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African Pilot Newsletter 19 - 2011
Monday 9 May 2011
“Next to physical survival, the greatest need of a human being is psychological survival - to be understood, to be affirmed, to be validated, to be appreciated.†Stephen Covey
African Pilot's June edition
Due to the many public holidays in April and May we started planning the June edition well in advance. The deadline for editorial and advertising material was on Friday 6 May, but we can still accept submissions until Tuesday 10 May. Please feel free to contact me for editorial content: editor@africanpilot.co.za and for advertising positions in the June edition please contact Marius on 0861 001130 or e-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za. Thank you.
African Pilot's aviation Training supplement for July
As in previous years, the reason for publishing the Aviation Training supplement together with the July edition is so that matric students in their final year at school can have access to information about careers in aviation. For further information on editorial content please contact me: editor@africanpilot.co.za and for advertising opportunities please contact Willie Bodenstein: willie@africanpilot.co.za. Thank you.
African Pilot's Facebook and aviation hub links
Facebook link: www.facebook.com/AfricanPilot
Hub link: http://www.apmag.info/
African Pilot is the most important aviation publication on the African continent
A bold statement, but considering the reach of this weekly newsletter to an estimated audience of 20 000, the printed magazine of 9 000 copies, the on-line magazine that has another 6 000 registered readers and the website: http://www.africanpilot.co.za/ that achieves more than 150 000 hits per month there can be no doubt that African Pilot is the most influential aviation magazine product in Africa. What do you think? Please e-mail me with your thoughts: editor@africanpilot.co.za. Thank you.
Accommodating extra large passengers in the aviation business
Last week I published an article on larger than life passengers on airline flights and how these persons affect those passengers around them as well as overall passenger safety when confronted or seated next to an oversize person. The response to this article has been phenomenal from airline pilots, inconvenienced passengers, airline safety personnel and even charter pilots who have been faced with oversized and certainly overweight passengers. There can be no doubt that the average passenger weight has increased significantly over the past five years and some time airline have to stand together to make the decision that extra large passengers must book two seats on an airline or fly business class. To those persons that wrote to me, thank you for your contribution.
What is happening this week in aviation?
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Saturday 14 May Heidelberg airshow. Contact Andre Vorster e-mail: andre@wearcon.co.za 083 654 2793 or Walter Doubell 079 8306452
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Weekend 20 to 22 May North meets South Gyrocopters at Gariep Dam. Contact: e-mail: polis@iafrica.com
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Saturday 21 May SAAF Swartkops Air Extravaganza. Contact Lt. Col. Willie Nel 083 305 3700 e-mail: willemnel@webmail.co.za
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Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 May SAPFA President's Air Race at Mafikeng airfield Contact Robin Spencer-Scarr e-mail: robin@creativetiles.co.za
Western Cape Provincial Landing Championship at Stellenbosch on 21 May 2011
Antony Russell - Vice Chairman South African Power Flying Association
It has been a number of years since we have held a provincial landing competition in the Western Cape and all prospective entrants for the spot landing competition are invited to join us for a day of landings at one of the prettiest airfields in South Africa. The Stellenbosch Flying Club will be hosting this event in conjunction with the Cape Town Flying Club.
There will be a talk on precision landing at Cape Town Flying Club on Saturday 14 May at 11h00 (get there at 10h30 for complimentary coffee and muffins) and a Stellenbosch Flying Club on Tuesday 17 May at 18h30 (contact Stellenbosch Flying Club directly if you would like to arrange to eat dinner there), so you can get all your landing questions answered.
