African Pilot Newsletter No. 39 - 2011

African Pilot Newsletter 39 2011

Monday 26 September 2011

“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on them. You don't let them have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” Johnny Cash

Passing of Graeme Conlyn
With great sadness I am reporting the passing of Graeme Conlyn on Tuesday evening after complications from a heart attack. Graeme was one of the most important people in General Aviation, having served as NAC's CEO for many years and also for being involved in many aspects of sport aviation. Graeme was also a fantastic pilot with an illustrious career in aviation and who wore his typical heart-warming smile in his friendship to many aviators in South Africa and the world. Graeme we salute you as you make this your final journey to that great big hangar in the sky - a man amongst men who always stood proudly committed to aviation. To Graeme's wife Gwynne, Trevor (brother), and daughters Tracey and Penny as well as the entire Conlyn family we mourn your loss as we hold you dear to us in this sad time of your lives. Graeme's memorial service will take place at the Fourways Memorial Park on Tuesday 27 September at 14h30.

African Pilot's links

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AfricanPilot

Aviation hub link: http://www.apmag.info/ 

Website: http://www.africanpilot.co.za/  

African Pilot's November edition

Now that the October edition has completed its distribution phase well ahead of the beginning of the new month, we are at an advanced planning phase for the November edition which will feature Home-built and Kit-built aircraft types. The so called 'Amateur-built' sector of General Aviation has become significant over the past ten years in terms of the overall aircraft population both here in South Africa as well as in many countries in the world. For advertising positions in this edition please contact Willie or Duncan at 0861 001130 or e-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za.

Important changes at African Pilot  

Today 26 September Duncan Olivier started in the position of 'Marketing Assistant' to help Willie and me with the marketing and sales function at African Pilot. Duncan comes with an excellent marketing background. His e-mail address: marketing@africanpilot.co.za and should you require any information on advertising in the November edition please contact Willie: willie@africanpilot.co.za. Editorial matters should be addressed directly to me at: editor@africanpilot.co.za. Thank you.

African Pilot's executive wall calendars

Bookings have opened for the annual executive wall calendar that features all the finalists in the Canon / African Pilot photographic competition. The 13 page calendar can be tailor made to advertise your company's message for the full year. Your personalised calendar may be produced in batches of 50 with your company details appearing on the 13^th leaf of the calendar. The idea is that this aviation calendar will be an ideal Christmas / New Year gift to your favourite customers. This year calendars will cost R130 each or R6 500 + VAT for a batch of 50. The calendar will be available during the last week of November just in time for your distribution into your market before the end of the year. This is a fantastic method of ensuring that your company's details are right in front of your important customers throughout the year. For further information please contact Willie Bodenstein on e-mail: willie@africanpilot.co.za or call 0861 001130. Thank you.

Aero Club of South Africa's coffee table book

African Pilot will be producing a semi-coffee table book together with the Aero Club of South Africa. The project has been approved by the Aero Club and marketing of the book has already started. For the past seven years African Pilot has produced the Aero Club's annual report, but although this document served its purpose, I believe that a more substantial collectable Year Book will be more appropriate for the 4 000 members of the Aero Club. Altogether 6 000 copies of the book will be printed. The proposal is for a 160 to 180 page semi-hard cover A4 book that will reflect the activities of the various sections in pictures with some text to accompany the illustrations. All members of the Aero Club will receive the book FREE as part of their membership package, whilst books will also be made available through pilot shops and retail outlets at a price of R120 each.

This will be a glossy A4 book with many full colour photographs of Aero Club activities over this year, including events such as the Presidents' Trophy Air Race, Power Flying competitions, Aerobatics competitions, Gliding events, EAA fly-aways and Young Eagles, Microlight competitions and Virtual aviation, Aero Modelling, Hot Air Ballooning, Parachuting, Gyrocopters, Hang and Para Gliding, Airshows and so on. The book will also feature the Aero Club Awards ceremony with photographs of the recipients in the rear of the book. This will essentially be a high quality 'Good News' publication that highlights the achievements of members of the Aero Club through the year in glossy pictures. Representing the largest single group of aviators and aviation enthusiasts in South Africa the book is set to serve the interests of Private, Recreational and Competitive aviation in South Africa.

I am looking forward to working with the various member sections through this year so that my team and I can produce a superb publication that will have significant shelf life. If you have suggestions, please feel free to send me an e-mail: editor@africanpilot.co.za. 

