to experience aircraft features first hand as aircraft manufacturers and distributors having the opportunity to host demonstration flights during the event.
A workshop area hosted reputable speakers covering relevant topics were available during the course of the days of all different products, companies ect.
Aero South Africa attracts a broad and international exhibitor base with innovative products new to South Africa by incentivising product launches and global imports.
An interactive platform offering exhibitors and visitor the perfect environment to build and foster relationships with current and future business partners.
Features at AERO South Africa 2022
A private workshop area is available to host seminars and talks at AERO South Africa 2022.
As well as a medium size static park with a number of fixed wing and rotary aircraft on display.
Some of the big aviation companies that were exhibiting such as Absolute Aviation, National Airways Corporation, Cirrus South Africa, Airbus Helicopters, Excujet, DJA Aviation, Flight Schools, Air Ambulances just to name a few.
The airport itself was still busy with charter flights, flight training schools, test flights from the airports local maintenance facilities.
This made up for some as many of the general public thought the event was an airshow but in fact and expo.
AIRLINK CONFIRMS SELECTION OF ROLLS-ROYCE TOTALCARE FOR ENGINE SERVICING
Rolls-Royce and Airlink have signed a TotalCare® service agreement for the AE3007 engines that power the South African airline’s fleet of Embraer ERJ135 aircraft. The agreement, which covers 28 aircraft, is an extension of service for a further 10 years, continuing the airline’s drive to maximise aircraft availability.
Airlink CEO, Rodger Foster, said; “Airlink and Rolls-Royce have worked hand in hand since the introduction of the ERJ135 to our fleet in May 2001. We operate 28 ERJs with a pool of 64 AE3007-A1/3 engines. We are proud of the phenomenal reliability we have achieved from these engines which have underpinned Airlink’s industry leading on-time performance, which has consistently been above 97%. Our TotalCare service agreement has been key to the management of engine maintenance costs and to ensuring the economic sustainability of the ERJ135 type for the foreseeable future. We are delighted at the dependability of the Rolls-Royce team and their engines.”
In 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Airlink carried more than 2 million customers on more than 63,000 flights. Airlink currently operates a reduced route network to more than 45 destinations in 12 African countries, whilst remaining agile to the effects of Covid-19 and associated travel restrictions. Airlink was proudly the most punctual South African airline for 2020; its year-to-date performance up to August 2021 has been 98.1% on-time.
“Our partnership with Airlink goes back to 2001 and this TotalCare extension is a testament to our strong working relationship and mutual trust of one another,” said Stewart Evans, Rolls-Royce, Vice President, Customers Europe Middle East & Africa, “I’m especially proud of the way both teams have worked closely together during the pandemic to manage maintenance costs effectively for both parties whilst enhancing our service offering at the same time. The entire team at Rolls-Royce is honoured to be able to serve Airlink and their customers for many more years to come.”
TotalCare is the flagship integrated engine service cover provided by Rolls-Royce. It is designed for predictive maintenance planning, as well as off-wing repair and overhaul activities for operators of Rolls-Royce aero engines. TotalCare transfers both time-on-wing and maintenance cost risks back to Rolls-Royce, as well as offering advanced engine health monitoring and future product enhancements.
Aircraft covered by TotalCare achieve higher availability, increased long-term residual values, and benefit from the global Rolls-Royce Care Network; a large, capable and competitive engine service network that caters for the needs of engines at every point in their lifecycle.
About Airlink
Airlink is an independent privately-owned, full-service premium regional airline, serving a comprehensive network of destinations throughout Southern Africa. The airline is the largest in Southern Africa when measured by flight movements and emphasises reliability of service whilst maximising choice and travel opportunities for its customers. Airlink has more than 50 commercial jetliners operating throughout Southern Africa. Airlink is a member of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit program) accredited.
Bell Delivers First Bell 505 to Ugandan Aviation Company
Fort Worth, TX (Apr. 6, 2021) Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the
delivery of a Bell 505 helicopter equipped with the Med-Pac Inc. LLC Emergency Medical Services Lite
Interior to BAR Aviation. This marks the first Bell 505 in Uganda and the first Bell 505 designed to
complete medical evacuation (medevac) missions in Africa.
“We are elated that BAR Aviation has chosen the Bell 505 as its Helicopter Emergency Medical Services
(HEMS) platform and will operate the first medevac Bell 505 in Africa,” said Lynette Loosen, regional
sales manager, Africa. “By leveraging the aircraft’s unique design, competitive cost and flexible kit
installation, the platform enables our customers to provide safe and reliable medical services to its
patients.”
BAR Aviation is a Ugandan aviation company known for being the leading operator in the region. Among
its many services, BAR provides air medical evacuation services to support communities and connect
them to life-saving medical support. The Bell 505 will support the work of the Ministry of Health,
Ministry of Tourism, and the police.
