GLOBAL JUNE 2013 / Vol. 5 / No. 6

R25 Magazine for the Airline • Charter • Travel • Business • Defence • Air Show • Training & General Aviation Industries

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Available 24 / 7 / 365 www.chapman-freeborn.com 1464 GLOBAL Fly anywhere, anytime, any way PO Box 72416, Parkview, 2122 - 35 Main Road, Barbeque Downs, 1685 with the world’s largest aircraft charter broker Tel: 011 701 5050 Fax: 086 515 2154 - www.globalaviator.co.za Publisher: Mike de Villiers - 082 466 7757 [email protected] Web design: Cesaré de Villiers [email protected] Travel Editor: Charmaine de Villiers - Cell: 082 551 4377 [email protected] Contributors: Owen Zupp (AUS), Charmaine de Villiers (SA), Cesaré de Villiers (SA), Mike Wright (SA), Dr Guy Gratton (UK), John Beckner (USA), David Cenciotti (Italy), Helen Krasner (UK Caterina Whatever your vision for your next trip, Chapman Freeborn can Hessler (UK), Cristian Schrik (Netherlands), Nico van Remmerden (Holland), Skaiste Knyzaite, arrange a customised air travel solution to help you achieve it. Richard Browne (CT), Tim Kern (USA). Advertising: Corporate aircraft charter with Chapman Freeborn is a fully managed service Mike de Villiers Sales Director +27 82 466 7757 offering maximum convenience and flexibility worldwide. In today’s environment of [email protected] corporate accountability, protracted airport formalities and airline route cutbacks, there are many advantages to chartering a private aircraft. Chris Theodosi Sales Manager - Johannesburg Office 072 799 1879 - [email protected]

These include: Mike Wright Sales Manager - Durban Office • choosing the most convenient airport [email protected] • travelling at times that suit your schedule • streamlined passage through smaller, private terminals Printing Paarl Media - Paarl • the safety and security of carefully vetted operators and crew Racing / Mailwise • the privacy to conduct confidential business onboard Distribution • a more flexible baggage allowance tailored to your individual preferences Editorial Enquiries [email protected] Subscription Enquiries [email protected] Cell: 082 466 7757 KZN Winter Air Tour hoping to put Published Monthly on the last day of the month aspiring pilots in the cockpit! Distribution Government departments, CAA, SAA pilots, charter companies, marketing, advertising, media, Trust your mining cargo to hotels, lodges, Dr’s rooms, golf courses, banks, big business, airport lounges, libraries, schools, With the cool breeze in the available in the industry, such other professions, and so car dealerships, international companies in Africa KwaZulu Natal skies marking as pilots, engineers and other events like airshows that can the global aircraft charter and abroad via-mail. the start of the regionals peripheral jobs in the aviation help improve the industry Banking: Global Aviator extremely active and festive and even travel industries.” profile as welcomed. First National Bank, winter, some of the country’s The airshows are The first airshow is just specialists. Parktown - 250455 most impressive and fastest beneficial to scholars and around the corner, as the tour Account number - 62108220584 aircraft are preparing to take young aspiring pilots as they kicks off in Newcastle on the Disclaimer: The publisher and editor of Global Aviator give no warranties, this year’s KZN Winter Air get to see a different side to 1st June before making its Nothing is too large, too small or too difficult guarantees, or assurances, and, make no representation Tour shows to new heights. standard aviation and also rounds across the province regarding any goods or services advertised in this issue. Copyright: Global Aviator. All rights reserved. No portion of this The second year of this get to learn about some of and ending with the flagship publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior The global specialists in providing tailored charter solutions to the mining written permission of the publisher of Global Aviator. Global innovative project to bring the classics that have adorned Durban Airshow at Virginia sector anywhere in Africa and the world. Aviator will not be held responsible for any unsolicited material aviation to the people and our skies. According to on the 13th July. The KZN contained within this issue. Global Aviator reserves the right to refuse material offered for publication if it is found to be share more about the industry Mango airline CEO Nico Winter Air Tour definitely is Try us for: discriminatory, offensive or defamatory. will see young kids get a Bezuidenhout, aviation as bringing aviation to the people • Moving any cargo from 1kg to 100T sneak peek at what it takes to a career choice has never of the province, including • Outsized pieces become a world-class pilot. enjoyed the prominence of the aspiring aviators. • • Time critical equipment & valuables For sound and broadcast by the • Dangerous goods, including Class 1 and Class 6 Executive travel The seven airshows, • Projects & Mobilizations • hospitality and events "Man with the voice - Mr Airshow" set to take place across the • Commodities • travel professionals Airshows and other functions please contact: province over winter, will • Rescues & Evacuations • head of state, government and diplomatic flights Brian Emmenis at Capital Sounds bring aviation closer to the • bands on tour 057 3882351 or 0825503604 people than ever before. We’ll reduce the lead time of transporting critical items by directly chartering • movie promos “During the early years of aircraft into exploration and mining locations. We offer cost-effective cargo charter the Durban Airshow, it was solutions to the mining and energy sectors. more about showing off the different aircraft - it was a [email protected] [email protected] flat show,” said John Neilon, event organiser and airside director of the KZN Winter Air Tour. “It is only more recently that the concept of For more information on Chapman Freeborn’s specialised air charter solutions for your business, please visit: airshows has changed to drive huge awareness of careers www.chapman-freeborn.com e-mail: [email protected] Contact: +27 11 258 8933 For all Air Shows during 2013 please visit our E-mail [email protected] new website at www.globalaviator.co.`za Available 24 / 7 / 365 2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 3 www.chapman-freeborn.com 1464 MAX SPEED: MACH 0.85 MAX RANGE: 6,667 KM MAX ALTITUDE: 13,716 M More Efficient | Lower Emissions

Global View The view from above By Owen Zupp

e only gained this new or farmers, now long gone. Their of human movement and in an ongoing in the event of an emergency. It's best perspective in recent times. buildings remain, blending back into debate with gravity, flight enables us not to cause them to crane their necks WSince we first climbed down the outback sands out of which they to see so much more of our world than unless it is an act of curiosity or envy, from the trees, we've been seeking to grew. Corrugated tin roofing flapping we could ever have imagined. And for there are those on the ground who once again climb up them. Higher, in the breeze and empty door frames, the geometry need not always be the would like us all to stay on the ground. to a better vantage point to observe open to the drifting sands. Only the efficiency of a straight line from A to B, We should plan to give their more our surroundings, both beautiful and stone walls seem to offer resistance but the unbridled fun of wandering in dense gatherings a little wider berth and hostile. First came extended glimpses to the onslaught of time and nature. the sky and loitering for a longer look. ourselves unpopulated options should from balloons and gliders, before pow- From above they stand so alone Still it is important to not become we need to 'put down' in a hurry. ered flight offered freedoms that had and yet undoubtedly played host totally lost in the moment. We are Obviously, these options are only previously been dreamed of. to hilarity, hope and heartache in venturing where some angels fear to not always available, but we should So now we sit perched between grander times. All around the eye tread. Beside a towering cumulonimbus always make an effort. The ability the hills and the heavens, looking can see nothing but the horizon and cloud, the largest aircraft looks like an to co-exist makes for a better world, down upon the earth from all dry river beds, still these pioneers insignificant gnat. Turbulence, wind and the fact that our community manner of heights. Still, rather than staked their claim in this very and rain can transform the environment resides amongst the cumulus doesn't occupying some lofty throne we spot. Now many undoubtedly lie so quickly and toss those aloft about makes us exempt. We must play remain guests in an unfamiliar realm. in tiny graves on the small ridge a with ferocity. And what of those below? our part as fellow land dwellers and A realm that can turn and bite, or few miles up the road. One cannot Yes, we are also privileged to respect that the gift of flight comes disorientate in an instant, with a help but wonder what stories these fly above the roofs of those living with some caveats. Compared to the fury that only nature can summon. walls once told, now fallen silent beneath our wings. The homes and benefits, it is a small price to pay. And yet we routinely step into and their words lost in time. businesses that are going about their To rise into the sky and view the this world aloft as passenger or All of these communities, great day at sea level. They are generally world as our forefathers never could pilot and marvel at the sights below. and small are on display to those oblivious to our presence above unless is a modern marvel. They sought Sunsets and scenery that change who fly. Spectacular cities and the noise of an aircraft engine causes out the highest mountains to survey not merely with the seasons, but by remote villages are there for those them to crane their neck and look their world, now we survey those the moment. Remote red deserts or who climb up amongst the clouds. skywards. Some will occasionally mountains from above. Just as they deep green waves enchant in their The vista from altitude is special mutter a curse as well, but that's OK. placed their footsteps carefully upon own special way, while man-made and the speed of flight can offer the We understand. Their difference in the rising slopes, we must make our structures remind us where we extremes of human habitation in a opinion and perspective does not way carefully through the skies. Only ultimately belong. Homes, factories, matter of hours, if not minutes. The detract from the care we must take as when we venture forth with the balance offices and stadiums all gather on air offers a life-line not visible to the we transit their lives at a distance. of wonder and respect can we truly river banks, harbours and rail-lines. human eye. It is not the gun-barrel We must always endeavour to draw out the magic of flight and the Humans congregating and growing highway or the pot-holed outback minimise our impact on their world. world about us. Only then can we truly as communities, great and small. track over which wheels rumble. Whether that is in day to day flying, or appreciate the view from above. • An entire town may seem little It is a fine thread joined by cleared more than a gathering of dots from patches of dirt and asphalt on the a great altitude, while a low level city limits or in a farmer's paddock. coastal flight may seemingly place There for the interested traveller, Owen Zupp has over 16 000 hours of varied experience having first flown as a com- the cockpit in the eye-line of the businessman and medical evacuation mercial pilot in 1987. His background includes charter work, flight instruction and ferry resident. Towering skyscrapers alike, these landing fields give wings flights. Serving as a Chief Pilot, Chief Flying Instructor and an Approved Test Officer rounded off his time in General Aviation before joining Ansett Australia in 1994 as a First that catapult humankind into the to a land-locked species. In straight Officer on the 737. skies without ever leaving the lines and over undulations we can He has a Masters Degree in Aviation Management. His writings on aviation have been EAN MEETS GREEN ground and the unmistakable launch into that three-dimensional published both in Australia and abroad. Owen won the Australian National Aviation Press mosaic of suburbia's red roofs. world and fly as far as the fuel tanks, Club’s Aviation Technical Story of the Year award in 2006. In 2007 his first book, Down to L And then there are the ghost towns. wallet and airspace limitations permit. Earth, was published and traces the combat experiences of a WWII RAF fighter pilot. IN SERV As the leader in business aviation, it wasn’t enough for the OW IC Once thriving communities of miners Uninhibited by the conventional laws N E new Gulfstream G280™ to be fuel efficient, it had to be the most fuel efficient super mid-size aircraft on the market. LANSERIA AIRPORT - Johannesburg / CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL - Cape Town LANSERIA AIRPORT - Johannesburg Burning 7%-12% less fuel than its nearest competitors, the Lanseria International - Johannesburg Tel: +27 11 516 2300 MCC Aviation, is an established fixed and rotor wing air charter service G280 is both economically and ecologically-friendly. operator, based at Lanseria International Airport. MCC Aviation operates Cape Town International Airport - Cape Town Tel: +27 21 934 5764 a 100% wholly owned fleet of several piston and large turbine prop [email protected] 24 hr No. aircraft, passenger jets as well as turbine helicopters. Murtala Muhammed International Airport - Lagos Tel: +234 1295 5110 +27 82 330 7399 • Multi Engine (C402, C90, B200, Jetstream J41) • Jet Aircraft (Lear 35, Gulfstream) [email protected] www.execujet.net • Turbine Helicopters (Bell 206 / 407, AS350 B3) • VIP Lounge SERVICES • Aircraft Maintenance • Aircraft Management • Aircraft Sales (new & pre-owned) PETE BURESH | +27 82 315 6338 or +1 912 224 7548 | [email protected] | GULFSTREAMG280.com OFFERED • Avionics/Instruments • Charter • Concierge Service • FBO • SimplyFly Jet Card +27 (0) 11 701 2332 [email protected] www.flymcc.co.za Range shown is based on NBAA IFR theoretical range at Mach 0.80 with four passengers. Actual range will be affected by ATC routing, operating speed, weather, outfitting options and other factors. Aircraft shown with optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS). 4 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 MAX SPEED: MACH 0.85 MAX RANGE: 6,667 KM MAX ALTITUDE: 13,716 M More Efficient | Lower Emissions

L EAN MEETS GREEN IN SERV As the leader in business aviation, it wasn’t enough for the OW IC N E new Gulfstream G280™ to be fuel efficient, it had to be the most fuel efficient super mid-size aircraft on the market. Burning 7%-12% less fuel than its nearest competitors, the G280 is both economically and ecologically-friendly.

PETE BURESH | +27 82 315 6338 or +1 912 224 7548 | [email protected] | GULFSTREAMG280.com

Range shown is based on NBAA IFR theoretical range at Mach 0.80 with four passengers. Actual range will be affected by ATC routing, operating speed, weather, outfitting options and other factors. Aircraft shown with optional Enhanced Vision System (EVS). It would soon dawn on me that it was all “Bull!” Hilton maintained wonderful family had been robbed to survive in places like this, one that if two people could chat and of its two men, breadwinners, Flying in Africa needs to find their own space and drink beer together then the chances soulmates and blood in one week. by Richard Browne provide for themselves a happiness of them flying an aircraft for any I have never believed in the based on available circumstances. I length of time collectively were good. UN, I have done enough work was introduced to Hilton Wilkinson I still hold this theory with me today. for them on various continents in via one of these conduits, a I am not a believer in over-thinking various guises, UNHCR, UNICEF, massive party at an NGO behind the CRM concept, if we can't get on UNAMSIL to name a few, and all of high walls and armed guards. personally, then I rely on the SOP. them have one thing in common. This was a lively fellow, one who One night after a party, Hilton They only exist to provide jobs lived for his flying and played hard caught a taxi to our residence which and covert operations blanketed in a thereafter. I worked out very quickly was provided by the Red Cross. humanitarian flag. In fact, I'd go as that Hilton was well liked and when Hilton was working for the far to say that most NGO's are much he wasn't enjoying a party, he was UN at the time under Balmoral the same. I have however operated an extremely well respected operator Contracts. He paid his way past our with some that are fantastic and they of his aircraft. He was in Angola guard and tip-toed up our stairs. It get my loose change in their tins. flying a Cessna Caravan at this stage, was onto my back that he let drive a My dealings with many of these performing the daily local milk-runs as 9kg dry powder fire extinguisher. organizations over many years in they were known, where the Kingair I awoke immediately to the many countries has left a bitter taste would service the further fields. “whooosh” and then complete IFR with regards to the real good they do Hilton loved the Caravan and was whilst wrestling with a mosquito on the ground. In fact on more than adept at its handling and mechanics. net to find some clearer air in one occasion, whilst distributing I recall one of the pilots returning which to breathe and see. bags of food to the needy, I have The Luanda after a days flying saying he had The next few days were spent ripped off the “Proudly Donated been into a field where Hilton was apologizing to the Red Cross for By” labels to reveal a best-before Hilton spending an hour or two. His last destroying the new parquet flooring, date that has long since expired. I met Hilton during my first trip image was of our friend sun tanning the hi-fi, TV and two-way radios – On the numerous occasions in Angola and my initiation time on the wing in his underpants under nothing new as the Swiss managed delegates would be caught with hash on contract. I was wide-eyed and a very hot Angolan sky! He was a NGO was never much of a laugh coming into Pakistan on our aircraft, altogether quite startled at the character alright. I would see him land anyway. We enjoyed the side-show. the first person at our doorstep was state of this country that I found in the capital on the long runway and We all knew it was Hilton though always the media liaison who'd muzzle myself in. Being from a farm and wheelie the aircraft to the exit, then because we found him asleep on the us. Talking out of turn about an NGO a relatively clean and stable place, drop the nose-wheel and turn off. now white couch still in his shorts! or the like was not cricket. Yet they this Luanda was everything I He finished off what Andie Van However his true love was the seemed to enjoy an immunity of sorts. thought a place should not be. Oordt taught me about CRM. He said C130 Hercules. I am told that his Perhaps time has a trait of father, Johnny, flew it and was also, tempering our emotions and putting a well respected gentleman. Hilton things to rest in a way no drug can, would watch the Herc landing and long term that is. When I look back then action his hands into reverse as and see a young lad cut down in his the crew on the aircraft did, he preyed prime, I take solace in the fact that he on the noise of the engines, it was a died doing what he loved in an aircraft fixation that was a pleasure to behold. he felt he was destined to retire in. I Hilton believed he was in the was angry then but am mellow about country to help, he really did. I know this now. I still don't and will never that on a personal level he didn't trust the “humanitarians” again. see much of a chance of change for I ask you, the good reader, a the better, but individually he knew question then. he was making people happy. To what end must thoughts be Then one day, in Belgium, I gagged for the psychological betterment received a call to say Hilton had of a few? How is it that we've come been killed. to be a society of dancers, pirouetting He was shot down in a Herc around pertinent issues when what whilst on a search mission for his needs to be said and done is neglected? Dad, who had been shot down as Isn't that what the whole idea behind well. A quite surreal scenario. resolving issues is about? Are we The detail that I received at trying to create a Utopia but failing the time was that they were on a miserably through shortcomings in United Nations call-sign but that the human psyche and personality? the UN were not sending a rescue Are we becoming guilty of creating party into the area for fear of conflict “cotton-wool clones?” Either way, the militarily with the local militia. world is still worse off with Hilton I refused to believe that an and John's demise. Since that fateful entity like the UN, with the aids week, various major conflicts, Iraq and assets at its disposal would (again), Afghanistan, Syria, Libya We can get you anywhere! shy away from helping these have kicked off. I know that Hilly downed aviators – yet they did. would've been the first into both to At the funeral I recall a latent fly his Caravan. “Just for kicks” he'd anger towards the people that say, “sh.ts and giggles” was another. Tel: +27 76 983 1089 (24 hours) should have been more responsible However, and this is ultimately

