Number 57 – 22 July 2024

“Life is an adventure because we are always faced with a frontier. There is always a beyond to lure us on.” B.Z. Bokser

Arrival at EAA AirVenture, Oshkosh

After more than 40 hours the large Turkish Airlines group arrived at EAA AirVenture campsite just before midnight on Saturday night to be greeted by Neil Bowden’s amazing Kamp Plakkerfontein. The South African campsite was fully prepared for the new arrivals complete with all the tents, pub, large tents for relaxing, breakfast and meals preparation tent and the most wonderful atmosphere imaginable. I have done this pilgrimage to the ‘Greatest Aviation event in the World’ for the past 23 years and in some ways, I regard EAA AirVenture as my second home. The attached pictures show some of the scenes with the South African campsite including my workstation within the comfortable American camper we hire every year. Due to the fact that this annual trip to Oshkosh is not a holiday for me, but a serious working opportunity where I meet up with most of the world’s major aviation companies that are always present at AirVenture, this week is perhaps one of the most productive of my entire year. For this reason and also because I need to work on my computer every day for several hours Christine and I feel that the cost of hiring a comfortable camper is justified.

The published line-up for AirVenture this year is incredibly exciting and I believe that the 2024 event will set new records of not only attendance by aviation enthusiasts, but also the number of aircraft that will land here and spend the week camping or living in accommodation within the region for the full week of Oshkosh. Fortunately, the now well-established South African campsite is only a short walk to the nearest entry gate into the exhibition grounds. However, due to the extent of what has been the single most important aviation event on the world’s calendar for many years, my personal belief is that I need to visit EAA AirVenture every year. I am always excited to see new aviation concepts as well as meet with so many interesting people that presents their ideas at Air Venture. I am certain the August and September editions of African Pilot that will be filled with amazing pictures as well as announcements will interest you so much that you may even consider joining Neil Bowden’s 2025 Air Adventure Tours.

Congratulations to Simuflight’s B200 Madagascar crew on completing your rating.

Polokwane Airshow 2024

Excellent news for Sling Aircraft

Sling Aircraft are thrilled to announce that Sling Aircraft has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the esteemed August Raspet Memorial Award. The award constitutes a very satisfying recognition of Sling’s development work over the past 18 years and is a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to become the world’s most loved and respected developer and manufacturer of light aircraft.

About the August Raspet award

The annual August Raspet Memorial Award recognises the person or business who has made the most outstanding contribution to light aircraft design each year. The award was created in the memory of and named for the American, Dr August Raspet, a pioneer in aeronautical research. An aerodynamicist and researcher, Raspet was one of the most influential contributors to the science of aeronautics, dealing primarily with efficiency in flight, aerodynamics and wing design structures. Established to recognise outstanding contributions to the advancement of light aircraft design, this award celebrates visionary work that pushes the boundaries of aviation technology and safety. Being chosen for the August Raspet Award is a testament to the relentless efforts and groundbreaking contributions of the entire Sling Aircraft team and serves as our inspiration to become the world’s most loved and respected aircraft developer and manufacturer as a consequence of the outstanding qualities of our people, products and ideas.

Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh board, shared the following message: “I am pleased to announce that Sling Aircraft have been selected as the recipient of the 2024 August Raspet Award for their achievements and contributions to the advancement of light aircraft design. EAA recognises the innovation and vision that Sling Aircraft brings to the aviation community with their kit and ready-to-fly designs. Long range capabilities as demonstrated by their flights from South Africa to various countries across the globe throughout the years, incorporating BRS parachutes for added safety, designing airframes that maximise the use of the efficient Rotax engine series, unique seating adjustments for added comfort, pulled rivets for ease of construction and the overriding objectives of quality and reliability speak to the special place that Sling Aircraft has earned in the aviation community.”

Celebration at Oshkosh 2024

Please join us in celebration as we are honoured with the Raspet Award at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh! This celebration is not only a recognition of our achievements but also a moment to acknowledge the support and collaboration of our clients, suppliers and the wider aviation community. Your presence would mean so much to us as we celebrate this significant milestone.

Date: 24 July 2024 10h00 at Sling Island, Booths 648 to 650, EAA Airventure, Oshkosh, WI

Overall, the August Raspet Award is more than just a trophy. It is a symbol of our relentless pursuit of excellence and our significant contributions to the future of aviation as acknowledged by leading experts and peers. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to seeing you there!

