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Earthbound souls know only the underside of the atmosphere in which they live . . . but go higher - above the dust and water vapour - and the sky turns dark until one can see the stars at noon. - Jacqueline Cochran
African Pilot February edition
We will be producing the February edition of our monthly magazine this week and we still have several pages available for advertisers as a result of the December holidays. This means that late entries will be accepted up to and including close of business on Wednesday 12 January. If you are interested please contact Andre on (011) 702 2342/3 ASAP. Thank you.
The litter issue
Recently we travelled though the beautiful Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Park in KwaZulu Natal and were most impressed with the quality of game viewing, variety of birds and overall cleanliness of the park. However, occasionally we did come across some litter which we picked up and deposited in the nearest dustbin. A complete set of torn up bank statements carelessly thrown out of a window could not escape specific mention:
J N J STAR INVESTMENT
Standard Bank account number 25 117 644 4 dated 2004 12 05.
Apart from the obvious litter issue, bank statements are confidential documents.
The litter we encountered on our December holiday trip to St. Lucia and the Natal parks was unacceptable. Many fishermen simply discard their bait packaging, cigarette butts and beer cans on the beach. Shame on you! Your lack of respect for the environment is appalling. Perhaps South Africa should follow the example of many European countries where law enforcement officers arrest people for littering or discarding cigarette butts, and then the magistrates sentence the perpetrators to a spell of community service where the litter bugs are required to clean up a neighbourhood area. African Pilot is often appalled at the quantity of litter left lying around at airshows. I believe that ALL media should work towards improving this problem in our society. At the same time organisers of airshow events should provide adequate litter bins that are serviced regularly throughout the event or face the wrath of the media.
African Pilot annual airshow and event trophies
This year African Pilot will be visiting most organised airshows and flying events in South Africa where we will be allocating points for the best organised and produced event of the year. We will also appoint certain influential persons to participate in the judging in order to make this a fair procedure. Two African Pilot trophies will be awarded late in 2005 for:
1) The best organised airshow through the Aero Club of SA
2) Any other aviation event where outstanding organisation will be recognised
The latter could be a social event, fly-in or organised fly-away as long as aviation is the main theme. In addition to crowd management, food and beverage arrangements, sound and public address systems, access arrangements for the spectators, appropriate arrangements for pilots and media, litter management will be a priority in judging these events. At a fly-away the flicking of a single cigarette butt into the bush will serve to disqualify that particular event from this competition.
In addition to a floating trophy and an individual trophy, African Pilot will arrange for the sponsorship of a fantastic getaway prize for the individual plus partner who is recognised as the main organiser of the particular event. We welcome any person or organisation who would like to become involved in this initiative to come forward and assist in the co-sponsorship of the African Pilot Airshow and Events Awards. We believe the correct environment in which to present these awards will be at the Aero Club of South Africa Annual Awards dinner held at the end of this year.
Your individual thoughts regarding this issue are welcomed. Any participation as a silent judge at these events this would be appreciated as our team is often hard pressed to accurately judge each event. African Pilot will develop a score sheet that will be published on our Website from February and will be available at airshows. This data can be completed by any person who was present at a particular event. However, specific organisers of the particular event will not qualify for scoring. A moderating team consisting of regular airshow pilots, journalists, photographers, Aero Club, ATNS, CAA and others will become part of the judging team. At all times the judges identities will remain confidential so as to ensure completely impartial results. Like the idea? Please forward your comments to: info@africanpilot.co.za
Naturelink aids Tsunami victims
Picture a giant Russian-built cargo aircraft, Illusion IL-76 parked on the ramp at the Safair side of Johannesburg International Airport. It was being loaded with two Bell 407 helicopters, a Toyota pickup with fuel loaded on the back, tents, food, water, generators and a host of other emergency requirements ready for the relief flight to Medan, Indonesia. The mission was sponsored by Air Serve International, an American aid agency. The flight was to have departed at 04h00 the following morning with four helicopter pilots, two ground crew members and a medical doctor. Then at 22h00 that evening the USA government pulled the plug on finances and Air Serve International was forced to tell Chris Briers, MD of Naturelink that the financial situation was beyond their control. Much of what had been loaded onto the IL-76 had been purchased by Naturelink staff and all members of the advance party were volunteers. A series of last minute passionate e-mail and telephone pleas to companies, NGOs as well as to the SA government were made, and late on Wednesday the promised finance materialised from the SA government.