The competition format is as follows
Landing 1: conventional powered approach
Landing 2: glide approach from 1000 feet with flaps
Landing 3: glide approach from 1000 feet without flaps
Landing 4: conventional powered approach over a two metre obstacle
Each competitor will undertake eight landings (two of each) and the worst landing score will be discarded. The proposed programme for the day is:
07h35: Sunrise
08h15: Safety Briefing
09h00: Landing 1 & 2
10h30: Landing 3 & 4
12h00: Lunch
12h30: Landing 1 & 2
14h00: Landing 3 & 4
16h15: Prize giving
17h49: Sunset
The entry fee is R200 per competitor. To compete for the provincial trophy, you must be a member of SAPFA. Please could you send your entry to sapfa@therussells.co.za as early as possible for catering and planning purposes. Thank you.
Warbirds at Tempe by Willie Bodenstein
Despite being advertised as a warbirds airshow, this year Tempe was more a SAAF airshow, unfortunately without the Hawk and Rooivalk and featured only four civilian participants namely; the Mustang, Cell C Flying Lions, L39 and Impala. One wonders why none of the other teams flying warbirds did not attend? Is this because of cost of getting warbirds to Bloemfontein, a lack of sponsorship or because of restrictions and display ratings?
However, spectators flocked in their thousands to the show and for once the weather played ball. This was a well organised event with all the necessary facilities the crowd stayed until the end when the rain started and the show was closed by Gripen which flew from Makhado.
A full report with pictures will be published in the June edition of African Pilot.
SAPFA Fun Rally - Parys by Mary de Klerk
The SAPFA Fun Rally was held on Saturday in Parys in co-ordination with the South African Sport Aerobatic Free State Championships. Unfortunately the weather did not play ball and a quite a few Rally teams could not get through. However, the event went ahead in conjunction with the Aerobatic Teams and results were as follows:
Fun rally:
1st position Esmond Erasmus / Mike Cathro
2nd position Thys van der Merwe / Mary de Klerk
3rd position Keith Irwin / Justin Gloy
Precision flying:
1ST position Frank Eckard
2nd position Ron Stirk
Top TV attended the event to film one of the 13 episode series to be screened about the Aero Club of South Africa on 17 May at 20h00. Please get ready for the next Fun Rally to be held at Tedderfield on 4 June.
43 Air School's new ATC simulator
On Friday afternoon I flew to 43 Air School with Chris Briers in a Beechcraft Baron through rather difficult weather conditions in order to attend the official launch of 43 Air School's magnificent new ATC simulator installation. Although a full report with pictures will appear in the June edition, it is important to inform youngsters who may be interested in a career as an Air Traffic Controller to visit this new 43 Air School ATC training centre which must be one of the finest anywhere in the world today. The line-up of aviation personalities and several from the Provincial Government was incredible. A full report with pictures will be published in the June edition of African Pilot.
Travel industry Indaba - Durban
I then flew from East London to Durban on SA Express Airways in the jump seat of the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ 200) with Captain Brandon Nathan and co-pilot Margot Venter at the controls. What a beautiful flight and a delightful aircraft.
The Travel Industry Indaba happens every year at the ICC conference Centre and is well attended by several aviation companies including most South African airline and charter companies. Altogether 1 600 tourism products are being exhibiting and 12 000 people are expected to attend over the four days of the exhibition. Of these more that 3 000 are foreign tour operators, media, buyers and guests of Indaba. It has been some years since I last attended an Indaba and I was hugely impressed at the overall growth of this exhibition, which is certainly a showcase for South African and SADEC countries travel industry.
Another huge turn-out at EAA Chapter 322 last Wednesday evening by Gordon Dyne
Approximately 80 members, guests and lovers of aviation gathered together last Wednesday evening at the Dickie Fritz MOTH Hall in Dowerglen for the May meeting of EAA Chapter 322. What a lovely atmosphere there was amongst those who love the freedom of flight and have reached out and touched the face of God.
It took longer than usual for Chairman Karl Jensen to bring the meeting to order and to hush the boisterous aviators, who were propping up the bar, but as usual Karl was the epitome of tact and soon the meeting was rocking with mirth as Karl related some risqué jokes accompanied by some superb aviation slides. Karl gave us the good news that popular 322 member and Young Eagles' Coordinator Jayson van Schalkwyk's partner Niki had, a few hours earlier, given birth to a boy - Matthew. Congratulations to you both Jayson, but was that happy event sufficiently good enough reason for you to miss our meeting? The general consensus of opinion was NO!
