Number 40 – 23 May 2024

“I often wonder whether we do not rest our hopes too much upon constitutions, upon law and upon courts. These are false hopes, believe me, these are false hopes. Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it. While it lies there it needs no constitution, no law, no courts to save it.” Judge Learned Hand

Aerokopter AK-1 Sanka

The Aerokopter AK1-3 is a Ukrainian helicopter, designed and produced by Aerokopter (also spelled ‘Aerocopter’) of Kharkiv. The aircraft is supplied as complete ready-to-fly-aircraft. Some sources refer to the AK1-3 as the Sanka or San’ka.

The AK1-3 was designed to comply with the Ukrainian AP-27 rules, which are similar to the European Aviation Safety Agency CS-27 standard. The aircraft features a single main rotor with a tail rotor, a two-seats in side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit, skid-type landing gear and a four-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke, 156 hp (116 kW) Subaru EJ25 automotive engine.

The aircraft’s 6.84 m (22.4 ft) diameter three-bladed Starflex rotor has a chord of 15 cm (5.9 in) and employs a unique torsion bar blade mounting that allows blade movement to produce pitch angle changes, flapping, as well as lead and lag. The main transmission consists of belt drives, with the tail rotor driven by a solid shaft. The aircraft has an empty weight of 380 kg (838 lb) and a gross weight of 650 kg (1,433 lb), giving a useful load of 270 kg (595 lb). With full fuel of 75 liters (16 imp gal; 20 US gal) the payload is 216 kg (476 lb). The design received a Ukrainian type certificate in 2006. In 2009 Aerokopter (DB Aercopters) was acquired by the Perla Group of companies Perla Aviation division, with the stated intention of moving the assembly line of the AK1-3 to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). By December 2020 the company reported 102 helicopters had been delivered.

By December 2020 one 2008 model AK1-3, serial number 1001, had been registered in the United States with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Special Certificate of Airworthiness Experimental-Exhibition category. It was registered in January 2018. The same aircraft, serial number 1001, had been previously registered with Transport Canada in the Special Certificate of Airworthiness – Limited Category from 2009 to 2015, prior to being exported to the US in 2015. 

Those persons who correctly identified this week’s mystery aircraft: 
Rahul Vala, Willie Oosthuizen, Ari Levien, Righardt de Plessis, Erwin Stam, Andrew Peace, Wouter van der Waal, Rennie van Zyl, Danie Viljoen, Johan Venter,  Magiel Esterhuysen, Charlie Hugo, John Herbert, Andre Visser, Lance Williams, Hilton Carroll, Piet Steyn, Barry Eatwell, Michael Schoeman, Jeremy Rorich, Kevin Farr, John Moen, Selwyn Kimber,  P. Rossouw, Albert Questiaux, Ahmed Bassa, Sergio Antao, Pierre Brittz, Dave Lloyd, Noel Macquet, (30 correct answers).

What is your prediction for the outcome of the 2024 South African National election?

Please see this as some fun and not necessary as any sort of political statement. I respectfully ask that if this matter does not interest you that you simply gloss over my questionnaire and see what the actual outcome will be in just over one weeks’ time. Thank you.

Our next dates for the initial courses are as follows:

B200 – 27^th of May;

B1900 and C208 – 3^rd of June

Cape Winelands Airport unveils development plans

The picturesque Cape Winelands area is on the brink of transformative growth through a R7bn airport expansion initiative, signifying a major advancement in the region’s progress and ease of access. Having been founded in 1943, Cape Winelands Airport holds a crucial position in the Northern District of Durbanville. Operating as one of the oldest airfields in the vicinity, it has predominantly catered to the General Aviation community. With its strategic placement, the airport stands as a key resource for the region, poised to make substantial contributions to the local economy and the aviation sector.

“We are thrilled to introduce this airport expansion to the Cape Winelands region,” says Deon Cloete, managing director of Cape Winelands Airport. “This facility represents a commitment to providing world class transportation options, promoting tourism and stimulating economic growth in our beautiful region. Airports worldwide are known to have a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the regions which they serve. This airport will be no different,” added Cloete.