Should you company be interested in advertising in this prestigious publication, please contact Willie Bodenstein on Willie@africanpilot.co.za or marketing@africanpilot.co.za.

What is happening this coming week in South African Aviation?

SAPFA fun rallies - by Mary de Klerk

Just in case you thought I had fallen of the planet, you were wrong, I am here, but have been very focussed on preparing our South African Precision Flying Team for the World Championships which are being held in Brits from 23 - 30 October this year. However, we have still have a couple of Fun Rallies happening between now and the end of the year so diarise these dates now:

Saturday 24 September Grand Central - Frank Eckard e-mail: frank.eckard@mweb.co.za.

Saturday 12 November Brits Airfield - Hans Schwebel e-mail: hans.s@britsgranite.co.za.

Saturday 3 December Vereeniging Airfield - Frank Eckard e-mail: frank.eckard@mweb.co.za

If you are planning to participate you must please enter on line at http://www.sapfa.org.za/

AFB Waterkloof airshow & lifestyle exhibition on Saturday 1 October

Willie and I attended an important briefing for the forthcoming Waterkloof airshow on Monday 12 September and we were impressed with the line-up of displays promised by the SAAF and the US Air Force. Brigadier General T.S. Madumane, the officer commanding Waterkloof Air Base said “Visitors will be able to view a wide range of civilian and military aircraft, both in current service as well as retired from service, take to the skies with a full flying programme that is scheduled for the entire day. Static displays of aviation and other military equipment will also be on display, with military experts on hand to answer questions from the public.”

In addition to the aviation-focused activities a Lifestyle Expo will make sure that every member of the family will have something to entertain them on the day. Full catering services will be on the air base, including beer gardens and a wide range of beverages. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs, umbrellas, cameras and plenty of sunscreen to make the most of what promises to South Africa's largest aviation event of 2011. Ticket prices are R50 for adults and R20 for children under the age of 12 with gates opening at 06h00. Secure free parking will be available on the air base via gates 5 to 9 off Van Ryneveld Road in Pretoria. Facilities for the elderly and disabled will be available. African Pilot will be present in a prominent position on the ramp with our show marquee and the latest October as well as back editions on sale. For further information please visit the website: http://www.waterkloofairshow.co.za/.  

CAA interim report on the Tzaneen Albatross accident

The South African Civil Aviation Authority's (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigation Division has released a preliminary report on the investigation progress of the Tzaneen Albatross aircraft accidents that took place on 14 August 2011. Whilst the investigation is still on-going, the preliminary report has confirmed a few issues. The two aircraft, with registration markings ZS-NJX with six people and ZU-MMI and 7 people on board respectively, took off from Tzaneen aerodrome on 14 August 2011 at approximately 10h20 on private flights with the intention of landing at the Rand Airport on the same day. After both aircraft failed to arrive at Rand Airport at their expected time of arrival, numerous attempts were made to contact the aircraft. After these attempts turned out to be fruitless, a search and rescue mission was initiated to look for these aircraft.

The search and rescue mission was based around the area where the aircraft were believed to have had last contact with each other and with other traffic. Unfortunately, due to bad weather in and around the area of last contact of these aircraft, they could only be located nearly two days after they had crashed into a mountain in the Lekgalametse valley. Both aircraft were destroyed by impact force and post-impact fire and all the occupants of both aircraft were fatally injured. The report further states that according to the available information, the aircraft flew in a formation and ZS-NJX was leading this formation. The pilots were communicating to each other whilst in the air, but there is no evidence of any declaration of an emergency made before the accident occurred. The aircraft were heard flying through the escarpment by a witness, who saw them moments before they disappeared into the clouds. The aircraft were fitted with standard navigation and communication equipment as approved at the time of certification, and no defects were entered against this equipment prior to the accidents or during the accident flights. The aircraft were not fitted with flight data recorders, cockpit voice recorders, or emergency locator transmitters as these are not required to be fitted on this type of aircraft by the applicable civil aviation regulations. As the aircraft were not fitted with emergency locator transmitters they were missing for nearly two days before being located by search and rescue units. At the time of the accident both pilots had valid licences. In addition, ZS-NJX aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness whilst ZU-MMI had a valid authority to fly.

The terrain where the aircraft that was leading the formation was found is a steep slope with a number of outcropped rocks and several trees in the vicinity, but no pre-impact damage to the trees was observed in the vicinity of the wreckage site. The terrain where the second aircraft was found is also a steep and slippery slope with huge outcropped rocks and lots of tall trees. A number of pre-impact marks were observed on top of the tall trees, and part of the left-wing structure was found stuck on top of the tall trees.