Tel: +27 11 701 2330/1 Fax: +27 11 701 2334 towards the institution that was the saddest part, would taking Email: [email protected] Website: www.flyifc.co.za his aircraft to another conflict, to Address: Hanger 201, Gate 7 Ring Road, Lanseria operating those aircraft. Nothing Airport. We are located in the Elite Jet Offices. was openly said, but then nothing try and do more good, actually GPS coordinates: S25º 57.07 E27 º 58.1 needed to be. I was not even sure have made any difference? International Flight Clearances if the UN sent a representative It is in the human spirit to destroy to be at the service and wake. itself, what we cannot dominate, The saddest fact was that a we kill. It's just our flawed way! • Advert 21 Nov.indd 1 5/28/12 6:27 PM

6 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013

seamless travel experience before refreshments, appropriate to the Kenya Airways gets Airline News their flight, in the air and when time of day. Flying British Airways they reach their destination. Traveller provides an upgraded Malawi government Club (business class) customers experience at a great value price. can check-in for their flight at the “With British Airways it’s all approval to fly dedicated Club check-in counters about delivering a premium travel into Blantyre and relax in the departure lounges experience ensuring our customers Kenya Airways has received approval Comair celebrates while waiting for their flight. arrive at their destination refreshed from the Government of the Republic Onboard, customers receive the and relaxed,” says Pozyn. of Malawi to begin flying into Chileka inaugural flight highest levels of service synonymous For bookings to-and-from Airport in Blantyre effective June 3, with British Airways, which Maputo, call the British Airways 2013. In a letter to the airline from on Maputo route includes quality food, a selection of Contact Centre on 0860 I FLY Secretary for Transport and Public premium wines, extra legroom and BA (0860 4 359 22) or +27 (11) Works, Government of Malawi, British Airways (operated by additional reading material, all in 921 0222 or book through your Moffat Chitimbe, Kenya Airways Comair) has commenced its the comfort of a separate cabin. local travel agent. Flights are also was also given approval to resume new route between O.R. Tambo Customers flying in Traveller available via ba.com, as well as 5th Freedom Traffic Rights on the International Airport, and Maputo (economy class) can sit back and being integrated and available Lilongwe-Lusaka sector. “I am International Airport, Mozambique. relax whilst enjoying complimentary through the kulula.com website. • pleased to convey Government On the 6th May British Airways approval for your operations into (operated by Comair) within Chileka Airport, Blantyre, and the southern Africa, took its maiden Innovative use for lemon juice exercise of 5th Freedom Traffic flight from O.R. Tambo departing Rights on the Lilongwe-Lusaka sector at 09:00, to Maputo International Austrian Technik receives City of three different maintenance methods effective 3rd June, 2013,” read the Airport, arriving at 10:05. Vienna’s Environmental Prize had to be employed several times a letter in part. The approval of the 5th The flight on this route is a for revolutionary method of year to keep the waste line system Freedom Traffic Rights follows an short 65-minute trip from O.R. cleaning aircraft toilet systems functioning, and the acid bath used had MOU signed between the Kenya and Tambo International Airport. Innovation and research are a to be specially disposed of. Thanks to Malawi governments in 2008 which The flight schedule comprises of top priority at the Lufthansa Group. Waliclean, Austrian Airlines, which allows collaborative arrangements daily return flights with a double The latest example is a revolutionary has been using the method since between designated carriers of both daily service on Tuesdays and method for cleaning vacuum waste 2012, will save about 7,165 litres of countries for their mutual benefit. Saturdays, which is conveniently line systems that was developed by chemicals per year. Today, 2,100 kg Currently Malawi has no national timed to enable ease of connectivity technicians at Austrian Technik, the of environmentally compatible citric carrier so Kenya Airways will be for international travellers aircraft maintenance arm of Austrian acid is used instead of chemicals. This the sole operator in the meantime. transferring through O.R Tambo Airlines, and is now also being conserves the environment, protects Receiving the good news, Kenya International Airport to Maputo. tested by Lufthansa Technik. The staff and significantly improves storage, Airways Group Managing Director Customers travelling to and innovative system is not only kind to transport and disposal requirements. and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Titus from Maputo will fly in comfort the environment but also saves time The weight saving after using Naikuni, thanked both the Kenya and on British Airways’ fleet of Boeing and money. For this invention, the Waliclean is about 75 kg in the case Malawi governments for facilitating 737-300 and 400s, and will have a MRO division of Austrian Airlines has of an Austrian Airlines Boeing 777, the approvals. “We are delighted choice of two cabins, Club (business now been awarded the Environmental which amounts to an annual saving to get these approvals which will class) or Traveller (economy class). Prize of the City of Vienna. of 44 tonnes of kerosene per aircraft. enable us to enhance our presence in Shaun Pozyn, Marketing Waliclean, as the new cleaning That is equivalent to about 138 tonnes the Southern African country whilst Manager for British Airways says, system is called, is based on a simple of CO2. Using the new cleansing supporting the development of the “We are excited to commence with principle: a solution of regular citric method will also generate substantial region through provision of efficient this new route to Maputo as it allows acid and warm water is circulated financial savings, as Austrian Airlines air transport services,” said Naikuni. us to grow our footprint in Africa.” through the aircraft’s waste line will be able to reduce the man-hours The granting of the 5th Freedom Traffic British Airways (operated by system by means of regulated negative required by more than 4,000 per year. Rights allows Kenya Airways to pick Comair) provides a premium service, pressure. Once the system has been Lufthansa Technik aims to put the up passengers in Lusaka and drop enhancing the entire customer successfully cleaned, it is rinsed Waliclean system into operation this them in Lilongwe and vice versa. experience. Whether it’s for leisure with clear water and emptied. The summer. The necessary preparations Kenya Airways flies 10 times or business, when travelling with rinse water can be disposed of easily are already underway at Lufthansa per week to Lilongwe and will soon British Airways, customers enjoy a via the sewage system. In the past, Technik’s Frankfurt base. • announce its schedule into Blantyre. •

SAA’s new aircraft technology set to reduce fuel burn and travel time South African Airways (SAA) increased revenue, and reduced in safety and efficiency. infrastructure,” said Captain has received authorisation to fly environmental impact. The use of The new RNP-AR procedures Johnny Woods, Head of Flight new safety enhancing and fuel the new technology can further will provide shorter flight paths Operations and Chief Pilot at SAA. saving instrument departure and decrease travelling time on trips allowing a reduction in flight The new procedures are approach procedures. The approval, to and from Cape Town, for time and fuel burn on each the result of a partnership which is the first in Africa, paves instance, by 5 – 10 minutes. approach and departure track. between SAA and Quovadis, a the way for further developments Following an approval by This will provide an opportunity subsidiary of Airbus ProSky. that could enhance safety and the South African Civil Aviation for immediate benefit with SAA “This milestone signifies increase operational efficiency Authority, SAA is now using the aircraft potentially saving over South Africa’s readiness for throughout SAA’s route network. new flight procedures in all weather 600 000kg of fuel per year. a wider Performance Based The benefits of the new conditions on flights into and out of “Once the technology is Navigation deployment in line procedures, which put SAA on Cape Town International Airport. rolled out onto SAA’s regional with recommendations set out by a select list of premier airlines The new procedures, known as and international network, the the International Civil Aviation with cutting-edge technology and Required Navigational Performance long term benefit is not only a Organization (ICAO). We are operational capability, include - Authorisation Required (RNP- substantial saving in fuel costs but thus grateful for the great support improvement in safety, decreased AR) procedures which utilize also a significant improvement from Quovadis, Airbus and operational costs, increased advanced on-board navigation in flight safety, particularly Boeing and look forward to future scheduling integrity with direct technology and space based GPS when flying in areas with limited implementations and procedure impact on on-time performance, signals to achieve the enhancements ground-based navigational design,” said Capt. Woods. •

8 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013

usage of aluminium materials. 53% Furthermore, they are less ‘predictable’ segment, left alone a training Training News of the upcoming Airbus A350 will be than traditional materials and more organization. Then there is the lack also made of composite materials. prone to such issues as complex of an industry-wide standard with by Kestutis Volungevicius Head of FL Technics However, in spite of the damage (fibre cracks, flaws, etc.). regard to the training programs to accelerating trend of their utilization, Handling and inspecting composite consider. For these reasons, whether it composites still remain relatively materials requires not only more is an MRO company or an individual new materials, particularly in the sophisticated Non-Destructive Testing wishing to develop a career in aircraft aircraft repair segment, as aircraft (NDT) methods, but also higher maintenance, one has to choose a with a significant amount of qualification of the staff specializing composite repair training organization composite content have only recently in complex composite repairs. especially carefully. It is vital to started penetrating the market. ‘Practical experience is essential evaluate the opportunities for both According to Mr. Volungevicius, when it comes to composite repair practical internship after theoretical composites are characteristic of a training. Unfortunately, not every courses and the compliance of such much more complicated structural MRO provider has an extensive an organization with standards of design than aluminium components. experience in composite repair the major aircraft manufacturers. •

Rising utilization of composite materials calls for urgent attention to the aviation training industry From the first fibreglass materials used in Boeing 707 in 1950s to the modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the utilization of composite materials in aviation has been rapidly developing, particularly over the past decade. However, despite significantly reducing aircraft weight, composite materials are less ‘predictable’ than the aluminium- based components and are harder to be examined for various cracks and flaws. As a result, composites remain a topical issue within the MRO community, particularly in the segment of maintenance training. At the dawn of the composite era they accounted for a mere several percent of all components in commercial aircraft. However, over the past 20 years jet fuel prices have risen from approx. $23/bbl. to $125/bbl thus triggering a natural demand for aircraft with more effective fuel systems. This, amongst other factors, has encouraged manufacturers to develop and introduce new materials which would ensure uncompromised performance with reduced fuel consumption. ‘Weight is essential when it comes to aircraft fuel consumption. The utilization of composites in such aircraft as Boeing 787 Dreamliner, where they correspond to about 50% of the structural weight, helps to reduce the final weight of the aircraft by approx. 20% in comparison to the

10 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 Training News

Summer season 2013 might prove costly for airlines operating in Europe by Zilvinas Sadauskas, CEO of Locatory.com.

The summer is rapidly approaching in the etc. The costs for a wide body aircraft such northern hemisphere and the majority of as Boeing 747 are even greater, let alone the airlines have already launched their A380 giant which, if AOG-ed, brings losses summer season programmes with hundreds of 980,000 USD per day,’ comments Zilvin. of new routes on their updated schedules. With regard to the newest ruling, passengers However, tighter schedules mean every who are travelling from/to or within the EU, second costs for airlines, particularly for are entitled to a €250-€600 compensation. the European carries. With the mechanical Considering Boeing 737-800 seat capacity malfunction to be ruled out from the and the fact that most aircraft tend to be fully list of extraordinary circumstances, airlines loaded during High Peak summer seasons, operating to/from European airports are likely to this potentially implies a minimum of €42,000 face even higher financial risks in additional costs for airlines in AOG should they experience an aircraft- situations causing delays of 3 hours or more. on-ground situation during ‘The majority of airlines send their aircraft the summer season 2013. for technical repairs and overhaul during the In October 2012 the Court of Justice of the winter. Some of them, like Ryanair, ground European Union ruled that all passengers who some of their aircraft during low seasons. But reach their destination with a three hours’ long during the summer season every aircraft runs delay or more are eligible for compensation a significantly higher risk of an AOG situation from airlines, excluding situations caused by as airlines are seeking to achieve the maximum extraordinary circumstances. However, performance of their fleet while transporting the ruling also clarified that technical millions of passengers to their vacation problems shall not be considered as such. destinations. Moreover, an AOG situation is not ‘When an aircraft cannot proceed with the only a financial concern, as it can potentially take off due to a technical malfunction, it is said have detrimental effects on the airline’s image. It that the airline encounters an Aircraft-on-Ground is natural that even an hour-long delay may ruin situation, otherwise known as an AOG. The cost one’s entire holiday should a connecting flight of a single AOG case for a narrow-body aircraft, be missed. Considering the aforementioned, such as Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, is at least airlines ought to seek for more prompt means of 20-30 thousand dollars per day. This includes the parts supply. Particularly when it comes to the acquisition and express delivery of new parts, search of local suppliers in remote destinations. which may be overpriced by 100% or more due While life-guards on a beach are to time-sensitivity of the case; the provision of looking after your passengers, Locatory. food and beverages, accommodation as well as com is looking after your aircraft. Find other non-monetary compensation means other out our latest video ‘AOG Watch’ via: for the waiting passengers; arrangements for a spare aircraft should the rectification of the http://www.locatory.com/en/aog-watch- revealed defects take more time than expected, campaign-for-airlines-173.html

Vector Aerospace announces multi-million dollar expansion at its Andalusia, Alabama facility Vector Aerospace has announced the Lean Manufacturing processes which will further grand opening of its new hangar and office reduce aircraft Turn Around Time (TAT). complex which adds 45,000 square feet to The increased capacity and streamlined its existing Helicopter Maintenance Repair processes will also result in additional aircraft and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Andalusia. completions per year. Vector will increase This expansion provides Vector with over its workforce from 140 to 170 employees 90,000 square feet of operations and support this year and continue to increase its direct area and will allow Vector to service more than employees to meet customers’ requirements, 20 aircraft concurrently. The additional space both military and commercial, in the will enable Vector to implement a number of coming years. •