The development plans include vineyards as part of the landscaping aesthetics to portray the region’s wine culture, ensuring that when one arrives at the terminal precinct of Cape Winelands Airport, one will be surrounded by vineyards with open spaces that include a plaza, a hotel and conference centre and a wine tasting experience, an outdoor amphitheatre for events up to 5,000 people, an aviation museum and plenty of at-grade parking, all situated in a ‘park’ like environment. In the controlled airside area of the airport, a portion of the land will include a botanical garden with a diverse collection of indigenous fynbos, both within the country and globally.

The airport will also offer a range of contemporary amenities and services designed to enhance the travel experience. These include efficient check-in counters with advanced technology for swift processing, spacious and comfortable waiting lounges with ergonomic seating and a diverse selection of high-quality dining establishments and boutique shopping outlets, ensuring that passengers have access to a wide array of food and retail options to suit their preferences and needs.

The airport will effectively process 2,000,000 international tourists and 3,000,000 domestic travellers annually by 2050, taking the overall annual passenger traffic to the region from 10 million to 20 million passengers. Beyond job creation, the airport is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the regional economy. Increased tourism and business opportunities will contribute to the growth of local businesses and industries, especially around the logistics clusters.

The airport will also harness renewable energy sources, such as solar and chicken manure biogas power, to power its facilities and operations. This shift towards self-sufficiency will not only reduce the carbon footprint but will also ensure a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply, even in adverse conditions. The airport will also implement state-of-the-art water recycling systems, which are able to conserve and purify water for various airport needs. In addition, its waste management practices will prioritised.

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 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

25 May
EAA Young Aviators Pancake fly-in to Heidelberg airfield
Contact Kerry Puzey E-mail: kerry.p@puzey.co.za

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi killed in helicopter crash

On 19 May Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attended a meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on the Azerbaijan-Iran border. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner and potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border. The charred wreckage of the helicopter which crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and six other passengers and crew was found early on Monday after an overnight search in blizzard conditions. State media reported that images from the site showed the US-made Bell 212 helicopter slammed into a mountain peak, although there was no official word on the cause of the crash. The dead also included the governor of East Azerbaijan Province and a senior imam from Tabriz city.

Rais (63) as elected president in 2021 and since taking office has ordered a tightening of morality laws, overseen a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests and pushed hard in nuclear talks with world powers. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, had earlier sought to reassure Iranians, saying there would be no disruption to state affairs. Messages of condolences came from Iran’s regional neighbours including the leaders of India, Iraq and Pakistan, as well as the European Union and Russia.

“With the discovery of the crash site, no signs of life have been detected among the helicopter’s passengers,” the head of Iran’s Red Crescent, Pirhossein Kolivand, told state TV. Earlier, the national broadcaster had stopped all regular programming to show prayers being held for Raisi across the country. The crash comes at a time of growing dissent within Iran over an array of political, social and economic crises. Iran’s clerical rulers face international pressure over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme and its deepening military ties with Russia during the war in Ukraine.

Since Iran’s ally Hamas attacked Israel on 7 Octo ber, provoking Israel’s assault on Gaza, conflagrations involving Iran-aligned groups have erupted throughout the Middle East.

In Iran’s dual political system, split between the clerical establishment and the government, it is Raisi’s 85-year-old mentor Khamenei, supreme leader since 1989, who holds decision-making power on all major policies. For years many have seen Raisi as a strong contender to succeed Khamenei, who has endorsed Raisi’s main policies.

Raisi’s victory in a closely managed election in 2021 brought all branches of power under the control of hardliners, after eight years when the presidency had been held by pragmatist Hassan Rouhani and a nuclear deal negotiated with powers including Washington. However, Raisi’s standing may have been dented by widespread protests against clerical rule and a failure to turn around Iran’s economy, hamstrung by Western sanctions. Raisi had been at the Azerbaijani border on Sunday to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalasi Dam, a joint project. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, who said he had bid a ‘friendly farewell’ to Raisi earlier in the day, helped in the rescue.