“We are proud to accept the delivery of the first Bell 505 in Uganda,” said Barak Orland, CEO, BAR
Aviation. “We saw the need and importance of having an evacuation helicopter in the country that helps
give the citizens of Uganda the best chances of survival in the critical golden hour. The Bell 505 is an
excellent aircraft for the job with state-of-the-art safety features and avionics that allow the pilots to
reach their destinations quickly and safely.”
The Med-Pac EMS Lite Interior offers a carbon fiber deck, back wall equipment rack, oxygen tank and
medical supply bag. The stretcher system can be installed in less than 15 minutes with the 505’s easily
removeable seats and flat floor. The Bell 505 is the only current production short light single-engine
helicopter that can fit a stretcher system.
“We congratulate BAR Aviation on the acquisition of its new Bell 505, which adds another Textron
product to its growing fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters,” said Jim Evans, CEO, Africair. “As one
of Bell’s independent representatives for much of Africa, Africa has supported helicopter operators
across the continent for over 40 years. Together with Bell, we will do everything possible to ensure that
the 505 exceeds BAR Aviation’s expectations.”
With a speed of 125 knots (232 kilometers per hour) and a useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms),
the Bell 505 is designed to be safe and easy to fly while providing unmatched value to the operator.
Rolls-Royce to test 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel in next-generation engine demonstrator
The Rolls-Royce Trent engine, housing ALECSys technology, that will be used for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel tests Ground tests with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to demonstrate Rolls-Royce engines can unlock SAF’s potential to reduce emissions As part of its ongoing decarbonisation strategy, Rolls-Royce is to use 100% sustainable aviation fuel for the first time in engine ground tests on next-generation engine technology.
The tests will aim to confirm that unblended SAF makes a significant contribution to improving the environmental performance of gas turbine engines.
The SAF being used in the tests was produced by low-carbon fuel specialist World Energy in Paramount, California, sourced by Shell Aviation and delivered by SkyNRG. This unblended fuel has the potential to significantly reduce net CO2 lifecycle emissions by more than 75 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel, with the possibility of further reductions in years to come.
These tests aim to demonstrate that our current engines can operate with 100% SAF as a full “drop-in” option, laying the groundwork for moving such fuels towards certification. At present, SAF is certified for blends of up to 50% with conventional jet fuel and can be used on all current Rolls-Royce engines.
Starting in the coming weeks in Derby, UK, the ground tests will involve a Trent engine which also incorporates ALECSys (Advanced Low Emissions Combustion System) lean-burn technology.
ALECSys is part of the UltraFan® next generation engine demonstrator programme, which offers a 25% fuel saving over the first generation of Trent engines.
Paul Stein, Rolls-Royce Chief Technology Officer, said: “Aviation is a tremendous force for good, keeping the world connected, but we have to do that sustainably. These tests aim to show that we can deliver real emissions reductions. If SAF production can be scaled up – and aviation needs 500 million tonnes a year by 2050 – we can make a huge contribution for our planet.”
Gene Gebolys, Chief Executive Officer and founder, World Energy, said: “World Energy exists to empower leaders to innovate by providing the world’s most advanced low carbon fuels. Rolls-Royce is putting their technological prowess to work to understand how to maximise their potential in engines and we are proud to support them.”
Theye Veen, Managing Director, SkyNRG, added: “This programme is a great example of what can be achieved when companies from across the aviation value chain that share an ambition of reducing emissions work together. As a pioneer in SAF, SkyNRG encourages innovative tests like this run by Rolls-Royce.”
In addition to supplying the SAF with SkyNRG, Shell Aviation is also providing Rolls-Royce with AeroShell lubricants for the ALECSys engine test programme.
Anna Mascolo, President, Shell Aviation, commented: “For over 100 years, Rolls-Royce and Shell have worked together to drive aviation’s progress. This collaboration brings us one step closer to decarbonising Aviation. As well as the SAF, Shell Aviation will provide offsets using nature-based solutions to make the test net zero emissions, reinforcing how multiple measures are essential if aviation is to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions.”
The ALECSys programme is supported by the European Union via Clean Sky and in the UK by the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK; the 100% SAF testing programme is additionally supported by ATI, iUK and Gulf Aviation.
American Flying Classic’s Cherokee 235
One of many light aircraft come to mind that teaches a student to fly, but Piper itself brought out one of the many of its aircraft types, that being the Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Charger. The first flight for this type of Cherokee was 14 January 1960 and over 32,778+ built.
For some years the aircraft was hangered at Rand Airport for some some years and eventually was brought back to live and put into the right hands of having this aircraft gracing South African skies once again!
The only Cherokee 235 based at Brakpan airfield East of Johannesburg, owned by the American Flying Classics Van der Schaar Family. The van der Schaar’s who are well known in the airshow circuit flying the Randolph sponsored Boeing Stearman. They also have a Pitts Special S2A and a couple of other flying toys in their inventory.
