Number 65 – 19 August 2024

“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” Albert Einstein

Spring is around the corner

Spring is just around the corner in South Africa, bringing with it the promise of warmer weather and clear skies. The winter chill is fading, and as the first blossoms appear, excitement builds for the upcoming season of aviation events. Airshows, fly-ins, Speed Rallies and more are on the horizon, where sleek planes will soar against a backdrop of blue skies. The warmer temperatures make these events even more enjoyable, allowing enthusiasts to bask in the sun as they watch daring aerobatics and feel the thrill of engines roaring to life.

These aviation events are more than just displays of aerial skill, they are a celebration of community and a shared love for flight. Families, friends, and aviation buffs gather to enjoy the sights, sounds, and camaraderie that come with each event. The scent of food from vendors, the gleam of polished aircraft, and the joy of being outdoors in the beautiful spring weather all contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. As South Africa shakes off the winter chill, the anticipation for these gatherings grows, promising a season filled with unforgettable moments and the freedom of the skies.

Robot Dogs

Calling all Vintage Pilots!

Fly-in to the Heidelberg Airfield

Saturday the 28^th of September 2024

• Pilots of vintage aircraft (and attired in retro aviation gear) get a free breakfast roll from 08h00 to 09h00 at the Vintage VIP Clubhouse
• Rovos Rail “double header” steam train arrives at 10h00 at the Heidelberg Station
• Cavalcade of priceless vintage cars and motorcycles joins the train
• At 10h30 the Cavalcade arrives at the Airfield… passes the VIP Clubhouse
• Threads its way through the parked vintage airplanes
• Each pilot attired in vintage aviation gear, standing proudly next to his airplane
• Poses for photographers. Coffee table book to be launched at The Great Train Race Grand Ball on Saturday 1 March 2025 at the Rand Club
• Each car and motorcycle then parks under the national flag of its country of origin
• This year, everyone in attendance must be dressed up in vintage clothing
• Retro vendors… international cuisine… kids stuff… live music… stationary engines…
• A Vintage Day for the Whole Family!

Please select the appropriate Quicket option to book:

• Your ticket for delicious three-course lunch in the VIP Clubhouse (lunch booking closes 20^th of Sept 2024) @R350.
• Ticket for your friends and family to attend The Great Train Race @R80 adults R40 for kids

Please Note:

• Pilots in modern planes are welcome to pre-book for lunch at the VIP Clubhouse
• But must please be attired in vintage clothing in the spirit of the day

For breakfast catering purposes, please RSVP to Christopher Van chrisvan@rocketmail.com if you would like to attend (weather permitting of course).

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

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

9 to 12 September
ICAO’s first Advanced Air Mobility Symposium ICAO headquarters Montreal, Canada
African Pilot will be attending this symposium as a delegate of the SACAA

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

24 & 25 September
DroneX Trade show and Conference at Excel London
Website: https://www.dronexpo.co.uk/

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

African aviation veteran Nick Fadugba dies

Veteran African aviation journalist, event organiser and consultant, Nick Fadugba has died suddenly aged 69. The UK-based Fadugba served until recently as the chair of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) and  for a brief time he was secretary-general of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). He established his company African Aviation Services (AAS) in 1990 with the pan-African vision of promoting aviation development throughout Africa.

He passionately believed that aviation could be a vital catalyst for Africa’s economic and social transformation. Since 1988, he has provided a wide range of consultancy and advisory services to international aviation, finance and leasing organisations and to African Governments. Fadugba helped pioneer international aviation conferences in Africa, focusing on aviation finance, leasing, aircraft maintenance and aviation training and published one of the first Pan-African aviation publications.

In 2020, South Africa’s Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) appointed the Nigerian-British born Fadugba as one of the interim six-member on South African Airways (SAA) board to govern the restructuring and relaunch of the carrier. “This is a terrible shock for us all,” said Times Aerospace editor-in-chief Alan Peaford. “He was someone who helped spark a genuine interest in Africa and the African aviation scene. This is a great loss to the industry in the region.”

Pilot injured, passenger escapes unhurt following Pretoria plane crash

A pilot was injured and a passenger escaped unharmed after a light aircraft crashed in Pretoria, City of Tshwane, on Monday. Sisa Majola, spokesperson for the South African Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed that the Bat Hawk LSA aircraft crashed during its final approach to land at the Bundu Fly Inn Estate airfield. The flight was a private journey headed to Wonderboom Airport with the pilot and one passenger on board. According to reports, while flying over Rosslyn, the pilot decided to return to Bundu Fly Inn Estate. However, as they were on a long final approach, the engine suddenly stopped while flying over an informal settlement.