Three-mile limit: Novice pilots succumb to the perils of total darkness

In February 2012, two pilots returning from a vacation trip to Bimini in the Bahamas found themselves obliged to divert to Key West because of a presidential temporary flight restriction (TFR) at Miami. The Cessna 172 they had rented was not due back at Miami Executive Airport (KTMB) until the next day, but the TFR was scheduled to end early that evening and they decided they would clear customs and get dinner in Key West and make the 92 nm trip back to Miami afterward.

Both pilots were in their early 30s and were Polish nationals. Both held FAA private pilot certificates based on their Polish certificates. They were relative novices, with 210 hours total time between them, only 130 as pilot in command (PIC). Neither was instrument rated and only one was legally qualified for night VFR flying.  After having dinner in town, they returned to Key West International Airport (KEYW) around 20h00. It was dark, the sun having set an hour and a half earlier. The new moon two days before, was now a smiling sliver on the western horizon. By the time they boarded the airplane, it too had set.

Presumably because he was the one who had done the rental checkout, the less experienced pilot of the two, with 30 hours of PIC time, took the left seat and his companion took the right. However, it was the pilot in the right seat who held the night qualification. They began their take-off roll at 20h33.  When they were airborne, the tower instructed them to make a left turn northbound, remain clear of Navy Class D airspace and contact Navy tower for transition. ‘Navy’ meant Naval Air Station Boca Chica (KNQX), whose airspace abuts that of KEYW.

The tower frequency for KNQX is 118.75, but the pilot read back only 118.7, followed by a pause and then the last three digits of the Cessna’s call sign, ‘five eight niner.’ The ‘five’ was ambiguous, but it is possible that the pilot handling the radios missed the final ‘five’ in the Navy tower frequency. In any case, that acknowledgement was the last communication heard from the Cessna.

In the early afternoon of the following day, some pleasure boaters noticed an object floating in the water. They thought it might be a manatee and approached it cautiously, only to find that it was a human body. The water was shallow, just seven feet deep and perfectly clear. Parts of an airplane could be seen resting on the bottom. The site was less than three miles from the Key West runway.

Accident investigators found that an airport surveillance camera had recorded the airplane’s lights as it departed. Its flight path was erratic, descending, levelling off, descending again, levelling off and then disappearing from view.

A witness, who had been fishing from a nearby bridge and read about the accident in the newspaper the following day, reported having seen what he thought at the time was a firework but now realised might have been a red light on the airplane descending rapidly toward the water. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) attributed the accident to ‘the non-night-qualified pilot’s improper decision to depart in dark night meteorological conditions, which resulted in his subsequent spatial disorientation…’

A direct line from Key West to Miami bears about 055 degree and about half the trip is over open water. On a dark night, the danger of disorientation is great. The brightly lighted line of the Keys recedes on the right, while the dark Everglades lie ahead. Miami is a pale glow beyond the northeastern horizon. The two pilots having just returned from the Bahamas, flying over open ocean in a single-engine airplane evidently held no terrors. However, they had taken the precaution of wearing life jackets.

Most likely they had no idea that the main danger of a night flight over open water was not that they might have to ditch after an engine failure, it was that they would lose the horizon and fly into the water before they even realized that something was wrong. The fact that one of them was legally qualified for night flying meant only that he had logged a certain number of hours and take-offs and landings at night with an instructor, not that he had any experience flying at night in this particular kind of environment. In any case, the pilot with the night qualification was sitting in the right seat and to the extent that he might have made better use of the attitude indicator, he was not in a position to do so.

The two Polish pilots did fine at first, while they were over the lights of Key West. It was only when they left the lights behind that the insidious effects of darkness beset them. Neither pilot had instrument flying experience beyond the hood work required for the private certificate, which bears more resemblance to an arcade game than the real sensations, physical and emotional, of piloting an airplane in total darkness. Unfortunately, not every airport has an ocean or large lake handy with which to impress upon the student pilot the perils of total darkness and Warsaw is far from the Baltic Sea.

