Number 13 – 19 February 2024

“Why is it when times get rough only the people have to look for ways to cut back? Why is this always just absolutely impossible for government?” Neal Boortz

SANDF deployments in DRC slammed by the DA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) shadow defence and military veterans minister Kobus Marais supports his use of the description, pointing out General Rudzani Maphwanya’s SA National Defence Force (SANDF) does not have ‘the capacity to effectively pursue an anti-insurgency campaign against M23 rebels’. In addition, the necessary prime mission equipment to support ground forces is in short supply. Marais maintains the SA Air Force (SAAF) has ‘no Rooivalk combat support helicopters available and the five Oryx medium transport helicopters currently in DRC will likely be reduced to two’.

The continental deployment of 2 900 South African military personnel, ‘whether in phases or all at once’  is according to him ‘easily one of the largest in South Africa’s democratic era’ and should not happen because it has ‘inadequate or no air support.’ “South Africa should not be shouldering a military responsibility that falls squarely with the African Union and the East African Community. We simply do not have that capacity and are definitely out of our depth fighting rebels in a terrain that we are not familiar with.” Marais calls the deployment ‘impulsive’ and asks if President Cyril Ramaphosa, SANDF Commander-in-Chief, is repeating the mistakes of previous continental combat missions. He names Bangui, Cabo Delgado and most recently the DRC where South African troops and aircrew came under fire with unnecessary loss of life. “There is a high chance that the M23 rebels, using their familiarity of the territory, will resort to tactical ambushes of the SANDF to inflict maximum harm on our troops,” is Marais’ prediction of what lies ahead.

In looking at the recent Oryx helicopter incident, we see a lack of air force cover, a limited capacity, which led to a tragedy. Apart from placing lives at risk, Marais maintains the R2 billion price tag put on the deployment is ‘ridiculous’. He would rather see the money spent in South Africa upgrading PME and improving SANDF logistic capability where it will do at least some good and not ‘fighting a war with no strategic value to South Africa.’ He continued, “If anything, we should be prioritising the capacitation and deployment of the SANDF to improve border surveillance, both on land at sea. Foreign deployments should only be made when there is clear evidence that events outside our borders pose an immediate and direct threat to South Africa’s national security. The conflict in the eastern DRC does not fall in that category.”

Further Marais takes Ramaphosa to task for not ‘timeously informing Parliament of his intentions as required by the Constitution.’ According to him Parliament’s defence oversight committees ‘became aware of it through the media.’ “By refusing to be transparent, Ramaphosa could be hiding the real reasons why he authorised the deployment, reasons that may have nothing to do with South Africa’s national security.”

We know Valentine’s Day was a few days ago but we believe that celebrating love shouldn’t just be dedicated to one day of the year!

Love and loving what you do is for everyday of the year.

So here’s to the love of flying and celebrating this life we have been give that is filled with adventure!

Overloaded Plane Can’t Climb

Airlink’s ‘bush & beach’ direct Mbombela – Vilanculos flights

By popular demand, Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier airline, will again provide its peak season ‘bush & beach’ service linking Mbobela’s (formerly Nelspruit) Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport with Vilanculos, Mozambique’s famous coastal resort destination and Johannesburg. The direct service, which provides tourists with the ability to combine a safari and a beach holiday, will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 01 July 2024 and run until 05 January 2025.  However, tickets for flights on the route are already available.  The seasonal route will augment Airlink’s year-round daily direct Johannesburg-Vilanculos service.

Mbombela is the gateway to the world-famous Kruger National Park and neighbouring private game lodges as well as spectacular vistas such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck, the Three Rondavels and several waterfalls.  Vilanculos is a popular beach holiday destination and gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.  It is renowned for its spectacular beaches, marine life, restaurants, a variety of accommodation options as well as markets for fresh produce, arts and crafts.

Flights on the route will be operated by modern and reliable Embraer Regional Jets.  Airlink’s great value fares include a 20kg free economy class checked-in luggage allowance plus a 15kg sporting equipment allowance.  Airlink flights are scheduled to provide convenient connections with other domestic and regional services as well as with long-haul flights provided by Airlink’s constellation of global airline partners.