The continuation of the accident investigation will result in the release of the final accident report which will have taken into consideration all the different factors, possible causes and any recommended safety recommendations. The sole purpose of such accident investigation is to establish the causes of aircraft accidents in order to prevent recurrence of accidents emanating from similar causes and as such, not to apportion any blame or establish legal liability.

Sling 4 around the world tour

On behalf of African Pilot I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to the three aviation entrepreneurs who successfully flew the Airplane Factory prototype Sling 4 around the world and arrived back in South Africa this past weekend to celebrate the success of their epic journey. Mike, James and Jean you have made aviation history with this you most successful flight ever. Well done! The success of your endeavours to produce a Light Sport Aircraft of exceptional quality and endurance has paid off and the world is watching you. The November edition of African Pilot will feature an in-depth interview with these amazing pilots who have shown the world that South Africa is a country filled with aviation entrepreneurs of superior quality.   

Swissvax in South Africa

Last month a company called Swissvax moved into the business park directly opposite African Pilot's new office building and I wandered over to see what the company offered its customers. I was in for a surprise, because in a nutshell this company provides professional care and maintenance to vehicle leather seats and trimming, carpeting, exterior paint refurbishing and several other means by which to return a collector's car back to almost original condition. What was interesting is that the company has a mobile unit that will visit you at an airfield to provide a make-over for your plane using the patented products they carry. This is a most interesting opportunity to have your 'pride and joy' completely refurbished so as to look like new again.

For further information please contact 084 318 2211 or visit the website: http://www.swissvax.co.za/.

Excalibur Aerospace acquires shares in 1time Holdings

Last week 1time Holdings today announced that Excalibur Aerospace has acquired a 29,6 % stake in 1time Holdings through the purchase of 83 million shares, at 45 cents a share for R37,35 million to be effected over a four month period. “These shares will be acquired from the five original founding members of 1time Airline; Rodney James, Michael Kaminski, Sven Peterson, Gavin Harrison and myself,” explains 1time Holding's Airline's CEO, Glenn Orsmond.

Current directors James, Kaminski and Orsmond will continue to retain a significant stake in the company. Furthermore this acquisition does not affect the management teams or operations of the two subsidiaries, with James remaining as CEO of 1time Airline, Rinesh Ramkissoon, CEO of aircraft maintenance business, Safair Technical and Blacky Komani as Group CEO from 1 October.

1time operates 1,300 flights a month, and proudly carries two million passengers a year, which equates to about 15% of the domestic market. The airline has a fleet of 12 MD80 aircraft; the Group generates a R1.3 billion turnover annually, employing 1,100 staff countrywide. The airline is widely considered the fastest growing low cost airline in the industry over its seven year track record. 1time's capacity will be expanded further in the last quarter of this year with the introduction of Lanseria air services and expansions on other domestic routes.

“The deal is positive for 1time Holdings as it eliminates the overhang of shares in the market, significantly strengthens the shareholder base and gives the Group access to capital funding to fund future growth,” concluded Orsmond.

Former SAA CEO Khaya Ngqula is expected in court this week

Johannesburg - Former South African Airways (SAA) CEO Khaya Ngqula was expected to appear in the High Court in Johannesburg last week for allegedly misspending sponsorship money during his time at the company. “The court argument will be centred around whether SAA, in its haste to sue Mr Ngqula, might have approached the wrong court to deal with the matter,” his spokesperson Louis Seeco said in a statement on Tuesday. Ngqula left the company in March 2009.

KPMG conducted a forensic audit following allegations made largely against Ngqula and in July last year, SAA sued him for R30.8-million. The SAA board sought to recover R27-million Ngqula allegedly spent on sign-on retention bonuses to company employees, in excess of the authority given to him. It also sought to recover R3.3-million for his hiring of hospitality suites in various sports stadiums and at least R500 000 he spent on free junkets allegedly for his personal friends. Ngqula allegedly organised overseas trips for friends and associates to the 2006 Fifa World Cup, the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and the ATP Tennis Tournament in 2008.