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 11 is in flight. The interior conversion Airline News and modifications of MSN 3200 will be completed by 328 at its Oberpfaffenhofen headquarters. SpringChild Investments will have the external paint work on 328 Deliveries in Nigeria another Dornier 328 (MSN 3221) completed at sister company SkyBird Air JETS Bournemouth in the UK receives final aircraft, demonstrating the integrated offering the restructured 328 Group whilst SpringChild companies can offer. This aircraft is Investments takes two due to be commenced in late May for delivery in early June 2013 German-based completions and “We are pleased to have refurbishment company 328 Support been able to deliver these 328 GmbH had three reasons to be cheerful conversions to the rapidly growing this April. The final aircraft in a series business aviation sector in Nigeria. of three Dornier 328 jet conversions It has become an important area (MSN 3141) was delivered to Nigerian for us and we are continually charter company SkyBird Air in early seeking opportunities to expand April. The Lagos based company, in the region,” said Dave Jackson, which was a new African customer Managing Director, 328 Group. for 328, accepted the refurbished 32 It is anticipated that both seat 328 Jet aircraft at 328’s facilities Nigerian companies will sign in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. The up for long term maintenance latest delivery completes a contract contracts with Type Certificate worth over 14 million euros in total holder 328 and reflects its which saw recently rebranded 328 expanding interests on the African refurbish three Dornier 328 aircraft continent. It is currently in into two 32-seat passenger airliner discussions with another African conversions and a VIP configured airline , which already has a 328DBJ TM last year. The SkyBird Air single Dornier 328, for a long fleet now consists of Dornier Jets with term maintenance contract, and serial numbers 3120, 3141 and 3151. is exploring the opportunity to The VIP conversion features source three more Dornier 328 a first for Africa with SkyBird Air aircraft on this company’s behalf. choosing the 328DBJ TM version. 328 is well positioned to This format has long range tanks Above: James Daniels, Head of Flight Operations, SkyBird with Dave Jackson, work on the African continent Managing Director, 328 Group. fitted to the aircraft, increasing its with its unique skill set, growing overall range, with four passengers, to Top: James Daniels, SkyBird in Dornier 328 flightdeck capabilities and increasing portfolio just under 2000NM. The cabin boasts of interior manufacturer and design a completely renovated interior with both internally and externally. to deliver a Dornier conversion, to work on aircraft ranging from high quality leather and suede seat The aircraft was received just as SpringChild Investments, a Lagos small helicopters right up to Airbus covers in neutral tones complemented SkyBird Air was awarded its Nigerian based privately owned business. In A340/Boeing 767 sized aircraft. by red seat belts, a look that is Aircraft Operators Certificate (AOC) a first for Dornier 328 conversions Its expansion of maintenance consistent with the SkyBird Air brand. and with this final delivery will begin the configuration of MSN 3200 will expertise under the JETS brand, The new interiors, all of which were operating the three aircraft on a boast four forward facing business following the recent acquisition designed by Robin Dunlop of CTM charter basis out of its base at Murtala class seats at the front of the aircraft, of a new maintenance facility at Design who regularly works with Mohammed Airport, Lagos in May. complemented by a further 23 seats London Biggin Hill Airport is also the 328 team, are complemented in an economy format in the aft broadening its offering enabling by a wood veneer decorative panel, SpringChild Investments cabin. The four business seats have 328 in conjunction with JETS a full HD entertainment system, been engineered to slide away from to offer maintenance support and a SATCOM Wifi system. signs for two aircraft each other after take-off so improving away from its home base of LED lights were also incorporated In April 328 was also contracted passenger comfort once the aircraft Oberpfaffenhofen in Germany. •

Above: SkyBird Dornier 328 in VIP fit and airline fit

12 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS by Captain Gavin McKellar

At SAA we have started to inform employees attend safety briefings, know how risks are being about safety management systems (SMS). managed, and what risks are accepted, as well as I recently did the ICAO course and I trust outstanding risks. If the outstanding risks are not once fully implemented, it will make a acceptable to the CEO and airline, resources need difference to how we manage safety. to be allocated, from the top. I'm sure you safety Over the years our models of accident guys are tired of begging for stuff, safety has to prevention have matured from accepting accidents be professionally managed from the top down. as linear and being less proactive, to understanding Part of SMS will be identifying threats and accidents as organizational in nature with latent hazards, identifying risk through predictive as well as immediately more obvious causes. We and proactive means. Reactive systems such as see them as more of an intricate interlining web accident investigations will still have a place, of events than a linear chain. We see that front but hopefully reduced. There will also have to line operators, like pilots, often inherit defects be a quality assurance system which allows inn the system. The system is already deficient safety professionals to ensure that the strategies and high risk, just one event could complete the put in place to manage the identified threats and sequence for an accident to occur. Latent issues hazards, remain in place and are effective. need to be continually identified and managed. SMS also have a culture that continual We must understand that aviation is inherently improvement needs to be shown and there needs high risk. Only professional and continual risk to be a culture of actively and continuously management allow us to see safety records we managing risk. Implementation and monitoring is see these days. We also notice high accident often done poorly, and hopefully the transparent, rates where there is lack of political will, lack documented and formalized process under an of finances and knowledge. Basically a lack of SMS system will help improve these weak areas. aviation safety and risk, and hopefully a SMS We also learn about risk and how to manage will help to make the industry even safer. it through communication. We must report As pilots we are used to identifying risk hazards, but we also want feedback on what is ( safety ) and managing it to an acceptable being done to manage risk and what is not being level. We do it all the time. We do it well. Risk done. Lessons learned and sharing incidents can needs to be managed along the same business also be an effective tool in promoting safety. An principles, and with the same attention, as other efficient SMS system also recognizes effective aspects of the company- for instance finances. communication, safety promotion and education. The accident hull losses rate for western built An effective SMS can help us be more effective airliners was its lowest ever in 2013 at 0.20 per in saving lives and costs, in being efficient and safe. million departures. That means that a passenger It is the highest form of service we can offer our must take 5 million flights before being involved customers and we owe it to our companies and each in an accident. The rate continues to fall because other, to participate professionally in the companies of continued efforts in managing risk and the safety management system. There were 37.5 will to apply the SMS principle of showing million flights last year and 3 billion people flew, continual improvement. Unfortunately risk still most of them safely. Of these flights 29.8 million remains unacceptably high in Africa. ICAO were on jets and 7.7 million on turboprops. There has published an effort to have no region with were however 15 fatal accident with 414 fatalities. an accidents rate that is more than two times IATA has the IOSA programme in place. To the world average. It's an acceptable goal. me it shows that when there is a level of safety The CEO is the accountable manager for management, there is success. For all aircraft safety in an airline. Therefore he or she needs accidents the IATA airline rate was 4.3 times better to understand what the risks are and how they than the ORD average ( 0.76 vs 4.11/ million can be managed. The CEO needs to have a well departures). Complying with the IATA iSARPs trained and staffed safety department to advise and having a mature SMS will surely increase on safety issues and to help balance safety with the level of safety win your airline. We shouldn't profit. It would make sense then that the CEO work nor travel without them being in place. •

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 13 Celebrates years of Aircraft40 Chartering

oday, it is a leading supplier of to market changes,” said Chairman passenger and freight aircraft Chris Chapman, congratulating charters to major corporations, an expert team who have taken private individuals, aid agen- Chapman Freeborn to the top of the Chris Chapman, Chairman and co founder Tcies and governments, supporting 450 premier league in aircraft brokering, of Chapman Freeborn. employees and over 30 offices globally. flight operations and support. Chapman Freeborn was also Chris Chapman co-founded the one of the earliest players to arrange company in 1973 and he proudly led Chapman Freeborn is officially celebrating 40 years of private jet charters for corporate a weekend of celebrations for staff successful aircraft chartering this May. Starting out from humble travel in the 1980s, when the during the weekend of May 10-12 to beginnings from an office in London, arranging contracts industry was still in its infancy. mark four decades of achievement. “It is our people who have made He also paid tribute to the current for Alaska International Air’s L-100 Hercules fleet, the company our business what it is today - their senior management team - Carol has grown steadily and organically. dedication and their ability to adapt Norman, deputy chairman, Russi

14 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 Cessna XLS business jet Chapman started arranging charters for business jets in the early 1980s

Batliwala, CEO, Shahe Ouzounian, Africa, Asia and Australasia. promotions and other entertainment China and South America. COO and Peter Joarder, CFO, who have While the cargo sector was industry clients. The Rolling Stones, “The secret to our success,” each played an important part in guiding Chapman Freeborn’s focus in the U2 and Coldplay are just some adds Chris Chapman “is that after the company’s international expansion. early years, passenger charters household names to have worked with nearly 40 years we still believe in the Chapman Freeborn’s first office involving commercial airliners and Chapman Freeborn over the years. one size does not fit all philosophy. outside the UK was Frankfurt, smaller private jets today account for Working with celebrities brings Our brokers are renowned for their opened by Carol Norman in 1982, a significant percentage of Chapman its own unique challenges, but the ability to be creative and innovative initially to focus on the cargo Freeborn’s international business. Chapman Freeborn team prides itself and our focus has always been on sector. Germany has remained an In 1987 Chris Chapman set up on its discretion and willingness to building long term relationships important market for the company, the charter operation to support David always go the extra mile for its clients. with both clients, and suppliers. As a now home to over 50 employees. Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour and since The company is doing more result, anybody who joins Chapman Since then, the company has led then the company has developed business in the private jet sector Freeborn today has the ability to make the charter industry in its expansion a niche expertise managing flights now and is seeing increased activity a difference to how we do our business into Europe, North and South America, for high profile music tours, movie in the emerging markets of Africa, going forward,” he concludes. •

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 15 SA News ExecuJet Africa extends maintenance offering at NAC acquires a 100% Cape Town facility shareholding ExecuJet Africa, part of the ExecuJet International Airport facility. ExecuJet in Placo Aviation Group, is expanding Africa’s maintenance capabilities vary the support capabilities at its from minor inspections and checks to Whilst Placo has been struggling in Cape Town International Airport heavy maintenance checks such as C, recent years, it has a strong reputation facility to cover the Bombardier D and cycle/hour checks, structural as a parts business and NAC see this as Dash 8 / Q300* aircraft, due to repairs, modifications and interior a great opportunity. In addition, Piper growing demand in the region. refurbishment, in addition to avionics holds a number of promising parts A Bombardier* Dash 8 / Q300 installations and modifications. dealerships and a dormant propeller aircraft is currently undergoing The supporting workshops are shop which they intend to reestablish. C-check base maintenance, an able to accommodate wheels, brakes, Having been the longest serving Piper extensive inspection needed after batteries, composite repairs, paint dealer in the world until NAC took a specific number of flight hours, repairs and interior, as well as full over the Piper franchise, there is a in ExecuJet’s 6,000 m² Cape Town exterior refurbishment activities. loyal Piper customer base for NAC hangar. More Dash 8 / Q300 aircraft ExecuJet Africa’s Lanseria to work with. They intend to improve are expected to undergo maintenance facility is an authorised Bombardier the service offering and re-establish at the facility by the end of April. Aerospace, Hawker Beechcraft, a solid Piper Service Centre. Placo “We are pleased to be able to Dassault Falcon and Gulfstream will continue to operate at Rand, offer support for the Dash 8 / Q300 maintenance facility, as well as a Lanseria and Wonderboom airports. aircraft at our Cape Town facility. Honeywell Engine service centre. Chris Boshoff has been appointed There are a significant number of these In addition, the operation holds as General Manager of Placo with aircraft operating in Africa and there dealerships for various avionics immediate effect. Chris holds a is a need to provide these operators OEMs, such as Honeywell, Universal, Bachelor of Commerce degree in with a maintenance facility capable Rockwell Collins, Avidyne and International Trade and Marketing of performing heavy maintenance Garmin. ExecuJet’s Lagos, Nigeria Management and a MBA from Wits on these aircraft types. The location location is part of Bombardier Business School where he majored of the Cape Town facility is ideally Aerospace’s Authorized Service in Mergers and Acquisitions, Private suited for aircraft based in Africa,” Facility network for business aircraft. Equity and Corporate finance. Chris said Steve Bothma, Maintenance ExecuJet Maintenance South Africa spent several years at ABSA, most Director, ExecuJet South Africa. holds South African Civil Aviation SACAA approvals. The company recently as a Transaction Manager ExecuJet had previously carried Authority (SACAA) and European specialises in maintenance in the Corporate and Structured out C-check base maintenance on Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) services for most turboprop Trade Finance division. He joined Dash 8* aircraft at ExecuJet’s Lanseria Part 145 approvals, as well as other and business jet aircraft. • NAC in February 2013, •

Landmark agreement towards harmonization of the African Skies The Air Traffic and Navigation the global average, which stands Airport on behalf of the Kingdom of Services (ATNS) Company of South at 4”, said Mr. Mthiyane, after Swaziland. This is partly, as a result Africa and the Swaziland Civil the signing of the agreement. of the close proximity of the Maputo, Aviation Authority (SWACAA) have Mr Mthiyane further stated that Nelspruit and Matsapha Airport. A signed a landmark Memorandum of there is a need for a homogeneous better and easier management of air Understanding (MoU) – which is in airspace structure, for all airspace traffic – in a safe and orderly manner, line with the African aviation agenda, users. “The results are the is a necessity in this sub-region. of harmonising the continental attainment of African sky seamless In response, the SWACAA airspace, thereby improving the airspace and more usage of new Director General of Civil Aviation, smoothness and cost-efficiency of technologies for better efficiency Mr Dube said “This agreement states Above: Chris Boshoff has been appointed the entire air traffic service chain. in Communication, Navigation that ATNS should monitor aircraft as General Manager of Placo. The agreement was signed by and Surveillance. This will enable which use our airspace. ATNS Mr. Thabani Mthiyane, ATNS CEO the industry to achieve efficient has equipment that could monitor (Acting) and Mr Solomon Dube, the and safe air navigation services” aircraft as far as Mozambique and You can now buy and download Director General of the Swaziland The MoU entails the following: that also the Indian Ocean. It is on this Global Aviator from the site below Civil Aviation, on Friday, 10th May it remains the responsibilities SWACAA strength that we requested ATNS 2013, in Manzini, Swaziland. to continue to provide the maintenance to provide such a service for us” “ATNS is part of a larger service of the ground equipment within Both ATNS and SWACAA collective that include other Air the boundaries of Swaziland, which will have – in concluding the agreement, Traffic and Navigation Service support area control activities within indicated that there would be a Providers, Directorates of Civil the area of responsibility – delegated project management team which will Aviation and other airspace users to ATNS. SWACAA will also ensure hold internal meetings as and when within the African Continent - that that the necessary arrangements are required to assign actions, solve any is working tirelessly to bring down in place to enable ATNS to provide problems and propose solutions, Africa’s accident rate of 16,8, to Air Traffic Services within Matsapha define specific activities, review

16 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 the project schedule and formulate ATNS is committed to promoting a significant contribution to the services at regional level, based on detailed aviation-related plans. the Southern African Development regional cooperation with its other the ICAO African Indian Ocean Notwithstanding the provisions Community (SADC) Upper Airspace regional partners. The UACC will (AFI) Implementation Plan and CNS of the above-mentioned agreement, Control Centre and has already made allow for the provision of air traffic and ATM’s highest standards. •

CHARTER Companies - SA

Company Code Telephone E-mail < 20 Pax > 20 pax Biz Jets V.I.P. Long-Range Freight Helicopter Special Events Charters Safero Contracts Sales Aircraft Surveys Maintenance Aerial Photography Leasing Aircraft Security Based (armed) Line Inspections Lodge Transfers Export Docs and Clearing Hangarage AIr Ambulance (Medevac) Management Aircraft Virginia Airport - Durban

KZN Aviation 031 564 6215 [email protected] • • • • • • • • Rand Airport - Germiston

Capital Air (Pty) Ltd 011 827 0335 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • Grand Central - Midrand

Jemax Aviation (Pty) Ltd 011 805 0682 [email protected] • • • • • • • Lanseria Airport

Swift Flite (Pty) Ltd 011 701 3298 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • •

DO Charter 011 659 2229 [email protected] • • • • • •

Allegiance Air (Pty) Ltd 011 659 2379 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • OR Tambo International - Johannesburg

Federal Air Charters (Pty) Ltd & Bateleur Air Charter 011 395 9000 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • Wonderboom airport - Pretoria

Freedom Air 012 751 1157 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Powered Flight Charters 078 460 1231 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • Production Line by Mike Wright - Pic Boeing

Project Managing a new Boeing 737-800?