FlySafair makes an emergency landing to save a life

On Monday morning a FlySafair flight from Cape Town to Lanseria made an emergency landing in Bloemfontein to save a passenger in need of urgent medical care. The passenger was a male in his 60s lost consciousness while on board the flight which took off at approximately 07h20. Upon spotting the passenger in need of medical assistance, the crew acted promptly with an urgent call to the 184 passengers on board for any medical professionals on flight to offer assistance.

FlySafair’s Kirby Gordon said, “equipped with basic first aid training, the crew promptly responded to the situation, notifying the captain and attempting to stabilise the passenger. A call was made for any medical professionals onboard to lend assistance,” he said. “According to the crew, the man was on blood pressure medication and likely suffered a stroke,” he added. The captain decided to divert the flight to the nearest airport, Bloemfontein when the passenger’s condition became critical. “The flight landed safely in Bloemfontein at 08h43, where medical personnel were already on hand to assist. The passenger was stabilised in the ambulance and transported to the nearest hospital for further treatment,”

The flight then took off approximately one hour later to make its scheduled arrival in Lanseria. FlySafair crew were ‘extremely professional’ in handling the emergency. “Fortunately medical emergencies do not happen all that frequently but our crews are all trained to manage them when they do,” says Gordon, adding that the airline does not have confirmation of the condition of the passenger now, or the nature of his medical emergency, but wishes him a speedy recovery.

ATNS communication network interruption leads to air traffic delays – yet again!

Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Ltd (ATNS) wishes to advise air transport users of a breakdown in the frequency network that enables air traffic navigation communication between air traffic controllers and aircraft on Saturday, 17 February 2024. A number of flights were delayed across air traffic control stations where flight approach and departure were affected, with no reports of flight cancelations attributed to the network disruption. In the interest of safety, a departure separation flow restriction was extended while mitigation measures were implemented to clear the subsequent departure backlog. These include the addition of more air traffic controllers to fast-track the process of reducing the backlog and the extension of hours of service at various regional airports to facilitate delayed flights.

About 80% of the disrupted communication network service, which first showed signs of weakness on Wednesday, has already been resolved by the technical support teams. Work is ongoing by ATNS to restore the rest of the network across affected stations by the end of the week. ATNS remains committed to ensuring the safe and speedy resolution of the service interruptions experienced by air transport users. The company regrets and apologises for the inconvenience experienced.

Bitou municipality concludes airport tender

Bitou Municipality is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the tender process for the airport project, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance opportunities for local residents and elevate the region’s tourism industry. The strategic deal was concluded last week with rsa.AERO after a rigorous evaluation process and the completion of the legally prescribed appeals period.

This strategic partnership is poised to bring about transformative changes and propel our tourism sector to new heights. This deal will see the Plettenberg Bay airport fully revamped and upgraded with new hangers, a modern terminal building and the resurfacing of the runway, in the near future. Bitou Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani said the conclusion of this tender is beneficial for the town as Plettenburg Bay is a leading tourist destination in the region. Memani said the Municipality was not an expert in the running of airports and handing over to experts will ensure that Bitou has a safe and efficient air access.

“In the bidding document, there are actionable promises that can see more flight options for Bitou.” “Bitou Municipality will provide an enabling environment for more businesses who are likely to take advantage of this new venture,” Memani added.

Managing Director for rsa.AERO, Nick Ferguson, said he appreciated the confidence that the municipality has placed in rsa.AERO. “The team is made up of a group of professionals who are competent, passionate about aviation and making a meaningful contribution to society at large.”

“Plettenberg Bay is a premier tourist destination in the region. It requires an airport that delivers safe and reliable services. We are dedicated to fulfilling this commitment, ensuring that the airport becomes a source of pride for all citizens alike”, added Ferguson.

Meanwhile, Plett Tourism CEO Patty Butterworth agreed with Memani saying that tourism plays a pivotal role in driving socio-economic prosperity in the region and the nation at large. “South Africa, with the concerted efforts of organisations such as Wesgro and SA Tourism, has established itself as a global tourist destination. The Western Cape, particularly the city of Cape Town, are consistently recognised as preferred destinations, and the Garden Route, with its myriad premier tourist offerings, contributes significantly to this reputation.

