Number 27 – 08 April 2024

“Aviation is for the common man. My goal is to enable everyone to fly. It shouldn’t be only for the rich.” Tony Fernandes

Who really represents Commercial Aviation in South Africa?

To assist those who do not really understand the various aviation industry representatives in South Africa, I have prepared the following important notes:

1) The Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA) represents Aviation Businesses and not individuals, therefore African Pilot is the member, not me personally. CAASA has several sections that represent the various disciplines of Commercial General aviation. African Pilot has been a member for around 20 years.

2) The Aero Club of South Africa (AeCSA) represents Sport and Recreational Aviation where the individual is the member of one of the 12 sections of the AeCSA. I have been a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and therefore the AeCSA for around 45 years. If you wish to have more details, please visit the website: www.aeroclub.org.za.

3) Air Line Pilots’ Association of South Africa (ALPA-SA) represents professional pilots and other professionals mainly within the airline industry.

4) Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) represents the airlines within the sub-region of the African continent. Website: www.aasa.za.net

5) Aircraft Owners and Pilots’ Association (AOPA) should also have a seat at CARCOM to provide some sort of balance between the regulator and other state-owned enterprises such as Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), South African Weather Services (SAWS) and the regulator  the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

However, due to the insulting behaviour of its ‘so called’ chairman, AOPA SA has been removed from the CARCOM representative process. This is unfortunate, because AOPA as a pressure representative organisation in many countries around the world has an excellent reputation for attending to the important matters concerning General Aviation and a significant membership, especially in the United States. However, in South Africa due to the continued abrasive behaviour of this single individual who via his own agenda, AOPA SA is no longer recognised in South Africa.  

All of these organisations have a seat at CARCOM which is the industry liaison body that determines aviation regulations within our country led by the regulator (SACAA). I know this is very brief description and I am sure that if you are genuinely interested in understanding how aviation works in South Africa and who represents your interests in aviation. Should you wish to know more please send me an e-mail: editor@africanpilot.co.za. Thank you. 

I also wish to state that other than the employees of the various organisations, none of the volunteers that run any of the civil aviation organisations are paid. In my capacity as editor / owner of African Pilot I provide media coverage for all of the above organisations, with the exception of AOPA. However, I am not paid and my magazine does not receive remuneration for the FREE advertisements we place within the magazine for any of the representative aviation organisations. My only interest is to provide support for the various organisations for the greater benefit of all of civil aviation in South Africa.

Aero Club AirWeek 2024

EAA Chapter 322 April 2024 gathering

On Saturday 6 April I attended the EAA Chapter 322 gathering at the EAA Auditorium, Rand Airport. Due to the early morning weather Rand airport was closed for arrivals, so not members flew to the meeting this month. After dealing with the formalities, Karl Jensen presented his enthusiastic ‘kyk weer’ (look again) presentation about EAA activities over the previous month. This is always humours since many of the members present were also involved in the various fly-aways, especially the popular Aero Club AirWeek held in Middleburg. The it was the turn of Tristan Eeles (Sports Aerobatics) who presented an excellent talk on his participation at the World Advanced Championship that took place in Las Vegas, USA late last year. Whilst Tristan achieved 23rd position out of 80 competitors, amazingly his father Barrie achieved 22nd position and fellow team member Elton Bondie came into 32^nd position. Tristan’s illustrated talk stressed the importance of plenty of practice and discipline within the advanced aerobatics field. When the floor was opened to questions, Tristan was kept very busy answering members of the Chapter. Thanks for yet another excellent EAA meeting to Neil Bowden and his EAA Chapter 322 committee.

Message from CAASA

13 April
SAPFA ANR National Championships – Brakpan airfield 
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: iaanmyburgh@gmail.com  Cell: 082 449 2531
Please note this event had been planned for 6 April but was postponed due to weather warnings

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

18 & 19 April
SACAA National Aviation Conference Venue TBA
Contact Nomhle Mabunda E-mail: MabundaN@caa.co.za

20 April
SACAA airshow at Wonderboom National Airport

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

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

27 April
Ekurhuleni East Flying Club fly-in breakfast at Springs airfield
Contact James E-mail secretary.eefc@gmail.com

27 April
Bill Harrop’s Dinosaur Derby night glow
Contact Jacquie Pastor Cell: 083 443 2662 E-mail: jacquie@balloon.co.za

27 April to 4 May
Gauteng Regional Gliding Championships at Magalies gliding Club
Contact Soaring Society of South Africa Website: www.glidercomps.co.za