CAASA news: 31st amendment regulations 2024

FlySafair welcomes two aircraft in preparation for the summer holiday season

Low-cost carrier FlySafair has announced that it will be increasing its capacity ahead of the busy summer season with the addition of two aircraft to its fleet. The two Boeing 737-800 NGs are expected to add between 12 and 14 flights per day to the airline’s schedule. The introduction of the aircraft is intended to meet the demand for flights over the summer season. “We perceive current market pricing to be irrationally high meaning the peak periods need more capacity”. The airline has not confirmed the routes of the Boeings, other than they are likely to add capacity to South Africa’s Golden Triangle: Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

The South African aviation market is highly competitive, with five airlines operating domestically. FlySafair says their aim is to offer a basic flight solution off the back of an efficient operating model to keep air travel affordable, ensuring that more South Africans can connect with loved ones and explore the country without breaking the bank.

While South African air travel has not completely recovered following the pandemic, there are signs of continued positive growth. IATA’s April 2024 report notes that 2023’s passenger levels for South Africa were at 90% of 2019 and SA Tourism’s Domestic Tourism Report found that the number of domestic trips totalled 37.9 million. This is up from 34 million in 2022.

“Air travel will always be something of a luxury for many South Africans, but with the rise of the low-cost model, it is becoming more accessible,” said Kirby Gordon. “December is when we see huge numbers of people travelling to see families or just to take a break from working all year. FlySafair’s mission is to provide our customers with low-fare, hassle-free and on-time air travel, something we will continue to do throughout the busy summer season.”

The first aircraft will arrive at the end of July and is expected to be added to the airline’s schedule in September. The second will arrive in October and will be brought into service in November. Each aircraft will add 189 seats per flight to FlySafair’s capacity and bring its total fleet number to 36 aircraft.

News from ATNS

Maintenance of Instrument Flight Procedures at various airports

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Limited is currently managing the maintenance programme for instrument flight procedures at various airports nationwide. These procedures are based on South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (ICAO PAN-OPS) design criteria which change from time to time.  As part of the process, the procedures are being reviewed and updated to meet the current ICAO PAN-OPS criteria and advances in technology.

The review process may require ATNS to suspend any procedures that do not comply with the new criteria or safety requirements. In cases where procedures are suspended, ATNS will communicate the outcomes through available platforms whilst ensuring an expedited maintenance review process per the above-mentioned standards to minimise operational impact, among others, flight delays.

It is necessary to highlight that the maintenance programme has progressed significantly and there is reasonable assurance of a positive outcome. We recognise the crucial role these procedures play in our daily operations and ATNS is committed to upholding the highest level of safety and efficiency across the network.

Marketing and Social Media position available

Interested: please send a two-page CV to Jana Haupt E-mail: hr@rovos.co.za

22 to 28 July
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA

22 to 26 July
Farnborough International Airshow London, United kingdom
Contact E-mail: enquiries@farnborough.com

24 July
Aeronautical Society of South Africa annual conference Cape Town
Contact E-mail: lbarnard@csir.co.za

August

2 & 3 August
Soutpansberg fly-in and airshow
Contact Bianca Prinsloo E-mail: spbvilegklub@gmail.com

3 August
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

3 August
SAA Museum Society AGM 15h00 onwards
RSVP E-mail: secretary@saamuseum.co.za

10 August
Pietermaritzburg airshow Oribi airport
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

17 August
EAA Chapter 322 breakfast fly-in to Fly-in Estate
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

17 August
Pilotinsure Heli fly-in to Krugersdorp airfield
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200

17 August
Marekanelo airshow Rustenburg airfield
Contact Lesego Serekwane E-mail: sculpturevents@webmail.co.za Cell: 066 256 7302

17 & 18 August
SAC North West regionals at Klerksdorp airfield
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za

21 August
National Aviation Gender Summit KZN venue
Contact South African Civil Aviation Authority

24 August
Wonderboom airshow
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

24 August
SAPFA Speed Rally at Groblersdal airfield
Contact David le Roux E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200

31 August
Virginia airshow – Durban
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

September

2 to 5 September
Egypt International Airshow
Contact Yasmine Nasr E-mail: yasmine.nasr@arabianworldevents.com

