Number 54 – 11 July 2024

“If black boxes survive air crashes, why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?” George Carlin

Blom & Vos BV138 Sea Dragon

The Blohm & Voss BV 138 Seedrache (Sea Dragon) was a trimotor flying boat designed and built by the German aircraft manufacturer Blohm & Voss. It served as the Luftwaffe’s primary seaborne long-range maritime patrol and naval reconnaissance aircraft operated by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. The BV 138 was a pre-war design by Dr Richard Vogt, originally developed under the company name of Hamburger Flugzeugbau, thus it was initially designated Ha 138 instead. It had an uncommon appearance due to its combination of unusual design features, such as its twin boom tail unit, short hull and trimotor engine configuration. In reference to the side-view shape of its fuselage, the aircraft was often referred to via the nickname Der Fliegende Holzschuh (Flying Clog). Originally designed to be powered using two engines, the trimotor configuration was adopted prior to flight testing due to engine difficulties. Development would be protracted due to multiple redesigns being enacted.

Shortly after the maiden flight of the first prototype (D-ARAK) on 15 July 1937, identified instabilities necessitated a redesign of the hull and tail booms to improve both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic properties. The first production-standard aircraft, designated BV 138A-1, performed its first flight during April 1940, by which point Germany was at war with multiple neighbouring nations. By December 1940, it has been introduced as a military naval reconnaissance aircraft by the Luftwaffe. Despite concerns as to its structural strength, which was improved over time, it was adapted into various roles, including as a radar-equipped anti-shipping aircraft, an austere troop transport and as an airborne aerial countermeasure to naval mines. The definitive BV 138C-1 was introduced to service during March 1941. A total of 297 BV 138s were built between 1938 and 1943.

There were three-gun positions on the aircraft, including an enclosed powered gun turret armed with a single MG 151/20 autocannon on the bow. Due to the fields of fire were obstructed by the tail and it’s the horizontal stabiliser, the defensive gun positions on the stern comprised one gun position lower on the fuselage and a second one higher up, just aft of the central engine. The gun position behind the central engine, which could see over the horizontal stabiliser, was a fully open Scarff ring-like emplacement which could mount a 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun, but most aircraft mounted a 13 mm MG 131 heavy machine gun. The lower gun position at the rear fuselage sighted below the horizontal stabiliser. It too was left open and equipped with a machine gun on early aircraft. However, later-built aircraft mounted an enclosed powered turret similar to the one on the bow.

During the invasion of Norway in April 1940, two of the pre-production aircraft were pressed into service as troop transports. By December of that year, the BV 138 had been declared operational in the long-range reconnaissance role. The first unit to be equipped with the type being based in Western France.  In addition to its use in the maritime reconnaissance role, several aircraft were specially adapted to sweep naval mines; designated BV 138MS, this role necessitated the deletion of all conventional armaments and the installation of a large (roughly 40 feet (12 m) diameter) dural hoop mounted horizontally under the wings, powered by an auxiliary motor generating an electric field which detonated magnetic mines. Early built aircraft often had issued related to insufficient structural strength.  In March 1941, the most successful variant of the aircraft, designated BV 138C-1, entered Luftwaffe service. For naval reconnaissance, some aircraft carried FuG 200 Hohentwiel low-UHF band maritime search radar sets; this enabled the type to be effectively used to conduct anti-shipping missions. Dependent upon the mission role and equipment fitted, the crew could comprise as many as six personnel. Some BV 138s served with the specialist KG200, where they would often carry up to 10 fully armed infantry troops in place of a bombload.

In preparation of a repeat of Operation Wunderland in 1943, the U-boat U-255 was sent to the East coast of Novaja Zemlya where it teamed up with a BV 138. The U-255 refuelled the BV 138 four times for reconnaissance flights over the Kara Sea, up to the Vilkitsky Strait. However, the BV 138 could not find any shipping that would make a mission for the German cruiser Lützow worthwhile, so the operation was cancelled. The BV 138 was tested with the Walter HWK 109-500 Starthilfe RATO jettisonable rocket pod, used in pairs, for shorter take-off performance. All rocket units were jettisoned after use; fitted with parachutes, they could be recovered after landing.