Much of the meeting was taken up with a post mortem on the previous Sunday's EAA 322 airshow at Tedderfield. Congratulations were showered on the organiser, veteran member Bill Keil, his assistant Lyn Rawlings and all the helpers who did their level best to make the day an enjoyable one and also a financial success, despite the awful weather. Sadly, due to the inclement weather, which descended upon the whole of Gauteng on the Sunday morning and prevented many of the show planes from arriving, also discouraged very many spectators from attending. However, I think I can speak for all of us who attended by car or plane that we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Hopefully the overheads were covered and I am sure we can do better next year. Chairman Karl personally thanked everyone who gave of their time both on the Saturday prior to Sunday's show and at the show. I would like to mention that no one worked harder on both days than our Chairman himself.
Before the break for refreshments, we were regally entertained by avid aviator and Chipmunk pilot Brian Appleton who with the aid of a splendid 'power point' presentation gave us the story of the De Havilland safari to Botswana and Zambia which had just taken place by 20 or so hardy souls. It is 91 years since Geoffrey de Havilland began his famous company producing two of the world's most famous and iconic airplanes. Namely the Tiger Moth and the Mosquito. Sadly the group could not find a Mosquito to accompany it, but six Tiger Moths, three of which had come especially from England, one Hornet Moth also from England, a Beechcraft Baron, a Partenavia and a Jabiru more than made up for the absence of the Mosquito.
The trip cleared customs at Polokwane, continuing to Francistown and to Gweta for a few days. On to Guma which is a 90 minute ride from Saronga. The party then had the pleasure and honour of meeting the granddaughter of Sir Geoffrey de Havilland who lives in Saronga.
They flew on to Chobe, Victoria Falls and spent a few days at Livingstone where the party met the Zambian President. On the way home these intrepid aviators also met President Ian Karma of Botswana, himself a pilot and an avid aviation enthusiast. Quite a trip.
After a break for refreshments, thank you very much Ron van Lear for your delicious snacks, the evening concluded with a talk by Dale de Klerk on the Hartswater Eagle Flight Academy Fly-in which took place in April. Hartswater Eagle Flight Academy situated in the middle of The North West Province was celebrating its first birthday. Dale mustered 25 planes and 70 people who descended upon Hartswater and although it rained for most of the weekend, this did not deter another bunch of keen pilots and passengers from enjoying themselves enormously. It sounded like a great fly-in. Thank you very much Brian Appleton and Dale de Klerk for two most enjoyable talks.
At 23h00 Karl called 'time' and we all wound our way home after another successful evening in the life of EAA Chapter 322. Thank you everyone for coming month in month out to support the Chapter and our Chairman Karl Jensen who puts enormous effort into making each evening such a success. Thank you too, Trixie Heron for your wonderful smile and infectious enthusiasm.
Please note the next meeting will be Wednesday 1 June. Remember you do not have to be a member of Chapter 322 to come along. You will not be coerced into joining. Come and join like-minded people with a love for airplanes and aviation. For more information on EAA Chapter 322 please contact Karl Jensen on karlpix@icon.co.za or Trixie Heron on editor@afskies.co.za. Thank you.
Royal Air Force Officers' Club (RAFOC) lunch last Friday 6 May by Gordon Dyne
Some 50 or so members of RAFOC came together at The Wanderers' Club in Johannesburg last Friday for the monthly lunch. In the absence of Chairman Bruce Harrison who was enjoying the delights of the fairest Cape and deputy Chairman Jon Adams, committee member Russell Swanborough took 'the chair.' Bruce's shoes are difficult to fill, but Russell did a great job. We all enjoyed a splendid lunch of chicken soup followed by chicken galantine accompanied by crushed potato and seasonal baby vegetables. Delicious. As usual the cellars of The Wanderers' Club did us proud and the reds and whites made a fine accompaniment to the lunch.