Majola explained that the pilot then attempted a forced landing in an open field. During the landing sequence, the aircraft sustained significant damage, resulting in minor injuries to the pilot, while the passenger remained unharmed.

In accordance with procedures from the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID), an investigator was dispatched to the crash site to gather necessary information. Majola stated that the AIID will determine whether to continue the investigation based on the initial findings and any safety concerns identified during the process.

Crew Error Caused Premier I Fatal Crash in Malaysia

The incorrect extension of the lift dump spoilers on a Beechcraft Premier I led to a sudden loss of lift and control, causing the business jet to crash while approaching Kuala Lumpur’s Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. Malaysia’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) recently released its final report on the fatal accident that occurred on August 17, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of both pilots, six passengers on board, and two motorists on the ground.

According to the report, the second-in-command (SIC) pilot, who was not type-rated for the Premier I, was assigned to handle some controls by following the “Before Landing” checklist, while the pilot-in-command (PIC) maintained control of the aircraft. During the checklist, the SIC pilot mistakenly announced “lift dump unlocked” as the third item, and the PIC incorrectly acknowledged this. At that moment, the aircraft was at 1,000 feet on its final approach to Runway 15, with the landing gear already lowered. Within seconds of the PIC’s acknowledgment, multiple cockpit alarms sounded, and the SIC voiced concern.

Investigators determined that the SIC likely extended the lift dump spoilers inadvertently just before completing the landing checklist. This critical error was confirmed when the aircraft wreckage was examined, revealing the lift dump handle had indeed been extended. The AAIB’s report also highlighted that the operator had failed to secure the necessary approvals for non-scheduled air services. Contributing factors to the crash included deviations from standard operating procedures, insufficient crew training, and poor communication and decision-making. The 2004 privately-owned aircraft, operated by Jetvalet, had taken off from Langkawi International Airport and crashed on the Guthrie Highway near Bandar Elmina in Malaysia’s Selangor state.

Hot weather at Colorado air show hospitalised people

At least 10 people were hospitalised, and 100 others were treated for heat-related illnesses during a sold-out airshow in Colorado on Saturday, according to officials. The two-day Pikes Peak Air Show, held at the Colorado Springs Airport, attracted 30,000 attendees and kicked off with much anticipation. However, just a few hours into the event, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) declared a mass casualty incident due to the number of people affected by the extreme heat.

Emergency personnel on-site treated over 100 individuals, and 10 were transported to local hospitals for further care. CSFD did not provide an update on the patients’ conditions by Saturday evening. “We can call a mass casualty incident when we have something like this where we have multiple heat-related illnesses. That allows us to order more resources,” explained CSFD Public Information Officer Ashley Franco to ABC affiliate, KRDO.

The National Weather Service reported that temperatures soared to 96 degrees with clear skies, contributing to the heat-related issues. CSFD Chief Randy Royal emphasized that the department had prepared extensively for large events like this, stating, “On Sunday, like every day, we had a plan in place in the event we needed to activate it.” The Pikes Peak Air Show was scheduled to continue on Sunday, with a high of 93 degrees and a heat advisory still in effect. CSFD urged attendees to come equipped with water, hats, sunscreen, umbrellas, and other essentials to cope with the heat.

Etihad Airways welcomed 1.7 million passengers in July

Etihad Airways’ CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, announced a significant increase in passenger numbers for July, with a 33% surge compared to the same period last year, highlighting the airline’s strong and ongoing growth. “Year-to-date, we have served 10.4 million passengers, an increase of 2.8 million from the same period last year, and as of July 2024, our rolling 12-month passenger count has reached 16.8 million,” Neves stated.

He also noted that the airline’s load factor in July stood at an impressive 89%, demonstrating successful performance during the peak summer season, even as the airline significantly expanded its capacity since 2023.

“Our fleet continues to grow, now comprising 93 aircraft, up from 78 in July 2023, and we have added 10 new destinations over the past year,” Neves added, reflecting the airline’s ongoing expansion and increased service offerings.

Four South African airlines recognised for service excellence in Africa

South African Airways, Airlink, LIFT, and FlySafair have all been acknowledged for their exceptional service in the Africa region. These airlines have earned a spot in the top 10 of the Best Airline Staff in Africa for 2024, according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards. Skytrax highlighted that the Best Airline Staff Service awards recognize the overall quality of service provided by airline staff, both at the airport and during flights.

Kenya Airways topped the list as the airline with the best staff on the continent. Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating that the award is a reflection of the dedication and outstanding service that the airline’s team members deliver daily. He added that this recognition serves as a strong motivation for the airline to continue its pursuit of excellence in service and passenger satisfaction. South African Airways (SAA), making a strong recovery, secured the second position on the list, operating with a fleet of 12 aircraft, covering 15 destinations, and employing 2,000 staff members.