Above: Johann Bruwer, Comair’s chief technical pilot.

omair did just this – not from scratch but from having Cairframe and engines supplied by Boeing, then deciding on all other specifications according to their needs. It is significant to note that in its 76 year history Comair has never once bought new aircraft so this is a huge step for the company. The first four new aircraft (ZS ZWA-D) are already in service with Kulula, Comair's low cost subsidiary. Captain Johan Bruwer, head of flight technical at Comair Limited, was the man in charge of the project. Born in Robertson, he grew up on the family wine farm “Silver Vale”, went to Robertson Primary and High. Johan did his basic training in the SAAF and spent most of the time at No 2 and 7 Squadron on Impala’s and Mirage III. He qualified as Instructor and Fighter Instructor, also representing SAAF as an exchange pilot in The Republic of China for one year. He joined Comair Limited in 1995 as SFO on the B732. Promotion was New B737-8LD Project had to select galley configuration primary Boeing approved suppliers for quick in those days and he became with inserts, winglets, seats, toilets, the BFE/SPE equipment with Honey- He was fortunate to be given the op- Captain after 2½ years. A year later carpets, curtains, interior architecture well, Boeing Partners, Driessen, BE portunity to lead this project - it was a he was promoted to Check Captain and colours, and of course, all further Aerospace and Rockwell Collins. Final huge one for Comair Ltd. He says that responsible for the Comair Command options available typically like Cat decisions were based on an aircraft that the process with Boeing is very well Preparation Program. After that he 111, ETOPS, weights, PBN 0.1 and must be competitive for the next 20 defined and organized: went into instruction, did his Gr paint schemes. In this regard Comair years, share synergy with present fleet, 1 and was promoted to the Chief and Boeing met four times until the spare part availability and pricing. Training Captain for the B733/4. Step 1: Aircraft Specification standard package was finalized. After the initial negotiations by Erik For the last 10 years he has been the Step 3: Initial Technical Flight Technical Manager responsible Venter CEO, Comair and Boeing Step 2: Setting up for performance, weight and balance, decided on a base price for the airframe Commercial Contracts Co-ordination Meeting (ITCM) documentation, FOQA, aircraft and engines. The aircraft specification Normally you would end up with three During the ITCM the customer and ex- systems, projects and operational goes about all further Boeing options, major contracts, namely Airframe ternal suppliers coordinate configuration engineering + maintenance, operational equipment and avionics. The Bible and Engines, Boeing options and all and refine expectations and agree on implementation of aircraft, new route for this exercise is the B737 Standard other equipment referred to as SPE/ on-dock dates. With outside decisions implementation and the Comair EFB. Option Catalogue. In this regard Comair BFE. Three quotes were obtained from finalised the interior arrangement and

18 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 - Backrest tables - Coat hooks - Literature pockets - Headrest - Armrest - Front row armrest - Front row table - Back-mounted food trays - Bottom cushion - Trim and Finish - Upholstery - Seat belts - Lifevest Pouch - PCU’s - Under seat boxes

Step 7: Final Article Inspection (FAI) During the FAI all seats and galleys are inspected at location of external supplier.

Step 8: Building the aircraft This process does not even take three weeks at the B737 Plant at Renton. It is interesting to note that most compo- nents of the fuselage are not build at the factory but at other Boeing facilities, i.e. - Fuselage - Spirit Aero Systems Wichita, Kansas - Rudder - Spirit Aero Systems and China - Wings - Boeing, Renton Washington - Horizontal Stabilizer - China and South Korea - Flaps - Boeing, Philadelphia - Landing Gear - BF Goodrich, Everett Washington The last three days include painting and weighing of the aircraft.

Step 9: Delivery process During the Delivery Process Engine runs, Preflight servicing, test flights, FAA Certification, customer final -ac ceptance, SACAA acceptance, payment and ferry take place. This process takes about two weeks.

Efficiency of the new 800s Various improvements took place on the B738 Performance Improvement Package (PIP) compared to the 1st generation 800’s. The interior went through re-architecture, various aero- features such as seats, galleys, lavatories package prepared for review. figuration package of offerable items dynamic improvements were made, and closets. Definitions of avionics, - Option package creation and Boeing and priced options are reviewed for short field performance enhancements flight deck equipment, display formats, internal review typically takes less final acceptance or rejection. were implemented resulting in a 3 to cabin safety equipment are defined in than two weeks 4% improvement in fuel burn between sufficient detail to prepare requests for Step 6: Preliminary and the latest model and 1st generation. proposals for release to selected sup- Boeing reviews the package for: It is important to note that the first Critical Design Reviews pliers. - Technical feasibility aircraft, ZS-ZWA has already flown - Offerability All equipment, configuration and well over a 2 000 hours without any specifications are reviewed. Typically technical glitch. Step 4: Boeing Internal Review - Pricing The Option Package is then reviewed for seats it will include: Next up we fly on the front The package of customer preferred by airplane model program manage- - Seat specification. office ZS-ZWA from Durban to options are created for a Boeing internal ment, engineering, material, manufac- - Dress Cover Specification Johannesburg, Cape Town and back review: turing, finance and contracts. - Envelope drawing review to JHB with Captain Johan Bruwer - Option package is defined by the result - Recline angles to find out exactly how the new of the Initial Configuration Discus- - Exit rows specification machine flies and about some of sions. Step 5: Final Configuration Discussions - Last row specification the technical advances - watch this - There can be no more than one Option During this phase the completed con- - Ergonomics space - its going to be a goodie! •

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 19 On the Horizon by Charmaine de Villiers

Aerion Supersonic Business Jet The one solution

ince the demise of the Con- by ICAO regulations, the aircraft is concluded over a corde there have been attempts capable of operating at boom-less six-to-eight week to manufacture passenger cruise speeds up to Mach 1.15. period. These tests, aircraft capable of breaking the This is possible because of the using an Aerion phase Ssound barrier but the vast majority of lower speed of sound at altitude two test article mounted under the manufacturers have concentrated on (574 knots at standard atmospheric center-line position of NASA’s F-15B hypersonic speed. These are still in conditions) than on the ground (660 research aircraft flown at speeds up to experimental stage. knots at standard conditions) due to the Mach 2.0, were intended to measure Aerion Corporation, an lower temperatures at altitude. Because the real-world robustness of supersonic aerodynamics technology company, of the temperature gradient, booms natural laminar flow, a vital element in has however developed its supersonic generated at low supersonic cruise the company’s design for the world’s business jet as a serious contender for dissipate before reaching the ground. first supersonic business jet (SBJ). standards for surface quality and routine supersonic flight and as the Today's aircraft are required The Aerion jet’s key enabling assembly tolerances, both crucial one design that can operate in present to adhere to strict Stage 4 noise technology, supersonic natural to future production of the SBJ. regulatory regime, flying at speeds just regulation as well as stringent laminar flow, had been conclusively According to Dr. Richard below the speed of sound (.95 to .99 emissions standards – something that demonstrated in transonic wind tunnel Tracy, Aerion’s chief technology Mach) wherever necessary and with the Aerion SBJ has no problem wit tests and in flight tests conducted officer, the SBJ design utilizes great efficiency while also capable of Aerion and NASA have in conjunction with NASA. The patented applications of natural flying at Mach 1.6 everywhere else. commenced the latest F-15B flight new test article was engineered to laminar flow for efficiency and In fact, the Aerion jet can be operated tests to validate supersonic natural accommodate aerodynamic non- speed. Therefore understanding the over many land masses at speeds laminar flow for future aircraft. uniformities under the F-15B, while parameters under which such an above Mach 1. Over certain national In February this year Aerion also being sufficiently representative aircraft will be built and operated is or regional corridors, including parts announced that the next round of of the Aerion wing in order to evaluate fundamental to proving its viability. of Canada, Australia and Siberia, high-speed test flights in conjunction the effect of surface imperfections on Aerion’s 40-inch vertical span the aircraft can fly at unrestricted with NASA’s Dryden Flight Research the stability of supersonic boundary by 80-inch chord phase two test speeds up to its maximum speed of Center had already began on January layers. Information gleaned from these article is machined from aluminium, Mach 1.6. In other regions governed 31, with approximately 10 flights tests would help define manufacturing with thin layers of epoxy used for

20 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 with manufacturing and operational tolerances to ensure that large extents of natural laminar flow can be achieved and maintained in normal flight operations. The SBJ will go through a fairly conventional six-year development and certification program prior to entry into service. In the meantime, a significant amount of preliminary design work has been conducted to satisfy potential partners and customers that insulation and surface painting. There computer modelling of the high-speed to .90, but at reduced efficiency and this approach is eminently realistic. are four resistive temperature devices flow field under the F-15B. This range. In contrast Aerion’s best range located along the lower and trailing data was analyzed and aerodynamic speed of Mach .95, is the fastest in the Hypersonic vs Supersonic edge of the device. These will provide design work for the new test article industry and one of its dual “sweet According to Aerion hypersonic flight highly accurate temperature readings began in late 2010, followed by spots” with over 4000 nm IFR range would not really be realistic because from which to calibrate the infrared mechanical design in mid-2011 and (the other is just below Mach 1.5). of the massive challenges associated video, the primary instrumentation fabrication in the first half of 2012. with propulsion design and maturity, for the flight tests. In addition, the test Current developmental stage environmental impact, material article’s strong-back carries an array Potential Speeds? Aerion has conducted numerous low- science and civil aviation regulation. of five-hole probes that measure flow The Aerion SBJ will fly at speeds up to and high-speed wind tunnel tests over By contrast, Aerion firmly believes angularity near the leading edge. Mach 1.6, but is optimized for cruise previous years, as well as a series of that a highly efficient and flexible The previous round of tests at both high subsonic and supersonic flight tests with NASA during the past SBJ leveraging proven technology during the USA summer of 2010 speeds. Other large business aircraft decade. The early 2013 flights of a and systems, and in compliance with also reached Mach 2.0 and used an have long-range cruise speeds around new test article aboard NASA’s F-15B all regulations, represents the most instrumented flat plate mounted to the Mach .80, and a few of the latest were designed to look at issues of realistic approach to decreasing flight same strong-back to map and enable high-end bizjets can reach Mach .85 surface quality robustness associated times in the foreseeable future. •

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 21 older person now I know that we were definately part of the magic formula Personalities that welded this country together albeit by Mike Wright only for a short time. I do think it is an aviation event that will live on in the memory of most South Africans for "Capt laurie Kay, who sadly many more years. I have actually had passed away on 24th April, will be people contact me a few days ago to say remembered by all who knew him not we must have a special celebration in only as a great aviator who selflessly 2015 that is what it still means to many. did a lot of things for a wide variety Those interested can still obtain of people, a former well respected the flight for a nation DVD from www. senior training captain at SAA, man guidedog.org.Its a stunning DVD in charge of the RWC 1995 B747 Laurie - Please support Guide Dogs. flypast and most recently involved with EVERY cent goes towards helping SA Express pilot cadet scheme and those who did not see the flypast. We flying for the Harvard Club of SA. will never receive an Oscar but the RIP our dear friend we will miss shortened version of the DVD won the you - you sure were an officer and Silver Medal at an International Film a gentleman - a man who we can Festival in California for In-Flight all learn from and whose legacy entertainment. Not bad for a bunch will live long into the future" of South Africans who produced it by using the kindness and goodness of people who were prepared to make a Before Laurie we became did the technical and In our Chubb days we were invited to difference in someones life. I think we simulator and became 3rd Pilots on Chile as the guests of the Chilean Air have given about one hundred and thirty died Mike Wright the 747. When I had been in SAA a Force. The Halcones, the Chilean Air thousand rand plus to charity from the total of twenty months, I had been on Force Formation Aerobatic Team, also proceeds generated from our flypast. chatted to him course for almost ten months of that flew the Pitts but had just converted (Tel 011-705-3512 or 011-705-3513) about his carreer time. The conversions were lengthy onto the Walter Extra 300. Scully, Jeff, and thorough indeed. My training Chris Rademan and I flew with the Mike - the presidential inauguration We are sure Laurie having acheived as a co-pilot with the legendary Doc Halcones in our respective positions - you in a B747 300 and Scully what he had on the SA aviation scene Malan and Alan Dros as my mentors and after the flight we realised how Levin and Jeff Birch on the left did’nt need much of an introduction on the 727, A300 and 747 made me good those boys were. We spent a and right wings in B747 400s. to anyone. We feel that he made realise the wealth of knowledge these week with them and I will never ever Laurie - That was a memorable occassion the RWC final with his amazing gentlemen had and I strived to be like forget their kindness and hospitality indeed. The flying for this event was flypast in ZS-SAN Lebombo. You them as I progressed through the ranks. and partying we had to endure. difficult but we must remember that only have to have watched a display Jeff, Scully and myself had done many flown by him and you would have Mike - Which was your favorite hundreds of shows together and we knew Mike - Did you like the Pitts specials? realised that this gentleman was a aeroplane at SAA? each others thought process and abilities Laurie - I loved it. It was not the legend - we focuss below on his Laurie - Domestically it was the Boeing inside out. Close formation demands a best aircraft in formation purely amazing career and importantly 727 and of course that wonderful huge amount of trust and this was never because of the "blind spots" with on his post retirement years. Boeing 747. The short shuttles in questioned. Of course there is always the upper wing, relatively high sill Europe with the Jumbo were fantastic an element of risk, but it is how one and the turtle deck. It does however Mike - Where did it all start fun. We were so light and if I recall manages that risk that is paramount. As have an appeal on the airshow for you aviation wise? correctly we had to take a minimum the leader I had a diificult task once we circuit even after all these years. Laurie - As a little lad I was crazy of 28,000 kilogrammes of fuel even were in close formation because any about aircraft and at about six years of though we needed far less. This was tiny amount of bank translated itself into age I joined the SA Number 1 Airboys to prevent the forward fuel boost Mike - The RWC flypast - this was very large movement at the wing tips Club in Malvern. I think I was their pumps from becoming exposed after just stunning. Maybe tell us a little where Jeff and Scully were so precise mascot more than anything else. I take off with the very high nose about how it was achieved. flying was the order of the day. Timing learnt morse code, (could send and attitudes when we had to rotate to to Laurie - Rugby World Cup 95 was also critical and we had to rely receive quite a few words per minute maintain V2+10 knots. Once we had happened sixteen years ago and it was on the Ground Liaison Officer at the at a very young age using an "Inker cleaned up and accelerated our rate like yesterday. Some people believe I Union Buildings. Once we commenced Machine" that was used in WW2 to of climb would be about four to six have said it was difficult. That I have the run in we were commited, as three train radio operators). We used to thousand feet per minute and once never done. The only difficult bit was 747's in close formation is a very big visit SAAF bases and airfields and it we got above forty thousand feet the timing as we had a time over target formation to reposition again for a was my life. After I started working we invariably got direct routing. of 1432 Hours and 45 seconds. It was second run in. As it was, an advert was I did a little bit of flying at Brits and aggresive flying but I reiterate not made saying "We're sorry Mr. President, then at Rand Airport with Frank Mike - Your flying with the Chubb difficult. I was fortunate to have a great we were three seconds early" SAA Lister. Funds were limited (R5-00 aerobatic 4 man team - memories team both at SAA and on the flight rode on that advert for some time. solo and R7-00 dual). Mr. Lister sent that stand out for you. deck (Senior First Officer Billy Fourie, me solo in a Piper Cub ZS-AZM at Laurie - There are a wealth of Senior Flight Engineer Don Coppard Mike - Scully talks on the DVD about six hours. I often wonder where that memories. Prior to Chubb we flew in and my friend and colleague Senior the matter of gaining or losing height aircraft ended up. I was appearing Winfield colours. Those were the days Training Captain Selwyn Thomas). and accelerating / slowing down before SAAF selection boards but of great cameraderie with the Winfield Selwyn was the only one who did any depending on which way you were I was not successful so I wrote to cigarette reps. I recall coming back work as it was his duty to calculate turning - what is the importance many western air forces and then got from Welkom, following the main the length of the outbound legs in our of trust in such situations? accepted by the Royal Air Force road and warning the reps about the holding pattern so that we left our Laurie - When we went into a 25 degree speed traps. I do not think the traffic initial point at precisely the right time. bank turn the wingmen had to gain and Mike - Significant milestones cops ever realised that we were "eyes Selwyn also acted as our SafetyOfficer. lose approximately 180 feet to stay in in your career with SAA in the sky". The reps had radios and The planning for this day is a position and also gain and lose about 18 Laurie - My very first overseas flight used to listen to us hence we could story in itself but I do know that it to 20 knots because of their positions as the 3rd Pilot under supervision on warn them. Naughty little boys!! The was only after the event we realised either on the inside or the outside of a Boeing 707 to Perth was memorable late Jeff Birch (Daffy) was one of the that we had written ourselves into the the turn. The selected flap position was indeed and then a few months later real characters and an exceptional pilot. history books of South Africa. As an important as we did not want the flaps