EAA Chapter 322 breakfast fly-in to Kitty Hawk

On Saturday I attended the well-supported EAA Chapter 322 fly-in to Kitty Hawk under bright blue skies and excellent flying conditions. Apart from many EAA aircraft types, there were seven gyrocopters and several helicopters that arrived for the delicious breakfast prepared by the smiling ladies of the Kitty Hawk restaurant. I have always enjoyed the ambiance at this regional airfield and Saturday morning reinforced this for me. Immediate past chairman of Kitty Hawk aerodrome Frank van Heerden (trustee) introduced me to the new trustees as follows: Mark Johnson (chairman), Hennie Engelbrecht (finance), Ronald Purell (facilities) and Dawie Pretorius (airport manager). It was interesting to note that the new committee have plans to improve the airfield and clubhouse facilities further.

20 to 25 February
Singapore Airshow
Editorial Matt Driskill E-mail: matt.driskill@asianaviation.com
Advertising Kay Rolland E-mail: kay.rolland@asianaviation.com

24 February
Tedderfield breakfast fly-in
Contact Alan Stewart Cell: 083 702 3680

26 to 29 February
HAI Heli-Expo Anaheim Convention Centre, California, USA
Website: www.heliexpo.com

March

2 March
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at EAA Auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

2 March
SAA Museum Society Specialised Tour limited to nine adults
Contact E-mail: events@saamuseum.co.za Cell: 076 879 5044

8 March
DCA Industry Roadshow Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Contact Ms Charmaine Shibambo E-mail: shibamboc@caa.co.za

8 to 10 March
Aero Club Airweek venue Middleburg airfield
Contact Sandra Strydom E-mail: sandra@aeroclub.org.za Tel: 011 082 1100

8 to 10 March
EAA National Convention Middleburg airfield
Contact Paul Lastrucci E-mail: tailwheel@mweb.co.za

9 March
SAPFA ANR at Middleburg airfield
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: iaanmyburgh@gmail.com Cell: 082 449 2531

15 March
DCA Industry Roadshow Mangaung, Free State
Contact Ms Charmaine Shibambo E-mail: shibamboc@caa.co.za

16 March
EAA Chapter 322 fly-in breakfast to Brits airfield
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

22 & 23 March
Stellenbosch airshow – Fashkosh
Contact Anton Theart E-mail: gm@stelfly.co.za Cell: 079 873 4567

April

6 April
Robertson annual fly-in breakfast Robertson airfield
Contact: Alwyn du Plessis. E-mail: boeredata@breede.co.za Cell: 083 270 5888

6 April
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

6 April
SAPFA ANR National Championships – venue TBA
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: iaanmyburgh@gmail.com Cell: 082 449 2531

6 & 7 April
SAC Eastern Cape regionals Wings Park airfield

13 April
Elder’s Flight Brakpan airfield (this may change to a towered airfield)
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 1919 4603

17 to 20 April
AERO Friedrichshafen 30^th anniversary
Contact E-mail: info@fairnamic.com Website: www.fairnamic.com

20 April
EAA Chapter 322 fly-in breakfast to Eagle’s Creek airfield
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

20 April
Wonderboom airshow
Contact Chris Theodosi E-mail: chris@creativespacemedia.co.za Cell: 071 220 1245

23 to 25 April
MRO Africa Conference incl. African Aviation Training Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contact Nick Fadugba E-mail: nickfadugba@africanaviation.com www.mroafrica.com

May

4 May
SAAF Museum airshow at AFB Zwartkops
Contact Major Michael Church E-mail: mike.church172@gmail.com Cell: 072 720 0700 

4 May
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium 
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

11 May
Lowveld airshow at the Nelspruit airfield
Contact Willemien E-mail: willemein.hodgkinson@kishugu.com Cell: 079 499 5733

12 to 15 May
African Airlines Association 12^th stakeholders convention in Addis Ababa
Contact E-mail: events@afraa.org   