May

4 May
SAAF Museum airshow at AFB Zwartkops
Contact Lt. Gaelejwe OC Zwartkops Cell: 079 110 5855

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

10 & 11 May
Wings and Wheels Queenstown
Contact 082 921 2879

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

11 May
SAA Museum Society Planes Trains Automobiles 09h00 to 14h30
Contact E-mail: info@saamuseum.co.za Cell: 076 879 5044

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
Zuikerkop fly-in 
Contact E-mail: info@zuikerkop.co.za Cell: 083 389 0587

17 to 19 May
BOABAB Fly-In Polokwane Civil Airport
Contact Whatsapp: 083 375 6322 E-mail: info@area51rcflyers.co.za

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

18 May
Potchefstroom airshow
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

18 May
SAC Free State regionals at Tempe airfield
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za

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

President’s Trophy Air Race video:

23 to 27 May
NAC fly-away to Magoebaskloof 
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

28 to 30 May
EBACE business aircraft show Geneva, Switzerland
Website: www.ebace.aero VP Exhibitions Sacha Carey E-mail: scarey@nbaa.org

June

1 June
Newcastle airshow
Contact Johan Pieters E-mail: Johan@champ.co.za Cell: 082 923 0078 

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

6 & 7 June
Drones and Unmanned Aviation Conference Emperors Palace Convention Centre
Contact Ms Maria Ndlovu E-mail: info@bussynet.co.za Tel: +27 11 074 7095

6 to 8 June
France Air Expo International General Aviation Show 
Lyon Bron Airport www.franceairexpo.com  

6 to 10 June
Zimbabwe Air Rally (50 years)
Contact E-mail: zimairrally@gmail.com Website: www.zimairrally.com 

7 to 9 June
Bona Bona annual fly-in
Booking details visit website  

8 June
EAA South Africa Young Eagles day Lanseria International Airport
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

15 June
Maputo airshow
Contact Gavin Neil E-mail: gavin@haps.co.mz

15 & 16 June
SAC Event KwaZulu Natal venue TBA
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za

20 June
Rand Airport Safety Symposium at the Harvard Cafe
Contact Dave le Roux PilotInsure E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za

28 to 30 June
EAA Taildraggers fly-in to Warmbaths airfield
Richard Nicholson E-mail: Richard.nicholson1963@gmail.com Cell: 082 490 6227

29 June
SAPFA Speed Rally at Warmbaths airfield
Contact David le Roux E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za  Cell: 073 338 5200 

29 June
Polokwane airshow at Gaal airport
Contact Robin Tapinos E-mail: airshow.polokwane@gmail.com Cell: 074 117 6384

American Airlines first class pax arrested at DFW after assaulting flight attendants

Body-cam footage of a first-class American Airlines passenger at Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) has been released by Police Watch, a social media channel that provides raw and unfiltered footage of police officers in action. The video shows police officers waiting on the jet bridge at DFW Airport and speaking to a flight attendant who tells them what the passenger is alleged to have done. The flight attendant can be heard telling a police officer that the unruly passenger was seated in 1A and went on to say that the passenger “tried to kick my arse”.

Succeeding clips then show the passenger being handcuffed by police officers at the airport gate while other passengers look on. The passenger can be seen crying as a police officer explains to her that she will be taken to a facility for a minimum of four hours until she ‘sobers up’. After being escorted out of the airport, a police officer tells the passenger that DFW Airport has its ‘own jail’, whereupon the passenger breaks down. At this point, a man who introduces himself as the boyfriend of the passenger approaches and asks police officers what is going on. A police officer explains that the passenger was arrested due to ‘public intoxication’ and that she is going to ‘to jail.’ The passenger’s tirades escalate when she is brought to the police car to be searched, calling police officers offensive names and at one point mocking their salaries. The video, which runs for almost 25 minutes, ends with the passenger being taken to the DFW Airport Police Jail, a low-security jail that is maintained and operated by officers at the DFW Airport Police Department.