Those persons who correctly identified this week’s mystery aircraft:

T.C. Schultz, Magiel Esterhuysen, Righardt du Plessis, Andre Visser, Trevor Miller, Steve Dewsbery, Charlie Hugo, Noel Macquet, Danie Viljoen, Bary Eatwell, Lance Williams, Willie Oosthuizen, Kim Andersen, Rennie van Zyl, Wouter van der Waal, Johan Prinsloo, Bruce Prescott, Colin Austen, Clint Futter, Karl Jensen, Jeremy Rorich, Ahmed Bassa, Herman Nel, Jaco van Jaarsveld, Erwin Stam, Piet Steyn, Pierre Brittz, Selwyn Kimber, Jan Sime, Richard Willemse, Christiaan Haak, Andrew Peace, Brian Melmoth, Peter Gilbert, Dave Lloyd, Bruce Margolius, Jeff Knickelbein, Nic Manthopoulos, Simon Tladi, Simon Smith, (40 correct answers).

Brilliant photography exposed on FlyAfrica

Picture credit: Timothy Homan

After the most successful Elders Flight organised by Felix Gosher at the SAAF Mobile Deployment Wing (AFB Swartkop) on Saturday 6 July, the website FlyAfrica has been inundated with postings of some of the finest aviation photography I have ever seen. From exciting videos to creative stills pictures, it is abundantly clear that South African aviation photographers are amongst the best in the world, whilst at the same time the sheer enthusiasm of the photographers is great to see. On behalf of African Pilot, I want to thank all those photographers who has shared their amazing pictures. South Africa has excellent photographic talent and I would like to recognise all of you for your special contribution towards the huge success of the Elders Flight.

AAD 2024: Registration for Trade Visitors and Media Accreditation Now Open

The 12th edition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) will take place from 18 to 22 September 2024 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion, Gauteng. The AAD exhibition organising team is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for trade visitors to the AAD 2024 expo. The trade exhibition will span three days (18 to 20 September 2024), providing ample opportunity for industry professionals to engage, network and explore the latest advancements in aerospace and defence technology and services.

Register now as a trade visitor by clicking on the link: https://aad2024.expowiz.com/ExWeb5/Register/Contacts/TradeVisitor

Following the trade exhibition, the highly anticipated airshow will be open to the public on 21 to 22 September 2024. Airshow tickets will be available for purchase online at Ticket Pro soon.

Media accreditation

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the trade exhibition and air show. For media accreditations, click on the link: https://aad2024.expowiz.com/ExWeb5/Register/Contacts/Media

Falko Regional Aircraft purchases two Embraer E190 aircraft leased to Airlink

Falko Regional Aircraft Limited (Falko), the asset manager and aircraft lessor focused solely on the regional aircraft sector, has purchased two Embraer E190 aircraft leased to South African regional carrier, Airlink. The aircraft, with MSN 19000202 and MSN 19000265, were acquired from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) as part of the previously announced twenty-four E-Jet portfolio acquisition with the lessor. The aircraft have been acquired for Falko managed fund, Falko Regional Aircraft Opportunities Fund II (Fund II). Falko was formed in July 2011 through the purchase of BAE Systems Asset Management and its associated aircraft portfolio. Falko is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc., a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Symbol: CHR) and headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mark Hughes, Falko’s Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “We are delighted to close the two E190 aircraft, marking the first closing of the twenty-four aircraft deal with NAC. The acquisition of the two E190s increases Fund II’s fleet to 66 and further underpins our longstanding relationship with Airlink, the leading regional airline in southern Africa and a long-term Falko customer. We would like to extend our thanks to the teams at NAC and Airlink for their support in closing out this deal and we look forward to working with NAC on the remaining closings.”

Fireblade celebrates its 10^th anniversary

South African-based private aviation and charter company Fireblade Aviation is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Initially set up as the Anglo-American flight department several decades ago, the operation was rebranded to Fireblade Aviation in 2014. The company said it offers ‘a one-stop shop for business and leisure travellers, aircraft owners and operators and tour operators’ at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport.