Horrific accident at Reno

The latest victim has been identified as 50-year-old Craig Salerno, an avid racing pilot and father of two young children. In all, about 70 people were treated after the crash at the National Championship Air Races at the Reno Stead Airport. A World-War II-era P-51 Mustang slammed into the tarmac near a crowded VIP viewing section, blowing to pieces in front the pilot's family and tight-knit group of friends. It appears that other than the pilot, the injuries and deaths were caused by flying parts of the disintegrating plane - not a direct hit. “It hit directly in front of us, probably 50 to 75 feet,” said Ryan Harris, of Round Mountain, Nev. “The next thing I saw was a wall of debris going up in the air. That's what I got splashed with.”

Video and photos of the crash were captured by several people in the stands, and the horrific images of the wreckage were transmitted around the world within minutes. Tim O'Brien of Grass Valley, California, who chairs an airshow in his hometown, was photographing Friday's races when the crash occurred. He said the P-51 Mustang was racing six other planes and was in the process of moving from third place into second when it pitched violently upward, rolled and then headed straight down.

From the photos he took, O'Brien said it looked like a piece of the plane's tail called a 'trim tab' had fallen off. He believes that is what caused the plane's sudden climb. When the aircraft hit the ground, there was a “big explosion but no fire,” O'Brien said. “The propeller (was) spinning very fast, and there was a lot of mass coming down all at once.” Mike Houghton, president and CEO of Reno Air Races, said there appeared to be a “problem with the aircraft that caused it to go out of control.” He did not elaborate. On Saturday, federal investigators began looking into the cause of the crash.

Before Friday, 17 people had been killed at the National Championship Air Races since their start in 1964, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported. Two of those involved P-51s. In 1999, a P-51 disintegrated during a race, scattering debris and damaging a house. In 1994, one of the vintage craft crashed next to a runway after engine failure sprayed the windshield with oil.

Planes at the yearly event fly wingtip-to-wingtip as low as 50 feet off the sagebrush at speeds sometimes surpassing 500 mph. Pilots follow an oval path around pylons, with distances and speeds depending on the class of aircraft. Organizers softened two of the curves pilots negotiate after crashes into nearby neighbourhoods in 1998 and 1999. In 2007 and 2008, four pilots were killed at the races, prompting local school officials to consider barring student field trips to the event.

Friday's crash was the first time spectators were killed or seriously injured, the Gazette-Journal reported. The National Championship Air Races draw thousands of people to Reno every September and bring in tens of millions of dollars for the local economy. The remainder of the weekend events were cancelled following the crash.

An air race is not an airshow

Spectators are at very low risk at airshows (one word in South African English). In the wake of the tragedy at Reno there have been some inaccuracies reported in the media concerning the dangers of airshows and air races. The fact that it has been six decades since the last spectator fatality at an airshow in the United States is a testament to the cooperation between the FAA and the airshow industry to mitigate risk through safety standards. While there are hundreds of airshows every year, there are very few air races, and only one Reno. Even with protections in place, risks at an air race cannot be reduced to the same level as those at an airshow. But does that mean that air races are unsafe?

Editor comments

Generally speaking the safety of spectators at South African airshows mirrors that of the United States. However, at the recent Bethlehem airshow spectators were lucky when two of the steel tubes used for detonating the wall of fire came apart and parts fell into the crowd. One piece of steel fell into an open area in the midst of the spectators, whilst another imbedded itself into a container. This was a close shave for a lady photographer who had her top, belt and shoe cut by the falling piece of steel. Miraculously she was not seriously injured, but this was just a matter of a centimetre or so. I understand that this matter has resulted in serious consequences for the operator of the airshow detonation of pyrotechnics and certain safety rules will be introduced at future airshows as far as this particular feature is concerned. 

Dale Klapmeier named CEO at Cirrus Aircraft
Last week Cirrus Aircraft announced that Co-Founder Dale Klapmeier has been named Chief Executive Officer. Brent Wouters, previously President and Chief Executive Officer, is no longer with the company. In accepting the new role, Klapmeier commented: “At Cirrus, we are passionate about airplanes and flying, and I am passionate about this company. Along with our new owners, our commitment is stronger than ever to the same goals and ideals that we had when we started the company more than 25 years ago and that goal is to make the dream of flight a reality for more people, both in the U.S. and around the world. Today we are at the beginning of the next chapter of the reinvention of personal transportation.” 

For nearly 10 years in a row, the Cirrus SR22 family of aircraft has been the best-selling four-place airplane in the world. Known for incorporating luxury automotive ergonomics, pilot-friendly avionics and advanced safety features into its high performance airplanes, Cirrus has delivered nearly 5,000 new piston airplanes over the last decade. Cirrus pioneered the use of the FAA-certified Cirrus Airframe Parachute System^tm that is standard equipment on all Cirrus aircraft. Earlier this year, Cirrus Aircraft was selected to provide a fleet of training aircraft for the United States Air Force Academy.

