“The fascination of flight can’t be expressed with words. But it really lies beyond the capabilities of human endeavor.” Sir Richard Branson
Aurora (aircraft)
Aurora is a rumored mid-1980s American reconnaissance aircraft. There is no substantial evidence that it was ever built or flown and it has been termed a myth.
The U.S. government has consistently denied such an aircraft was ever built. Aviation and space reference site Aerospaceweb.org concluded, “The evidence supporting the Aurora is circumstantial or pure conjecture, there is little reason to contradict the government’s position.”
Former Skunk Works director Ben Rich confirmed that “Aurora” was simply a myth in Skunk Works (1994), a book detailing his days as the director. Rich wrote that a colonel working in the Pentagon arbitrarily assigned the name “Aurora” to the funding for the B-2 bomber design competition and somehow the name was leaked to the media.
In 2006, veteran black project watcher and aviation writer Bill Sweetman said, “Does Aurora exist? Years of pursuit have led me to believe that, yes, Aurora is most likely in active development, spurred on by recent advances that have allowed technology to catch up with the ambition that launched the program a generation ago.”
Source: Wikipedia
Thanks to everyone who sent in their answers, I haven’t extracted the names from all the emails received, but keep them coming next with a new mystery aircraft of the week.
Shortened APAnews until further notice
Due to unforeseen circumstances, today’s APAnews will not contain much news under the various sections and will be a very reduced newsletter. Further information to follow in the next few days.
The 220-page August edition of African Pilot with three picture gallerias and 12 videos was completed on Saturday 3 August and sent to the world the same day. Once again African Pilot has consistently delivered a monthly aviation magazine that has more relevant features and is far easier to read on any digital device that any other aviation magazine in Africa. This edition features the special experience of the South African camping group that travelled to Oshkosh in July, Sling Aircraft’s award at Oshkosh, AERO South Africa exhibition, the amazing Elders Flight, Polokwane airshow, Avionics and Instrumentation as well as headsets and many other interesting features. In addition, the magazine also contains all the normal chapters such as Airline Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Helicopter Pilot, Military Pilot, Sport Pilot a Technical section and the four Historical subjects. Once again, the August edition of African Pilot takes on a completely different flavour to previous magazines mainly due to the extensive photography and embedded videos.
The main feature of the September edition of African Pilot will be an extensive EAA AirVenture 2024 report, the Farnborough airshow, Charter companies and Aviation Safety. Every month, African Pilot features all aspects of aviation from Airline business to Recreational and Sport Aviation, whilst Military aviation, Commercial and Technical aviation matters are addressed monthly. Within African Pilot’s monthly Historical section, we feature the Best of the Best, Names to Remember, Fact File and our monthly Historical feature.
The material deadline for the September 2024 edition of African Pilot will be Monday 19 August.
All editorial content should be sent to me Athol Franz
E-mail: editor@africanpilot.co.za
For advertising opportunities please call Cell: 079 880 4359
E-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za
The 22nd 134-page edition of Future Flight was sent out to the world-wide audience on 15 July 2024. Due to the nature of the subject material, compiling this exciting new publication has been most rewarding, whilst at the same time, the magazine allows many of African Pilot’s advertisers to have their adverts placed in our second monthly magazine FREE of charge. I would love to receive your feedback about this exciting digital publication: editor@africanpilot.co.za.
Thank you.
The material deadline for the August 2024 edition of Future Flight was on Monday 12 August 2024.
All editorial content should be sent to me Athol Franz
E-mail: editor@africanpilot.co.za
For advertising opportunities please call Cell: 079 880 4359
E-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za
AAD Trade Visitor Registration Open
Trade visitor registration for #AAD2024 is now OPEN!
Register to attend one of the most coveted aerospace and defence exhibitions on the African continent.
With an expected 300+ exhibitors set to exhibit at #AD2024, showcasing innovation, technologies and capabilities, this is the aerospace and defence exhibit you need to be attending in 2024.
Follow this link to register now:
Kindly find link below for your team to register as trade visitors https://aad2024.expowiz.com/ExWeb5/Register/Contacts/TradeVisitor
Conferences see link https://aad2024conf.aadexpo.co.za/
AFBAA Symposium Co-Located with Aviation Africa
We as AfBAA and Aviation Africa are having our symposium this year September 2024 and would love if you could make it to the event or be involved in the event. Please find below details
Conference Information:
https://afbaa.org/afbaa_conference/
The AfBAA Symposium Co-Locked with Aviation Africa is getting closer.