“Tourism has been in a transformative space in recent years, with charter services being more accessible not only for business travel but leisure and group leisure travel as well. More individuals are realizing that the cost associated with private aviation is not as prohibitive as one might think,” said Fireblade Aviation managing director Leigh Kretzschmar. “Driving positive change in our industry starts with expanding our ecosystem and that means prioritising sustainability, driving inclusivity and diversity, and driving awareness for the possibilities of a career in aviation amongst our youth, particularly young girls,” Kretzschmar added.

As part of its anniversary, Fireblade Aviation has also launched the first in a series of foundation-phase children’s aviation books, which it said, ‘aims to ignite enthusiasm for aviation, and expose children to the idea that aviation is for more than just pilots and air hostesses.’

13 July
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at Jack Taylor airfield FAKR
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

US military completes withdrawal from Niamey Air Base 101 in Niger

US and Nigerien military personnel held a ceremony on 7 July 2024, to mark the conclusion of the withdrawal of US military forces from Air Base 101 in Niamey. The process began in early June 2024, with US forces gradually handing over control to the Nigerien government. “Today we reflect positively on the past 15 years of security cooperation and shared sacrifice by US forces and Nigerien forces,” said US Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman. “I am grateful for the close collaboration with our Nigerien hosts to support the safe, orderly and responsible withdrawal of US forces commemorated today at Air Base 101.”

After the overthrow of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum on 26 July 2023, a military junta known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) took power, leading to the revocation of several military cooperation agreements with Western countries. France was the first to leave the country, with forces departing Air Base 101 Niamey on 22 December 2023. The base, situated on Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM) grounds, was established to support Operation Barkhane, a counter-terrorism mission in the Sahel region. 

In March 2024, the Nigerien junta requested the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 US service members. The US military has until 15 September 2024, to leave the West African nation. Following the withdrawal from Air Base 101, efforts will now move on to Air Base 201, near the city of Agadez in central Niger. The base’s construction started in 2016 and had a price tag of more than $100 million. In 2019, the US Africa Command began intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in the area utilising MQ-9 Reaper drones stationed at the base.

Fifty new aircraft scheduled to enter service with the Nigerian Air Force

During the course of the coming year, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed plans to acquire 50 new aircraft from combat jets to attack helicopters. Speaking during the opening of new aviation facilities in Katsina State on 18 June Chief of Air Staff, Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar said the aircraft include 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, 24 Leonardo multirole M-346 jets, 12 Leonardo Helicopters AW109 multipurpose helicopters and two Airbus C295 transport aircraft.

The NAF expects to receive several of the aircraft during 2025. The acquisition is part of the government’s efforts to modernise the Nigerian military and enhance its ability to tackle security challenges in the country. The new aircraft will be used for surveillance, reconnaissance and combat operations against insurgents and criminals. Previous announcements from the NAF indicate it plans to also acquire two AW109 Trekker helicopters from Leonardo Helicopters, two King Air 360 turboprops from Textron Aviation, four DA 62 surveillance aircraft from Diamond Aircraft, six T-129 helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries, and three Wing Loong II unmanned aerial vehicles from Chengdu.

Mechanic sucked into Boeing jet’s engine

A mechanic has been sucked into a Boeing passenger jet’s engine and killed at Chabahar Konarak airport in southern Iran after he went to retrieve a tool near the aircraft. Local mechanic Abolfazl Amiri was undertaking routine maintenance work on Iranian domestic airline Varesh Airline’s Boeing 737-500 when he was sucked into the engine. According to Bild, the engine on the right-hand side had been started for a test run with the cover flaps open. A safety area had been set up around the engine as is usually required. But when Amiri realised, he had forgotten a tool on the engine, he went back and was sucked in and killed before the engine caught fire. Amiri’s remains were recovered after the airport fire brigade arrived at the scene. The fatal incident occurred in Chabahar Konarak airport in southern Iran.

First solo ends with a stall / spin at 45 feet

Canada’s Transportation Safety Board says a pilot’s first solo ended in disaster at Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport but it did not specify a cause for the crash. The student was seriously injured but survived. The board highlighted all the precautions that flight schools and instructors should observe before sending a new pilot aloft for the first time and reminded pilots, regardless of experience, ‘of the importance of being vigilant upon landing to quickly detect any signs that a go-around is required, and to be able to initiate the go-around at the appropriate time.’