Continental introduces new lower-octane engine

While the industry awaits an unleaded replacement for 100LL, Continental has moved rapidly forward to certify a new version of its six-cylinder IO-360 that will run on lower octane fuel. At AOPA's Summit in Hartford, Connecticut, the company's CEO Rhett Ross told us the new engine will be used in the four-place CT4 announced by Flight Design earlier this year. The engine's designation is IO-360-AF for alternative fuel and it is intended to operate on fuels such as 94UL with sufficient detonation margin. The IO-360, which is used in the Cirrus SR20, normally has an output of 210HP, but for the AF variant, Continental has essentially de-rated it to 180 HP by installing lower-compression pistons (7.5 to 1) and with minor tweaks to the fuel injection system. The version we were shown, which represents a new type certification for Continental, has conventional magnetos, but it might eventually use Continental's PowerLink FADEC system.

Five finalists named for green flight challenge

Thirteen teams applied to compete in next week's Green Flight Challenge, with $1.65 million in prize money at stake - the largest aviation prize ever offered, but now the field is down to five competitors, NASA and the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency (CAFE) Foundation said on Tuesday. Only those five teams met all of the criteria to compete. The criteria are complex, but include that the aircraft must be capable of reaching an average speed of at least 100 mph, take-off in less than 2,000 feet to clear a 50-foot obstacle and produce a decibel rating of less than 78 dBA at full-power take-off. The five finalists are Team Fuelling, Phoenix Air, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Pipistrel-USA and e-Genius. To win the competition, an aircraft must fly 200 miles in less than two hours and use less than one gallon of fuel per occupant, or the equivalent in electricity.

ExecuJet Aviation Group's sales continue to grow through 2011

Swiss-headquartered, ExecuJet Aviation Group reports a continued growth in new and pre-owned aircraft sales since the beginning of the year, and is predicting the trend will continue well into 2012. Year on year figures show its deliveries in 2011 increased by almost 100%, with aircraft sales revenues up by 90%. “We've never been busier, margins are growing and the amount of aircraft we're working with is expanding” says Andrew Hoy, Managing Director of ExecuJet Aviation Trading, the sales arm of the ExecuJet Aviation Group. During this spring ExecuJet experienced a peak in activity with six aircraft being sold across five continents in less than four months - with lead times as short as six weeks in some cases. In two specific acquisition agreements, ExecuJet were trusted to find, refurbish and deliver aircraft without the principal seeing the aircraft prior to delivery. “They climbed the air stairs, turned right and smiled,” added Hoy.

Two LearJet 45s were sold to Europe from South Africa; a Global Express was shipped to China; a European LearJet 60 was sold to the burgeoning Brazilian market; a number of Challenger 300's were delivered to China and a Global Express changed hands from South Africa to the USA. Each of the deliveries was handled by ExecuJet, reflecting the end to end service the 20-year old business offers.

Other ExecuJet aircraft sales have seen deliveries of a Challenger 605 to Asia, a further LearJet 60 to the USA from Australia and a CJ3 moving from South Africa to the USA. Wide bodied, long range aircraft have been the most requested category and requests for the GIVs have risen significantly. The aircraft's reliability and a gradual increase in their pricing, owing to demand, has seen this sector of the market particularly active. The current price point for smaller jets has encouraged serious buyers to purchase and the narrow body market is also seeing movement with cash deals prevailing in this sector. Hoy suggests that, “in spite of market uncertainty businesses are still operating and need to move their executives around. The trend by scheduled airlines to reduce frequencies and routes has resulted in a growing need for business aviation options. We are pleased to say that the executive aircraft is being recognised as an increasingly valuable business tool again.” 

T-28 down At W. Virginia airshow

A decorated former Air Force pilot has been identified as the pilot killed on Saturday17 September when a T-28 performing at an airshow in Martinsburg, crashed and exploded. Jack 'Flash' Mangan, 54, was known as a meticulous and safety-conscious pilot. No one on the ground was hurt. The crash occurred more than a mile from the crowd. The aircraft was part of six-ship formation group the Trojan Horsemen performing at the Thunder over the Blue Ridge show. According to the Martinsburg Journal, the crash airplane had just broken from a belly-to-belly manoeuvre with another T-28 when it 'wobbled and went straight into the ground.'