One dead as London-Singapore flight hit by turbulence

One person died and several others were injured on a Singapore Airlines flight from London that was hit by severe turbulence. The Singapore-bound Boeing 777-300ER was diverted to Bangkok and landed at 15:45 local (08:45 GMT). Flight SQ 321 was carrying a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew, the airline said in a statement. The airline added that it was working with Thai authorities to provide medical assistance to passengers and was sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional help needed. Thai authorities have despatched ambulances and emergency teams to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

What happened on board the flight is still unclear. “Injuries from severe turbulence are relatively rare in the context of millions of flights operated. However, severe turbulence can be dramatic and lead to severe injuries or sadly in this case a fatality,” John Strickland, an aviation expert, told the BBC. Flight crews have the resources to predict turbulence, though some parts of the world are more prone to it. They are also trained in how to respond to turbulence, Mr Strickland said. “It is not for nothing that airlines recommend keeping seat belts loosely fastened throughout a flight be it long or short,” he added.

Russia begins tactical nuclear weapon drills near Ukraine border

Russian forces have started military drills near Ukraine simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to what Moscow deems threats from western officials about increased involvement in the conflict. Vladimir Putin ordered the drills earlier this month in a move Russian officials said was a warning to the west not to escalate tensions further. The Kremlin has particularly been angered by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, who floated the possibility of sending European troops to fight Russia in Ukraine and by remarks from the UK foreign secretary, David Cameron, who said Ukraine had the right to use weapons supplied by London to target sites in Russia.

On Tuesday the Russian defence ministry published footage showing trucks carrying missiles to a field where launch systems had been prepared and troops at an airfield readying a bomber to carry a nuclear warhead. The drills are taking place in Russia’s southern military district, headquartered in Rostov-on-Don, which borders Ukraine and includes parts of the country which Russia occupies.

The ministry said it was the first stage of the drills, which involved practising the loading of launch vehicles, driving to launch sites and loading planes with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.

Russia has numerous weapons systems capable of delivering tactical nuclear warheads, meaning those designed for battlefield use, as opposed to strategic warheads that could wipe out whole cities.

Unlike strategic weapons, which have been subject to arms control agreements between Russia and the US, tactical weapons have never been limited by any such pacts and Russia has not released their number or any other details about them.

Putin frequently evoked Moscow’s nuclear arsenal in the early days of its invasion of Ukraine, repeatedly pledging to use all means necessary to defend Russia. He later seemed to moderate his rhetoric, reportedly after Chinese officials persuaded him to abandon his nuclear threats, but he recently warned NATO countries they risked provoking a nuclear war if they deployed troops to Ukraine. In a recent speech to mark the Soviet Union’s victory in the second world war, he said the country’s nuclear weapons were ‘always at combat readiness’.

Also on Tuesday, a Russian general fired last year after complaining about problems his troops faced in Ukraine was arrested on bribery charges. Maj Gen Ivan Popov, who commanded the 58th Combined Arms force, which is fighting on the frontline near Zaporizhzhia, said last summer that he had been fired after he brought up problems on the battlefield, including the lack of counter-battery fire and deaths and injuries the army was suffering from Ukrainian attacks. Without naming them, Popov appeared at the time to attack the head of the army, Valery Gerasimov and the then defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, two of the country’s most powerful military men, accusing them of stabbing the country in the back.

Popov’s arrest came amid the largest reshuffle in the defence ministry and the army since the war in Ukraine began over two years ago, raising expectations of possible further purges. Putin removed his longtime ally Shoigu from his role as defence minister earlier this month. Two other senior defence officials have also been arrested on corruption charges.

Saudia Group orders 105 A320neo Family aircraft to support Saudi Arabia’s aviation goals

On 20 May 2024 the Saudia Group, represented by Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier, signed a firm order for an additional 105 A320neo Family aircraft. The order comprises 12 A320neo and 93 A321neo aircraft. This increases Saudia Group’s Airbus aircraft order backlog to 144 A320neo family aircraft.