This video also shows just how quickly a stall / spin can develop. The report noted this airplane was only 45 feet above the ground and crashed vertically into the infield. The student was enrolled in a first officer’s programme at Orizon Aviation and had done eight touch-and-goes before the instructor got out. The student landed nose wheel first and bounced before veering off the runway. It was at that point the student tried the go-around and barely got off the ground. An attempt to make a turn with the plane in very slow flight stalled the left wing.

United 757 drops a wheel at LAX

Already under increased scrutiny by the FAA for maintenance issues, United Airlines says it is investigating the loss of one of eight main gear wheels on one of its Boeing 757s on Monday. The 30-year-old plane was taking off from LAX when the wheel came off. It continued to Denver and landed uneventfully. Although the plane is designed to land safely with one wheel missing, cabin crew ordered passengers to brace during the landing in Denver. This incident comes a few months after a spate of mishaps, including a United 777 dropping a main gear wheel on take-off from San Francisco International, prompted the FAA to freeze any expansion of routes by the airline pending a review of maintenance. Meanwhile United says it is investigating. ‘The wheel has been recovered in Los Angeles, and we are investigating what caused this event,’ the airline said in a statement. United did not say if the wheel damaged anything on the ground.

General Aviation supporter Sen. Jim Inhofe goes west

A sometimes controversial but always unwavering supporter of General Aviation, former Sen. Jim Inhofe died early Tuesday at the age of 89. His family said in a statement that he became ill over the holiday weekend and died surrounded by family just before 05h00. They told the New York Times he had died of a stroke. He served 20 years in the Senate and sponsored many bills that involved supporting GA, including the Pilot’s Bill of Rights that solidified the individual rights of pilots within the regulatory framework.

Inhofe was also an experienced pilot who had his brushes with the authorities his bill was intended to tame. He was sanctioned by the FAA for landing on a closed runway that was under construction and had workers on it. He also made several rough landings, the latest at the age of 81 when he went off the runway in his Harmon Rocket in Ketchum, Oklahoma, in 2016.

But Inhofe also cut a big swath through the aviation community by making GA a pet project in his dealings at the Capitol and that endeared him to virtually all aviation-related organisations. “Sen. Inhofe was a master legislator and general aviation’s great champion,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “His Discharge Petition, General Aviation Revitalisation Act, Pilots Bill of Rights, Basic Med and numerous FAA Reauthorisation bills that have protected general aviation’s access to airspace and airports represent just a fraction of what Jim Inhofe has done to promote aviation,” Bolen added. “There is no one who has done more to help the United States have the largest, safest, most diverse and most efficient aviation system in the world. We will miss him greatly.” 

“Jim Inhofe had a remarkable, positive influence on the growth and preservation of general aviation as a member of Congress,” said EAA Chairman Jack Pelton. “His passion for aviation, as well as his in-depth knowledge on the workings of Congress, provided countless results that benefited those of us who fly. EAA awarded Jim our highest honour, the Freedom of Flight Award, in 2022, to recognise those accomplishments. He leaves a tremendous legacy and we offer condolences to his family.”

Inhofe made lots of news outside of aviation and was best known on the Hill for his proud and vehement denial of human-caused climate change. He was also known as Washington’s ‘most conservative politician’ because of his strident and vocal opposition to ‘abortion, L.G.B.T.Q. rights, health care legislation and campaign-finance reforms while supporting the death penalty, gun rights, counterterrorism powers, offshore oil drilling and constitutional amendments to require balanced budgets and ban flag desecration,’ according to the New York Times.

Boeing plea deal brings defence contract scrutiny

Boeing’s controversial plea deal to settle its criminal charges over the 2018 and 2019 737 MAX crashes could theoretically mess up its many lucrative military contracts but no one seems to seriously think it will. The US military is not supposed to deal with companies that have criminal convictions but the government can waive them. “DOD will assess the company’s remediation plans and agreement with the Department of Justice to make a determination as to what steps are necessary and appropriate to protect the federal government,” Air Force spokesman Maj. Gen Patrick Ryder told reporters. Canada is also reviewing its deal to buy P-8 Poseidons but the process is continuing.