As we all relaxed and nattered Russell called us to order and introduced the guest speaker Trevor Ralston to us. Trevor is the son of Major General Duncan Ralston who is a member of RAFOC and at 'pushing' 90 is still going strong like the DC3s he flew after the war in his long and distinguished career in the SAAF. Trevor followed his Dad's example and joined the SAAF in 1967. Trevor began flying fixed wings before quickly switching to helicopter when the opportunity arose. He has flown every model of helicopter that the SAAF has ever owned.
Trevor gave us a fascinating talk on his time with Denel Aviation where he was Manager of Flight Testing and Chief Helicopter Test Pilot. Since 2005 Trevor has worked at ATE (Advanced Technologies and Engineering) where he has been testing weapons and avionics' upgrades on the Russian Mi-24 and Mi-17 helicopters. Trevor's talk was accompanied by some great slides, some of which were really vintage, but fascinating. What a marvellous talk. What a career. What a man. Thank you very much Trevor. My best respects to your Dad please.
Thank you Captain Geoff Fish for 'finding' yet another great guest speaker. The usual raffle produced two prizes for my good friend Pilot Officer Ralph Coombs RAF (retired.) There could not be a worthier recipient. I just hope Ralph hasn't consumed both bottles this past weekend. The lunch sadly wound up at about 1515 hours. Another lovely lunch in such distinguished company.
Please diarise the next lunch which will be on Friday 6 June. For more information on RAFOC please contact Chairman Bruce Harrison on bruce@jbharrison.co.za. or Robert Tannahill on Tannahill@vitalitybroadband.co.za. Please remember you do not have to have been in the RAF or to have been an officer to be a member of RAFOC. There are a number of civilians who are members. The aims of the club are to promote and maintain the traditions of The Royal Air Force. Thank you.
World Air Masters airshow - Annie Boon
The World Air Masters airshow was recently held in Dazu, Chongqing, China and our very own Team Xtreme received an invitation to take part. The team consisted of pilots Mark Hensman, Nigel Hopkins, Larry Beamish and Pierre Gouws, all being backed up by an amazing ground crew consisting of Mark Sampson, Derek Hopkins, Jason Beamish, Bruce Saunders and Peter Boshoff.
Aerobatics was the primary focus of the Dazu airshow. There were also three different types of contests, a formation display, an air race with aerobatic figures and an individual freestyle aerobatic display to music, lasting four minutes. Team Xtreme blew the crowds away and Nigel was crowned the overall winner of the World Air Masters Event, taking home the gold for South Africa! The team members are due back in South Africa in the next few days, and I am sure we will get a full report upon their return. So here's saying: 'Go Team Xtreme! Well done!'
Civil Aviation Regulations received from AWSA
The period for comment on the Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) and accompanying Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATs) has been extended to 13 May 2011.
Maintenance advisory notice 43
A revised MAN 43 has been issued which extends the amnesty period to 31 October 2011. The effect of this notice will be very costly to the aviation industry. It has been reported to AWSA that an aircraft owner has been quoted an amount in the region of R5 000 by an AMO to comply with the notice. This is for an aircraft with standard equipment.
A copy of the MAN is attached at www.awsa.co.za/newsletter/2011/awsa-news-4-may-2011
Appointment - Director Civil Aviation Authority
The Department of Transport has issued a short list of suitable candidates for the position of Director: Civil Aviation Authority. A copy of the Gazette (Gazette 3214 GN236) has been attached at www.awsa.co.za/newsletter/2011/awsa-news-4-may-2011
Fewer than 100 days remain until Oshkosh starts
The clock is ticking toward the 25 July opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, 'The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration,' which is now fewer than 100 days away. The 59th annual edition of EAA's fly-in convention takes place between 25 and 31 July at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
REO Speedwagon at AirVenture
After a full AirVenture 2011 opening day on Monday, 25 July, REO Speedwagon will rock Oshkosh, courtesy of Ford Motor Company. The performance, free of charge to all AirVenture guests that day, is held on ConocoPhillips Plaza immediately following the afternoon airshow.