Date: 16-17 September 2024 (AfBAA AGM will be held in the 16th September)
Venue: Sandton Convention centre, Gauteng, South Africa.
Live Floor Plan and Programme:
Please follow this link to see the live Floor plan and exhibitors: https://www.timesaerospace-registrations.com/timesav/frontend/reg/tOtherPage.csp?pageID=17171&eventID=19
Please follow the link to see the live program: https://www.timesaerospace-registrations.com/timesav/frontend/reg/tOtherPage.csp?pageID=17507&eventID=19
Sponsorship and Exhibition:
If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting kind email myself or Mark Bown (cc’d in). Please find attached the packages that we offer. Please note that we can TaylorMade a package to your specific needs and budget.
For more information, contact:
Sam Keddle
+27 (0)63 717 3460
17 August
EAA Chapter 322 breakfast fly-in to Fly-in Estate
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
17 August
Pilotinsure Heli fly-in to Krugersdorp airfield
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200
17 August
Marekanelo airshow Rustenburg airfield
Contact Lesego Serekwane E-mail: sculpturevents@webmail.co.za Cell: 066 256 7302
17 & 18 August
SAC North West regionals at Klerksdorp airfield
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za
Airlink faces penalties from Botswana Civil Aviation Authority
The Botswana Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) announced it would penalize Airlink for marketing and selling flights without the necessary approval. On Monday, the CAAB issued a strong warning to the independent carrier for prematurely advertising and selling tickets for scheduled flights between Gaborone and Cape Town, an action taken without the required authorization.
According to the CAAB, Airlink had not yet received the necessary permission to operate on this route, thereby violating Botswana’s Civil Aviation Regulations. Modipe Chris Nkwe, the CAAB spokesperson, expressed concerns about Airlink’s actions, stating that the regulator has fined the airline and ordered the immediate withdrawal of all marketing and ticket sales related to the Gaborone-Cape Town route.
Airlink’s Chief Executive, Rodger Foster, issued an apology to the CAAB late on Monday, acknowledging the oversight. “There was an error on Airlink’s part in offering seats for sale prematurely, and we are taking steps to correct this. Although Airlink holds a valid foreign operator permit to provide air services between South Africa and Botswana, the process of adding this specific route to the permit is still being finalized,” Foster explained.
Following the CAAB’s notification, Airlink promptly removed the flights from its reservation system, according to Foster. However, the exact amount of the fines imposed on the airline was not available at the time of reporting.
Coincidentally, on the same day as the CAAB’s warning to Airlink, Air Botswana announced increased flight frequencies on its route between Cape Town and Gaborone. The announcement included the introduction of new routes to South Africa and Namibia from various locations in Botswana. Additionally, Air Botswana reinstated routes from Maun, Kasane, Francistown, and Johannesburg.
Lulu Rasebotsa, Air Botswana’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that the expanded network includes popular destinations for both business and leisure travelers. “We are excited to provide convenient air travel between these cities to support economic activities in all the countries involved, particularly Botswana,” Rasebotsa stated.
Nkwe emphasized that the CAAB’s actions are part of its primary role in protecting consumers by ensuring compliance with civil aviation regulations. “Non-compliance issues are taken seriously and dealt with rigorously,” he added.
Despite this setback, Foster reiterated Airlink’s commitment to supporting Botswana’s economic growth. “Airlink has long been a supporter of Botswana’s economic development by helping to promote and connect key tourism and business destinations like Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane with international markets,” he said.
Rasebotsa described Air Botswana’s route launches, reinstatements, and frequency increases as a strategic move aligned with the airline’s expansion and sustainability plans. She added, “These new and reinstated routes, along with the increased frequencies, will enhance our regional presence and provide more flight options for travelers within Botswana and beyond.”
Foster expressed optimism about Airlink’s future operations in Botswana and the potential to strengthen ties between the two countries. “We look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship and enhancing Botswana’s global connections through Johannesburg and Cape Town,” he said. Foster also mentioned that Airlink’s designation by South Africa’s aeronautical authorities allows the airline to operate up to seven flights per week between Cape Town and Gaborone.