According to a bond services company, DFW Airport Jail is typically used to house inmates who are serving sentences of less than a year and new detainees before they are moved to the nearest county jail. Most inmates are convicted for misdemeanour offenses and have access to basic amenities. Although the incident occurred on 22 October 2023, the raw police body cam footage has only been made available to the public in March 2024.

FAA investigating possible close call between Southwest flight and air traffic control tower

The Federal Aviation Administration is looking into a Southwest flight that veered off course while on approach to land at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and may have buzzed the air traffic control tower with as little as 67 feet of clearance. The incident occurred around 13h00 on Saturday, 23 March when pilots of Southwest Flight 147 aborted its first approach because of bad weather. While on final approach of their second landing attempt, an air traffic controller is heard urgently telling the pilots of the Boeing 737 to ‘go around’ and climb to 2,000 feet.

The plane had apparently drifted to the east and was no longer lined up with the runway. Preliminary flight tracking data from Flightradar24 placed the airliner at an altitude of 300 feet when it began to climb. The FAA said it is investigating to see if the off-course airliner flew over the 233-foot-tall air traffic control tower. Flightradar24’s flight tracker map put the plane over the terminal building, not the runway. It appears the plane flew over the parking garage immediately adjacent to the air traffic control tower.

The same controller told the pilots a few minutes later their plane, “was not aligned with the runway at all. It was like east of final. He was not gonna land on the runway.” 

The airline said there were 147 passengers and six crew members on board the flight from Nashville. Southwest Flight 147 elected to briefly divert to Baltimore / Washington International Airport, where it landed safely. It then eventually landed safely in New York. The inclement weather resulted in other go-arounds at LaGuardia, including JetBlue Flight 698, which was trying to land at about the same time. Those pilots reported encountering wind shear.

Mobile phone catches fire on a London-bound plane

In a hard-hitting news report on the potential danger of mobile phones on passenger aircraft, the Sun said: “Allowing your cell phone to slip down an aeroplane seat and trying to retrieve it could force a flight to divert and could even prove fatal. According to flight experts this is because inside smartphones there is a lithium battery which, when damaged, can explode into a ball of flames. For this reason flight attendants are passengers that if they drop their phone between their seats to ask the flight attendants to retrieve it instead of fishing around for it themselves.”

But what the report does not reveal is what happens next if a phone actually does overheat or catch fire. The warning follows an incident on a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to London on 13 March 2024, when a passenger’s mobile phone fell between the seat and the armrest. The seat was moved from the reclined to the upright position which crushed the phone and it began to emit smoke. A  flight attendant placed the cellular phone in a thermal containment bag and the flight continued to London’s Heathrow Airport.

Environmental Defence Systems special projects manager Jessica Bailey said: “People are now becoming more and more aware of the potential hazards on planes of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices such as battery chargers and iPads powered by lithium batteries. “The last place you want a lithium fire is in the confined space of a passenger aircraft with the toxic smoke it gives off and the potential for the device to catch fire and even explode. Incidents remain rare but they do happen and if planes are not equipped with a fire containment bag they often have to divert and make an emergency landing at the nearest airport.

Boeing 737 MAX production slows down as FAA step up factory audits

In recent weeks production of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft has declined as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stepped up its factory checks. The FAA imposed a cap on production to 38 jets per month after its investigation into a plug door blowout on a 737 MAX aircraft in January 2024 found error on the assembly line. However, according to Reuters, the monthly output rate is fluctuating well below this level and fell as low as single digit in late March 2024.

Reuters reported that Boeing quoted CFO Brian West that the company was making several efforts to address quality concerns and increase confidence among stakeholders. During a Bank of America event, West said the FAA was “deeply involved and undertaking a tougher audit than anything we have ever been through before.”

The US aircraft manufacturer said that efforts have been made in order to reduce the amount of ‘travelled work’, or planes moving down the line while jobs still needed to be fixed from earlier work stations. The effect is to slow overall production and, in turn, deliveries. Boeing’s production slowdown is also expected to send a ripple through the airline industry, with some carriers shaving flights from their schedule or extending existing jet leases to meet demand. Consultancy firm Cirium Ascend was quoted by Reuters to have said that Boeing flew 13 MAXs in March, following 11 in February 2024. The rate peaked around 38 a month in mid-2023. By contrast, Airbus flew an average of 46 a month of its competing A320neos in the first quarter of 2024. Reuters also reported that Airbus is facing its own supply constraints and is producing an average of 50 A320neo family jets a month, below the 58 originally targeted in early 2024. However, with Boeing slowing production in order to satisfy FAA audits and complete outstanding works, Airbus is gaining a comfortable lead in the market for the most-sold category of single-aisle jets.