3 to 5 September
Commercial UAV Expo Las Vegas, USA
Website: www.expouav.com
Contact Carl Berndtson E-mail: cberndtson@divcom.com

6 September
Children’s Flight at New Tempe airfield, Bloemfontein
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 1919 4603 

7 September
RV annual fly-in to Kitty Hawk airfield
Contact Frank van Heerden E-mail: frankvh@mweb.co.za Cell: 082 656 7253

7 September
Bethlehem airshow
Contact Khotso Motsoeneng matsoenegkhotso01@gmail.com Cell: 073 909 5409

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

7 & 8 September
4 X 4 Outdoor Show at Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria.
Contact Alan Carwood E-mail: alan@4X4outdoorshow.co.za

10 & 11 September
Aerospace and Test Development Show Toulouse, France.
Contact: Tom Enders: tom.eames@markallengroup.com

14 September
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

14 September
SAPFA Speed Rally finale venue TBA
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200 

16 and 17 September
Aviation Africa 2024 Sandton Convention Centre 
Contact Email: info@aviationafrica.aero

18 to 22 September
Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition at AFB Waterkloof
Contact Nakedi Phasha E-mail: expodir@aadexpo.co.za

20 & 21 September
EAA Silver Creek breakfast pancake fly-in at Silver Creek Gorge
Contact Sean Cronin E-mail: sean@glutek.co.za

28 September
West Coast airshow at Saldanha airfield
Contact Clive Coetzee Cell 084 614 1675

28 September
Great Train Race at Heidelberg airfield
Contact Christopher Van E-mail: chrisvan@rocketmail.co.za

Research Cessna 402 crashes in Maryland river

On 17 July a twin-engine Cessna 402 crashed in the Tred Avon River about 4.5 miles south of Easton Airport (ESN) in Maryland, killing the pilot. Robert Merlini (56) reported loss of engine power after taking off from Tipton Airport about 09h00, enroute to Easton Airport to pick up technicians for an air-sampling flight. The airplane was found submerged in eight feet of water. The Cessna was owned by the University Research Foundation, based in Greenbelt, Maryland. David Abrams, director of communication for the Maryland Department of the Environment, said, “Today is a really sad day for the aviation community, but also the scientific community.” Merlini, the sole occupant of the aircraft, had reportedly been flying for the University of Maryland for several years on research missions. His body was recovered from the wreckage by first responders.

Flight to airshow ends in serious injuries

The pilot of the Arion Lightning light-sport airplane reported that he was flying to an uncontrolled airport near Indiana, Pennsylvania, to attend an airshow later during the day. The airport was busy with several airplanes in the traffic pattern and a flight of three north of the airport. The pilot entered the traffic pattern by overflying the airport and crossing midfield onto a left downwind leg. At that point, a life flight helicopter reported 2.5 miles southwest. The pilot heard another report from the helicopter and asked him where he was. The helicopter pilot stated that he was on the right base leg for Runway 11 and number two to land. The LSA pilot announced turning to final for Runway 11.

He was over the threshold at 20 feet above ground level when he saw the helicopter cross the runway several hundred feet ahead of him. The airplane then encountered the rotor wash, rolled right inverted, and hit the runway. The pilot was seriously injured in the crash.

The helicopter pilot reported that he departed his home base about 2.5 miles from the airport to attend an airshow public relations event at the airport. He entered a right base leg for Runway 11 and stated intentions to land No. 2 as there were four airplanes in the traffic pattern and airplane No. 3 (the accident airplane) was turning from left downwind to left base. The helicopter approached the runway numbers, sidestepped north to taxiway A1 and landed at a predesignated position on the taxiway for the airshow. After shutting down, the pilot was told by ground personnel that the airplane following him was involved in an accident.

Probable cause: The airplane pilot’s inadvertent encounter with rotor wash/turbulence during short final approach, which resulted in a loss of control in flight. NTSB Identification: 105441

Due to IT outage airline flights were disrupted globally

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, on 19 July more than 1,000 flights were cancelled around the world. The number bis expected to become far larger due to knock-on impacts. Multiple airports across Asia Pacific in Australia, China including Hong Kong SAR, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand experienced delays and suspensions of online processing systems. Various airlines like India’s Akasa Air, IndiGo and SpiceJet, as well as Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Jetstar, Virgin Australia were also impacted, leading to delays. The outage is also affecting other airlines globally, with multiple American carriers grounding flights. Lingering disruptions are likely after normal services resume as airlines work to clear passenger backlogs.

