The printing of the October edition of African Pilot was completed on time despite the Heritage day public holiday on Friday last week. I wish to thank 28 Squadron for flying five boxes to Air Force Base Ysterplaat early on Friday morning in time for the two public days where we sold three boxes of magazines to members of the public at R20 each.
African Pilot Newsletter 39 - 2010
Monday 27 September 2010
“You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my friend, is about the end of any nationâ€. Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931.
African Pilot's October edition
The printing of the October edition of African Pilot was completed on time despite the Heritage day public holiday on Friday last week. I wish to thank 28 Squadron for flying five boxes to Air Force Base Ysterplaat early on Friday morning in time for the two public days where we sold three boxes of magazines to members of the public at R20 each. By the time our team packed up our show stand at AAD 2010, we had sold or given away every back edition of the magazine as well as sold all posters that we transported to Cape Town. AAD 2010 also afforded our team the excellent opportunity to meet with many satisfied subscribers and aviation enthusiasts all of who reported that they were enjoying the content and quality of Africa's finest aviation magazine. At the same time many of African Pilot's advertising customers were present on the public days to enjoy the airshow.
African Pilot's November edition
Our team is now in the planning phase of the November edition, which will be filled with important announcements made at AAD 2010 as well as a feature report on the overall success of this international aviation and military spectacle. Marius Nel and Willie Bodenstein will spend this week on a country coastal trip via George, Plettenburg Bay, Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred and East London before returning to Johannesburg on Friday. This means that although advertisers may contact them on their cell phones or e-mails: marius@africanpilot.co.za and willie@africanpilot.co.za, I will provide assistance from our offices on editor@africanpilot.co.za or call 0861 001130. Thank you.
Africa Aerospace and Defence 2010
The much talked about AAD 2010 has come and gone as the final time that this event will be held in Cape Town. From 2012 onwards AAD will return to the completely refurbished AFB Waterkloof in Pretoria. Although the Cape Town weather was kinder this year than in 2008, there were some cold, windy and cloudy days, but on the two public days the weather was excellent for the two airshow days. The staff and management of AFB Ysterplaat can be very proud of staging a well managed five-day event where the facilities provided were outstanding. I was incredibly impressed by the fact that the usual litter problem at events of this nature was managed in a most professional manner. Not only were there plenty of large municipal dustbins strategically placed all over the base, but teams were seen cleaning up at the end of every day. It just goes to show that my constant writing about the litter problem in South Africa is at last having an affect on the organisers of airshows in South Africa.
Although AAD is largely a military show and this year there was no doubt that the Americans, Russians and Italians were lining up for the expected South African heavy transporter order. This meant that the large USAF C17, smaller USAF C130J and Italian Spartan C27J were often seen in action with brilliant displays. Perhaps the highlight of the airshow was when the pilots of the Italian C27J took-off into an almost vertical climb and then the pilots threw this heavy lifter around including rolls and barrel rolls as though the plane was a small fighter. In a word: impressive!
The excellent AAD exhibition team headed up by Geoff van Hees as exhibition manager and Billy Nel as head of marketing and public relations certainly had the support of all the contributors and contractors involved in presenting Africa's premier military and aviation exhibition. There was something for everyone at AAD this year including entertainment for the children and a superb Youth Development centre. Brian Emmenis had his full Capital Sounds team at AAD with a very long line of speakers to keep spectators informed as to what was happening. Another great touch was the manner in which members of the media were accommodated by being posted to various positions around the airfield. In addition, selected media persons were provided with a flight over the airbase in helicopters. I can only believe that media coverage of AAD 2010 will be excellent at every level. A full report with pictures by our team on the spot will follow in the November edition of African Pilot.
What is happening in South African Aviation this coming week?
Impala Pub this coming Wednesday 29 September by Gordon Dyne
Regular lovers of good friendship, varied drinks, great pub food and camaraderie are reminded that this coming Wednesday 29 September is Impala Pub night again at Astra House, Bruma Lake. Anyone who loves aviation or a good fun evening is welcome. There is no membership required, nor will you be coerced into joining the SAAF or similar. It is just a great fun evening. Please come along and support Colonel and Mrs. Jeff Earle who put so much time, effort and Rands into keeping this great little pub going.
For more information please contact sharlene@placo.co.za or Carol van Rensburg at info@jhb.saafa.co.za.
Royal Air Force Officers' Club (RAFOC) monthly lunch Friday 1 October by Gordon Dyne
Members and friends of RAFOC are reminded that this coming Friday 1October is RAFOC lunch time again at the Wanderers' Club in Johannesburg. Another splendid lunch accompanied by some fine wines and great aviation company is guaranteed. After lunch there will be the AGM so there is not a guest speaker this month. Please come and support Chairman Bruce Harrison and his hard working committee. For more information on RAFOC please contact Bruce Harrison on bruce@jbharrison.co.za or Captain Karl Jensen on karlpix@icon.co.za. Thank you.