SAA long-haul flights in the spotlight
Ultra-long flights to New York by SA Airways show 'a flagrant disregard' for the safety of passengers and crew members, the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union said on Wednesday. “Satawu condemns the exemption granted to SAA to operate ultra-long flights,†said spokesperson Zenzo Mahlangu in a statement. He expressed Satawu's “disappointment and fury†at the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the department of transport for authorising SAA's direct flights from South Africa to New York. Mahlangu said that these flights exceeded the allowable period for safe operation of flights, known as the flight and duty period.
SAA granted exemption
The SA CAA granted SAA exemption from this period, on condition that the flight safety training manual be evaluated and approved and that proof of fair flight roistering practices was supplied. Satawu said that the latter had not been met. “We will vigorously campaign for the nullification of that irregular exemption granted in favour of SAA,†Mahlangu said. Mahlangu said that Satawu believed that corruption and collusion could be behind the exemption.
SAA's spokesperson Dileseng Koetle responded, saying that the airline 'strongly rejected' these suggestions and that they were unfounded. “SAA would not undertake any operation that would put its customers at risk. Our decision to operate directly from Johannesburg to New York from 1 May 2011 was in full compliance with CAA regulations,†she said. This decision was undertaken to cater for customers who preferred to take a direct flight and had involved over 12-months of pre-planning before the new flight was undertaken. “The implementation of this route is in line with global market trends, and keeps the airline competitive with other international premier airlines that have respected safety records,†Koetle said. She added that the flights would contribute to South Africa's and the continents long-term economic growth. Comment from the SA CAA and the department of transport could not immediately be obtained.
Editor comments
What utter rubbish is coming from this labour union! Has Mahlangu any idea of how other airlines operate around the world? Apparently some education is required at Satawu and if the cabin crew members can't take the requirements of their privileged jobs then they should resign and work for a company the keeps normal office hours.
South African air travellers face wave of new taxes by DefenceWeb
Around half the cost of a plane ticket actually goes to the airline; the rest consists of a fuel surcharge and taxes including VAT (14%), a passenger service charge, which the airport takes and a passenger safety charge. If a passenger leaves the country, he or she also has to pay an air passenger tax (departure tax). As of 1 March the passenger safety charge was raised to R12 per passenger. The Government Gazette of 25 March carried a notice from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SA CAA) proposing the passenger safety charge be increased to R18 per person for the 2011/2012 financial year. The increase would be, 'used to assist SACAA to comply with its statutory mandate, which includes safety and security oversight on various entities and certificate/licence holders for the benefit of travellers. This proposed increase comes at a time when general, recreational and commercial aviation is experiencing financial pressures and SACAA is mindful of this,' the government notice read. The SA CAA said the R6 increase would be a softer approach to increasing user fees that would impact recreational and general aviation sectors. The SA CAA said it was working on developing a 'proper Financial Model' to plan future tariff adjustments over a four year cycle. 'SA CAA humbly implores the industry and the public to pledge their support for the proposed PSC increase,' the organisation stated. Civil Aviation Authority spokeswoman Phindiwe Gwebu told The Mercury that the tax money was necessary for the replacement of deteriorating infrastructure. She added that R18 was the “most reasonable amount reached†that would not burden the aviation industry.