Cybersecurity software CrowdStrike caused computers around the world to shut down, impacting airlines, banks, supermarkets, media outlets and more. The issue stems from a ‘bluescreen error’ as a result of the outage, with servers and devices getting stuck in ‘boot loops.’ CrowdStrike President and CEO George Kurtz said that the large-scale IT outage caused by an update by the firm on Friday was ‘not a security incident or cyberattack.’

‘Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted. This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed. We refer customers to the support portal for the latest updates and will continue to provide complete and continuous updates on our website,’ the company posted on X. CrowdStrike appears to have directly affected Windows systems around the world, causing global IT problems, 911 outages across several US states and disruptions in international airlines, banks and media outlets. The company’s shares tanked by as much as 20 percent in US premarket trading.

A Virgin Australia spokeswoman told news.com.au that they were aware of the issue having an impact on flights. “Virgin Australia operations are continuing following a large-scale IT outage impacting multiple airlines and other businesses. However, some cancellations and delays are expected,” she said. “We are working to resolve any delays and get our guests on their way as quickly as possible.”

Qantas and Jetstar are also experiencing impacts to their systems due to the outrage.  Sydney Airport said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, that there would be delays throughout the evening. “A global technical outage has impacted some airline operations and terminal services,” a spokesperson said. “Flights are currently arriving and departing but there may be some delays throughout the evening. We have activated our contingency plans and deployed additional staff to our terminals. If you are travelling today make sure you leave plenty of time to come to the airport and check with your airline regarding the status of your flight.”

National carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) also said in a Facebook post that services at its Ion Orchard centre, as well as its reservation hotlines, are experiencing technical difficulties due to the global outage. “There is currently no impact to SIA flights, which are operating as scheduled,” it said. Customers who wish to make a new booking or amend existing bookings were advised to do so through the SIA website or SingaporeAir mobile app, said the airline. It also provided a link to a form for customers with urgent requests. SIA’s budget carrier Scoot has also announced that it is facing disruptions to its flight reservation system and check-in process, as well as some flight delays. It has activated additional staff to man the check-in counters at Changi Airport.

Airbus A321XLR receives EASA type certification

The Airbus A321XLR powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines has received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), preparing the way for the entry-into-service of the new aircraft at the end of the summer. The Type Certificate was handed over by Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, to Isabelle Bloy, A321XLR Chief Engineer. Certification of the Pratt & Whitney engine version is slated for later in 2024.

“Here comes the A321XLR, a differentiated product that brings new value to the market, expanding the possibilities for our airline customers and passengers. With its long range, the A321XLR enables a host of new direct routes, offering natural growth opportunities to our customers and the travelling public. It provides airlines with the efficiency of commonality inside the A320 / A321 product range and its versatile cabin a range of service possibilities that are just unique. It is quintessential Airbus!”, said Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus. “With the certification, we have reached a key milestone. The next step is to prepare the aircraft for its first commercial missions with customers worldwide. We look forward to working with XLR customers to support the integration of the aircraft in their fleets.”

The A321XLR sits side by side with widebodies in an airline’s fleet. It introduces the flexibility to add capacity, to open new routes, or even to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable. All while burning 30% less fuel per seat than previous generation competitor aircraft and at roughly half the trip cost of modern widebodies. The A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide passengers long haul comfort in all classes. The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. So far more than 500 Airbus A321XLRs have been ordered.

FAA issues new safety protocols for aerial demonstrations

The FAA is calling for ‘appropriate well-defined procedures’ during aircraft demonstrations following an investigation into a deadly midair collision of a Boeing B-17G and a Bell P-63F during a 2022 airshow in Texas. The aircraft were participating in a parade of airplanes in front of thousands of spectators at the Wings Over Dallas airshow when they collided, killing all six on board. In a photograph included in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary investigation, the B-17 and the P-63 were shown flying at the same altitude. The P-63 was behind the bomber and in a slight left bank with its belly facing the larger aircraft, making it impossible for its pilot to see the B-17 prior to impact. The P-63 sliced into the bomber, severing its tail. The forward half of the bomber cartwheeled to the ground and the P-63 disintegrated. There was a large fireball as the remains of the aircraft hit the ground.