Mangan, of Concord N.C., was an Air Force Academy graduate and former F-4 and F-15 pilot who flew with the Horsemen for five years. His son Sean Mangan, 27, told The Associated Press his father always stressed preparation and safety. “He was the best pilot I know,” Sean Mangan said. “Flying was his passion. He was a great pilot and a wonderful parent and husband.” The elder Mangan was president of a fast-food chain company

Launch customer refuses new 747-8F

The launch customer for Boeing's new 747-8F is refusing to take delivery of the first airplane, prompting cancellation of a ceremony that was scheduled for Monday 19 September. Cargolux hasn't responded to media inquiries about why it's turning the aircraft down but Boeing officials said on Saturday there was a contract dispute between the plane maker and the customer, a large Luxembourg-based cargo carrier. Cargolux has ordered 13 copies of the new-generation 747. “We have unresolved issues between ourselves and Cargolux,” Boeing spokesperson Jim Proulx said in a statement. “We are working with our customer to determine a date for delivery.”

Bombardier cuts CRJ line, appoints Travolta

Bombardier is cutting production of its CRJ regional jet series due to a slowdown in orders, but there won't be any layoffs as a result. The company says it has more than enough work for the about 350 workers who will be affected at the company's Mirabel, Quebec, CRJ plant. Bombardier currently has the CSeries airliner, Global 7000 and Global 8000 business jets and the Learjet 85 under development and will simply shift workers to those projects. It's not saying how much production will be reduced but the CRJ backlog is now at about 60 aircraft, or 15 months and the company likes to have about 18 months' worth of work ahead of it on all its production lines. It says the future market looks strong for CRJs and production can be adjusted in the future if need be. Meanwhile, Bombardier signed actor and pilot John Travolta to a promotional role with its business jet division.

Company claims biofuel 'breakthrough'
A San Francisco-based company said last week it has developed a new way to make jet biofuel from renewable materials that is 'highly cost-effective.' AliphaJet said its catalytic method uses materials derived from plants and animals such as triglycerides and fatty acids. “Our strategy fundamentally improves the economics of making 100-percent drop-in renewable jet biofuel,” said Jack Oswald, CEO of AliphaJet. “Our approach is radically different and unlocks a new industry that can meet the U.S. Navy's goal of replacing 50 percent of its liquid fuels with renewables by 2020.”

Babbitt: FAA to review flight-training rules

On Friday at the AOPA Summit, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt announced that during the past week he had signed off a new Aviation Rulemaking Committee that will review the current flight-training rules. “The ARC will make recommendations as to how to improve testing and instruction,” he said. “This effort is part of a five-year plan for transforming GA safety.” After his presentation, Babbitt spoke with AVweb's Mary Grady in more detail about the FAA plan. “We are going to look at the curriculum, the materials, and what are we testing,” he said. “Everything is on the table.” Training at all levels will be included in the review.

Corvalis wing prompts $2.4 million proposed fine

On Thursday the FAA proposed a $2.4 million fine for Cessna due to the company's failure to follow quality control measures in production of specific Corvalis parts built in Mexico. According to the FAA, on 6 December 2010, a high-performance four-seat composite fixed-gear Corvalis flown by an FAA test pilot experienced separation of a seven foot section of wing skin from the forward spar. That separation damaged the wing tank but the pilot was able to land safely. The flight led the FAA to ground 13 Corvalis aircraft and led to the discovery of other problems with production that all had one thing in common

Spray-on solar cells for aircraft

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has developed a spray-on solar cell that is applied the same way as paint. Because the spray-on cells are only 1 mm thick, they are only one tenth the weight of regular cells. The ease of application, light weight and ability to apply to a curved surface make these new cells ideal for solar aircraft.

Aviation humour

During a commercial airline flight an Air Force Pilot was seated next to a young mother with a baby in arms. When the baby began crying during the descent for landing, the mother began nursing the infant as discreetly as possible.

The pilot pretended not to notice and, upon disembarking, he gallantly offered his assistance to help with the various baby-related impedimenta.

When the young mother expressed her gratitude, the pilot responded, “Gosh, that's a good looking baby… and he sure was hungry!”

Somewhat embarrassed, the mother explained that her pediatrician said nursing would help alleviate the pressure in the baby's ears.

The Air Force Pilot sadly shook his head, and in true pilot fashion exclaimed, “And all these years, I've been chewing gum.”

Until next week, please be 'Serious about flying'.

Athol Franz (Editor)

African Pilot 'Serious about flying'.