The agreement was announced at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh in the presence of H.E. Saleh bin Nasser AIJasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “Saudia has ambitious operational objectives to meet growing demand. We are increasing flights and seat capacity across our existing 100+ destinations on four continents, with plans for further expansion. The progress of Saudi Vision 2030 is attracting more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs and pilgrims each year. This motivated our decision to secure this significant deal, which will create jobs, increase local content, and contribute to the national economy.”

“The new additions of the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’ ambitious Vision 2030 plan,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “It will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while enabling both airlines to benefit from the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, highest level of passenger comfort as well as lower fuel-burn and emissions.”

Saudi Arabia is creating unprecedented opportunities for global aviation through the Saudi National Tourism Strategy, which targets more than 150 million tourists by 2030. This order with Airbus will play a significant role in strengthening the Kingdom’s ambition of becoming one of the top global tourism destinations.

Airbus signs order with LCI and SMFL for 21 latest generation helicopters

Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited Airbus Helicopters, LCI, a leading aviation company and Airbus Helicopters have announced an order for up to 21 of the latest generation helicopters. The major new order from LCI and SMFL’s joint venture leasing operation, SMFL LCI Helicopters (SMFLH), consists of 14 firm orders plus seven options. It is made up of a mix of light twin H145, medium twin H160 and super medium H175 helicopters.

The new helicopters will be delivered through to 2028 and will be aimed at a variety of operating segments such as emergency medical services (EMS),  search and rescue (SAR) and offshore energy, including wind. The order marks the next phase of the pioneering Flight Path partnership between LCI and Airbus Helicopters, which aims to address the long-term capacity and financing requirements of the industry in a responsible manner. The new Airbus helicopters will offer superior performance, flexibility, and lower CO2 emissions than comparable types and other transportation modes. In addition, they will be equipped with the latest suite of navigational and safety features and will also be capable of using blended Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs).

The Flight Path partnership builds upon a 20-year relationship between LCI and Airbus, and the initial phase will see the committed delivery of at least seven latest generation Airbus helicopters by 2025. LCI and SMFL’s combined fleet currently includes over 40 Airbus helicopters. They are deployed by 12 operators in over 10 countries across the globe on a range of missions including EMS, SAR and offshore wind, all of which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The new helicopters align with LCI and SMFL’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth.  LCI is a signatory of Aircraft Leasing Ireland’s (ALI) Sustainability Charter, with a commitment to driving forward and achieving responsibility goals, centred around 10 priority sustainability principles, including a commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.

Spirit AeroSystems to cut its workforce amid production slowdown

Spirit AeroSystems is expected to lay off some 400-450 workers at its Wichita, Kansas, facility following a decrease in production rates at Boeing, the company’s largest customer. The news was initially reported by Wichita-based KSN, which obtained an internal memo stating, “The recent slowdown in the delivery rate on commercial programmes compels a reduction to our workforce in Wichita. In the coming weeks, we will inform affected employees. We are committed to implementing this transition in as compassionate a manner as possible.”

Currently, Spirit AeroSystems employs 12,600 workers at its Wichita factory. The company serves as Boeing’s primary supplier of fuselages for the 737 MAX, although deliveries have been significantly slowed following safety concerns, including the Alaska Airlines door plug incident.

According to CNBC, Spirit AeroSystems reported a quarterly loss of $616.7 million for the first three months of the year. The company also noted first-quarter Boeing deliveries were down 31% from the same period last year with overall deliveries down 11.3%. Meanwhile, Boeing is still in talks to buy Spirit AeroSystems, which it spun off from in 2005.

Cessna SkyCourier earns FAA certification for new combi option

On 20 May Textron Aviation announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted certification of a new Combi interior conversion option for the passenger variant of the twin-engine, Cessna SkyCourier turboprop aircraft. The Combi option enables operators to transport nine passengers and cargo simultaneously. Deliveries of Cessna SkyCourier passenger units with the Combi option included are slated to begin later this year.