Van’s files bankruptcy reorganisation plan

On Friday last week Van’s Aircraft filed its reorganisation plan with the bankruptcy court. Three key elements stand out in the filing. First, the plan is for secured creditors to be fully repaid. Second, unsecured creditors (mainly builders with deposits who did not agree to increased prices earlier this year), will be repaid approximately 55% over three years. Some builder creditors will be considered priority creditors and be paid $3350 soon after the reorganisation is approved and the remainder over the three-year period. Third, the VanGrunsven Trust, which has loaned the company a total of $14.7 million over the last three years, including $7 million just before and after the original Chapter 11 filing, will forgive the latter loans and take equity in return; this move wipes out the equity of employees who participated in the employee-owned stock programme in place before the bankruptcy. Van’s estimates that had it entered liquidation instead of reorganisation customers might only get 4% of their unsecured claims.

According to Van’s statement, “The filing will be complete after the court sets various hearing dates and the judge signs a certificate making it an official court document. This usually takes three to five days. Then, a copy of the officially filed plan is mailed to the same approximately 40 thousand people that were notified at the time Van’s filed bankruptcy. Those people who have claims against the company receive ballots so they can vote either for or against the plan. Votes will be collected by Van’s attorneys, tallied and reported to the court as it considers whether to approve or reject the plan.”

In addition, Van’s has outlined its corporate reorganisation in the filing. “Debtor’s corporate governance board underwent reorganisation. Debtor now has a five-person board comprised of two members of the Van Grunsven family and three independent, experienced directors. A more formal and rigorous form of governance is now being practiced. Mr. Van Grunsven serves as board chair. Mikael Via will continue as CEO of Debtor. Debtor has recruited Shawn Ell as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Ell has a strong background in manufacturing management and will oversee all manufacturing beginning in early April. Don Eisele will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer until his replacement is identified. Rian Johnson will continue as VP of Engineering and Product Design.

“Debtor is also creating the position of VP of Quality Assurance. The Plan calls for Debtor to continue building its professional staff to fully support operations. This team will include additional positions in quality control, engineering, accounting and IT, as well as a stronger marketing and customer relations support. Debtor’s increased professionalism in governance and additional executive personnel, with its depth of experience, coupled with Debtor’s existing skilled, hardworking personnel, provide Debtor with a new level of energy and talent. With that, Debtor is prepared to take advantage of aviation opportunities while being sufficiently profitable to replace its depreciated equipment, install business systems and repay its creditors as set forth in the Plan.” In previous statements, Van’s has said that in addition to these manufacturing updates (netting an increase in kits delivered) the RV-15 project’s development continues, though the airplane itself will not make an appearance at AirVenture this summer.

ICON Aircraft initiates restructuring process and files for Chapter 11 protection

Last week ICON Aircraft, manufacturer of the revolutionary ICON A5 amphibious sport plane, announced that it has commenced a strategic restructuring process by filing for Chapter 11 protection. The Company further disclosed that it intends to pursue a sale of its business under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, while continuing to support its customers and operations during the Chapter 11 process. The ICON Aircraft management team remains committed to the Company’s mission of revolutionising personal aviation and continuing to support owners and employees during this transition.

The company intends to keep operations running as smoothly as possible throughout the restructuring process to minimise disruption. In a statement, Jerry Meyer, CEO of ICON Aircraft, emphasised the company’s dedication to its stakeholders: “We plan to continue to produce and sell aircraft and provide first-rate service, training and support to our customers. We believe this process will enable the business to address its current challenges and emerge with new ownership, stronger than ever and continue building amazing planes with a focus on innovation, safety and incredible flying experiences.”

Throughout the restructuring process, ICON Aircraft will maintain open lines of communication with its customers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and provide updates on critical developments. Meyer continued by saying, “The purpose of the Chapter 11 filing is to resolve the Company’s financial challenges and position the A5 for success for years to come. We understand that this situation creates a hardship for everyone involved. However, without taking these steps, there is not a viable path forward for the business to do what we do best.”