Boeing agreed to pay a $243.6 million fine and invest at least $455 million in ‘compliance and safety programs’ after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud the US. To avoid criminal proceedings over the certification process for the MAX in 2021 Boeing promised to change its ways but prosecutors alleged the company ignored the terms of that deal. Those accusations came when a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines MAX last January, just a few days before the expiry of the three-year probation period attached to the first plea deal agreement.

The first plea deal came after the company downplayed the impact of the newly installed Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) on the aircraft’s flight controls to prevent the need for a separate type certificate for the model. MCAS was found to be a factor in the crashes of an Ethiopian Airlines MAX in 2019 and a Lion Air airliner in 2018, killing 346 people.

The families of the victims of the crashes launched a bitter attack against the latest agreement calling it a ‘sweetheart deal’ that Boeing will shrug off financially. The families were calling for a $24 billion fine against Boeing and said the arrangement announced Sunday disrespected the hundreds of victims and thousands of loved ones they left behind. Catherine Berthet, whose daughter Camille died in the Ethiopian crash, said the plea deal shows ‘weakness and manifest contempt for the victims’ families and public interest.’

Italy’s Ministry of Defence seeks approval for 24 new Eurofighter Typhoons

The ministry’s request, submitted on 4 July 2024, seeks governmental approval for this acquisition and the renewal of technical and logistic support for the entire fleet. The document, which lacks detailed specifics, indicates that the request will be reviewed by the Commission for Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Commission for Balance, with a decision expected by 13 August. The new Eurofighter Typhoons are anticipated to replace the older Tranche 1 models currently in service. These advanced aircraft are expected to feature the latest avionics, new radar systems and capabilities to interact with loyal wingman drones, ensuring Italy’s air defence remains cutting-edge until the introduction of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter.

The aircraft will be manufactured at the Leonardo facility in Caselle Torinese, near Turin. While the contract’s total value has not been disclosed, speculation suggests that funds from the now-suspended KC-46 programme, initially earmarked for tanker fleet renewal, may be redirected to this acquisition.

This move comes shortly after the Italian Ministry of Defence suspended the acquisition of six Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers, a programme valued at €1.2 billion. Announced on 24 June 2024, the decision was attributed to ‘changed and unforeseen needs’ by the General Staff of the Aeronautica Militare.

It remains uncertain if Italy will pursue alternatives like Airbus’ A330 MRTT to bolster its tanker fleet, which currently includes four KC-767A aircraft delivered by Boeing in 2012.

Airbus H160 enters into service with PHI Aviation

Airbus has delivered the first H160 in the US to PHI, marking the beginning of H160 operations in the country. This is the first of the initial four H160 helicopters that PHI will operate for offshore transportation in the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to beginning commercial operations, the helicopter will be used in a route-proving programme designed to demonstrate the H160’s capabilities in the demanding offshore environment. This will help facilitate a smooth entry into service, ensuring the operator and final customer are familiar with the aircraft’s advanced technology and safety features.

“This is an exciting milestone for our teams and partners,” said Scott McCarty, CEO of PHI Group. “The H160 represents a new era for PHI, enhancing our commitment to safety, quality and efficiency for our operations in the Gulf of Mexico. We are proud to officially welcome this next-generation aircraft into our fleet as we kick off route-proving. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this achievement possible.”

“With its state-of-the-art technology, the H160 has set a new standard in the helicopter industry and we are pleased US customers will now benefit from the aircraft’s superior performance,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H160’s lower fuel consumption, its ability to use up to 50% blended SAF, comfortable cabin and excellent cockpit visibility make it ideally suited for offshore operations and we are confident that it will excel in PHI’s energy missions.”

The H160 has proven to be a popular choice for customers in North America and the first Canadian delivery of the helicopter type was made recently to Chartright Air Group. The H160 has entered into service in Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, France and many other European countries.