Airlink, Southern Africa’s independent airline, operates over 65 aircraft and serves more than 45 destinations across 15 African countries, including St. Helena Island. Additionally, LIFT, Africa’s youngest airline, and FlySafair, both of which are domestic carriers in South Africa, were also recognized among the Best Airline Staff in Africa for 2024.

Ethiopia inks deal for Africa’s largest airport

Ethiopian Airlines has signed a significant contract with Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm Dar Al-Handasah to design what will become Africa’s largest airport. This new airport, expected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, will be located near the town of Bishoftu, about 45 kilometres south of Addis Ababa. The project aims to address the growing demand for air travel in the region, as the current Bole Addis Ababa International Airport is nearing its capacity of 25 million passengers per year. The new airport will feature a massive terminal, capable of parking 270 aircraft, and is set to significantly expand Ethiopia’s role as a global aviation hub.

Scheduled for completion by 2029, the first phase of the airport project is projected to cost at least $6 billion and will initially provide capacity for 60 million passengers. The ambitious design includes a 1.1 million square meter terminal with passenger facilities, over 126,000 square meters dedicated to airline support, and more than 100,000 square meters for cargo and airport support facilities. Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, emphasized that the airport’s exceptional capacity and world-class facilities will be instrumental in achieving Ethiopia’s goal of becoming a leading global aviation hub, further solidifying the airline’s dominant position in the African market.

The project is not only a testament to Ethiopia’s growing influence in international air travel but also a significant step forward for the region’s infrastructure. Dar Al-Handasah’s Director of Operations in Ethiopia, Tariq Al-Qanni, expressed his pride in collaborating on this visionary project, highlighting its potential to enhance global connectivity, spur economic growth, and position Ethiopian Airlines as Africa’s most strategic and competitive aviation group. The airport’s design will also reflect Ethiopian heritage, aiming to create a landmark structure that embodies sustainability, resilience, and future-readiness, ensuring it meets the demands of tomorrow’s air travel while celebrating the nation’s rich cultural legacy.

SpaceX launch sparks sonic booms in Central Florida

On Thursday morning, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying the Maxar 2 mission into orbit. Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s first-stage booster made a successful landing at SpaceX’s designated landing zone at the Space Force station, generating sonic booms that resonated across the region.

Residents in several counties, including Brevard, Indian River, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, St. Lucie, and Volusia, were expected to hear one or more sonic booms during the booster’s descent. SpaceX noted that the intensity of the experience would vary depending on weather and other conditions. This isn’t the first time a space mission has created sonic booms in the area; when the Ax-3 crew returned to Earth in February, many Central Florida residents reported hearing a similar phenomenon as the spacecraft re-entered the atmosphere. As boosters and spacecraft travel at supersonic speeds, they produce shockwaves that can be heard on the ground as sonic booms. For Thursday’s launch, the 45th Weather Squadron predicted only a 20% chance of weather interference.

Robot Dogs of War

The Chinese military has recently introduced a new addition to its arsenal: a “robot dog” equipped with a machine gun. During the Golden Dragon 24 joint military exercises with Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, footage released by the state-run news agency CCTV showcased this four-legged robot in action. In one scenario, the robot dog, carrying what appears to be a 5.8 x 42-mm QBZ-95 assault rifle, enters a building ahead of Chinese soldiers, demonstrating its potential use in urban combat operations. In another scene, the robot advances on a target, firing a burst of bullets, highlighting its capability as a new member of the team for reconnaissance and target engagement.

This isn’t China’s first foray into weaponizing robotic dogs. Back in October 2022, the Chinese defence company Kestrel defence demonstrated an unmanned aerial vehicle dropping a quadrupedal ground robot fitted with a 5.8 x 42-mm QBB-97 light machine gun onto a rooftop during an urban warfare experiment. The company has also experimented with robot dogs equipped with various combat systems, ranging from smoke grenades to loitering munitions. More recently, in March, Chinese researchers claimed that a robot dog outfitted with a 7.62-mm rifle achieved marksmanship on par with trained human sharpshooters, as reported by the South China Morning Post. These developments have raised concerns among international observers, including American lawmakers, about the implications for national security.

While China appears to be leading in the weaponization of robot dogs, the United States military is not far behind. The Pentagon has been experimenting with arming quadrupedal robots with weapons such as the 5.56 x 45-mm M4A1 carbine, the 6.8-mm XM7 rifle, and the M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) has also been testing mounted gun systems on robotic canines. Although American defense officials emphasize that these developments are still in the experimental stage, intended to explore future possibilities, the rapid pace of advancements suggests that the US military may soon have to seriously consider integrating armed robot dogs into its combat operations, following closely on China’s heels.

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