Ivan today is flying with Comair Limited as Captain on the Boeing 737-400 and 800 series aircraft, operating local British Airways and Kulula routes.
In 1963, the company introduced the even more powerful Cherokee 235 (PA-28-235), which competed favorably with the Cessna C182 for load-carrying capability. The Cherokee 235 featured a Lycoming O-540 engine de-rated to 235 horsepower (175 kW) and a longer wing which would eventually be used for the Cherokee Six. It included tip tanks of 17-gallon capacity each, bringing the total fuel capacity of the Cherokee 235 to 84 gallons. The aircraft had its fuselage stretched in 1973, giving much more leg room in the rear.
The stabilator area was increased, as well. In 1973, the marketing name was changed from “235” to “Charger”. In 1974, it was changed again to “Pathfinder”. Production of the Pathfinder continued until 1977. No 1978 models were built. In 1979, the aircraft was given the Piper tapered wing and the name was changed again, this time to Dakota.
The Cherokee featured a Lycoming O-540 engine de-rated to 235 horsepower (175 kW) and a longer wing which would eventually be used for the Cherokee Six. It included tip tanks of 17-gallon capacity each, bringing the total fuel capacity of the Cherokee 235 to 84 gallons.
For more information contact: Ivan van der Schaar: 082 375 9180 or Sonica van der Schaar: 082 682 2825
Joe Ford joins Draken International as Chief Executive Officer
Las Vegas, NV – The Board of Directors of Draken International, LLC has elected Joseph “Joe”Ford as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Ford will also serve as a member of the company’s Board of Directors.
Ford previously served as President, DynAviation at DynCorp International. At DynAviation, Ford was responsible for all aspects of the segment’s profit and loss performance with functions including operations, supply chain management, finance, quality assurance, human resources, contracts and internal and external business development.
Ford will succeed Jared Isaacman who has served as Draken’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer since 2011. Isaacman will become the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and will assist Ford through the transition.
“During a period of tremendous growth for our company and the commercial adversary air industry, there is no better person to lead Draken International,” stated Isaacman. “After serving
his country with distinction for 25 years and growing defense companies that support the U.S. military, Joe has the leadership, strategic vision and record of execution to fly Draken to new heights. His insight for how to apply modernization to our comprehensive fleet of fighters will prove beneficial and is exactly what Draken needs as the company enters its next
chapter of expanded growth.”
“I am beyond thrilled to join the Draken family,” stated Ford. “I understand the need to provide the U.S. military aviation community with the readiness it needs while making every taxpayer dollar go further. Draken is the best in the business and I am honored to have Jared and the Board’s support as we remain focused on supporting our nation’s military aviators every day.”
Before his career in the private sector, Ford had a distinguished military career, retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel in January of 2007 as the commander of the 401st Air Expeditionary Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy.
Other roles during his military career include commander of the
18th Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan and commander of the 35th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Mr. Ford is a combat veteran with four fighter deployments to
the Middle East. His aviation career includes over 4,000 hours in aircraft including the F-4C/D,A-7D, F- 117, F-16A/B/C/D, F-15C/D, HH-60, E-3 and KC-135R.
“Draken is the kind of mission driven company with which we like to partner,” said Todd Hirsch, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and a member of the company’s board. “A decade ago, Draken was an idea – that commercial adversary air support
can improve readiness and reduce sustainment and training costs for the U.S. Armed Forces.
Today, Draken is the industry’s leading provider of military aviation readiness training,completing over 20,000 flight hours with a fleet of more than 100 mission capable aircraft.
Under Joe’s leadership, it will continue to set the standard in airborne adversary support, flight training, threat simulation, electronic warfare support, research, testing, as well as other missions
uniquely suited to their fleet of aircraft.” Hirsch continued: “On behalf of the rest of the board and all our employees, we thank Jared for
creating this industry leading firm and guiding it so well. We are grateful to continue to have him as a partner.”
The board also elected Bill “Sweet” Tart as Chief Operating Officer. Sweet joins Draken from DynAviation where he was Senior Vice President, Business Development. Prior to his private sector career, Sweet served in the United States Air Force for 25 years, retiring in 2014 as the Director of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Division at the Pentagon. He previously served as the commander of the 432nd Operations/Expeditionary Operations Group at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada and the senior military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs. Sweet is a Risner Trophy winner for outstanding performance at USAF Weapons
School.
Draken International is the world’s largest operator of ex-military aircraft. With over 100 tactical fighter aircraft incorporating modern 4th generation capabilities, the company is the partner of choice to support the growing global demand for commercial air services. Draken
employs world class, military trained fighter pilots including USAF Weapons School Instructors,Fighter Weapons School Graduates, TOP GUN Instructors, Air Liaison Officers, and FAC-A Instructors. In 2019, funds affiliated with Blackstone Tactical Opportunities completed a strategic investment into Draken International to facilitate the next phase of modernization and growth.