Bosch incubates electric start-up

German start-up Væridion is teaming up with Bosch to develop an all-electric nine-seat regional aircraft. The company says it hopes to have it in the air in six years. “Situated within Bosch Campus, Væridion will focus on developing, integrating and testing high-voltage batteries aimed at creating a 100% electric 9-seater regional aircraft by 2030.” the company said in a news release. The sleek high-wing will be developed in the tech-rich environment of Bosch’s at Holzkirchen, Germany and have access to the talent and tools to bring the plane to life. “Væridion’s commitment to electric aviation aligns perfectly with our vision to foster innovation in aerospace technologies, including electric, hybrid, hydrogen and fuel cell solutions,” said Bosch spokesman Jens Hoffman.

Saudi Arabia orders four additional Airbus A330 MRTTs

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ordered four additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for the Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force (RSAF). The first of these aircraft will enter into conversion at the beginning of 2026; they will enter into service and join the RSAF in 2027 to carry out air-to-air refuelling and transport missions. “This new order demonstrates the high level of customer satisfaction with the A330 MRTT”, said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. “This is the third contract signed by Saudi Arabia for the A330 MRTT, making the RSAF one of the largest MRTT operators in the world”. The contract also includes a logistics support package with spare parts, training services and service support for the new four aircraft. All the RSAF A330 MRTT are configured with hose and drogue pods, boom system and also refuelling receptacle, which allows the A330 MRTT to be refuelled from boom-equipped tankers.

Industrial cooperation

As part of this contract, Airbus signed in January 2024 an Industrial Participation (IP) agreement with GAMI (General Authority for Military Industries) for the development and growth of the industrial ecosystem in the region in support of Vision 2030, a Saudi-government programme that aims to diversify the country’s economy. This agreement also includes the transfer of technology and knowhow of the RSAF A330 MRTT to local companies. SAAMS, the joint venture created between SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military industries) and Airbus, will be the main vehicle for industrial localisation. The A330 MRTT is the most capable new-generation tanker and transport aircraft with 90% market share outside the USA with 82 orders from 15 countries in Europe, Asia, America and Oceania.

EASA updates guidance on navigation system interference

EASA has updated its warning to aircraft operators about the dangers posed by interference to navigation systems caused by spoofing and jamming of signals. On Friday, the European aviation safety agency published the third edition of its safety information bulletin (SIB) on global navigation satellite system outages and alterations leading to communication, navigation and surveillance degradation, underlining heightened threats in airspace around conflict zones. In a bid to offer more timely information about threats, EASA has also established a dedicated platform to update operators on GNSS system outages and alterations in impacted flight information regions (FIRs). Currently, the FIRs of most immediate concern are in the southern and eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East, around the Black Sea, in parts of Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea and Arctic region.

Jamming blocks signals used by navigation systems, whilst spoofing sends false information to the receiver onboard an aircraft. The latest EASA guidance updates an earlier SIB issued in November and includes specific recommendations for regulators, air traffic management and air navigation service providers and aircraft operators. To guard against jamming, operators are urged to verify their aircraft’s position using means other than a GNSS, report anomalies, train crew and make non-GNSS procedures available. For spoofing, EASA recommends using non-GNSS navaids, closely monitoring air traffic control frequencies and reporting irregularities.

US DOT reports record air travel complaints in 2023

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) released data on consumer submissions regarding air travel for the entire calendar year 2023. The volume of submissions, including complaints, inquiries, and opinions, reached record levels, surpassed only by 2020. In 2023, the DOT received 96,853 consumer submissions, up from 86,240 in 2022. 67,661 were related to US carriers, 24,991 to foreign air carriers and 3,162 to travel companies. Disability-related complaints rose to 2,685 from 2,098 in 2022, while discrimination-related complaints increased to 223 from 176. Complaints have constituted an average of 91% of consumer submissions over the past three years.

According to the US DOT, the release of this data, included in the Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR), faced delays due to the high volume of complaints received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the processing time required by the Department’s outdated legacy system.

To address these challenges, DOT is modernising its consumer complaint system with support from a Technology Modernisation Fund (TMF) investment. This update aims to enhance the customer experience and enable more effective oversight of the airline industry.

Pilatus joins up with SAF production pioneer

Pilatus Aircraft and European sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology developer Synhelion have launched a strategic partnership, with the Swiss airframer becoming a shareholder, reinforcing its commitment to the reduction of fossil-based fuels. Synhelion has pioneered a process to use solar power to produce SAF plans to begin construction next year in Spain on its first commercial-scale plant. Pilatus expects to use this ‘solar fuel’ in its own fleet of PC-24 light jets and PC-12 turboprop singles before offering the fuel to its customers.