22 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 to "blow back" automatically (a safety Smuts who took the Royal Naval Air feature on the 747) if we got close to Service and the Royal Flying Corps and the flap limiting speed. Scully in the at the instruction of Lord Trenchard he Maintenance Parts Planning Aircraft Management number three position (left wing side) welded these two historical services was the heaviest as he had to return into what is today the Royal Air Force to Cape Town. This meant that I had and that is where I learnt to fly all those to set the Vref speeds applicable to years ago. It is very special to me. his aircraft in my airspeed indicator because in the left hand turns he would Mike - I believe that you are involved be on the inside of the turn and about in a major current SAA Project? twenty knots slower than me. ( Another Laurie - Not SAA but SA Express. story for another time perhaps!) I am the manager of the SAX Cadet Pilot scheme. I really enjoy it as I Mike- The fact that it has never feel I am in some small way making a been done elsewher in the world difference in the lives of some young - the significance of this. aspiring pilots in South Africa today. Laurie - I feel it is the trust that I was really priveleged to be asked SAA placed in their pilots to carry some time ago, with the assistance of out this task. We had a great team some very influential people here in that helped me put it all together South Africa and across the world to and if it were not for them it set up the South African branch of a would not have been possible. very prestigious aviation organisation dedicated to the betterment of aviation Mike - The importance of these and aviators in general. I had already flying billboard displays? committed to take up the Cadet post Laurie - I can only speak for with SA Express and as such I would RWC'95. According to the SAA not have been able to devote enough media people they conservitavely time to that project. Perhaps at a later estimate that SAA had exposure to date if I have the time and energy and +_ 1,25 billion people. Can anyone if I was still found acceptable, I may buy that sort of advertising time?? concider it as it could be that I have come full circle in my aviation career. Mike - Post retirement - the initial years - what do you get up to? Mike - Your trip to Duxford - What Laurie - Not much above five are the highlights for you? thousand above ground these days. Laurie - What can I say. There are I still have fun and was fortunate not really any words to describe it. It enough to help at Port Alfred 43 Air was a dream come true. I have been School when we took people for rides to Duxford many times but to look and money was given to charity. down on that symbolic airfield and see the beautiful elliptical wingtip Mike - Harvard club - what do you of a Spitfire and then look inside the like about flying these machines? cockpit and see the guages and feel Laurie - They are romantic aircraft. the response to the control input well, They are gracefully plump, make your it is very very emotional. Doing a heart throb and the smell of oil and loop I popped into cloud at the top of avgas is like some expensive perfume!!! the loop and it was a simple matter I have been flying them since 1970 of seeing the speed reduce, then start ever since I served on 5 Squadron in increasing again, keeping the wings Durban. They are wonderful training level and on coming out of the cloud aircraft, they speak to you through again seeing the patchwork English Aircraft type rated: Engine type rated: your hands and the seat of your pants. countryside through the top of the They are like a team of wild horses canopy. There is a magic about that day • Dornier DO-328 Jet-300 • Pratt & Whitney PT6 series when you spin them and yet they can that I will never forget. I borrowed a draw you into a magical world as you flying overall from a pal of mine who • Embraer 120 • Pratt & Whitney PW 118 series cruise across the landscape with the is also a South African, Andy McNeile. propellor set to cruise of 1850 RPM I was Andy's first pupil in the RAF. • Beechcraft 200 series • Pratt & Whitney PW 306B The overall he lent me was his when • Beechcraft 300 series Mike - Current Training activities? he served in the SAAF and it had my Laurie - My only flying training that SAAF Rank and the SAAF wings on • Beechcraft 1900 series I really do at the moment is at the it. What more could I have wished for Harvard Club of South Africa. We are sitting in a Spitfire over Cambridge?? based at Swartkop Air Force Base. I An Me109 or Focke perhaps!!! often walk out onto the dispersal area by myself and look around. I sincerely Mike - We feel that its wonderful Tel: +27 11 659 2382 believe that Air Force Base Swartkop that you are still actively putting Fax: +27 86 218 2190 is the hallowed ground of aviation in so much back into aviation. South Africa. It is the oldest operational Laurie - That song says it all. "I've Air Force Base in the world today, the had the time of my life" and if I can MPT Maintenance original control tower is still visible make a small difference in someone Hangar 114 on top of one of the hangers, the elses life or career and encourage Lanseria International Airport original barber shop is still there and of or influence them in a positive course looking eastwards you can see way, well what could be better? South Africa, 1748 Doornkop where General Jan Smuts' ashes are scattered. What a privelige Sadly this was his last www.mptaviation.co.za to see this and know that it was Gen. interview before he died.

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 23 Manufacturing News

Pilots of the world train in Cessna Aircraft Cessna Aircraft continues to supply the dominant four-seat airplane of choice for flight training schools around the world. The majority of qualified pilots flying today learn to fly on Cessna aircraft. Tomorrow's pilots will be just as likely to have learned to fly on Cessna products. There are more Skyhawks in the world than any other type of aircraft, as over 48,000 of the model have been manufactured since 1955. The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks has one of the strongest Aviation curriculums in the United States. The school has purchased nine Skyhawk 172 aircraft in 2013 so far, adding to their existing fleet of trainers to bring the total to 72 Cessna aircraft. The recently purchased Skyhawks are intended for the UND Campus in Mesa, Arizona to address the pilot shortage with international contract instruction. This is a show of commitment to Cessna product in the training role, with the Garmin G1000 avionics teaching new pilots to fly in the Phoenix Valley.

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24 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 or academy. "Purchases like these enable ATP to increase our training capacity, and our ability to serve the increasing demand for pilots in the airline environment," said Jim Koziarski, ATP vice president. "ATP provided training to more than 4,200 pilots last year, who accounted for over 4,400 pilot certificates and ratings granted in the United States." Lion Air, the largest Boeing 737-900 operator in the Asia Pacific region, is the first Indonesian airline to establish their own flight training program. To achieve this, they intend to have a fleet of 28 Cessna Skyhawk aircraft in service and have started this process by taking delivery of eight 172's in the first quarter of 2013. Capt Audy L. Punuh, principal, Wings Flying School / Lion Air, says: "After evaluating all of the platforms available, we selected the Skyhawk for our flight school because it is the best training aircraft. The Skyhawk will enable Lion Air to overcome the limited number of qualified pilots in Indonesia by providing the best possible pilot training experience." Additional sales for the 172 include a 15 aircraft deal recently signed with long time Cessna operator Kent State University.

"Flying has increased, and demand for The aviation program at the pilots is going to increase. There's no university took delivery of two 172 doubt about that," said Don Dubuque, aircraft this past December with director of extension programs for options for 13 more, expected to the University of North Dakota. deliver during 2013 and 2014. "The 172 is an exceptional trainer. The company is also seeing We love the G1000. Cessna has been interest in China with 12 Cessna great with service and support, and Skyhawk 172 aircraft pegged we're obviously really happy." for the training of flight students ATP Flight School, the largest at Jiutian International Flight domestic flight school made up of a Academy in Qingdao, China. network of flight training institutions The heightened level of activity with 28 facilities across the United with single-engine Cessna aircraft States, purchased ten Skyhawk 172 will be an issue for those wanting aircraft for use in their rigorous a 2013 Cessna Skyhawk. "With training regimen. The schools fly the activity we have seen in the more than 9,000 hours per month, first quarter alone on the 172, we instructing future pilots on Cessna are already sold out on the model aircraft. ATP supplies more pilots year for this aircraft," said Jodi to the regional airlines than any Noah, senior vice president of other single flight school, college single engine/propeller aircraft. •

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 25 Terrafugia shares ™ TF-XVision Terrafugia's vision for the future of personal transportation

errafugia Inc., the developer of TF-X™. Incorporating the state-of- development," says Terrafugia as the Transition® program shifts the Transition® street-legal air- the-art in intelligent systems, fly by CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich, "We are from research and development Tplane, announced its vision for wire controls, and currently available passionate about continuing to lead to certification, production, and the future of personal transportation. technology, the TF-X™ will further the creation of a flying car industry customer support activities. The Building on its experience with the increase the level of safety, simplicity, and are dedicating resources to lay the Transition® serves as a Proof of Transition® program, Terrafugia has and convenience of personal aviation. foundations for our vision of personal Process for TF-X™ development begun feasibility studies of a four-seat, "This is the right time for us to transportation." Terrafugia's design and commercialization through the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) begin thinking about the future of team is excited to be looking ahead many technical, regulatory, and plug-in hybrid-electric flying car, the the company beyond Transition® to TF-X™ development activities usage challenges it has overcome.

26 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 By directly addressing congestion (FAA) about the TF-X™ concept personal transportation. Dietrich a growing aerospace company and other transportation challenges have demonstrated their willingness adds, "Terrafugia is about increasing founded by pilot-engineers from currently being faced internationally, to consider innovative technologies the level of safety, simplicity, and MIT and supported by a world-class widespread adoption of vehicles and regulatory solutions that are in convenience of aviation. TF- network of advisors and investors. like the Transition® and TF-X™ the public interest and enhance the X™ is an opportunity to provide The company name is Latin could result in significant economic level of safety of personal aviation. the world with a new dimension for "escape the earth." Terrafugia's benefits and personal time savings. Terrafugia is excited to be nearing of personal freedom!" mission is to build practical flying Preliminary conversations with the production of the Transition® and Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee- cars. More information is available Federal Aviation Administration continuing to push the envelope of ah), based in Woburn, MA, is at www.DrivenToFly.com •

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 27 generation helicopter in its class for more than 30 years we believe it will The latest version of Ecureuil family to Helicopter News be a great success and we are proud that the AW169 will be assembled in enter the UK market with the AS350 B3e Philadelphia for our customers in the United States and around the world.” More than 80 AW169 helicopters have now been ordered for a wide AW169 Helicopter range of missions including corporate transport, air ambulance, law Final Assembly Line enforcement, utility and offshore transport. With all four prototypes To Be Established already flying, the AW169 is on at AgustaWestland schedule to achieve civil certification in 2014. A versatile, new generation Philadelphia twin engine light intermediate category helicopter, the 10,000 lbs (4.5 tonne) AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica AW169 has been designed in response company, has announced that a to the growing market demand for an final assembly line for the new aircraft that delivers high performance, generation AW169 helicopter will meets all the latest safety standards be established at its AgustaWestland and has multi-role capabilities Philadelphia facility located at and state-of-the-art technology. Northeast Philadelphia Airport in the The large spacious cabin can United States of America. The first seat up to 10 passengers and is Philadelphia built AW169 helicopter easily accessed via large sliding will be inducted into the final assembly cabin doors. The AW169 is part in May 2014 and will be delivered of the AgustaWestland family of to the first customer in early-2015. new generation helicopters that The new production line will ramp includes the AW139 and AW189 up to produce around 20 aircraft per models, which posses the same high year by 2017. Incorporating a lean performance flight characteristics advanced manufacturing philosophy, and safety features as well as sharing the new AW169 production line will be a common cockpit layout, design Pic: Patrick Penna scalable to accommodate production philosophy and maintenance concept. The AS350B3e, the newest version escalations based on market demand. This commonality will allow ties at Oxford, supplemented by a of Eurocopter’s successful Ecureuil Also AgustaWestland’s facilities in more effective operations for network of regional engineers and a family, is the latest addition to Vergiate (Italy) and Yeovil (UK) will customers operating helicopter fleets fleet of 20 Eurocopter mobile units the UK’s important single engine play major roles in the manufacturing across the 10,000 to 19,000 lbs (4.5 covering the country, allowing for helicopter fleet in Private/Business activities for the AW169 programme. to 8.5 tonne) weight categories. highest reactivity and state of the art Aviation. William Hunt, CEO, AgustaWestland Philadelphia is customer service. “Having owned After its entry into service in Sep AgustaWestland Philadelphia said the U.S. branch of AgustaWestland - other new helicopters before, but “This is an exciting day for the team. which was established in 1981. tember 2011, the AS350B3e, the latest never a Eurocopter product, I did a lot As a major producer of commercial AgustaWestland Philadelphia version of the powerful 7 seat, 2,3 of personal research and benchmark- helicopters in the United States, we operates out of a 275,000 square ton AS350 single engine helicopter ing before contacting Eurocopter UK are pleased to further expand our foot facility, on a 39-acre site at family was delivered for the first time at Oxford. Since then I am delighted production portfolio to include the Northeast Philadelphia Airport in to a UK customer, which also marks with the whole experience; the staff I AW169. The arrival of the AW169 Pennsylvania, providing employment a new dawn in the Private/Corporate have been involved with, the product, production line will secure and create for over 560 people. The facility market in the UK. the passion from their people here jobs here in Philadelphia and within includes final assembly lines for the © Eurocopter, Patrick Penna and back in France, the full, locally our supply chain in North America. AW119Kx and AW139 helicopters, a “We are very proud to add Loxwood available OEM support which is We have been in Philadelphia for over parts supply depot for the Americas Holdings and the new AS350Be to quite unique, compared to what I 30 years and have realized tremendous and a fully approved FAA and JAA our Eurocopter family in the UK”, have been facing in the past says Mr. growth in servicing and supporting the repair station. AgustaWestland says Markus Steinke, Managing Holland of Loxwood Holdings. The commercial helicopter market over Philadelphia also performs helicopter Director of Eurocopter UK Limited.” AS350 B3e is the latest member of the past 10 years.” He added “The customization, has a delivery center We are mindful that our customers the AS350 high-performance family, AW169 has generated an exceptionally for AW109 Power and GrandNew have a wide choice of single heli- which outclasses all other single- good response in the market place aircraft, as well as providing copters these days, but we are also engine helicopters for performance, since its launch securing orders for maintenance services for customer aware that besides the pure product, versatility, safety and competitive more than 80 aircraft. As the only new aircraft based in the local area. • the scope, quality and proximity of acquisition and maintenance costs. through life support has become a It excels in hot conditions and very more important issue, than in the high altitudes, and broke records past, for these customers – and with when a standard production aircraft the capability of Britain’s Civil Heli- landed on the top of Mount Everest in copter Hub here at Oxford we offer a 2005. Today, around 5,350 Ecureuils comprehensive solution, unmatched have been delivered in 130 coun- by any other OEM.” The full range tries to some 1,600 operators. These of support and service solutions is aircraft have accumulated close to 25 available at Eurocopter UK’s facili- million flight hours. ¶

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28 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 Pic: Patrick Penna