In a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) released Monday, the FAA outlined risk mitigation measures for the civilian airshow community. According to the SAFO, despite dissimilar aircraft operating in close proximity to one another, ‘the NTSB preliminary report stated there were no altitude deconflictions briefed before the flight or while the airplanes were in the air. This accident highlights the complexity of mass aircraft demonstrations and the critical importance of safety protocols to provide separation and enhance situational awareness.’ The SAFO identified the complexities and challenges for these aerial demonstrations, such as the participation of dissimilar aircraft, the complexity of the flight patterns, communication protocols and the number of aircraft involved.

In this document, the FAA made the following recommendations to mitigate risk and improve safety at these events:

• Air bosses should be experienced and have a background in mass aircraft demonstrations.
• Pilots should have proper training, credentialing and recency of experience.
• Formations should utilise experienced flight leads that have demonstrated their ability to manage their formation element.
• Mass aircraft demonstration structure should include a detailed written plan that is distributed to all pilots in a manner that is clear and concise and able to be used in the cockpit.
• Mandatory preflight and postflight briefings should review all aspects of the normal and emergency procedures for all participants.
• Following the briefed plan for operational execution is of critical importance. Deviations from the plan, ad hoc instructions, or manoeuvres can contribute to confusion and loss of separation.
• No simultaneous flight operations for aircraft not involved in mass aircraft demonstration.
• Complete geographical, vertical, lateral and time separation should be utilised.
• Mass aircraft demonstrations should use simple racetrack patterns to avoid complex manoeuvring and loss of visual separation.
• Avoidance procedures should be clear to all participants and easily executed in the event of an emergency.

“Pilots, air bosses and event organizers should be continually assessing the risks and implementing appropriate safety mitigations to ensure the continued safety at aviation events,” the FAA said.

Last known Battle of Britain pilot reaches 105 years of age

On 17 July 2024 the last known remaining fighter pilot from the 1940 Battle of Britain celebrated his 105th birthday. Group Captain (retired) John Allman ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, DFC, AE, was born in Ireland in 1919. In the summer of 1940, Hemingway turned 21 while flying Hawker Hurricanes with the Royal Air Force’s 85 Squadron, led by then Squadron Commander Peter Townsend. Townsend was later to earn arguably greater fame for his romantic involvement with Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth. Hemingway and 85 Squadron were based at RAF Debden (later home of the USAAF 4th Fighter Group) and then RAF Croydon during the storied Battle, in which the badly outnumbered RAF Fighter Command defeated the previously unbested German Luftwaffe. The setback caused Hitler to reverse course eastward and attack Russia and turned the tide World War II.

Though Paddy Hemingway never achieved ace status (five enemy aircraft destroyed), with “the luck of the Irish,” he said, he survived being shot down twice during the Battle of Britain and twice more once in North Africa and again in Italy. He served as an air controller during the Normandy Invasion and was temporarily made Squadron Commander. Following VE Day, he was appointed Commander of RAF 43 Squadron, became a Wing Commander and later Station Commander at RAF Leconfield. He served as a NATO staff officer in France, ultimately achieving the honorary rank of Group Commander upon retirement in 1969.

German cabinet tightens rules for security at airports

Germany’s Cabinet has decided to tighten the country’s Aviation Security Act in order to prevent radical climate activists and others from carrying out dangerous actions at airports. “Anyone who trespasses on airport premises, glues themselves to taxiways and thus massively obstructs air traffic is not just risking their own life,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Wednesday. Such incidents are also dangerous for many bystanders. Transport Minister Volker Wissing said that he hoped “this tightening of the law will deter activists and that there will be no disruptions during the current peak travelling season.”

The core of the planned reform, which still has to be agreed by the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, is the creation of a new provision that makes ‘intentional, unauthorised intrusion’ on an airport’s tarmac and runways a punishable offence, if it impairs the safety of civil air traffic. For example, anyone who cuts through a fence and then blocks a runway will in future face a prison sentence of up to two years, or a fine. Attempts will also be punishable. Previously, only a fine was due in such cases. Intentional, unauthorised intrusion into the part of the airport that experts call the ‘airside’ is to be punishable by up to five years in prison in future if someone is carrying a weapon or toxic substances or if the aim is to facilitate or conceal another criminal offence. Unauthorised actions by climate activists have taken place at a number of German airports, including Munich and Berlin.