14 to 16 May
Airport Show with ATC Forum, Airport Security Middle East DWTC, Dubai
Contact Jamille del Mundo E-mail: jamm.delmundo@rxglobal.com

14 to 17 May
NAMPO Harvest Day Bothaville
Contact Wim Venter E-mail: wim@grainsa.co.za Tel: 086 004 7246

17 to 19 May
EAA Chapter 322 weekend fly-away to Pyramid airfield
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

18 May
Parys airshow
Contact Chris Theodosi E-mail: chris@creativespacemedia.co.za Cell: 071 220 1245

18 May
SAC Free State regionals at Tempe airfield

21 to 23 May
Air Finance Africa Conference and Exhibition Sandton Convention Centre
Contact Nick Fadugba E-mail: nickfadugba@africanaviation.com

23 to 25 May
SAPFA President’s Trophy Air Race at Louis Trichardt civil airfield (FALO)
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: race@sapfa.co.za  Cell: 082 449 2531

23 to 27 May
NAC fly-away venue TBA
Contact Agnes Phillips E-mail: agnes.phillips@nac.co.za Cell: 082 893 3399

25 May
Tempe airshow Bloemfontein
Contact Conrad Botha E-mail: rowco24cc@mailbox.co.za Cell 082 465 4045

‘Absolutely gross’ maggots raining on passengers forces flight to make U-turn

Chaos broke out on a flight after maggots began raining on to plane passengers from an overhead compartment. The ‘absolutely gross’ situation saw the Delta flight forced to make a U-turn about an hour into the nine-hour trip from Amsterdam to Detroit. Passengers reported the back of the plane was left teeming with the larvae that it later emerged were emanating from a rotten fish. The flight returned to Amsterdam after only around an hour into the trip. One lady told the flight attendants the maggots were falling on her head. I turned around and they were wiggling around on the seat. The passenger added that one of their carry-on bags was next to the ‘disgusting’ one and that the suspected culprit was still seated and did not exit the plane at the end of the flight. The passenger said she had complained about the ‘odd odour’ on board, but that the ‘biggest disappointment’ was the lack of attention from the flight attendants. “They were all sitting around in the crew area laughing and talking when we had been on the plane for close to three hours with not even water offered.”

Delta, described as a ‘leader in domestic and international travel’ on its website, confirmed rotten fish and maggots were in the bag and apologised to the passengers. ‘We apologise to the customers of Flight 133 AMS-DTW as their trip was interrupted due to an improperly packed carry-on bag,’ the airline told Sky News. ‘The aircraft returned to the gate and passengers were placed on the next available flight. The aircraft was removed from service for cleaning.’

Airbus posts robust full-year 2023 financial results

Airbus has disclosed its consolidated financial results for the full year 2023, accompanied by forward-looking guidance for the year 2024. The company reported a substantial increase in gross commercial aircraft orders, totalling 2,319 units, compared to 1,078 in 2022, with a net order of 2,094 aircraft after cancellations. The order backlog stood at 8,598 commercial aircraft at the close of 2023. Airbus Helicopters recorded 393 net orders, while Airbus Defence and Space’s order intake increased by 15% to €15.7 billion.

Consolidated order intake reached €186.5 billion, a significant rise from €82.5 billion in 2022, resulting in a consolidated order book valued at €554 billion by the end of 2023. The consolidated backlog’s increase reflects a company-wide book-to-bill ratio well above one, partially offset by the impact of the weakening US dollar.

Consolidated revenues witnessed an 11% year-on-year growth, reaching €65.4 billion. Airbus delivered a total of 735 commercial aircraft, contributing to the revenue increase, with Airbus Helicopters’ deliveries remaining stable at 346 units. Airbus Defence and Space experienced a two percent revenue increase, primarily driven by Military Air Systems and Connected Intelligence. The consolidated EBIT Adjusted, a key performance indicator, reached €5,838 million, indicating a robust underlying business margin. EBIT adjusted related to Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities increased to €4,818 million, reflecting higher deliveries and a more favourable hedge rate. The A220 and A320-family programmes are progressing towards increased production rates, with plans for a monthly production rate of 14 A220 aircraft by 2026 and 75 A320 aircraft per month by 2026.