The Company expects to continue operations during the Chapter 11 process and seeks to complete an expedited sale process with Bankruptcy Court approval. ICON Aircraft has arranged for debtor in possession financing to fund post-petition operations and costs in the ordinary course. To minimise the adverse effects on its business and the value of its estate, the company has filed customary motions with the Bankruptcy Court to get court approval to sustain its operations in the ordinary course, including honouring commitments to customers and vendors and fulfilling obligations to all employees.

Rolls-Royce launches flight testing of Pearl 10X engine

On Wednesday Rolls-Royce announced it had launched a testing campaign for its newest business aviation engine, the Pearl 10X marking the powerplant’s first flight. The Pearl 10X has been selected by French aircraft manufacturer Dassault for its new Falcon 10X, the company’s ultralong-range flagship.

The Tucson, Arizona-based FTB is capable of having a variety of engines fitted to it “to give them a real-life test run in the air, providing valuable performance data,” the company said. “As the aircraft usually has four engines, we can ensure safety at all times by having one test engine operating alongside three other engines that are already established in service.”

According to the company, during the latest round of engine tests, the FTB has five engines, the Pearl 10X, a Trent 1000 and three RB211s. Over the course of the coming months, flight testing will include engine performance and handling checks at various speeds and altitudes, in-flight relights, tests of the nacelle’s anti-icing system, as well as fan vibration tests at various altitudes, Rolls-Royce said.

Bombardier, Gulfstream pass on EBACE, but Bolen expects other strong support

EBACE will look a little different this year with two of the heavyweights in the business aviation market, Bombardier and Gulfstream, deciding not to exhibit. However, the annual show to be held between 28 and 30 May in Geneva will sport its first eVTOL vehicle on static display, from VoltAero and have a focus on hydrogen as well as electric, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said. Further he said that all of the other aircraft manufacturers that traditionally exhibit at the event have committed to returning.

The loss of two major exhibitors at this year’s show no doubt will have an impact, but Bolen stressed, “We have a lot going for us as we are moving into the show.” Acknowledging the decisions of Gulfstream and Bombardier, he further said, “We do have a number of exhibitors that are very enthusiastic about the show. What we do see is that the other manufacturers certainly will be there.

EBACE also will have sustainability as a focal point with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available for operations and plans to highlight activities underway for the industry to reach its goal of net zero by 2050. “We have sustainable aviation fuel; we have propulsion technologies which will certainly be front and center, which includes the electric propulsion with a particular focus on advanced air mobility.” VoltAero is exhibiting on the show floor as well as at the static display. Discussions and displays surrounding hydrogen also will take a more prominent role this year.

Another area that will differ this year, although it may or may not be visible, is security. The 2023 EBACE was marred when about 100 eco-protestors cut through a security fence and swarmed onto the static display. Seven handcuffed themselves to a Gulfstream on static display, three attached to the nose gear and four to the cabin entry door handrails. More secured themselves to other aircraft. While the event was quickly contained, it disrupted operations at Geneva International Airport and caused diversions of aircraft in the local airspace.

Three F-16s arrive at Eglin, ready to be modified to test autonomous technology

On 1 April three F-16 fighters landed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and soon they will be modified and flying again to test autonomous technologies key to Collaborative Combat Aircraft and other key programmes. The plan is to convert six F-16s under the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model – Autonomy Flying Testbed programme, or VENOM-AFT. Maj. Ross Elder, VENOM developmental test lead at Eglin, said that the programme marks a ‘pivotal chapter’ in the aerial combat advancements.

“This transformative programme holds the potential to redefine air combat paradigms by fostering novel autonomous functions for current and future crewed and uncrewed platforms,” Elder said in a release. “We look forward to the culmination of years of engineering and collaboration, as VENOM leads a measured step towards a new age of aviation.”

VENOM first came to light last year when the US Air Force requested nearly $50 million for it in the fiscal 2024 budget. In the 2025 budget, the service is seeking just under $17 million for the effort, the latest in a string of programmes meant to test autonomous capabilities. Skyborg, led by the Air Force Research Laboratory, developed aircraft-agnostic autonomous flight software and the X-62 VISTA was a modified F-16 used to explore manoeuvring and tactics of autonomous aircraft, able to simulate the behaviour of various designs.