Eventually the South African helicopters and crews reached their destination on Friday night after a brief visit to the Maldives where 82 people had died and 15 islands were destroyed. By 05h30 on Friday the team had arrived at Medan, less than 400km from the hard-hit town of Banda Aceh. The Polonia airport was at its busiest with all types of heavy lift aircraft delivering foreign aid from all over the world. Naturelink has spearheaded this operation and will operate the helicopters that will fly relief supplies and aid workers from Polonia airport across north-western Sumatra, said Chris Briers. The operation will be funded by the balance of the SA Governments donation, NGOs and funds collected from South Africas public. This go-stop-go operation is very close to the hearts of the men who represent all South Africans in the Tsunami ravaged regions of Indonesia and who fly our flag high. What is disappointing is the fact that Big Brother could pull funds committed towards this fantastic effort at such short notice. Why? Some feel that Big Brother wanted to claim all the glory by committing its own fleet of military helicopters and transport aircraft.
Soaring with Eagles
When one meets Frans Dely, aviation photographer extraordinaire, its not long before one realises that this man is absolutely passionate about flying and especially capturing that special image with his Nikon. In a strange way Frans and I are probably in competition with each other as far as aviation photography is concerned. However, what has been important to both of us is the aviation markets perception of unrealistically low values for quality pictures that are often difficult and expensive to obtain.
African Pilot has provided Frans Dely a quality platform with which to show off his photographic talent and at the same time Frans has provided incredible images to the public through the monthly magazine that has built up a readership to a level where it is now well ahead of its competition. The friendship and level of support we have developed between ourselves has ensured that the quality of photography will always advance in the creative works that Frans has already produced and will be producing in the future.
Soaring with Eagles is a visual celebration of the South African Air Force covering all active squadrons of today, with coverage on future jet fighter types such as Gripen, Hawk and Augusta helicopters. In addition many of the men and women behind the scenes are featured in this work that accurately portrays the energy of the SAAF. The book was entirely conceived, photographed and produced by this enormously talented man Frans Dely. Zwartkop air base is home to the SAAF Museum, whose personnel are tasked with preserving, recording and displaying exhibits that relate to the proud history of the South African Air Force over a time period that spans eight decades. Frans befriended Lt. Col. Neil Thomas several years ago, who at the time was the Officer Commanding the SAAF Museum, and the pair started the ambitious project since very little work in this line had been produced since the untimely, tragic death of Herman Potgieter. Being the outstanding pilot he is, Neil Thomas provided the aircraft that formed the flying exhibits of the Museum together with various chase planes for the purpose of obtaining images from Frans Delys trusty digital Nikon. Initially Frans produced a number of splendid calendars for the SAAF Museum and then later for various squadrons and commercial companies. All along the concept of a coffee table book was the ultimate goal and when the project received the go ahead from the highest level at SAAF Head Quarters, Frans set about diligently taking pictures and planning the book.
The text of Soaring with Eagles was written by John Illsley, a teacher at Pretoria Boys High School, pilot and vintage aircraft owner. Further text on Gripen and Hawk was written by Linden Birns whilst text on the new Augusta 109 helicopter was written by Andrea Serra who speaks fluent Italian and accompanied Frans on the trip to Italy. Taking pictures of most fast fighter jets is not an easy task as one has to be mentally and physically prepared for any emergency, whilst shooting through relatively thick Plexiglas. At the same time G forces cause the camera to become almost too heavy to hold and one has to regulate ones breathing in order to ensure fast eye/hand coordination. Cockpits are often very hot and humid - that is until the aircraft has picked up flying speed and fresh air is introduced. Communication with the chase pilot is essential; therefore an excellent understanding between photographer and pilot is developed. Often the airwaves are too busy and hand signals are necessary, which requires thorough briefing of all the pilots involved before the shoot.