Airbus Helicopters‘ EBIT adjusted rose to €735 million, while EBIT adjusted at Airbus Defence and Space decreased to €229 million. The decrease was attributed to charges resulting from the update of estimates at completion of certain space programmes, partially offset by the overall performance of the business. These results underscore Airbus’s strong financial performance and strategic initiatives as it navigates the dynamic aerospace industry landscape.

Garmin’s GNS 430/530 sunset takes another step

The long-expected discontinuation of maintenance support for Garmin’s iconic GNS 430/530 series navigators has taken a big step. The company has posted a service advisory telling customers that “display repairs for the WAAS and Non-WAAS GPS 400, GNC 420 and GNS 430 are no longer available and have been discontinued.”

In a statement Garmin advised ‘due to multiple component availability limitations, comprehensive repair service for Garmin’s GNS 430/530 series is estimated to become limited in the years ahead. This includes all GPS/Com and GPS-only variants, as well as all wide-area augmentation system (WAAS) models. Initially these limitations are estimated to impact a small percentage of repairs in 2024.’

As with Apple iPhone users, the owners of the legacy Garmin navigators are encouraged to update and upgrade to more modern equipment. After all, the GNS 430/530 series, introduced in 1998, has now been out of production for 13 years. But in the interim Garmin said, it will continue to provide service as long as it has the components required are in stock. But be forewarned, if Garmin must return a unit as ‘unrepairable due to the announced unavailability of repair parts,’ there will be a US$500 processing fee, per unit.

First Epic E1000 turboprop in Brazil lands at Avantto

Fractional share aircraft provider Avantto is the first Brazilian customer to take delivery of an Epic Aircraft E1000. Avantto has ordered 34 of the turboprop singles in a bid to expand service to Brazil’s central-west region, which is an agricultural hub. Avantto’s E1000 is the first of the type to be delivered to a Brazilian customer. Last month, three senior Avantto pilots spent two weeks training at the OEM’s factory, which included both simulator and in-airplane time. Maintenance will be handled by VOAR Aviation, which has expanded from its Goiânia base to Congonhas. VOAR’s aircraft technicians have already completed maintenance training on the E1000. The E1000s are part of Avantto’s strategy to extend its fractional share operation, now largely concentrated in Brazil’s southeast region, to the agribusiness public of the central-west region. This is facilitated by the turboprop single’s capability to fly nonstop from ranch runways to urban centres.

Cessna Grand Caravan EX amphibian extends reach in Southeast Asia

Last week Textron Aviation announced the delivery of a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibian turboprop to Malaysian property developer, Ikhasas Sdn Bhd, via its subsidiary company Oriental Sky Sdn Bhd. The aircraft, to be managed and operated by local charter operator Systematic Aviation Services (SAS), will be used for passenger transport between the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and a new waterfront resort on Perhentian islands, off the northern east coast of Malaysia. This will be the country’s first amphibious airplane operation in recent history after it gained necessary approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to launch domestic operations in 2024.

Ikhasas group managing director, Ir. Tan Chee Kian, said “Seaplanes will be the most convenient way to reach the Perhentian Islands. Currently, it takes a time-consuming six-hour road journey followed by a one-hour ferry ride from the port in Kuala Besut. With our 11-seater aircraft, travellers will benefit from time savings as it will transport passengers from Kuala Lumpur to land directly in the waters near the beachside resort. At the same time, we preserve the islands pristine environment and natural forests which would otherwise be felled for airport construction.”

“We are honoured for Grand Caravan EX Amphibian to be selected. The versatility and excellent operating economics make it the perfect partner for Ikhasas to develop sustainable tourism. The comfortable cabin, large windows for sightseeing and floats allowing it to take-off and land anywhere are ideal for their missions,” said Tony Jones, vice president, International Sales (Asia-Pacific). “Malaysia is also an important market to Textron Aviation. Our products lead the installed base and make up over 40% of the country’s general aviation aircraft. Our customers in Malaysia use our products for a variety of operations including VIP transport, tourism, as well as other special missions such as air ambulances and skydiving.”