With the ability to be operated by a single pilot and a generous payload capacity, the Cessna SkyCourier is the ultimate solution for air freight, passenger and special mission needs. This additional option for the aircraft builds on the available gravel kit to pave the way for further use in global markets by a variety of customers, including government agencies, law enforcement and militaries, corporations and humanitarian organisations. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment.

Brig. Gen. Bud Anderson goes west at 102

On Friday triple ace and aviation legend Brig. Gen. C.E. Bud Anderson passed away at his home in Auburn, California, at the age of 102. Anderson earned 16 kills in the European Theatre during the Second World War and The New York Times says he was the last of the triple aces of his era. He reportedly died in his sleep. Anderson was a P-51 pilot in the Second World War assigned to the 357th Fighter Group and flew with Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager. He continued his career after the war, joining the flight test programme at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio before flying 25 missions in an F-105 Thunderchief in Vietnam as a wing commander. He retired in 1972 and joined McDonnell Aircraft Company at Edwards Air Force Base as head of flight test.

Anderson was a longtime EAA Warbirds supporter and regular attendee at AirVenture flying a P-51 with the Old Crow nose art that he used in Europe. He flew in a two-seat P-51 at AirVenture 2022 and attended the 2023 show. EAA Warbirds of America said, “Bud was our friend and in a very special way a part of our Warbird family.” Tributes are pouring in for Anderson. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Archer Aviation partners with Etihad for eVTOL pilot training in Abu Dhabi

Archer Aviation, one of the companies leading the global charge towards the certification and introduction of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Abu-Dhabi-based Etihad Training. The agreement, announced at the Future Aviation Forum being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 20 and 22 May  2024, lays the groundwork for a commercial partnership that aims to recruit and train prospective pilots for Archer’s Midnight aircraft that will be based in Abu Dhabi and operate across the UAE. 

Archer’s Midnight aircraft is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights. Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60 to 90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10 to 20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low-noise and cost-competitive with ground transportation. 

California-based Archer has been working with various entities within Abu Dhabi and Dubai to accelerate the operation of its air taxi services across the region. In March 2024, the eVTOL developer formed a partnership with the flight service operator Falcon Aviation to develop a vertiport network in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE to enable flights between the two cities.  Under the partnership, the two companies will develop vertiport infrastructure in the region that will cut the two-hour car journey between Dubai and Abu Dhabi during peak times to 30 minutes by eVTOL. Vertiports will be located at Falcon Heliport at Atlantis, the Palm in Dubai, and the Marina Mall heliport in Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.

Meanwhile, in April 2024, Archer and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) signed an agreement that will accelerate Archer’s planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, slated to launch as early as 2025. “Training a fleet of pilots to operate our aircraft is a critically important part of our efforts to establish a thriving urban air mobility network in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE and Etihad Training is the premier organisation to partner with on this front,” said Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel. 

“As Etihad Training’s first eVTOL partner, we will commence a thoughtful recruiting process and begin to train the first class of qualified pilots to operate Archer’s Midnight aircraft for commercial operations within the region,” he added.

As part of the planned partnership, Archer intends to deliver a Midnight aircraft simulator to be housed and staffed by Etihad Training at its training center in Abu Dhabi for research and development of pilot training competencies, to support the required regulatory certifications.  In addition, Etihad Training will engage with the General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE to establish appropriate pilot training requirements in support of safe and efficient operations of Archer’s aircraft across the region.

JEKTA reveals inaugural interiors for PHA-ZE 100 regional amphibious airframe

JEKTA, the Switzerland-based creator of the PHA-ZE 100 (Passenger Hydro Aircraft – Zero Emission 100) regional amphibious aircraft, has unveiled the debut interiors for its economy-class Traveller and full-executive Corporate cabin configurations. The interiors have been meticulously crafted for passenger comfort, operational durability and utmost elegance, blending elements from the illustrious history and futuristic sophistication of amphibious flight. Mindful of the unique requirements of operations on both water and land, the interior designs have been tailored to meet the needs of the innovative JEKTA family of amphibious airframes.