Source: The Citizen
Bell and Royal Air Force of Oman Sign Purchase Agreement for New Aircraft
Muscat, Oman (August 12, 2024) – Bell Textron Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of a purchase agreement with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) for new aircraft. This acquisition is to develop and enhance RAFO’s capabilities.
The Royal Air Force of Oman has chosen the aircraft for its unmatched versatility and performance. They are perfectly compatible with RAFO’s operational needs and community services, making them a valuable addition to the fleet.
“The Royal Air Force of Oman’s addition of this helicopter to the fleet serves as a testament to its search-and-rescue capabilities,” said the Chief Commercial Officer of Bell Textron Inc. “The aircraft is an easily configurable platform that provides vital support to military forces.”
Find statement from the Royal Air Force of Oman here.
Here’s What Northern Lights Look Like From Space
Astronaut Matthew Dominick was able to view the aurora borealis from the International Space Station, and he shared a stunning time-lapse of the sight.
Source: CNN
Model T of flying cars
Henry Ford did not invent the motor car. The key to his success was his introduction of the moving assembly line and the affordable cars it could produce. Twelve months from now, the modern day equivalent of Ford’s moving assembly line will begin producing flying cars in bulk – and the equivalent of the built-for-the-masses Model T Ford is very likely to be this vehicle, the XPeng AeroHT Modular Flying Car.
Though no price has been mentioned for the air module of the Modular Flying Car, the company has shown a slightly larger eVTOL at international motor shows that has been priced by company sources at around $200,000. In February (2024), Chinese eVTOL maker eHang announced a suggested retail price of US$410,000 for its EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft in global markets outside China, and things will obviously get cheaper in the long run.
Hence, while the total cost of both modules of XPeng’s Modular eVTOL System is not expected to be higher than $400,000, it likely won’t be a whole lot less due to the origami and miniaturization required to fold the two-seat eVTOL into the available space.
Source: NewAtlas
Colorado police department shows new ways to use drones for law enforcement
The Wheat Ridge Police Department in Colorado recently utilized a drone to investigate a suspected robbery within an apartment. Since integrating drones into their operations in April, the department has used them to respond to various 911 calls almost daily.
According to Alex Rose, the department’s public information officer, the team is enthusiastic about the potential of drone technology, particularly in enhancing officer safety. “Every day presents a new opportunity for our department to explore the possibilities with this technology,” Rose commented.
The department is actively exploring the full capabilities of their drones, with around 10 officers trained in their operation. When deploying a drone, officers can track its launch point using a GPS system and monitor its live feed during flight.
Sgt. John Bowman, who directs the department’s drone training, highlighted that the drones are equipped with Zoom capabilities. “Operating these systems requires extensive practice, patience, and repetition, but they allow us to cover a wide range of areas,” Bowman explained.
In a recent incident, one of the department’s drones assisted in apprehending a suspect during a break-in. In June, after receiving a report from a maintenance worker about intruders in an apartment, the department opted to send a drone instead of an officer.
After securing a warrant, the drone entered the apartment to investigate. Inside, it discovered a dog and a person sleeping in a closet. The individual was arrested, and the investigation is ongoing. The Wheat Ridge police also use drones to investigate traffic accidents and monitor large gatherings, such as festivals.
Dr. Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, pointed out that the use of drones by police varies widely across the country, with some cities having strict regulations and others having none. “This is concerning because courts are divided on whether police can fly drones over private property with or without a warrant,” Guariglia noted.
The Wheat Ridge police stated that they consult with their district attorney before deploying drones and are among at least 20 departments in Colorado using this technology. “As it’s a new technology, we’re constantly evaluating what other departments are doing and whether there are any relevant legal precedents,” Rose added.
Source: Fox News
About African Pilot
About African Pilot and Future Flight:
After 24 years of continuous publishing there is no doubt that African Pilot provides the finest overall aviation media reach on the African continent and now throughout the world. All African Pilot’s and Future Flight’s monthly editions are easily read on any digital device including smart phones
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Twice Weekly News from African Pilot
Should you miss out on any edition of APAnews, please visit the website: www.africanpilot.co.za and click on the APAnews link on the front page. All past weekly APAnews publications have been archived on the website.