Reliable Robotics continues momentum towards certification of its autonomous flight system

Last week Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, announced further certification progress with FAA acceptance of requirements for Reliable’s advanced aircraft navigation and autopilot systems. These systems provide continuous autopilot engagement throughout all phases of flight including automatic taxi, take-off and landing. In an industry-leading first, Reliable Robotics and the FAA established agreement on the testing and analysis that will be performed to show that these highly automated systems satisfy FAA safety and performance requirements for operations throughout the conterminous United States and Alaska.

Accurate, high-integrity navigation and continuous autopilot engagement systems are key elements of Reliable’s roadmap to reduce or eliminate controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and loss of control in flight (LOC-I), the two most common causes of fatal aviation accidents. The agreed-upon means of compliance were coordinated and accepted via the FAA’s issue paper process and provide clear requirements for approval as part of Reliable’s ongoing Supplemental Type Certificate project. Reliable’s certification plan was accepted by the FAA in June 2023, providing a roadmap for certification using existing FAA regulations and processes. This followed progress made the year prior, when the FAA agreed to the certification basis for continuous autopilot engagement through the G-1 issue paper process.

Battle brewing at John Travolta’s Airport community

The recent purchaser of Florida fly-in community Jumbolair has big plans for his investment, but one of his highest-profile property owners is not seeing eye-to-eye on the proposed expansion, which has also raised a ruckus among horse-friendly Ocala-area neighbours. A legal battle is brewing between Jumbolair owner Robert Bull and Marion County horse-farm residents and now joined by A-list celebrity / aviator and Jumbolair homeowner John Travolta. According to the Ocala Gazette, Travolta’s opposition letter comes on the heels of a recently filed lawsuit against Jumbolair following an altercation regarding his access to the 7,500-foot runway and operation of the PAPI runway lights.

Bull purchased the storied airport community in 2021. Jumbolair, originally established as an equestrian retreat by Muriel Vanderbilt, has a long and complex history, including a stint as a refuge for elephants (thus the name, Jumbolair). It was developed as an aviation-centric community by Arthur Jones, founder of the Nautilus exercise equipment company. According to its website, Jumbolair currently has 38 properties.

A letter sent by Travolta’s attorney to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners identifies Bull’s land-use proposal as including two applications. The first is described as a large-scale Future Land Use Map Series (FLUMS) amendment involving 358.6 acres and increasing the maximum number of ‘dwelling units’ to 376. The FLUMS also would add up to 1.3 million square feet of commercial or industrial land use. The second application is for a Planned Development Rezoning of 449.7 acres to add up to 240 residential dwellings and close to a half-million square feet of commercial / industrial property.

Area residents have rallied against the proposal, in some part due to a recent influx of vintage military jet and helicopter activity associated with Bull’s 20-aircraft American Honor Foundation fleet, ‘a non-profit organisation dedicated to restoring and preserving historical American artifacts,’ according to the Jumbolair website. Marion County is touted as the ‘horse capital’ of the country and area equestrians have expressed outrage over what they describe as low, loud and reckless flying. They also object to what they consider high-density residential and commercial development not consistent with the County’s master plan and not supported by plans for expanded roadway development.

The letter from Travolta’s attorney, Truett Gardner, asserts, “Robert Bull’s proposed comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning demonstrate the antithesis of the protections established by the Supreme Court which have permeated throughout the country, throughout Florida and are recognised in Marion County. Bull’s proposals instead serve to threaten the public’s health, safety and welfare by densifying property in a rural area close to a large private runway and by endangering the safety of residents that live in proximity to his property.”

Bull did answer questions via e-mail to the Ocala Gazette. Asked if he had previous experience with fly-in community plans, Bull responded, “We are not developers; we are a local blue-collar family that gets up and goes to work every day for the last 40-plus years.” He also said, “We want to build a high-end fly-in community for like-minded individuals that enjoy both aviation and equestrian activities. That would allow people to build a house and have hangar access that is more affordable than the current model and do so in a way that is compatible with our county’s commitment to the equestrian community.”