Soaring with Eagles is a must for anyone with Avgas or Jet A1 in their veins. The visual quality of the book is testimony to professional photography of excellence; amongst the finest in the world. Frans also has a flair for outstanding graphic design which shows in this momentous work. The coffee table book may be purchased through the three SAAF Museum shops: Pretoria, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town or through specialist aviation shops such as: The Aviation Shop, Wings & Things, Pretoria Flying School and others. The book can be purchased on line at Website: www.aviationdimension.com or e-mail Frans at: pixel@avpix.co.za. Soaring with Eagles sells for R460 incl. VAT
Card-boarding fraud exposed at Malindi airport, Kenya
A scam has been exposed at Malindi Airport. A pilot on a parachute exercise at Malindi, who flew multiple sorties daily for two weeks, was repeatedly asked by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) cashier to settle his bill for landing and aircraft parking fees. Eventually, at the end of the exercise, the pilot paid over KShs. 60,000 in cash. The cashier, who dutifully wrote the appropriate receipt, was observed by the pilot to have placed a piece of cardboard over the duplicate (pink and yellow) copies of the Receipt Book. The pilot paid, made a mental note of this and reported the suspected scam to the KAA. Upon investigation by the Financial Department of the Authority, it was found that the entries on the original of the receipt did not match with the amounts on the copies. The Cashier had pocketed the difference, about KShs. 25,000 ($ 300). Bingo!
The Managing Director of the Kenya Airports Authority expressed his appreciation to the pilot and stated that "This sort of thing must be stamped out. The KAA is losing substantial revenue from such scams and we request all pilots and aircraft operators to be on the lookout at all our airports for cashiers who defraud the Authority". Card-boarding has, of course, been around for years, and is especially popular in businesses with manual accounting systems. It has been suggested that the KAA adopt different techniques for collecting its parking and landing fees. In particular, a commutation of fees, whereby a one-time annual charge is made for all aircraft landings and parking. This would get around the problem. The KAA is reportedly considering this idea. In any case, all aircraft operators who witness any incidents of fraud whilst dealing with the Kenya Airports Authority and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority are requested to report these, as well as to the Aero Club. If less is stolen, fees will stay lower for longer.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Probed
After many complaints, the Board of Directors of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has appointed a Probe Team to investigate accusations of bribery by KCAA personnel. Various air operators, the Kenya Association of Air Operators and the Aero Club of East Africa were invited to give evidence in front of the Committee, under an assurance of confidentiality and immunity.
Yak-52 Aerobatics training camp from Findlay Smith
I am in the process of putting together a Yak-52 Camp with preliminary details as follows: Camp features intensive flight training with ex. DOSAAF Instructor Gennady Elfimov who has run the Skytrace Aerobatic School in the UK for 11 years and has 3500 hours on type. In the UK, insurance companies provide discounts for pilots who have completed his courses. It is aimed at owners or wannabee owners and will incorporate all aspects of flying the 52, from conversion training and spin safety training to aerobatics and formation flying. Training will be structured, thorough, and in the style of DOSAAF. The goal is to fly confidently and safely with the 52.
I'd be grateful for any support available from the Sport Aerobatic Club, specifically in establishing contact with any interested parties.
Dates 26 February to 14 March 2005
Camp Locations Cape Town Flight Training Centre, Fisantekraal and possibly Vereeniging
Aircraft Two aircraft available for lease at Cape Town or bring your own
Information Findlay Smith: 084 440 7922 e-mail: findlaysmith@mweb.co.za
Johannesburg arrangements via Jorgen Neilsen: 082 446 3464 - Jorgen.neilsen@mweb.co.za
Share in a Cessna 210 available
I have just had a small setback, in that the sale of my 1/4 partnership in the turbo 210 at Grand Central has fallen through. My colleague David Bretherton is running an ad for this in the January edition of African Pilot, and as he has sold his share, this ad will be for my benefit. Knowing how you have so many contacts in the industry, might I ask that you put the knowledge that I am trying to sell my share in some unused corner in the back of your mind, just in case you have lunch with someone desperately looking for a 210? Best wishes to you and Jane for 2005, and hope the magazine goes from strength to strength. Neil A Fraser Tel: +27 (44) 884 0493 Fax: by prior arrangement Cell: +27 (82) 903 4962
Belgian pilot seeks use of aircraft
I am planning a trip to Botswana next year. I will fly from Belgium to South Africa by regular airline but intend to fly from South Africa to Botswana by myself. Can you people help me with addresses where I can rent a plane? Also, information about airfields in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe would be nice. Regards, Nico Debeuckelaere ND-Sign BVBA (Microsoft Certified Partner since 2004) Walemstraat 59 B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver Belgium Tel: 070-66.06.56 (Nationaal) Fax: +32(0)3-611.18.64 Mobile: +32(0)475-27.50.37 E-mail: nico@nd-sign.com URL: http://www.nd-sign.com
Aviation humour
A 747 on final approach at 1000 feet off the deck.
First Officer asks Captain "Are you happy with the position of the landing gear, sir?"
Captain reaches down, lowers the gear and lands safely.
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