The design process involved comprehensive simulations to ensure seamless interaction between passengers, crew, pilots, operators and maintenance teams. Prioritising ergonomics, cutting-edge solutions have been implemented to deliver a blend of comfort, safety and functionality within an airframe that accommodates multiple operating parameters. The adaptable interiors are poised to support a variety of applications, from multi-leg regional passenger flights to high-end tourism voyages and corporate/government roadshow itineraries. Cargo, medevac, VVIP and search and rescue variants are also in the pipeline.

Industrial design studio MBVision, drawing on two decades of aviation expertise, has seamlessly integrated simplicity, modularity and lightness with durability, cleanliness, new materials and functionality. Collaborating closely with partners, suppliers and potential customers, the multidisciplinary team has shaped the style to perfection. Key design highlights include thin modular seating for enhanced comfort without compromising on weight, as well as an aft lavatory featured in the first production airframe. Reflecting its non-pressurised design, the PHA-ZE 100 embraces contemporary aviation forms with marine-inspired elements such as wooden-style flooring, galley-style refreshment or bar areas and expansive panoramic windows that flood the cabin with natural light, evoking the sensation of being at sea and offering a newfound feeling of space and freedom within the aircraft.

Connectivity has been seamlessly integrated to ensure passengers and crew can stay productive, entertained and connected, even on short flights. JEKTA is also pioneering the integration of next-generation flexible screens into upholstery, balancing weight considerations with aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the interior design aligns with the aircraft’s sustainable aspirations by incorporating eco-friendly materials that uphold quality while being recyclable.

Gayo Aviation, a global provider of private and specialist aviation services, will be the first to receive Corporate cabins, while MEHAIR, an Indian operator, will initially introduce the Traveller cabin to connect communities residing around water.

Pyka and SNC partner to offer large-scale all-electric cargo UAS

Pyka and SNC have partnered to offer Pyka’s large-scale all-electric cargo uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to customers within the US Department of Defence. The dynamic partnership combines SNC’s expertise in customising solutions for the world’s most complex challenges and Pyka’s revolutionary autonomous electric cargo aircraft, Pelican Cargo. Together, Pyka and SNC have introduced RUMRUNNER, a modified edition of Pelican Cargo, the world’s largest 100% electric cargo UAS for sustainment in contested operations. Featuring high-thrust super-short take-off and landing (SSTOL) capability, a payload capacity of up to 400 pounds and range of up to 200 miles, RUMRUNNER is a game-changer for military sustainment operations, enabling dynamic logistics and operational energy support from points of distribution to points of need.

“Pyka’s Pelican Cargo is unlike any other UAS solution on the market for contested logistics,” said Michael Bertman, vice president of programs at SNC. “We assessed a number of leading capabilities and concluded that the Pelican Cargo is significantly more capable than any other platform. It is the only all-electric, austere environment cargo aircraft with that kind of range, payload capacity and cargo volume. While the clean energy aspect is important, creating a more diverse, distributed and survivable supply chain is expected to be the primary driver in terms of interest from the DoD. The Zero-Fuel component minimises the need to forward-stage bulk fuel, which significantly reduces the logistics tail normally associated with resupply operations. This presents opportunities to increase the survivability of our service members, reduce risks to the force and transform the way military operations have historically been conducted.”

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

Our team is positioned to provide professional video and stills photography, website development, social media platforms, company newsletters as well as several other important media services to customers.

The two monthly magazines are available as a digital edition where ALL advertisers enjoy the direct routing to their websites at a touch on a smart phone or tablet as well as a click of the mouse on a computer screen or tap on any smart phone device.

This twice weekly APAnews service has been part of African Pilot’s line-up since the inception of the magazine 24 years ago.

African Pilot is the third best English language aviation magazine in the top ten magazines in the world: https://blog.feedspot.com/aviation_magazines/

African Pilot Website: www.africanpilot.co.za
Future Flight Website: www.futureflight.online
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AfricanPilot
Twitter: www.twitter.com/africanpilot
Instagram: www.instagram.com/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.