According to the South African National Consumer Union (Sancu), the proposed passenger safety charge increase would cost consumers R100 million a year. The amount was extrapolated from the Airports Company of South Africa's figures of 16.5 million departing passengers reported for last year. However, this figure does not include traffic from private airports like Lanseria. “What really galls is there is no guarantee that this (tax) will be used to promote passenger safety on scheduled flights,†SANCU vice chairman Cliff Johnston told The Mercury. “Consumer bodies like SANCU were not consulted, nor do there appear to be any consumer representatives serving on the committee recommending the increase,†he said. SANCU has sent an objection to the SA CAA, saying that flying is an activity engaged in by all income groups and not a luxury that could be taxed selectively.
The government is planning on introducing a carbon tax from 2012, amounting to R75 per tonne on carbon dioxide emissions. The proposed tax was first announced in December last year and in March the treasury said it was working on plans to take the tax forward. Full details are expected to be announced in the 2012 budget address. The carbon tax has met with some opposition. According to Giovanni Bisignani, CEO and Director General of the International Air Traffic Association (IATA), “South Africa is a particularly carbon-intensive destination and relies extensively on long-haul flights from key international tourism markets. Putting a tax on aviation would put in jeopardy the very substantial benefits delivered to SA's society and economy which far outweigh any additional tax revenues.â€
In addition, the air passenger tax may be raised from R150 to R190 per passenger on international flights and R100 on regional flights, representing a 27% increase on international flights and 25% to SA Customs Union States (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland). The increased air passenger tax would come into effect from 1 October this year. “The airline industry is currently struggling with the impact of cost increases brought about by tariff increases…increased ATNS (Air Traffic and Navigation Services) charges as well as escalating fuel costs. The volatile state of the industry means that further cost increases are likely to be absorbed by many of the airlines themselves. We believe that the proposed tariff increases need to be reviewed urgently to ensure the sustainability of the airline industry in South Africa,†said Chris Zweigenthal, Chief Executive of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa. Meanwhile, the Airports Company of South Africa last year proposed a 133% tariff increase, which its Regulatory Committee declined, ruling instead that the airports authority be allowed to increase its tariffs by 40.7%.
Pelton leaves Cessna
The current chairman, president and CEO of Cessna, Jack Pelton will be retiring. Scott Donnelly, the CEO of Textron, is now running Cessna, though Pelton doesn't officially retire until 1 June. Donnelly, who is based in Providence, has already been spending a lot of time in Wichita, Textron spokesman David Sylvestre said on Tuesday and he will be spending more time there until Pelton's successor is named. “We are actively conducting a search and looking at both internal and external candidates†Sylvestre said. The company is seeing signs of recovery, he said and the new leader at Cessna “would have to capitalize on that.†Cessna's recent quarterly report showed a loss of $38 million, which Donnelly called “disappointing.â€
China lays out its GA plan
The recent buying spree of US aviation companies by the Chinese appears to be a coordinated effort to ensure the country cashes in on the phased liberalization of airspace restrictions. People's Daily, the official organ of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, reported on Tuesday that state-owned AVIC International Holding Corporation recently completed its acquisition of Mobile, Ala.-based Teledyne Continental Motors and the purchase 'will make AVIC International better prepared for the burgeoning general aviation market in the country.' It also touts the pending sale of Cirrus Aircraft to China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company (CAIGA) 'will greatly enhance CAIGA's production capacity and help it meet the surging demand for general aviation aircraft as China looks to further open up its low-altitude airspace.' It is worth noting that CAIGA was formed in May of 2010, not long before reports began circulating that Cirrus was being sold to the Chinese. The deal was formally announced 28 February and must still be approved by US regulators.
Hawker Beechcraft GA deliveries on the up
In first-quarter reports released this week, Hawker Beechcraft reported aircraft deliveries in its business and general aviation segments were up compared to the same period last year, but revenues were down. Hawker said it delivered 45 business and GA aircraft in the first quarter 2011, compared to 34 in the first quarter 2010. “We are coming off of a solid 2010 and our momentum into 2011 is encouraging,†said CEO Bill Boisture. “While the first quarter is historically a quieter one for the industry, we believe the up tick in our aircraft shipments and increased backlog is evidence of the ongoing demand for our products.†However, despite higher delivery numbers revenues were down by about $49 million over last year, at $286 million. The company said the decrease was due to a higher percentage of lower-priced aircraft in the 2011 deliveries, plus lower revenues from the sale of used aircraft received as trade-ins.