Microlight fly-in to AFB Swartkop
A Microlight fly-in to AFB Swartkop is being planned for 2 October 2010, linked to the monthly museum flying day. There is already a provisional list of 62 confirmed pilots that will be landing at AFB Swartkop, but this is expected to increase to nearly 80. For further information on this fly-in please contact Les Mc Master E-mail: lesm@m-centre.co.za
Sport Aerobatics' Club - Judges' Trophy
At Vereeniging on Sunday 10 October. Contact Annie Boon e-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za
Krugersdorp Flying Club spot landing and fly-in
On Saturday 16 October. Contact Bryan Belcher 083 7406846 e-mail: sam@bbprojects.co.za
Reach for a Dream raffle
The 2010 DJA / Reach for a Dream Aircraft Raffle winner, Carlo Talevi of King Air Services has kindly donated his PPL course back to 'Reach for a Dream' so that it can be re-raffled thereby raising some more dream money for the children.
We would like to run a very quick easy raffle for this PPL course and have the draw on 1 December 2010. The cost of the tickets will be only R50 each and you may purchase as many tickets as you wish. The value of the prize is R101 480 and we will sell tickets up to midday on 30 November at which time entries will close. The draw will be monitored by the 'Reach for a Dream' auditors as is the aircraft raffle. You will not be issued with a ticket but you will get an e-mail confirming your entry and how many times you have been entered. Your entry ticket will be your name and ID number and will be audited as such. You will claim your prize on your ID document.
The PPL prize is an eight week / 47 hour PPL course at 43 Air School in Port Alfred. All transportation and aviation medical costs are to be borne by the winner of the raffle. Training must commence within twelve months of receiving the prize, after which 6% will be levied on to the total cost of the course/accommodation fees at the time, to cover increases in training costs and fuel. Please note that accommodation and training is covered for 47 hours of flying on a PA28-140 Cherokee; five hours on the Aslim100/200 simulator; 56 days of accommodation; Study material, text books and license and examination fees.
How to purchase tickets
You can buy on line on the raffle website as usual or email raffle@aircraftraffle.co.za or you can fax the down-loadable entry off the website to 011 463 5551 or request an entry from raffle@aircraftraffle.co.za. Payment must be made either via credit card / direct deposit or cash as there is not time for cheques. Banking details are on the raffle website; http://www.aircraftraffle.co.za/ or they can be e-mailed to you. Thank you very much in advance for participating in this extra raffle for the children.
Regards,
Debra Anne Myburgh
Dennis Jankelow & Associates (Aviation) (Pty) Ltd
Telephone: +27 11 463-5550 Mobile: 082 897 0775 E-mail: debram@jankelow.co.za
Rhino poaching - vets arrested
Two well-known veterinarians from Modimolle in Limpopo were arrested on Monday, along with seven other people over their alleged involvement in 'hundreds of incidents' of rhino poaching.
National police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said the suspects are “the masterminds' of a syndicate believed to be involved in rhino poaching across the country. The arrests were a great breakthrough for us. More arrests may follow,†Naidoo said.
Dr Karel Toet and his wife, Marisa, were arrested early on Monday morning. Dr Manie du Plessis, one of Toet's partners, was also arrested. They own the Nylstroom animal clinic, as well as Limpopo Wildlife, which is involved with catching and transporting game on farms.
Naidoo said two businessmen - as well as the one businessman's wife - were also behind bars. The other suspects' occupations are unknown. They were arrested in Polokwane, Musina and Modimolle respectively. “These people were supposedly involved with killing rhinos, selling the horns and disposing of the carcasses,†said Naidoo.
This breakthrough came after five rhinos were killed for their horns in a nature reserve in the North West at the weekend. Altogether 210 rhinos have been killed for their horns since the start of the year, compared to 122 poached last year.
Naidoo said the police's specialist unit, the Hawks, conducted the investigation and made the arrests in co-operation with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), SANParks, the department of nature conservation and the national prosecuting authority (NPA). Farmers in Limpopo's Lephalale and Vaalwater areas, as well as the North West, have recently complained about helicopters with obscured registrations flying over game farms. The CAA was approached to take part in the investigation. It was alleged that poachers were dropped on farms by helicopter and then picked up again once they had cut off the animal's horns.
Beeld has heard that the vets from Modimolle have been under investigation for the last few months.
Monday's arrests came about a week after Tom Fourie, a well-known figure in wildlife circles in Musina, was arrested. He has already appeared in court and was released on R2 000 bail. It is not clear whether Fourie is involved with the same syndicate. Naidoo said the police have their eye on other syndicates that are involved in 'the cold-blooded slaughter' of rhinos in nature reserves and game farms. Naidoo said the nine suspects are being held in the police cells in Musina. Faan Coetzee, head of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), was overjoyed about the news on Monday.
“We've been waiting a long time for this,†he said.