VENOM will take the next step in trying to rapidly expand the service’s knowledge base about autonomy, to ultimately speed up the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), which will integrate unmanned drones with manned platforms. “With regards to VENOM-AFT, rapid tactical autonomy development focuses on ‘speed-to-ramp,’ meaning, go as fast as you can, safely, to ensure we get CCA flying as quickly as possible,” said Lt. Col. Joe Gagnon, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron commander of the 53rd Wing at Eglin. The US Air Force plans to build at least 1,000 CCAs, with the first ones ready for combat in 2028. Earlier this year, the service selected five companies for the project, of which only two or three will receive follow-on contracts in the next months.

CCAs will play a crucial part in the Air Force’s planned Next Generation Air Dominance “family of systems” centred around a manned fighter. The service plans to dramatically ramp up its investment in NGAD and CCAs in the coming, allocating $28.48 billion for fiscal 2025-29. Experts have described CCAs as central for the service’s plan to deter conflict and impose costs on a high-level adversary like China. These uncrewed systems could act as force multipliers, enhancing sensor and weapon deployment in contested regions and bolstering the effectiveness and survivability of crewed stealth aircraft.

Upon modification, the VENOM F-16s will undergo developmental and operational testing at Eglin under a collaborative effort led by the 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing. “Having both developmental test and operational test pilots working and flying from the same location allows for daily collaboration and reduces the stove piping of knowledge and lessons learned,” said Lt. Col. Jeremy Castor, VENOM operational test lead.

During these tests, pilots will still sit in the cockpit to monitor autonomy functions, while operators will provide feedback during modelling, simulation and post-flight to the developers to ensure flight objectives are met prior to and during flight. Gagnon stressed “there will never be a time these VENOM aircraft will solely fly by itself” without someone present. “It’s important to understand the ‘human-on-the-loop’ aspect of this type of testing, meaning that a pilot will be involved in the autonomy in real time and maintain the ability to start and stop specific algorithms,” said Gagnon.

VENOM is also a part of Eglin’s on-going project called Autonomy, Data and AI Experimentation (ADAx) that is pushing the limit of autonomous capabilities. Last year, Eglin witnessed the maiden autonomous flight of the Osprey MK III unmanned aerial system under ADAx. Like VENOM, a human operator oversaw the aircraft’s autonomous operation within designated airspace during the MKIII test flights.

Italian Air Force bids addio to AMX ground attack aircraft

On 5 April 2024, the Italian Air Force organised a retirement ceremony for its AMX ground-attack aircraft. The event was held at Istrana Air Base, located 30 kilometres northwest of Venice, where the 132nd mixed Squadron is stationed. This was the final Italian squadron to fly the AMX. The ceremony featured a formation flight of five AMX jets and several other aircraft, including one F-35 and two Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. The Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team also participated in the event.

The AMX was a joint venture between Italian and Brazilian manufacturers. The Italian Air Force acquired 110 units in 1989, along with 26 two-seater trainer versions (AMX-T). The AMX has since become an essential part of the Italian Air Force’s operations and has been used in multiple theatres, including the Balkans, Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq. The AMX can launch various weapons, including conventional bombs, cluster or laser-guided bombs, rocket launchers, anti-ship missiles and air-to-air missiles. The AMX-T, a two-seater variant, replaced the Aeritalia G.91T trainer aircraft within the Italian military. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II will replace the AMX within the Aeronautica Militare fleet. The Brazilian Air Force still operates 42 AMX and 8 AMX-T aircraft, but plans are underway to replace them over time with Saab Gripen E fighters.

B-29 reunion added to warbird highlights at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024

The world’s only two flying examples of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress will make a rare joint appearance this summer during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, supporting the ‘Turning the Tide’ salute to 1944 and the 80th anniversary of D-Day.  As currently scheduled, each aircraft will spend time featured on EAA’s Boeing Plaza. FIFI will be on display from 22 to 24 July, while Doc will take center stage for display on 25 to 28 July. These unique aircraft scheduled to make a formation flight at the beginning of the 24 July night airshow. When not on display at Boeing Plaza, flight experiences on Doc 22 to 25 July will be based at Appleton International Airport, approximately 20 miles north.