Indonesia’s PT Travira Air to buy ™ Sikorsky S-76D helicopters as it expands offshore oil business

uring May Sikorsky Aircraft step in our customer’s growth, and a Corp. announced that it had milestone for Sikorsky as we begin Dentered into agreements to sell introducing the S-76D to the Southeast two S-76D™ helicopters to PT Travira Asia market,” said Robert Kokorda, Air, a Jakarta, Indonesia-based charter Sikorsky’s Vice President of Sales airline company. Sikorsky, a sub- & Marketing. “We congratulate PT sidiary of United Technologies Corp. Travira Air on its decision. We wish (NYSE:UTX), made the announce- the company well as it expands its ment from the Langkawi International offerings to the offshore oil industry.” Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition. The company currently has The purchase of the two a fleet of eight S-76® aircraft. S-76D aircraft represents the latest In 1983, the company began addition to the company’s fleet but direct helicopter operations with also represents the launching of the four S-76As for offshore oil projects. Oil, Amanresorts, ENI Italy and statement reflects its long commitment S-76D helicopter in Southeast Asia. Since the onset of this project, the Adaro. Since 1999, the company to safety and innovation: “We pioneer Sikorsky expects to deliver the company has grown to become a has moved into fixed wing aircraft flight solutions that bring people S-76D helicopters in 2015. The very successful offshore helicopter to support both offshore oil aircraft home everywhere … every time™.” helicopters will be used in part of an operator. Its work in Indonesia is as well as charter VIP flights. United Technologies Corp., based offshore oil configuration project with with such companies as Conoco Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad which PT Travira Air is associated. Philips, BP, BHP, Newmont Mining, in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader range of high technology products “PT Travira Air’s decision to select Chevron, Carigali Hess/Petronas, in helicopter design, manufacture and support services to the aerospace Sikorsky’s S-76D is both an important Niko Resources Canada, Murphy and service. The company’s mission and building systems industries. •

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 29 Helicopter News

BELL HELICOPTER Showcases versatile aircraft at AEROEXPO 2013 Bell Helicopter, visited with many customers and enthusiasts at the 10th annual AeroExpo held from April 18 to 20 at Toluca International Airport. Five Bell Helicopter aircraft were displayed at the event, including three corporate-configured Bell 407s, as well as a Bell 429 and a Bell 412, both configured for offshore oil and gas operations. "There are remarkable opportunities for growth in the helicopter industry in Latin America. This year at AeroExpo, we signed purchase agreements for seven aircraft, demonstrating the growing demand for reliable rotorcraft across all segments in Mexico and beyond," said Jay Ortiz, managing director, Latin America Commercial Business. "We attend AeroExpo every year to connect with our existing and potential customers in Mexico, ensuring we are in touch with their mission needs. The Bell 407, 429 and 412 are three amazing and versatile platforms that have been met with interest and excitement throughout the show," said Ortiz. Above: The Bell 407 integrates reliability, speed and manoeuvreability with a cabin configurable for a variety of missions from air medical to oil and gas operations. The Bell 407 integrates reliability, speed and maneuverability with a Right:  The Bell 429 delivers exceptional speed, range, hover performance and enhanced cabin configurable for a variety of safety margins. missions from air medical to oil and gas operations. Its Rolls Royce 250- Below: The Bell 412 is a daily workhorse in the most extreme climates around the world. C47B turbine FADEC engine delivers exceptional hot and high performance with the ability to cruise at 140 knots. The 407's spacious cabin seats up to six with club-passenger seating or can be reconfigured with abundant capacity for specialized equipment. speed, range, hover performance The Bell 407 offers a smooth, quiet and enhanced safety margins. The ride and superior hover performance Bell 429's state-of-the-art fully- with an all-composite four bladed integrated glass cockpit hosts two main rotor system with "soft-in- or three multi-function displays, plane" hub. Safety features include dual digital autopilot and an a rupture resistant fuel system, integrated electronic data recorder. engine exceedance monitoring, Its advanced drive system delivers rollover bulkheads and a collective power, superb performance and mounted throttle for power and best-in-class WAAS navigation control at the pilot's fingertips. enabling point-in-space approaches. Certified for single or dual pilot The Bell 429's spacious cabin is IFR, the Bell 429 delivers exceptional easily configured for any mission

30 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 with 5.78 m3 (204 ft3) of useable volume, a large, flat floor and quick change interior. The Bell 429 offers exceptional value as the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced HS 400 Rotor maintenance costs for operators. The Bell 412 is a daily workhorse in the most extreme climates around the world. Certified for single pilot IFR, the Bell 412 provides multi- mission flexibility with expansive cabin for cargo and/or personnel, a duel digital automatic flight control system, and excellent hot and high performance. Wide opening 2.32 m (7.7 ft) doors accommodate forklift loading into a 6.2 m3 (220 ft3) cabin with seating for 13 passengers and two crew. The Bell 412's Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3D Twin Pac® and proven drive system offer reliability with 4,000 and 5,000 TBOs respectively. In addition, a BLR Strake and FastFin® deliver improved hover, cross wind and hot and hot performance in challenging conditions. •

Telephone 011 825 0048 [email protected]

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 31 Air Bases by: Carlo Kuit & Paul Kievit

Polish Hinds in action! A Mi-2 is taking off from Prusczc Gdanski airfield. The 49th Combat Helicopter Flight has still one flight of Mi-2s in use. During the visit about 10 Mi-2s were seen in active duty. When Poland was still a member of the Warsaw Pact it was one of the largest contributors of this military power. With the end of the Cold War (1989) the position of the Polish Armed Forces changed dramatically. During 1999 Poland joined NATO which changed international commitment and readjustment of tasks by the Polish. Both NATO and the EU membership has led to international operations that were previously unknown to the Polish Armed Forces. being Leznica-Wielka, Pruszcz- Iraq operations Gdanski and Inowrocław-Latkow. One of the first major international The first of sixteen Mi-24D ‘Hind’ operations for the Polish Armed attack helicopters entered service Forces was in Iraq. The Polish were in late 1978 at Wielka, relocating present here from the beginning to Pruszcz-Gdanski about a year of 2003 till October 2008. Poland later equipping with the 49.Pułk was responsible for the South Lotniczy Wojsk Ladowych (49. Central zone in Iraq. Polish Army PLWL - Army Aviation Regiment) W-3s ‘Sokol’, Mi-8s ‘Hip’ and which was shortly afterwards Mi-24s ‘Hind’ combat helicopters redesignated to 49 PSB (Combat supported the Polish troops during Helicopter Squadron). The unit has the operations there. The Polish been operating the Mi-24D variant Land Forces Independent Air as of the late 1970’s. Other more Assault Group (Samodzielna Grupa modern Hinds, the Mi-24V, went to Powietrzno-Szturmowa) was at the 56.PSB at Inowrocław, which the time located in Al Kut and Al received its first of their complement Diwaniyah also in Iraq. The Polish of sixteen Hind-E’s in 1986. Both contingent in Iraq has been using six units also operate a number of Mi-2’s Mi-24Ds since December 2004. in various versions including the Mi-2URN, URP and URP-G attack variant. Only the Mi-24V is operating History of the Polish in Afghanistan, the helicopters Army Aviation are on loan from the 56 PSB. The history of Polish Army Aviation / Lotnictwo Wojsk Ladowych (LWL) dates back to the early 1960’s. Afghanistan operations During the biggest part of the Cold Today the Polish Army and thus also War substantial numbers of locally the Polish Army Aviation section assembled Mi-1’s and Mi-2 ‘Hoplite’ is heavily involved in operations in helicopters as well as Soviet built Afghanistan stretching the area of Mi-4’s ‘Hound’, Mi-6s and Mi-8 operations thousands of kilometers ‘Hip’ operated from three bases away from Polish soil. Currently

Captions to come Above: Every pilot has to undergo every couple of months a rescue training to be prepared for unforeseen incidents during flight operations.

34 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 Above: A Mi-2URP-G gunship and anti-tank variant at one of the helicopter pad on base. The helicopter is armed with a 23 mm cannon NS-23KM. It is able to carry as well 4x AG wire-guided missiles 9M14M Malyutka (AT-3 Sagger) and additional 4x AA missiles 9M32ML Strela-2M (SA-7 Grail) in two gad rocket launchers. the Independent Air Group, as detachment of Polish Land Forces Forces. Main component of the Task Paktia, Paktika, and Ghazni provinces. part of Task Force White Eagle, is operating in the Ghazni Province, Force is a mechanized Brigade, for Task Most of the task force was based out operating with Mi-24V and Mi-17s Afghanistan. The brigade is under Force IX this was the 17 Mechanized of Forward Operating Base (FOB) from Forward Operating Base (FOB) the command of the United States Brigade from Międzyrzecze. Sharana and Combat Outposts Waza Chazni supporting the Mechanized (U.S.) 82nd Airborne Division. The first Task Force White Eagle Khwa and Kushamond. One Polish Brigades and Special Forces. The aim of the Task Force is to deployed to Afghanistan, in support of company occupied FOBs Ghazni and conduct missions to maintain security Combined Joint Task Force 101 (CJTF- Warrior and Nawa Fire Base. Late and stability in the Ghazni province, 101), dates back to October 2007. 2008, the Polish government authorized Task Force White Eagle to support development programs, aid Task Force White Eagle originally an increase of forces and capabilities Task Force White Eagle (Polskie the reconstruction of civil infrastructure consisted of about 1,000 Polish soldiers in Afghanistan. This increase included Siły Zadaniowe) is a brigade sized and train Afghan National Security alongside the U.S. forces deployed to 600 additional troops, an aviation

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 35 detachment of 4 Mi-24 ‘Hind’ combat helicopters, 4 Mi-17 ‘Hip’ multirole helicopters, and a fire support section. This increase of Polish forces led to a realignment of the battle space between Task Force White Eagle and Task Force ‘Red Currahee’ (1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment). This resulted in stationing all Polish forces in Ghazni, and the U.S. forces relocated to cover Paktia and Paktika. Chazni is one of the thirty- four provinces of Afghanistan. It is in the east of the country. Its capital is Ghazni City. The province lies on the important Kabul to Kandahar road, and has historically functioned as an important trade center between those two major cities. Task Force White Eagle now fully occupies FOBs Ghazni, Warrior, Four Corners and the Giro District Center. It also has two additional combat outposts, Askercot and Qarabaugh, to secure Highway 1. Four hundred more Polish soldiers were deployed in support of Task Force White Eagle in the summer of 2009. This increase brought the total number of Polish soldiers in Afghanistan to more than 2,000. Until now nine Task Force deployments (six months each) have been executed supported by either Right: To prepare the aircrews for the 49th or 56th Combat Helicopter deployments to Afghanistan for this purpose a number of specially Squadrons. Currently Task Force X is regular training is conduct equipped Mi-2s from 56 PSB are underway which started during October with Night Vision Goggles on loan to train with. In return, four (NVGs). The NVGs can be used in all Mi-24s on Mi-24Ds have been sent to 56PSB strength. To train on the Mi-2 at Inowroclaw. “Only fully capable about four of the type have pilots can be deployed to Afghanistan” transferred from 56PSB. NCO Smugia continues. “Operations in Afghanistan are very different to those in Poland. We have to jiggle with fuel, heights and specific demands from the ground troops. Our operating base is located 2000 meters, which changes the dynamics of the Hind. Our missions are planned about three to five days in advance. The daily schedule starts before sunrise with aircraft preparation. We are ready to deploy within 20 minutes to support ground forces when requested” concludes Smugia. The effect the Mi-24 brings to insurgents is big. They are afraid when they hear the sound of the Mi-24. It is clear the Independent Air Group is essential for the task force to be able to execute its tasks. As of January 2012, both the 49th 2011 and will end on April 2012. and 56th Combat Helicopter Squadrons The Independent Group rotates have been disbanded. Both units on a six month basis between 49PSB continue to exist but as the 49th Baza and 56 PSB. “Some of the squadron Lotnicza and the 56th Baza Lotnicza. personnel have been in Afghanistan It is expected that both units three to five times which is putting will merge in the near future and be a lot of pressure on their personal located at Inowroclaw Base with the lives according to NCO Smugia. foreseen closure of Pruczcz Gdanksi. To prepare for flying missions New facilities will be built to in Afghanistan an extensive training house the complete fleet of Mi-24s. programme is conducted. The training Operations as part of Task Force White comprises low level flying, combat Eagle are expected to commence flying and mountain operations. For till 2014. With the deployments this purpose the Polish Army Aviation abroad the Polish Army Aviation units deploy on regular basis to the has gone through a steep learning Tatra Mountains in the Czech Republic. curve and will bring it’s knowledge Above: A pilot does his checks before taking off. Night flying is being undertaken and to future NATO operations. •

36 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013

The Extremely popular Robinson

The R44 is an extremely popular helicopter. R44Currently around twenty a week are being produced at the Robinson helicopter factory in

Torrance, Southern California, and the model is HISTORY now outselling its better-known little brother, the R22. By June 2009 5,000 of these little machines had been built and sold worldwide.

by Helen Krasner - pics courtesy of Robinson Helicopters 38 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 o what exactly is the attrac- a fuel-injected engine, more power, and leg lengths. However, being only hover, one has to be quite careful to tion? Why is this particular a higher gross weight, and increased 5ft 2ins, I found that I still needed a bring the cyclic slightly aft. Unlike altitude performance. But the original cushion in order to be able to reach the R22, the whole cabin is in front of Shelicopter so well-liked, by Raven I is still extremely popular them comfortably. All the controls the skids, meaning the c of g is further private owners, flying schools, and selling well, and this was to be and instruments were then within easy forward than the average R22 pilot and many others? I was about to the version that I would fly today. reach. The cockpit is wide enough for would expect. This is not particularly find out. Mike Bowden, the Chief Pilot, two people of almost any size, which noticeable with two only people aboard, met me at the flying school, and would come as a great relief for those but one needs to be more careful if a I should mention that I am not a after a quick tour he introduced me who struggle to fit into an R22. And full passenger load is being carried. complete R44 novice. I gained an R44 to R44 G-ODHG. The helicopter there is plenty of room in the back Once in the hover, the R44 feels rating a few years ago in the USA, looked much like a larger version for two passengers to sit comfortably. very stable, in fact, far more so than then let it lapse, then renewed it quite of the R22, which is unsurprising, Luggage space is provided under all its smaller brother. Hover taxiing recently. But I have relatively few as this is primarily what it is. Frank four seats, which open easily to provide presented no problems, and neither did hours on the type, am not particularly Robinson, having produced a winner, space for carry-on bags and similar the transition away from the field. We current on it, and do not feel that I obviously saw no reason to make too items. They would not hold suitcases, climbed surprisingly quickly to around know it that well. And I must confess many changes when developing a but so long as you pack in soft bags, 1200 ft, and at this point I realised that that I have never felt particularly 4-place helicopter. Thus the pre-flight there is quite a lot of room. As with the apparently lovely sunny day was comfortable flying the R44 Astro, the checks – which are straightforward all small aircraft of any type, four actually quite hazy, and that levelling earliest version. Produced in 1992, anyway - would be exceptionally large people plus luggage plus full fuel off before the ground disappeared this first R44 had no hydraulics, and simple for anyone who learned to fly would not be possible, but a useful completely might be a good idea. As despite its electric trim system, the on the R22, since everything is almost load of around 435 kg should not be I attempted to do so, I realised that I controls felt quite heavy and difficult to identical. Of course, this helicopter is too limiting for most people, even for a definitely was not in an R22. G-ODHG use. Experienced Astro pilots claimed much larger than its smaller sibling, weekend away with a family or friends. had absolutely loads of power, was to have no problems, but I know that and also much taller. But steps are The start-up is not complicated, and climbing at around 1500 ft/min, and I was far from unique in finding the provided to reach the rotors, and this too is almost identical to that of the actually seemed reluctant to level Astro quite difficult and to fly. there are no basic difficulties at all. R22, the only addition being to check off. Pushing the cyclic well forward The next model, the R44 Raven, Climbing aboard the R44 is easy. the hydraulics. Indeed, up to this point and lowering the collective of course was certified in January 2000. This new Like the R22, the helicopter has a T-bar most R22 pilots would think that they persuaded her to do so, and we then version had adjustable pedals, but much cyclic, and while some people may were merely flying a larger R22 – the settled into a comfortable, stable cruise more importantly, it had hydraulic flight prefer the more conventional design, appearance, walk-around, and start-up at around 105 kts. This particular controls. It is no exaggeration to say this version certainly makes cockpit are all so similar. To some extent these helicopter had a night kit fitted, which that this revolutionised the helicopter, entry and exit less of an acrobatic pilots would be right. However, there obviously produced some extra making it much easier to fly, and far performance, since you do not need to are some notable differences, and as drag; without it, I am sure we could more comfortable for long flights. swing your leg over the cyclic. The soon as you start to fly, you realise comfortably have cruised at 110kts – More recently, a still newer version, pedals adjust fore and aft, and would why a conversion course is required close to the official figure of 113kts. the Raven II, has been developed, with be suitable for pilots of most sizes before flying the R44. Lifting into the Cruising in the R44 is easy and comfortable. The helicopter is fast and stable, and the hydraulics work well, which means that the controls are light and easy to handle. The aircraft is relatively quiet, and vibrations are minimal – particularly important when carrying passengers who may not be used to helicopter flying. Turning, climbing, and descending all present no problems, and the governor works well at all stages of flight. It was clear to me that this helicopter would be ideal for touring, unlike its smaller sibling. The next manoeuvre to try was an autorotation, and here too the R44 behaved well, proving very smooth, and easy to fly and to turn. And with the larger rotor system, there is much more inertia than in the R22, so more time is available to lower the collective in the event of a real engine failure. Above: The interior allows for pilot and three pax. Above: A nice touch is provision for storage under the seating. Later we did an autorotation to the ground, and you simply initiate a