What a week for innovation! From EAA e-Hotline
Seraph, Synergy, Taurus 4, stealth helos, jet wings over the Grand Canyon, feathering spacecraft - need we go on? e-Hotline has been publishing for nearly a decade now and we can't recall a single previous issue that contained a larger 'wow factor' than this one.
CAFE symposium celebrates the 'Dawn of Electric Flight'
The CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposium last weekend was packed with so many new airplanes and concepts that it was like seeing 30 college lectures in two days, as the information came fast and furious. In the opening remarks, CAFE President Dr. Brien Seelye dubbed the 2011 event 'the dawn of electric flight,' citing that there has been 'exponential growth' since the first symposium in 2007. Experimenter Editor Pat Panzera was there to see it all and filed a two-part report that covers both the cool new planes that are competing in the Green Flight Challenge, as well as promising new technologies that will reach far beyond aviation
Pipistrel Taurus 4
An eclectic electric, Pipistrel's new twin-fuselage Taurus 4 was built to win the Green Fight Challenge in July, but who wouldn't hope it becomes a production model? The design is reminiscent of the XP-82 Twin Mustang and SpaceShipTwo with its two pods connected by a 5-foot spar.
Synergy
Half futuristic sailplane-half fighter jet - Synergy and its drag-reducing double-box tail burst onto the scene last week at CAFE's EAS-V. The 5-7 place aircraft could be a game-changer, with higher speeds and greater fuel efficiency per horsepower than any comparably spacious airplane.
The Seraph
The Seraph, a Green Flight Challenge entrant, marries blended-wing and lifting body aerodynamics and carbon fibre construction for maximum weight savings and efficiency. The single-place, twin-engine, hybrid-powered aircraft uses biofuel-to-electric conversion.
Editor comments
I am really looking forward to exploring Electric Flight when I visit Oshkosh in July. As in previous years AirVenture is the airshow at which innovative aviation products and services are launched every year and this is the primary reason why I make this annual pilgrimage.
First feather SS2 successfully deploys re-entry system
Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo (SS2/VMS Enterprise) demonstrated its unique re-entry 'feather' configuration for the first time on Wednesday 4 May during its seventh test flight over Mojave Air and Spaceport, California. Virgin Galactic called the test flight the third in 12 days - a major milestone on the path to powered test flights and commercial operations.
Tuesday 10 May the earliest for Endeavour launch
The shuttle Endeavour, whose scheduled 29 April launch was scrubbed due to a failure in a heater circuit associated with Endeavour's hydraulic power system, won't launch before Tuesday 10 May according to NASA managers. Meanwhile, Endeavour's six astronauts have returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for several days of additional training.
Zeppelin to make three Goodyear blimps
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced it will team up with German manufacturer ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik to build three new blimps beginning in 2013. The airships will be built by Zeppelin and Goodyear teams at Goodyear's airship hangar near Akron. The first new blimp will go into operation in 2014. Each new airship will cost about $21 million, including technical support. The replacements will be longer (246 feet versus 192 feet), will fly faster (73 mph versus 54 mph) and will have more gondola seats (13 versus seven, including pilot).
Aviation humour
Pilot announcement: “Folks, we have reached our cruising altitude now, so I am going to switch the seat belt sign off. Feel free to move about as you wish, but please stay inside the plane till we land... it's a bit cold outside and if you walk on the wings it affects the plane's performanceâ€
Until next week, please be 'Serious about flying'.
Athol Franz (Editor)
African Pilot 'Serious about flying'.
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