FIFI is owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force’s B-29/B-24 Squadron of Dallas, Texas. It was acquired by the CAF in the early 1970s when a group of CAF members found it at the US Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, California, where it was being used as a missile target. The airplane was rescued and restored, then flew for more than 30 years until 2006, when the chief pilot made the decision to ground it pending a complete power plant re-fit. After an extensive four-year restoration that included installing four new custom-built hybrid engines, FIFI returned to the sky in 2010 and has since travelled coast to coast throughout the United States .

Doc was built in 1944 and for many years was part of a squadron known as the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in upstate New York at Griffiss Air Force Base (hence, the name Doc). The airplane was retired in 1956 as the jet bomber age began and sat as a target for Navy training missions in China Lake, California, until 1998. A restoration group took possession of the aircraft from the US government and hauled it back to Wichita, Kansas, in pieces in 2000. After 16 years and more than 450,000 volunteer hours, Doc made its first flight after restoration in July 2016, 60 years after it had been retired.

VAS Aero Services and Dr Peters Group expand aircraft teardown partnership

VAS Aero Services and Germany-based Dr Peters Group, an investment fund management firm and lessor with assets in aviation, real estate and shipping, have announced the placement of four Airbus A380 aircraft with VAS for reclamation and re-distribution of high-demand A380 used serviceable material (USM). VAS and Dr Peters partnered in the dismantling of the very first A380 aircraft ever to be designated for teardown. An additional three A380s have been consigned since 2020. This new consignment agreement brings to eight the total number of A380 aircraft consigned for teardown with VAS by Dr Peters Group.

“Our history of turning to VAS Aero Services to manage the teardown of sophisticated aircraft such as the A380 made this an easy decision for us. Their unique dismantlement capabilities and their worldwide aftermarket sales network offer unmatched value for organisations looking to remove aircraft from service,” noted Christian Mailly, Managing Director – Head of Aviation of Dr Peters Group. “With the resurgence in the reliance on the A380 increasing the need for quality USM parts, the timing is right for retiring end-of-life A380 aircraft and monetising the residual value of their serviceable parts. VAS’s teardown expertise and aftermarket knowledge will help our investors realize additional value on their investment,” he added.

VAS will manage the teardown of three of the aircraft through its partnership with Tarmac Aerosave, a leader in aircraft storage, maintenance and recycling based in Tarbes, France. Harvested parts will be positioned in Europe for ready access to customers throughout the EMEA market, leveraging VAS’s vital spare parts sales network serving MROs and airlines across the region. VAS will oversee dismantlement of the fourth A380 at Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage Ltd. facilities in Alice Springs, Australia, providing VAS customers in the Australia-Oceania-SE Asia region with valuable quality parts for their existing A380 aircraft.

The final Martin Mars is heading to a museum

One of the last surviving examples of world’s largest flying boat will be preserved at a Canadian aviation museum. The British Columbia Aviation Museum near Victoria will take delivery of the massive Martin Mars after its final flight from its current base in Port Alberni about 150 miles northwest. The final flight is expected to occur this coming fall and the plane will be the centrepiece of an aerial firefighting exhibit at the museum. The British Columbia government provided a grant of $250,000 to the museum.

A total of six Mars were built by Martin starting in 1945 and they were originally intended as troop transports. One crashed during testing and another was destroyed by fire, but the remaining ‘Big Four’ were used extensively to supply Hawaii and other Pacific Islands until 1956. They were bought as surplus from the US Navy in 1959 by a consortium of B.C. forestry companies and converted to water bombers. One crashed and another was wrecked in a storm, but for almost 40 years the remaining two, the Hawaii Mars, which will go to the museum and Philippine Mars were used to quench wildfires from B.C. to California. The planes dropped 7,200 gallons of water and could reload by skimming on a lake in 22 seconds. They are powered by 2,400-horsepower Wright R-3350-24WA Cyclone engines with four-blade propellers with a 16-foot diameter.