“We are convinced of the value of solar fuel technology. These fuels are the best way to de-fossilise air travel as quickly as possible,” said Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher. “We are delighted to play a pioneering role together with Synhelion and make an important contribution to sustainability in the aviation sector.”

Philipp Furler, Synhelion’s co-CEO and co-founder, added, “Over the next few years, we will focus fully on scaling our fuels worldwide. Together, we aim to roll out sustainable solar fuels to the entire Pilatus customer fleet within the next 10 years.”

No return date set for Starliner astronauts

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were originally expected to spend eight days on the International Space Station (ISS), could be spending a couple more weeks as experts work through issues the Starliner experienced upon docking. According to an article from NPR, NASA is conducting additional ground testing and evaluation of issues the capsule experienced upon docking, namely helium leaks and five thrusters that malfunctioned during docking. In a press conference earlier this week, the agency and Boeing said they are being cautious but stressed that the astronauts were not stranded.

“We are not stuck on ISS. The crew is not in any danger and there is no increased risk when we decide to bring Suni and Butch back to Earth,” said Mark Nappi, manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Programme. NASA officials said the Starliner is designed to remain in space for up to 210 days. While the initial test flight was originally supposed to be limited to 45 days due to the spacecraft’s battery life, the space station is recharging the batteries as intended, allowing NASA to consider extending that limit. Meanwhile, Starliner’s competitor, SpaceX, launched its eighth crewed NASA flight into orbit in March. 

Lilium partner UrbanLink targets eVTOL jet service in the Caribbean

US operator of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that has committed to purchase 2- eVTOL jets from German manufacturer Lilium UrbanLink Air Mobility, is expanding into the Caribbean.
On Tuesday the company announced a partnership with California-based vertiport developer and operator Skyway Technologies to install eVTOL hubs in South Florida and Puerto Rico. The partners plan to release more information on locations and routes in those markets in the coming months, with plans to launch service in 2026. “Our partnership with UrbanLink is advancing the industry towards launching operations in the United States,” said Clifford Cruz, CEO of Skyway.

Similar to a heliport, a vertiport allows an eVTOL aircraft to take-off and land vertically, with additional infrastructure for electric charging. In addition to design and operation, Skyway provides vertiport services such as air traffic management and mission planning. The partnership is UrbanLink’s second in as many months following an agreement with Texas-based Ferrovial Vertiports to build a network of hubs in South Florida and the Los Angeles metro area. Both collaborations are intended to set the stage for Lilium Jet operations across networks linking the take-off and landing locations. The sites are also meant to serve ‘the broader advanced air mobility (AAM)] industry,’ UrbanLink says.

“In order to finance and build the vertiports needed to support the AAM industry, it is crucial to have multiple partners,” said Ed Wegel, who founded UrbanLink earlier this year and serves as chairman. “We are impressed with Skyway’s understanding of our business and their commitment to delivering well-designed, safe and efficient vertiports in the US and Caribbean.”

The operator is eyeing a 2026 US commercial launch, which is in line with Lilium’s projections for when its flagship Lilium Jet will be ready for service. So far the manufacturer is the only company to receive certification bases from both the FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a commercial eVTOL design. It intends to fly on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as in the Middle East.

The Lilium Jet is expected to cruise at 162 knots on city-to-city trips spanning 25 to 125 miles (40 to 200 Km). It uses a propulsion system seldom seen on eVTOL designs, with a pair of electric motors feeding 10 independent battery packs that power 36 electric ducted fans embedded in the aircraft’s fixed wings. These allow it to hover and take- off vertically like a helicopter, with minimal noise production or impact on cruise performance, Lilium says. The unique propulsion system underwent initial testing in June ahead of the Lilium Jet’s first crewed flight, expected later this year. The manufacturer began building its first production prototype aircraft, which will be used to validate the design with regulators, in December this year. Since partnering in May, Lilium and UrbanLink have moved quickly to target eVTOL jet operations in South Florida, which is poised to be Lilium’s US base of operations; Los Angeles, Southern California and Puerto Rico.

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