Boeing’s delivery of second Artemis core stage to NASA

Boeing successfully rolled out the Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage 2 (CS2) to NASA, a major milestone in the agency’s Artemis campaign that aims to return astronauts to the moon. This core stage will power the Artemis II mission and carry the first woman and person of colour to lunar orbit no earlier than September 2025.  As the core stage rolled away from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, leaders and two members of the Artemis II crew gave brief remarks. “Thousands of people across Boeing have contributed to the design, development, build and test of this rocket and this moment belongs to all of us,” says Dave Dutcher, vice president and programme manager for Boeing’s Space Launch System programme. “Together, we are building the world’s most capable rocket, paving the way for future generations to reach new frontiers. It is our responsibility to ensure we are providing a high-quality vehicle for Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. As the Artemis II crew, their journey to lunar orbit will be a historic milestone and we must ensure their safety and well-being throughout the mission.”

Donned in Boeing-blue, Boeing employees cheered as the core stage began its 1.4-mile (2.25 km) journey from the assembly facility to the historic Pegasus barge alongside NASA, industry partners and suppliers. Once loaded, the barge will embark on a 900-mile (1448.41 km) journey to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. “The road to space goes through New Orleans, where Michoud has been America’s rocket factory for more than 60 years,” added Dutcher. “Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969 and we are proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation.”

Primoco UAV moves closer to NATO STANAG certification

Czech UAV manufacturer Primoco UAV has moved significantly closer to completing certification under the internationally applicable NATO STANAG 4703 standard. A series of tests at the Institute of Aeronautical Engineering of the Czech Technical University were successfully completed, proving the mechanical parameters of the aircraft and its structural operational safety. This is a world first for an unmanned machine. So far, only manned aircraft have been subjected to full-scale testing. “Although the airframe of the One 150M has undergone only a few minor modifications compared to the original design, tests have shown that it achieves even greater durability compared to manned aviation designs,” says Ladislav Semetkovský, CEO of Primoco UAV.

Structural tests are one of the most important areas of aircraft type certification, consisting of hundreds of different tests. Similarly important was the engine performance testing that the One 150M successfully underwent at the end of last year. “From the very first plans and prototypes we have approached the development of our own Czech UAVs responsibly, professionally and with the vision to be among the best. This philosophy is now reflected favourably in the success of our extensive certification tests. With the majority of the certification process completed we expect to receive our type certificate by the end of 2024,” added Semetkovský.

Certification according to STANAG 4703 when completed will be evidenced by the issue of a type certificate. This will allow the aircraft to be exported to any NATO member country without the need to conduct type tests for each market separately. Primoco UAV will thus be the first manufacturer in the world to provide customers in the unmanned segment with the level of certification they have been accustomed to in the purchase of manned aircraft. It will further strengthen its position among the leading global suppliers of medium category UAVs with a take-off weight of up to 150 kilograms.

Ukrainian drone-downing piston planes is annoying the Russians

The ever-resourceful Ukrainians have found another use for the homegrown Aeroprakt A-22 (sold as the Foxbat LSA in the South Africa) and it is really annoying the Russians. After a few months of success with air force pilots and rear gunners with shotguns taking out Russian drones in a Yak-52, the Ukraine military is now training pilots and gunners to use the A-22 to do the same. Previously the light sport aircraft (LSA) have been used as single-use flying bombs and have taken out some high-value targets.

According to Forbes, Russian bloggers say it is time to do something about the new role and its inspiration. “The Yak-52 flew over Odessa and with high efficiency shot down our reconnaissance UAVs for a week, causing laughter in some circles,” Forbes quoted a translation of the blogs as saying. “This has not been funny to UAV operators and us for a long time.” What, exactly, the Russians might do to counteract the low-and-slow platforms was not discussed on the blog. The Yak has reportedly taken out 12 drones that cost about $100,000 each.

Texans push back on Amazon’s proposed drone delivery expansion

Texans who were introduced to Amazon Prime Air’s drone delivery offering in late 2022 are pushing back on the company’s proposed expansion of the service. In a letter to the FAA penned by John Nichols, the mayor of College Station, Texas, one of two locations where Prime Air began flying in 2022 on behalf of the city council, he urged the regulator to deny a request that would more than double the service’s range. The mayor cited noise concerns from residents as the chief factor guiding the city’s position.