In June 1973 Frank Robinson founded the Robinson 1992. The first production R44 Astro was delivered same year, Jennifer Murray became the first woman to fly Helicopter Company, his aim being to design and the following year, and the first imports into the UK a helicopter solo around the world, flying her own R44. manufacture a light, inexpensive helicopter for the arrived in early 1994. In 1997 the Newscopter and The Raven was extremely popular, and continues to general aviator. The first flight of the R22 was in R44 Police Helicopter were both developed; that sell well. However, in July 2002, Robinson introduced August 1975 at Torrance Airport, in Southern California, same year, the R44 became the first piston-engined the new R44 Raven II. This fuel-injected model had and the type was issued with an FAA certificate in. helicopter to be flown around the world, by Quentin a higher gross weight, more power, and increased March 1979. The R22’s popularity exceeded all Smith and Jennifer Murray. The R44 Clipper was performance at altitude. In October of that year, it became expectations. It achieved immense success as an introduced in 1999, with either fixed or pop-out floats.. the first piston helicopter to fly to the North Pole, piloted ab initio trainer, and was responsible for bringing However, the Astro had many critics. The electronic by Quentin Smith and Steve Brooks. Three years later, helicopter flight within the reach of ordinary people trim was far from ideal, meaning the helicopter was the same two pilots flew an R44 Raven II to the South

HISTORY rather than the super-rich. By 1988 Robinson was a difficult to fly without practice, and tiring on long trips. Pole – another first piston helicopter record for the R44. leading producer of light helicopters, producing more So Frank Robinson worked on developing his own The R44 Ravens and Clippers continue to grow in machines in that year than ay other manufacturer. hydraulic system, being less than satisfied with the ones popularity worldwide. Currently around 20 new R44s per In 1991 the R44 Astro was exhibited for the then available, and in 2000 the R44 Raven, with hydraulic week are produced at the Robinson factory, and it is well first time, and the type received its FAA certificate in controls and adjustable pedals, was first produced. In that on course to be the most popular helicopter in the world.

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 39 gentle flare at around 40 ft, and then time for the pilot new to the R44 would probably be easier, so long above, the two R44 machines are have plenty of time to level and raise to manage it. In the event of a real as a suitable surface was available. virtually identical. They both have the lever. The whole thing is far, far hydraulics failure a run-on landing I tried this, and the R44 performed Lycoming engines, and both engines less fraught than in the R22, with the this in what I was coming to realise are de-rated so that they will have a exact timing being much less crucial. was its usual exemplary fashion. longer life. Both require a complete The next thing to try was a RAVEN I - SPECIFICATIONS So having put G-ODHG through overhaul at twelve years or 2,200 confined area landing. After all, this her paces, I could see why the R44 hours, whichever comes first, is a helicopter, and it doesn’t really DIMENSIONS is so popular. It is an easy helicopter and this can be done either at the need airfields and runways. So Length 8.82m - 29ft 5in to fly, and has few vices. But I was Robinson factory in Torrance, or at Mike pointed out a small field, and Height 3.22m - 10ft 9in particularly interested in the newer some overseas distributors. Both are I made an approach to it, bringing Main Rotor Diameter 10m - 33ft version, the Raven II. As it happened, available in a number of different us to a hover in the middle of the there was one in the hangar. We were versions depending on customers’ site. As an R22 pilot most of the WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS unable to fly it, but Mike was happy to needs. There is the R44 Clipper time, I had to remind myself that this Empty Weight 655.5kg - 1442lb show me the differences between the (I and II), which has either fixed was a much bigger helicopter with Max AUW 1090.9kg - 2400lb two. The main difference, of course, floats, or emergency pop-out floats. Useful Load 435.4kg - 958lb a far longer tail than I was used to, is that the Raven II has a fuel-injected The fixed floats mean that the Fuel Capacity 185.8lit - 48.9 US gal engine. This means that there is no helicopter can land on either land or but otherwise there was virtually no 133.63kg - 294 lbs difference between the two types. carb heat knob to remember to pull water, but they do reduce the cruise Returning to the airfield, I tried PERFORMANCE out – or to forget to pull out! Though speed by around 10 kts. The pop-out a quickstop, and here again the R44 Vne 130kts - 241km/h it should be pointed out that the Raven floats are designed for emergency proved to have no vices. My first Cruise 113 kts - 209km/h I has carb heat assist, which means use only; they are inflated from a attempt at a landing surprised me Climb Rate 100ft/min - 0.508m/s the carb heat knob is automatically gas bottle which sits under the left somewhat, as the helicopter seemed Service Ceiling 14000ft - 4308m pulled out when the collective is seat, and in an emergency, the pilot to sit lower on the skids than I Hover Ceiling IGE 6400ft - 1969m lowered, at least in theory. Personally, pulls a trigger, and the floats inflate would have expected for such a big Hover Ceiling OGE 5100ft - 1569m I have never completely trusted carb in a few seconds. These floats, since machine. As we hovered lower and heat assist, and I can’t help feeling they are not normally inflated, do ENGINE that changing to a fuel injected engine not noticeably reduce the cruise lower, I began to wonder if someone Lycoming O-540 derated from had moved the ground! However, will reduce the number of engine speed, and personally, despite the this type of illusion merely requires 260 to 205 hp failures to almost nil. Lycoming fact that engine failure is extremely a little practice, and after a couple engines are extremely reliable, unlikely, I’d feel far happier crossing of landings I felt quite happy. RAVEN II - DIMENSIONS and it is well known that most water if I had them fitted. The Practising engine failure in the cases of engine failure are caused fixed floats add approximately 50 hover is something of a non-event Length 8.82m - 29ft 5in by carb icing. So I was instantly lbs to the empty weight, while the compared to the R22. You can close Height 3.22m - 10ft 9in predisposed to like the Raven II. pop-out ones add around 65 lbs. the throttle, and the helicopter will Main Rotor Diameter 10m - 33ft A few other changes have been There is also an R44 IFR Trainer, settle gently on to the ground, with made as well. The main and tail rotor specifically designed for instrument practically no collective cushioning WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS blades have both been modified in the flight training, with an enlarged 10- required. The higher inertia also Empty Weight 684.5kg - 1506lb Raven II, and they have aerodynamic hole instrument panel (though being means that recovery from a higher- Max AUW 1136.4kg - 2500lb tip caps to reduce noise levels. single engine, the helicopter is not Useful Load 451.9kg - 994lb than-normal hover height is possible. The rotor blades also have a wider actually approved for IFR operations). Fuel Capacity 185.8lit - 48.9 US gal chord, which means the helicopter In addition, there is an R44 Mike demonstrated it to me from 133.63kg - 294 lbs around 10-12 feet, and though it’s is around 5kts faster than the Raven Raven Police Helicopter, and a not something that I’d like to try PERFORMANCE I. The new machine has a higher “Newscopter”, which is optimised myself, the landing was actually Vne 130kts - 241km/h gross weight, increased payload, and for back seat camera operations. quite smooth and uneventful. This Cruise 117kts - 217km/h the 28-volt electrical system means Overall, the R44 is a wonderful is definitely not something that Climb Rate 100ftmin - 0.508m/s that starting is noticeably easier and machine. It is easy to fly, particularly should be tried in an R22! Service Ceiling 14000ft - 4308m more energetic than in the Raven for the majority of pilots who We then turned off the hydraulics, Hover Ceiling IGE 8950ft - 2753.8m I. And the simplest change could these days will have learned on to simulate their failure. In the Hover Ceiling OGE 7500ft - 2307.6m well be the one most appreciated an R22. With hydraulics installed, air I found that the controls were by owners – the ignition key also it is now comfortable to fly, and heavy, but quite manageable. But ENGINE opens all the door locks, eliminating it is roomy for passengers too. hydraulics-off in the hover was a Lycoming IO-540 derated from the need for two separate keys. And it costs about the same to buy different matter. Here I found that the 300 to 205 hp With the Astro and Raven I, new as a rather old JetRanger. cyclic felt really heavy. As a result an R22 pilot could be forgiven for But it is faster than the JetRanger, I tended to under-control, and the MANUFACTURER thinking he or she could just jump and significantly cheaper to run whole thing was just Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 in and fly it, so similar do the two than most turbine helicopters. incredibly hard work. Airport Drive, Torrance, California types appear to be. Indeed, the Also, pilots will not need to do I was beginning to 90505, USA www.robinsonheli.com R22 pilot could probably pre-flight a turbine conversion in order to improve with it and do the start-up unassisted. fly it, do not run the risk of an practice, and it However, this is not the case with the expensive “hot start”, and will was clear to me Raven II, owing to the fuel-injected have less problems finding fuel if that hovering engine. The start-up sequence is operating from smaller airfields. without the completely different, though standard I have flown a fair number of hydraulics is for fuel-injected engines – prime different helicopters, and I would be certainly possible, but it would the engine, crack open the throttle, happy to own most of them, if I had probably take some rich mixture for a few seconds, start the opportunity. But realistically, if with mixture lean, and immediately I was going out tomorrow to buy my move it to rich when the engine own machine, and was considering fires. This start-up sequence would all the practical points involved, be totally familiar to anyone who the R44 is the one I would choose, learned to fly on the Schweizer certainly for my first helicopter. 300 series, but would need If it isn’t yet the most popular to be learned by anyone helicopter in the world – and I converting from an R22, do not have up-to-date figures on or indeed from an earlier this – I would certainly predict R44. Other than the that it very soon will be! •

40 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 41 As Daryl correctly points out this is going to be a tough one as News out of Natal the site apart for the slightly short by Mike Wright - Durban runway, is an ideal city airport good for tracker helicopters training etc. At the time of going to press this was not yet confirmed in writing. Next up we called upon DWC President Stu Lowe at Acher aviation (who do the Portnet pilot transfers in Durban and Richards Bay) and Helen, owner of the Pilot Shop at Virginia Airport. he briefed us on meetings held re: this years Durban Airshow. It who were about to embark on a made several overseas trips to was resolved to come up with a cross country via Richards Bay to learn the new simulator they completely different show this year. lanseria and back in the plane. They have purchased. She is Director There will be more business aircraft. love the Sling for training, especially of flight training at the school. Duplication s acts / aircraft types will the aircrafts robustness and the fuel Its is pleasing to see that certain be avoided. At lunch time the crowd consumption of the Rotax 912 UKL. operators lead by Daryl Mann have line will be opened up at certain Finally, we had a chat to Wimpie begun refurbishing their hanger We recently paid visit to points so that the crowds can get Rheeder at Starlight who is as doors and walls now that there is a close to the participating aircraft. busy as ever on the maintenance bit more certainty with the leases. Virginia Airport and can Ayre aviation has received its side. Particularly busy also has We will bring you a few more report the following 4th Sling. I spoke to two trainees been Kate Odenadaal who has Virginia snippets again soon. • recent developments: Leases - we had a detailed chat once again to Daryl Mann the man driving this process - he and his Attorney met with no less than 10 City officials a while back and certain decisions were made. The City agreed to give a further minimum tenancy of 5 years. After that 18 month notice of vacation is to be given provided a suitable alternative site has been found in the interim. Stu Lowe – Chairman Durban Wings Club Daryl Mann – CEO Aero Natal Students about to depart for lanseria and return in the Sling

SPORTSTAR

A-22 FOXBAT

TUNDRA

42 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 Part 91, take note… There are changes in the regulations that will have an effect on you if you are part of the general aviation industry

ICAO has been actively engaging authorities the world over to align their Part 91 regulations to ensure consistency and fair legislative representation worldwide, providing guidance in the areas of general flight rules, visual flight rules (VFR), instrument flight rules (IFR), aircraft maintenance, and preventative maintenance and alterations, amongst many others. As a result, Part 91 CATs and CARs have been revised over a period of two years with the involvement of members of the industry. In an ongoing attempt to reduce the number of accidents and incidents, the SACAA has appointed additional inspectors to focus specifically on operations under this part. These inspectors will be increasingly visible and active to mitigate the risks posed. The overriding priority for the team is to offer a helping hand to the industry to ensure compliance with new regulations and standards, thereby keeping everyone safe in enjoying what they love most… flying.

For more information, visit our website at www.caa.co.za by Anton Guyt Swartkop Airshow Pics Anton Guyt and Photo Club readers

Time Aviation / SAAF Museum “40 years of passion”

he Time Aviation SAAF Mu- Above: Ex-Swiss air force de Havilland seum, “40 Years of Passion” air Vampire flown by Glen Warden. Tshow was held on 11 May 2013. On a day that demonstrated all seasons Scully Levin and the Gabriel Pitts and weather conditions on one single Special team. Arguably the most day, the event more than made up for emotional display must go to Team the sometimes challenging conditions. 74 of the Silver Falcons in their The event attracted around 35000 spec- Pilatus PC-7 Mk II ‘Astra’ in a 5-ship tators with more than 30 exhibitors. formation display. This was the shortest The flying didn’t disappoint. team ever in the history of the Silver Low cost airline Mango, in one of Falcons. Major Roy Sproul took over their Boeing 737-800 airliners, made as the “Boss” and led the team for the their debut appearance at an air show, first time as well as the last time. Sadly accompanied by a group of ballet Major Sproul’s contract with the SAAF dancers performing on stage. This has come to an end and he will leave synchronized performance was well the SAAF. After a faultless display, the executed and something different. Silver Falcons ended their display with Similar to last year, the race a fitting tribute to Major Sproul. Major between the Bentley supercar and the Bell 407 was thrilling with the Bentley reaching in excess of 200 Km/h down the runway. Some newcomers to the Swarkops show included a T-28D Trojan. The T-28D Trojan was the successor to the North American T-6 Above: Mango Airlines Harvard. The bulky looking T-28D Boeing 737-800 with its unique sound produced by its flown by Scully Wright Cyclone 1,062kW R-1820- Levin and Quen- 56S engine looked surprisingly tin Mouton. nimble in the air. Other rare aircraft in the display was the trusted Boeing Stearman bi-plane and a Fairchild Forwarder. Two other classics were the Douglas DC3 and Douglas DC4. Aerobatic teams included the Eqstra Harvards led by the legendary

Gabriel Team Pitts S2B Last Silver Falcons display for Above: Denel’s Cheetah was unable to complete its display Above: North American T-28 Trojan team leader, Major Roy Sproul. due to an undercarriage problem.