Retirement Of SAAF Lieutenant General Fabian Msimang
On Wednesday 30 September,members of the South African Air force and members of the media got to witness a series of beautiful flypasts from a number of aircraft of squadrons based across South Africa.A fitting tribute and thank you to the former Chief of the South African Air force!
Lieutenant General Fabian Zimpande (Zakes) Msimang integrated into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 after the first Democratic Elections as a qualified helicopter pilot.He received his flying training at Frunze 1 Central Officers Training Center – Kirghistan, in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics between 1986 to 1991.
He graduated from the institution with a diploma in Command and Tactics of Military Aviation.During Msimang’s Career he has flown the Mi8, Mi25 ,Alouette III and Oryx Helicopters.He also completed a factory conversion onto the Agusta A109E Helicopter at Agusta/Westland now known at Leonardo in Italy.
He was a member of the Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK),the military wing of the African National Congress.He engaged in combat in Angola in 1986.In 1994,he completed the Air force Junior Staff Course in Zimbabwe before returning to the South African National Defence Force.Post 1994,he served as an operational pilot in both maritime and inland operations.
In 2000,Msimang was appointed the assistant project officer on the acquisition programme of the Agusta A109LUH in Italy.He went onto successfully complete the Senior Staff Course at the Italian Air force War School.On his return in 2003 from Italy,he was appointed the Officer Commanding of 87 Helicopter Flying School at Air force Base Bloemspruit. The Following year he successfully completed the Joint Senior Command and Staff Programme at the South African National War College.
In 2005,he was appointed officer commander of Air force Base Bloemspruit and promoted to the rank of Colonel.In 2006,he completed the Executive National Security Programme at the South African National Defence College.In 2007,Msimang,after a two and half year tour as OC at Air force Base Bloemspruit,he was appointed Director Helicopter Systems and Promoted to the rank of Brigadier General at Air Command.
In November 2010,he was appointed Chief Director Air Policy and Plans and then promoted to the rank of Major General,responsible for Air force Strategy,policies,capabilities and resource allocation.On 28 September 2012 he was accepted command as the Chief of the South African Air force from Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano.
First Airbus C295 aircraft arrives in Canada
Ottawa, 25 September 2020 – The first Airbus C295 aircraft, purchased by the Government of Canada for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement (FWSAR) project, has arrived at 19 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Comox, in British Columbia, Canada.
The aircraft, designated CC-295 for the Canadian customer, landed at its home base on September 17th and is the first of the 16 aircraft contracted in December 2016. The contract also includes all In-Service Support elements, training and engineering services, the construction of a new training centre in Comox, British Columbia, and maintenance and support services.
“Airbus is really proud to be able to celebrate this important milestone: the arrival of the first out of 16 Fixed Wing Search and Rescue C295 at the Canadian Forces Base Comox. Thanks to the excellent collaboration with Canadian officials we have overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19 and we were able to deliver the aircraft. Despite the current pandemic, we are confident of achieving the program target of six deliveries by the end of this year.
We look forward to our continued collaboration and to the C295 Canada”, said Airbus Defence and Space Chief Executive Officer, Dirk Hoke, on a video statement displayed during an official event held today at the 19 Wing Comox Air Base.
Airbus has formally delivered three aircraft to date, the second of which is scheduled to arrive in country in the coming weeks. Deliveries will continue until 2022.
Africa’s First Aeroplane built in the Free State
In the Free State town of Branford,one can visit the house of the man who built the first aircraft in Africa. He was M.J.L Weston,who was born in a ox-wagon,spent much of his youth in the United Stated of America (USA), and returned towards the end of the Anglo-Boer War to fight on the side of the Boers.
No two sources agree on Westons pioneering exploits in aviation,but the main thread of the story seems to run as follows.He designed and flew a glider in the USA in 1892,when hewas 19 years old.
Back in South Africa,he designed and built his first aeroplane on the farm called Kalkdam in Bultfontein district,from 1907 to 1909.The machine turned out to be under powered he took it to France,where,in the workshops of the Farman Brothers ,he installed a 50-hp Gnome rotary engine.
He flew the machine for the first time in Kimberly Northern Cape on 18 June 1911.During this and subsequent flights he remained in the air for as long as eight and a half minutes.
It was during this period that he lived in Brandfort. The last version of Weston’s aeroplane engine,the oldest in the country and the only one of its kind,can be seen in the National Museum in Bloemfontein.During the First World War Weston served as a pilot in the Royal Naval Air force.At one stage he was posted to the Greek Navy,with the honorary rank of rear-admiral.