Asked to respond to concerns and criticism from horse owners in the region, he wrote: “As someone who lives and works here and as a strong supporter of the local equestrian community, we hear, but do not share their concerns. We currently stable over a dozen horses on the property and would love to offer a tour to anyone who has this concern. The horses who live near this property are not negatively impacted by the aircraft. It is also important to note that the proposed homes are NOT in the Farmland Preservation Area!”

Brian Donnelly, a former Jumbolair resident, pilot and vocal presence in the anti-expansion effort, said he was not opposed to the existence of the fly-in community in principle. But he said, “I am OK with 38 properties, just not 380.” How much effect Travolta’s response to Bull’s plans has in the long run remains in the hands of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, which will meet to address the issue on 20 February.

Six NASA instruments will fly to the Moon on Intuitive Machines Lander

NASA was gearing up for a commercial robotic flight to the Moon under the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign. Intuitive Machines will launch its Nova-C lander on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket no earlier than Wednesday, 14 February from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Intuitive Machines IM-1 mission will carry six NASA payloads targeted for the South Polar region.

The group of NASA instruments aboard IM-1 will conduct scientific research and demonstrate technologies to help us better understand the Moon’s environment and improve landing precision and safety in the challenging conditions of the lunar south polar region, paving the way for future Artemis astronaut missions. The payloads will collect data on how the plume of engine gasses interacts with the Moon’s surface and kicks up lunar dust, investigate radio astronomy and space weather interactions with the lunar surface, test precision landing technologies and measure the quantity of liquid propellant in Nova-C propellant tanks in the zero gravity of space. The Nova-C lander will also carry a retroreflector array that will contribute to a network of location markers on the Moon that will be used as a position marker for decades to come. The Nova-C lander is targeted to land Thursday, 22 February in a relatively flat and safe area near the Malapert A crater, in the south polar region of the Moon.

US Air National Guard operating Beta’s Alia electric prototype

Shortly after Beta Technologies’ Alia electric airplane prototype completed its three-month deployment at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida last month, it spent more than a week in Savannah, Georgia, where the US Air National Guard used the prototype for a series of military training exercises. During the weeklong military mission assessment sequence, Beta and the Air National Guard, a military reserve for the US Air Force, jointly conducted an agile combat employment (ACE) and domestic response exercise at the Air Dominance Center, also known as the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center.

The US Air Force defines ACE as an ‘operational scheme of manoeuvre executed within threat timelines to increase survivability while generating combat power.’ This strategy aims to shift operations from centralised physical infrastructure, such as large overseas military bases, to a network of smaller, dispersed locations ‘that can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force commanders.’

More than 350 airmen from six US states participated in various mission exercises using the Alia aircraft, including the swift relocation of personnel between bases and simulated attack and casualty evacuation scenarios. The Alia also transported cargo between its starting base in Savannah and three other locations nearby, among them a regional airport and a USAF airfield in South Carolina.

Beta has developed its own aircraft chargers, including permanent charging stations the company is installing across the country, as well as portable ‘charge cubes’ that are small enough to stow inside the aircraft. Beta’s work with the Air National Guard was separate from the work the company is conducting with the US Air Force’s Afwerx Agility Prime programme, which has been collaborating with Beta since 2020 to develop military use cases for small electric aircraft such as the Alia.

The all-electric Alia prototype that Beta has been utilising for these military exercises takes off and lands like a conventional airplane, or eCTOL, although the company is also developing a similar eVTOL model. Configured as an air taxi, either model can seat five passengers plus one pilot. The cargo-carrying variant can carry up to 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) of payload. Beta expects the eVTOL aircraft to have a range of about 250 miles, while the eCTOL prototype has already flown up to 386 miles on a single charge. The eCTOL model, called CX300, is expected to receive FAA type certification in 2025, with the Alia-250 eVTOL model to follow in 2026.