College Station has become a critical hub for Prime Air, which has struggled to get its drone delivery service off the ground. The city was intended to be one of two key launch markets in addition to Lockeford, California, but the latter service was shuttered in April after a less-than-stellar performance in a little more than its first year. That leaves College Station as the sole market for Prime Air operations and Amazon recently bolstered the service by adding on-demand delivery of prescription medications for the flu, asthma, pneumonia and more. The e-commerce giant is also looking to bring drones to the Phoenix metro area in Arizona and has teased an international expansion to the UK and Italy.

Last year, Prime Air unveiled its MK30 drone, which is rangier, quieter and more durable than its current MK27-2. To integrate the new model into its Texas fleet, the company submitted a draft supplemental environmental assessment to the FAA summarizing the MK30’s potential impacts on College Station residents. Since the new model can fly in light rain and more extreme temperatures than the MK27-2, Amazon proposes operations 365 days per year, an increase from 260. Flights per day would increase from 200 to about 470 and would take place between 07h00 and 22h00 CT, removing an FAA restriction limiting flights to daytime hours.

Under the proposal, the company’s operating area would expand from 43.7 to 174 square miles. The expansion to 43.7 square miles happened earlier this year, when the FAA granted Amazon approval to fly its drones where its pilots cannot physically see them. Comparable waivers have been handed out to competitors such as Zipline, Alphabet’s Wing and UPS’s Flight Forward, similarly allowing those companies to expand their service areas through remote operations. If approved, the lighter restrictions would allow Prime Air to fly more than 170,000 operations per year in College Station with the MK30, compared to 52,000 with its current model. Nichols said that the city is excited to be one of the few in the US to host a drone delivery service. But that came with a caveat.

“While the city is supportive of Amazon Prime Air’s efforts, we do not support their request in its entirety,” Nichols wrote. “Since locating in College Station, residents in neighbourhoods adjacent to Amazon Prime Air’s facility have expressed concern to the city council regarding drone noise levels, particularly during take-off and landing, as well as in some delivery operations.” According to Nichols, residents ‘have continued’ to voice concerns regarding Prime Air’s planned expansion, worrying that the noise will only worsen. The mayor added that the expanded service area could extend beyond the city’s commercial zoning district, which is intended to limit commercial spillover into residential neighbourhoods. “Due to the level of concern from residents, the city would ask to delay the increase in service levels relating to the number of deliveries, as well as the expanded operation days and hours, until additional noise mitigation efforts are implemented by Amazon Prime Air,” Nichols wrote.

However, Nichols did offer support for the introduction of the MK30, which is expected to be 40 percent quieter than its predecessor. It is unclear whether the new drone would represent sufficient ‘noise mitigation efforts’ in the city council’s eyes, though Nichols said it would have a ‘positive effect’ on residents’ displeasure. The comment period for the environmental assessment closed on Friday and the city and Prime Air will now have to wait for the FAA’s decision. Amazon is also awaiting comments and a final decision on a draft environmental assessment for its planned Arizona service. Should the proposed expansion be rejected, it would represent yet another blow for Prime Air, which so far has not delivered on former CEO Jeff Bezos’ prognostications more than a decade ago. In that time, competitors such as Zipline and Wing have risen to the top of the young industry, each of those firms has completed multiple hundred thousands of drone deliveries, including outside the US.

Prime Air’s future prospects may be bolstered by the MK30, which promises to address some of the company’s problems: namely range, excessive noise and limitations on deliveries in inclement weather. Amazon is not the only drone delivery provider contending with unhappy customers. Earlier this month, a Florida man was arrested for shooting down a Walmart delivery drone he said was flying over his house.

Made in Britain: TEKEVER unveils first UK-manufactured AR3 drone

TEKEVER highlighted its significant investment in the UK workforce. The company has more than doubled its staff in the past year, with growth across various departments including operations, engineering, software development, manufacturing, research & development and support. This expansion is further bolstered by the opening of a new facility at West Wales Airport, Aberporth, in September 2023, adding to their existing presence in Southampton. TEKEVER underlined its view of the UK as a strategic home market. The company has ambitious plans for further expansion in the UK to address the growing demand for their drones, both for domestic use and export.

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