Editor comments
My heartiest congratulations to all involved in bringing this dreadful series of cold blooded crimes to book. How wealth corrupts and to think that almost everyone involved has been involved in so-called wildlife protection! There is only one punishment fit for these dreadful criminals: to sentence the culprits to a slow and painful parting from this world by cutting off their horns and letting them bleed to death. Asset forfeiture must also take place to send a clear message to any other would be poachers that the plundering of South Africa's rich wildlife heritage is not acceptable.
TeamXtreme has launched to the skies
The team, consisting of pilots Nigel Hopkins and Mark Hensman (Bugs), are currently in Laiwu, China, taking part in the China International AirSports Fiesta 2010. Assisting the team on the ground are Derek Hopkins, Mark Sampson and Bruce Saunders. A great deal of planning and logistics had to be tackled prior to the event. Nigel's aircraft had to be packed and air freighted from Hungary and Mark's aircraft was shipped in from Cape Town. While this was all happening, last minute visas had to be obtained, air tickets collected and both pilots still had to take part in the Summer Contest at Vereeniging, followed by the SAC AGM. The very next day, the team were packed and on a plane for Laiwu China.
All expenses had been paid by the Chinese authorities and as such, the route the chaps had to fly must have been the cheapest route possible, via every airport between South Africa and China. They all left on 19 September and finally arrived at their destination in Laiwu, China on 20 September, then they began the task of unpacking and assembling the aircraft and test flying them before any practice flights could take place. Finally on 22 September the pilots took to the skies for their first formation display practice flight.
Cessna to cut 700 jobs
Cessna will cut an additional 700 jobs, CEO Jack Pelton announced on Tuesday. In an e-mail to employees, Pelton cited a “stalled ... lackluster economy†and said that while cancellations of aircraft orders have slowed, the recovery and growth that was expected this year has not materialised. “We must continue to lower our cost structure to remain competitive,†Pelton wrote. Scott Donnelly, the CEO of Textron, Cessna's parent company, said orders for business jets at Cessna have failed to show a “discernable improvement,†although most of the conglomerate' other businesses are showing “solid performance.†Cessna is based in Wichita and Independence, in Kansas, but also has operations in Georgia and Mexico. The company has already cut its workforce in half over the last two years, eliminating 8 000 jobs, mostly in Wichita.
Eclipse Aerospace pursues higher operations
Eclipse jets should soon be able to fly as high as Flight Level 410, as originally intended, Eclipse Aerospace said this week. Currently, the FAA restricts the fleet to FL 370, but since taking over the EA500 twin-engine personal jet design just over a year ago, the new Eclipse Aerospace Inc. has been working to upgrade the fleet. EAI said it has designed a modification for the EA500 to dissipate potential precipitation static, using a maintenance-free thin carbon strip that is bonded across the windshield and the aircraft structure. “This new diverter strip replaces the previous chemical-based application, which was hard to apply and difficult to maintain,†said Ken Ross, president of the company's service and support division.
US Guard members participate at South African airshow
More than 70 members of the New York Army and Air National Guard from Long Island, the Hudson Valley and the state capital region were in Cape Town, South Africa, last week participating in the African continent's largest airshow, the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition 2010. The event, held at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, featured aircraft from 35 countries as well as a further 135 manufacturers. The New York National Guard, which participates in the State partnership programme with the South African National Defense Force, sent an Army National Guard OH-58 Kiowa Scout helicopter and a New York Air National Guard HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopter to participate in the exhibition
Grad student claims first human-powered ornithopter flight
On Wednesday Todd Reichert, a PhD student at the University of Toronto announced that he had completed the first continuous flight of a human-powered ornithopter, the mythical aircraft with birdlike flapping wings first envisioned by Leonardo da Vinci in 1485, The Toronto Star reported. Reichert said his flight, launched by a towline attached to an automobile, sustaining both altitude and airspeed for 19.3 seconds over 145 meters (475 feet) at a top speed of 25 kph (approximately 16 mph). During that time, it was powered solely by its pilot and designer, U of T engineering Ph.D. candidate Todd Reichert, who estimates he is capable of about 0.3 horsepower. Reichert believes his team's effort represents the first ever sustained flight of a human-powered ornithopter. The FAI ruling committee (the record keepers) is expected to offer its opinion in October.
NASA to use magnets to launch spacecraft
NASA is moving ahead on development of a rail launching system for spacecraft using magnetic levitation or a combination of advancements in other existing technologies. The concept of a rail launcher is to reduce the amount of 'fuel' carried onboard the spacecraft by imparting a lot of energy to the vehicle before it leaves the ground.
SolarEagle Vulture to stay aloft for five years
The Boeing SolarEagle to be developed under the DARPA Vulture programme will be designed to fly continuously for five years in the stratosphere running on solar-electric power. Boeing received an $89 million phase II contract to build a full-scale demonstrator for 'communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions from altitudes above 60,000 feet.'
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