RigiTech onboards medical drone service to enhance healthcare access in the Netherlands

The pioneering Swiss drone delivery company RigiTech has announced the addition of Medical Drone Service as a new operator using the advanced Eiger drone model to bolster healthcare services. Medical Drone Service, a collaborative endeavour between ANWB Medical Air Assistance and PostNL Health, in partnership with leading healthcare institutions including Erasmus MC, Isala, Sanquin, Certe, Resultlab, Amsterdam UMC, St. Antonius, Accureon and UMCG, is dedicated to exploring the integration of drones in healthcare delivery. With a shared vision of ensuring healthcare accessibility throughout the Netherlands, Medical Drone Service aims to expedite medical assistance and strengthen interconnectivity among healthcare facilities. This initiative encompasses swift transportation of crucial medical supplies such as blood, medication and diagnostic samples via drones, enabling rapid and efficient delivery to patients.

The introduction of the Eiger drone, distinguished by its yellow wings reminiscent of trauma helicopters, marks an expansion of the Medical Drone Services fleet, which now comprises three drones. This strategic enhancement comes in response to the growing demand for medical drone services, requiring the establishment of new operational routes beyond the initial Meppel-Zwolle corridor. RigiTech has provided comprehensive training to the personnel of Medical Drone Service, equipping them with the expertise to effectively utilise the Eiger platform and navigate both hardware and software intricacies. In addition, the manufacturer’s training programme empowers operators with valuable insights into scaling medical drone operations, ensuring seamless integration into existing healthcare infrastructure.

The RigiTech Eiger has a payload capacity of three kilograms within a specially designed medical bag compartment, capable of accommodating up to 180 blood tubes, a minimum of three blood bags, or various medication types. With a flight range of approximately 100 kilometres, the Eiger delivers unparalleled speed and efficiency in medical supply transportation. Notably, the inclusion of an onboard parachute system expands Medical Drone Service operational capabilities, facilitating flight over densely populated areas and supporting the initiative’s expansion efforts.

In the forthcoming months, Medical Drone Service will conduct testing procedures and inaugurate its maiden route, paving the way for operational deployment. This milestone represents a significant stride towards advancing healthcare accessibility and responsiveness, underscoring the transformative potential of drone technology in the medical domain.

Pyka delivers first of three large-scale autonomous electric cargo aircraft to AFWERX

Flight operations personnel from Pyka and AFWERX gathered on the tarmac at New Braunfels National Airport to witness the arrival of Pyka’s Pelican Cargo, a large-scale autonomous electric cargo aircraft with a 400-pound payload capacity and 200-mile range, built for remote off-airport operations. This is the first delivery in a fleet of three Pyka Pelican Cargo on lease to AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, for the United States Air Force’s Agility Prime programme. The programme will explore operational use cases for Pyka’s technology to address the most pressing challenges in the DAF.

The California-based startup, founded in 2017 in the backyard of a Silicon Valley home, is now well on its way to create and provide innovative solutions that could strengthen the national defence of the United States of America. As the largest autonomous electric cargo aircraft in its class, Pelican Cargo is able to take-off and land in remote areas with minimal ground infrastructure, can be recharged in under 90 minutes and requires few personnel to operate. Pyka is defining the future of safe, environmentally friendly and cost-effective aviation with certified autonomous electric airplanes for crop protection and cargo delivery. Pyka’s proprietary technology includes autonomous flight control software, flight computers, high energy density batteries, advanced electric propulsion systems and carbon composite airframes.

Australia approves CAMCOPTER in civil airspace

Wedgetail Aerospace, supported by Schiebel Pacific, successfully obtained the approval from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to operate the Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) in civil airspace. It is the first large (>150 kg) Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAS to attain this civil approval from the Australian authorities. Wedgetail Aerospace, in close cooperation with Schiebel Pacific and the Australian authorities, completed the process to achieve their experimental approval with a series of flight demonstrations in Western Australia. This endorsement enables the S-100 to operate in Australian civil airspace. Possible applications now being pursued include fire and disaster monitoring, cargo delivery, as well as inspections and surveillance.

In addition, Wedgetail Aerospace is a CASA approved training organisation and will offer an S-100 license for civil operations. Of note, the S-100 is regularly flying under a Defence Aviation Safety Agency (DASA) UAS permit, which the Royal Australian Navy obtained back in 2017 for their S-100 operations.

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