44 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 Far Left: Allouette III. Beau Skarda will resume the role of the and flown by Menno Parsons gave a “Boss” for Team 75. Other aerobatic thrilling performance. No air show is Middle: Meno Parsons aircraft included the Cirrus MX2, the complete without the crowd pleasing taxies in with his Mazda Zoom Extra 300 and the Slik Mustang Sally with its powerful P-51. 360 who all gave breathtaking displays. V12 Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. A multitude of helicopters also took Two other surprise visits included Left: Meno Parsons’ Boeing Stearman. part. The usual L29, L39 and the Impala a brief display by a VIP Boeing Mk1 performed and as expected, the 727 and the Hawker Hunter owned Middle: Meno Parsons. trusted P51D Mustang Sally, owned and flown by Ron Wheeldon. •

DC-4 ‘Lebombo’ departs for its display sequence

Above: North American T-28 Trojan Above: Lynch Jordaan runs through Mustang Above: Aero L-29 flown by Koos Kieck Above: Unusual and recently restored Fairchild Argus Sally’s cockpit for a keen youngster. conducted a series of flypasts for a delighted crowd.

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 45 of implements and machinery are and sand crossings, all designed to engineering team in Port Elizabeth. a unique feature and distinguish demonstrate the different off-road Other activities included cattle Stop Press!!! NAMPO from any other agricultural aspects and capabilities of a vehicle. and horse parades, interactive tractor by Charmaine de Villiers show. It allows the farmer to During the course of the 4 and implement demonstrations, sheep view agricultural equipment on a day show Chevrolet and Isuzu shearing, wool classification and comparative and non-competitive demonstrated their off-road handling demonstrations. According basis under full working conditions. capabilities and visitors had an to the organisers about 80 000 80 Hectares of land, cultivated opportunity to be passengers visitors went through the gates. NAC visits with different crops, have been in the vehicle during off-road For those pilots who would like set aside for this purpose. demonstrations on the track. to spend a day in the country and The Nampo organisers have a One of the main attractions experience something other than specially designed 4 × 4 demonstration on the Isuzu stand at Nampo was city life and skyscrapers, Nampo is a NAMPO track, with various obstacles, such the Isuzu monster show truck, lovely alternative to a business office. as a side hill, water wading, hill known as Sumo, based on an Isuzu The 1200m airstrip is on coordinates Nampo, an agricultural show held ascents and descents, a seesaw KB design and built by GMSA’s S27 º 13 ‘36 “E 26 º 41’ 00” • annually in Bothaville is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest privately organised exhibitions in the world. Newest Tecnam LSA, the Astore, features This year NAC decided to take a few visitors, including Chris levil "Six-Pack" Schutte; CEO of Astral Foods and The Levil AHRS G-mini is, for in the cockpit because it is not Most applications used with Andy Crocker: MD of Meadow the first time, now listed on the a dedicated aircraft instrument. iPad mini + LEVIL include "zero- Feeds, along to the show in the avionics callout of an LSA aircraft. However, when used as a drift" technology, and display company’s new Quest Kodiak 100 The newest TECNAM aircraft, high-resolution display for a most of the information found on a aircraft. Deneys Potgieter, aircraft the head-turning Astore, has an dedicated aircraft instrument traditional EFIS, including pressure sales professional at NAC explains iPad mini as standard equipment like the G-mini, it becomes the altitude, indicated airspeed and that he has many clients amongst with the option to have the Levil most revolutionary and flexible vertical speed from the pitot-static the farmers and this was an ideal Aviation G-mini - AW providing system in aviation today. system. When combined with opportunity to meet ‘unofficially’ the "six pack" information TECNAM realized this when apps such as WingX Pro7 and and enjoy a relaxing day. wirelessly to the iPad's display. testing our products and we are AirNav Pro, the pilot has access More than 100 aviators with a The Levil AHRS solves the excited to work with them." to additional features such as variety of aircraft and helicopters problem of instability issues often said Ananda Leon, Systems 3D Synthetic Vision and Terrain visited the show along with over found when using the internal Engineer at Levil Technology. Awareness. "The G-mini is a great 600 exhibitors and a vast array gyros of the iPad to simulate The Levil G-mini has been addition to our avionics selection of exhibitions including the first attitude indication in the air. Levil catching on since its introduction at and the perfect match for such a South African national ploughing instruments go through extensive AirVenture 2011 and is popular in sophisticated and beautiful aircraft," competition and demonstrations calibration procedures and provide GA aircraft with traditional "steam said Fabio Russo, Chief of Product of sheep shearing, always popular, uncontested performance over a gauges" which are using the iPad Development at TECNAM. especially when done by hand wide range of aircraft dynamics. for situational awareness, all the TECNAM's new Astore will which is a dying art in these "Sometimes people are way to experimental aircraft that be showcased at AirVenture 2013 days of hi-tech machinery. skeptical about using an iPad use the Apple devices as a PFD. with Levil's AHRS installed. • The practical demonstrations

of two Boeing 73-700NG7 ordered. Bujumburra (Burundi), Lagos travel in Africa accelerates, our RwandAir to get The airline recently signed a firm (Nigeria), Kilimanjaro, Mwanza 67-seat, dual-class Q400 NextGen purchase agreement with Bombardier and Dar es Salaam (all Tanzania), aircraft will ensure RwandAir is Q400 NextGen Aerospace for a single Q400 Dubai, Mombasa, Johannesburg well positioned to offer increased NextGen to be used on domestic and (South Africa), Brussels and Addis capacity on popular routes that are RwandAir is to add a Q400 NextGen regional routes. RwandAir operates Ababa (the latter two on codeshare.) being opened and serviced with our turboprop airliner to its current that services from Kigali to: Libreville, Domestic services operate from 37-seat Bombardier Dash 8-200 already includes Bombardier CRJ900 Brazzaville (Congo), Kamembe, Kigali to Gisenyi and Cyangugu. aircraft,” said John Mirenge, Chief NextGen regional jets and the first Nairobi (Kenya), Entebbe (Uganda), “As domestic and regional Executive Officer, RwandAir. “We are also complementing our new dual-class Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen regional jets by offering similar cabin amenities on the Q400 NextGen aircraft, providing for a seamless passenger service between the two aircraft models and aligning our total fleet strategy towards a unified passenger experience. We are developing the RwandAir brand and we are gaining momentum in the region through selection of the right aircraft and right services for our growing market.” RwandAir will become the 12th operator of Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft in Africa. There are more than 40 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft that are already in service with, or have been ordered by, 11 operators in nine countries in Africa. •

46 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013

FLYING SCHOOLS SA urbine training

Name of School Code Telephone E-mail T Ab-initio training Single-engine Muli-engine Night rating IF rating Instructors rating training Simulator Conversions CPL theory CPL practical Helicopter training draggers Tail Pilot shop Conferences and fly Hire Charters training Aerobatic Beginners/advanced training Gyro-copter & ferry flights Microlight Accommodation sales Aircraft/heli Club facilities Advanced Training Hartebeespoort Dam - Pretoria Area

Brits Flying Training Centre 082 778 6528 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • East London

Border Aviation Club 043 736 6181 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Durban

BAC Helicopters 031 569 1531 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Wonderboom Airport - Pretoria

Blue Chip Aviation 012 543 3050 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Lanseria Airport / Randburg

Gryphon Flight Academy 011 701 2600 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • Grand Centra Airport - Midrand - Johannesburg

Lanseria Flight Centre 011 312 5166 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Flight Training Services 011 805 9015/6 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Superior Pilot Services 011 805 0605 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Klerksdorp

Western Transvaal Flying School 082 855 5550 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Port Elizabeth

Aptrac 041 581 0327 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Durban

Starlite Aviation 031 571-6619 [email protected] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

What to do to your aircraft after a period of non use - by Mike Wright Several problems can occur after aircraft or people, in which case your destination and it dies again, the Plan to take some time to get reac- you should thoroughly inspect it for mechanic is sure to be on leave and a period of non use. We highlight quainted with your old friend, the structural damage. you won't have cell service. It hap- a few for the benefit of our read- checklist. You'll want to do a very You'll also want to check pens to the best of us. ers. Please note that this does not thorough preflight. It's always recom- gaskets and seals to make sure pretend to be exhaustive and these mended that you revert back to the they haven't corroded or dried are merely some suggestions. old checklist, and even more so after out from the elements. Check Tyre Pressure a long break. Don’t answer a cell After sitting on the ramp or in a phone or let anyone disturb you when Inspect Fuel & Oil hangar for a season, you'll definitely Review your doing a preflight inspection. Divide want to check your tyre pressure. maintenance records the aircraft up like sliced bread and Remember that both fuel and oil de- And as with any preflight, check for don’t go onto the next item unless teriorate over time, so if your aircraft tyre wear, tread damage and bald Remember those? you have finished the first area (slice) has been sitting for months, consider You locked them up in the file cabinet spots, as well as hydraulic leaks and completely first. an oil change and fuel system check. strut length. for the period of non use, right? Or You'll want to pay special attention maybe you left them in the glove box to condensation or water in the fuel of your truck. Or did your wife take Inspect for Structural Damage tanks. Condensation can occur, and Watch out for those them to make copies? Better make If your aircraft wasn't hangared, is most likely to be seen when the sure you track them down before you you'll want to check the structure airplane sits for long periods with birds and bees! go anywhere. While you're at it, make extra carefully for corrosion damage less-than-full fuel tanks. Whether your airplane was those copies for the file cabinet like from wind, rain and hail. But it's not hangared or not, animals have a you've been meaning to, and make just the weather you should be con- pesky way of entering your air- sure there aren't any pages missing. cerned about: damage from other pi- Check the Battery plane, especially when it sits for a While you're checking your lots and airport vehicles is something Taking care of your aircraft's battery long time. Check the air intake and maintenance records, you'll also you'll need to consider. Chances are will save you time and headache in cowling for animal nests. Inspect want to check that you didn't miss nobody else's plane struck yours, but the long run. And remember that the intakes, stall warning vent, pitot any Airworthiness Directives while you never know. Murphy's Law tends to strike at the tube and static ports for sign of you were away from the airport. If your airplane was in a hangar, you worst possible times. You might animal presence. Birds and bees have It's always less stressful when you don't have so much to worry about, actually want those lights to work been known to build nests in these know you're safe and legal to fly. unless it shares the hangar with other when you're on that night IFR cross- areas. Just a few pointers to help Preflight - With a Checklist! country flight. And once you get to owners out. •

48 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 Italian manufacturer Tecnam recently revealed its next-generation Light Sport Aircraft, the Astroreat HS 400 Signum

The Astore is an all-new, two-seat, app will compute actual Weight and low-wing aeroplane is claimed to Balance, provide checklists and include meld Italian styling with the latest the Pilot Operating Handbook. technological innovations, high The engine will be Rotax with standards of comfort and very low customers being able to choose between purchase and operating costs. the 912ULS, the all new 912iS or the The Astore is named after Rotax 914 engine. “We have built our Tecnam's first aircraft in celebration reputation at Tecnam on producing of the company's 65th anniversary aeroplanes that offer outstanding value, this year. The Tecnam ‘Astore’ will beauty and efficiency” said Paolo include an Apple iPad mini as standard. Pascale, Tecnam’s Managing Director. The Levil G Mini, using its WiFi “What better way to celebrate Tecnam’s connection, provides a full Primary 65th anniversary than by offering our Flight Display on the iPad mini using customers the very best next-generation compatible third party applications LSA, the Tecnam Astore, designed such as Air Navigation Pro or similar. to make flying a Tecnam aeroplane a Additionally, a pre-installed most enjoyable flying experience”. • Dr RG Nel MB.Ch.B (stell) Senior Aviation Medical Examiner with CAA (MS080) Senior Aviation Medical Examiner with FAA (03304)

• Resting and Effort ECG • Respiratory Function • Test Visual performance • Profile Abdominal • Full Clinical Examination • Sonar

Telephone 011 825 0048 Simunuye Centre No. 10 - At Checkers Centre, Hazyview Tel: 013 737 8779 Fax: 013 737 8866 Cel: 082 550 8975 [email protected]

2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 49 to dust and flying machines, and in aerodynamics of a helicopter coming the pilot close to the ground, in the Aircraft Technical particular helicopters which have into land: it transitions from forward hover, probably fairly unstable, a very special relationship with flight into hovering or semi-hovering and having absolutely no external by Dr Guy Gratton it. Helicopters of-course operate flight a few rotor spans above the visual references So, having made mostly at low level, and have a lot of ground, and then descends into that entertaining transition, the rotating parts – engine components, ground effect producing lift through next task is careful monitoring torque linkages, main and tailrotor an accelerating downward column of the radio altimeter (a pressure bearings, and avionics cooling of air generated by the main rotor altimeter works, but poorly in the air – to name only the main ones, disc. That column of air, typically helicopter hovering environment) which will respond very badly to descending at 40-50 knots will hit to carefully let the aircraft down a bit of grit in the works. And of the ground and then turn through 90 until is settles onto a ground that course the sort of dust found in the degrees along the surface, before a nobody on the helicopter can see. desert, or around say a volcano, lot of it then deflects back upwards So, there you have dust and is nothing like the dust in your again into the recirculation around helicopters in a nutshell – it breaks house – it is hard, sharp, gritty, and the rotor. The result is a massive them, either slowly through abrasion capable of destroying any amount dust cloud that will quickly envelope of critical moving parts, or much of delicate machinery. So, aircraft the helicopter and everything around more quickly due to loss of control – any aircraft, but most especially it to a height of often several hundred in helicopter brownout. Both can be turbine engined helicopters, that feet and then drifting downwind for solved of-course, but not infallibly

Dust and brownout!

Quite a lot of years ago, I went to work for a short while at a company called Westland Helicopters – their main product at the time was the Lynx, which in many ways was and remains NATO’s standard shipboard helicopter. The first gulf war was not long over, and Lynx had been one of the main support helicopters of that war, and very much valued. As is often the case when a war kicks off, much of the equipment turned out to be initially unfit for purpose, and needed various hurried tweaks and improvements to render it fit for service. Lynx to be fair proved a really robust piece of kit, and it had been operated out in the gulf over some years before that – but not in large numbers, and so the British services needed a lot more of the various complex filters designed to keep desert sand and dust out of all sorts of critical bits of aircraft – not least the engines themselves. And of course, they were wanted NOW, so Westlands had dropped everything to produce all these parts, even bringing production staff back Above: A US Army Apache Helicopter practices a brownout landing in the Arizona desert. The helicopter is on the left hand from retirement to serve the need. side of the cloud, hovering just above the surface, and in height around a third of the dust cloud at that point. One sergeant pilot in the British army was particularly overwhelmed by this sudden arrival of much operate in dusty environments several miles before it starts to settle – the allied forces in Afghanistan wanted helicopter bits and wrote a need a great deal of modification to back to the surface. For the helicopter are spending well over $100m thank you letter – as I recall in wax allow them to operate safely for any pilot this is a quite deadly challenge, per year repairing dust damage, chinagraph pencil on a kneeboard period of time. The modifications and one only really solvable by and is probably destroying 3 card, to “Mr Westland” saying how to an apparently perfectly good use of a combination of very times as many helicopters as the much he’d appreciated having all aircraft design can cost tens, more robust systems, and well practiced Taliban is managing, through these bits delivered to the desert likely hundreds of thousands of instrument flying technique. The brownout related crashes. Modern so fast, so that he could go and dollars to design and certify. pilot has to maintain attitude using technology – particularly synthetic help liberate Kuwait. That short Which is bad enough, but then an artificial horizon, and counteract vision or helmet mounted displays scruffy letter got photocopied and there’s another issue which anybody yaw through a combination of feel can help a lot, and high quality displayed on every noticeboard in who has had sight of rotary ops in the and reference to his gyro-stabilised pilot training and currency are the company – they were very proud current Afghanistan and Iraqi theatres direction indicator. That stable hover vital. But, ultimately dust is the of what they’d done, and that it had are very aware of nowadays – that’s needs to be achieved by immediate single biggest killer of modern really been noticed at the front line. the phenomenon of “brownout”. To reference to instruments as soon military helicopters, and no Which was my first introduction understand brownout, think about the as the brownout starts – leaving great friend to civil ones. •

50 GA / Vol. 5 / No.6 / JUNE 2013 2013 JUNE / Vol. 5 / No. 6 / GA 51 SPORTSTAR

A-22 FOXBAT

TUNDRA SPORTSTAR

A-22 FOXBAT

TUNDRA