Hawaii Mars last flew in 2016 when it was a star attraction at AirVenture. The plane suffered a punctured hull when it hit the bottom of Lake Winnebago and it had to be kept afloat with pumps until it could be patched and flown to Vancouver Island. Coulson Flying Tankers, which bought the Hawaii and Philippine aircraft in 2007, had hoped to sell the Hawaii Mars at AirVenture but it has been looking for a buyer ever since. Meanwhile, the Philippine Mars has been beached for more than 10 years pending a potential deal with the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.

XTI Aerospace advances turbine-powered VTOL aircraft

The leadership team of XTI Aerospace updated investors on plans to bring the TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft to market, almost two weeks after the company’s 13 March listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange following the merger between XTI Aircraft and tech group Inpixon. New CEO Scott Pomeroy said his Colorado-based engineering team is now working to complete the critical design review for the turbine-powered six-passenger model, which the company is pitching as an alternative to current business and regional aircraft.

The merger and share flotation process has taken more than six months to complete since being approved by Inpixon shareholders on 8 September 2023. Company officials did not spell out a timeline for certifying the TriFan 600 but have indicated they expect to start flight testing a full-scale aircraft in the next two years. The aircraft is expected to be certified to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) and in known icing conditions.

XTI describes the TriFan 600 as a ‘vertical lift crossover airplane,’ indicating it will have a range of 600 nautical miles, which could increase if conventional take-off from a runway is available. The design features a pair of tilting ducted fans on the wing and another fan integrated into the rear fuselage. XTI has not said which manufacturer will supply the turboshaft engines but has indicated that these will operate on sustainable aviation fuel. Still to be confirmed, as well, is the location of production facilities, although Pomeroy did indicate that some manufacturing could be conducted outside the US. The company said it is in discussions with Tier 1 suppliers for structural sections of the aircraft as well as systems.

According to XTI, it holds more than 700 conditional pre-orders for the TriFan 600, which based on a list price of $10 million have a combined value of around $7 billion. Pomeroy, who was previously the company’s CFO, told investors that these undisclosed commitments have come from operators from multiple countries, including regional airliners, air taxi services and aero-medical service providers.

The company has not said how much working capital it now has to advance plans for the TriFan 600. XTI Aerospace encompasses XTI Aircraft, which will be led by CEO Mike Hinderberger, who was a former programme director for Aerion’s supersonic business jet design and has held management positions with Rolls-Royce, Piper, Hawker Beechcraft and Gulfstream. The group also includes Inpixon’s RTLS business unit, which produces real-time locator systems for manufacturing and industrial applications.

XTI has estimated that the five-year cost of ownership for the TriFan 600 will be relatively close to that of business jets and turboprops including the Embraer Phenom 300E, the HondaJet Elite II, the Pilatus PC-24 and the Beechcraft King Air 260. It maintains that the VTOL mode will offer a better return on investment because its operations will not be limited by the need for runways and airports.

Shield AI conducts AI-piloted flights on sixth aircraft, the Kratos MQM-178 Firejet

Shield AI, Inc., a defence technology company building the world’s best AI pilot and Kratos Defence & Security Solutions, Inc. a Technology Company in the Defence, National Security and Global Markets and an industry-leading provider of high-performance, jet-powered unmanned aerial systems (UAS),  announced the successful completion of the first phase of Shield’s AI-piloted flight-testing on-board Kratos platforms as the two companies move toward productizing Shield AI’s pilot for the XQ-58 Valkyrie.

Having successfully flown AI pilots on five aircraft, three classes of quadcopters, the MQ-35A V-BAT, and the F-16 in fully autonomous air combat training, Shield AI’s Hivemind AI pilot has now successfully flown on and controlled the Kratos MQM-178 Firejet. These successful flights are a major milestone in the comprehensive integration project as Shield AI and Kratos look to ultimately productize another configuration of the Valkyrie, in this case with Shield AI’s Hivemind AI pilot.

The MQM-178 Firejet fills a variety of end-to-end weapons-release training roles as a jet target aircraft system, supporting surface-to-air and air-to-air engagements. In addition, the Tactical Firejet offers an offensive / defensive jet UAS system in the sub $500K price range per aircraft with substantial mission systems and performance capabilities. In either mission configuration (target / tactical), the Firejet delivers a high-speed, high-manoverability, low-signature solution for replicating threats or enabling no-risk-to-American-life operational effectiveness with a level of contested environment capability.

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