|
Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working 24 hours a day for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force. Charles Simmons.
Charles Simmons is the 58-year-old editor at The New York Times Book Review.
African Pilots March edition
Now that the February edition is entering its distribution phase the marketing and editorial teams are working hard to prepare the March edition as well as our annual Aviation Services Guide. For further information and reservations of advertising space in either the monthly magazine of the Service Guide, please contact Marius at (011) 702 2342/3 or e-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za. Thank you.
However, editorial content should be sent to me at: editor@africanpilot.co.za. Thank you.
Welcome to Jenna Cericola
On behalf of my team I would like to welcome Jenna to the marketing assistant position at African Pilot. Jenna completed her BA Corporate Communications degree at the University of Johannesburg last year and this position is her first venture into the real world of business. However, I am delighted that Jenna has the necessary marketing and communication skills to fulfil her duties as the marketing assistant to Marius Nel marketing manager. Please feel free to contact Jenna on e-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za for information on advertising in any of African Pilots products.
Ten things to watch for in 2009 by Clem Sunter
Clemis South Africas leading futurologist and scenario planner, and is the author of a number of books which are fascinating. Clem is chairman of Anglo Americans Chairmans Fund.
1. False Dawns
Reading some articles published in American newspapers in 1930 leaves one with a weird feeling. Basically they said the bad times were over and one could look forward to the rest of the decade with optimism. How wrong they were. We are similarly going to have many false dawns before the real dawn arrives. Expect a lot of volatility in the stock market as a result.
2. Celebrity Extinction
Several famous brands and companies which have been around for a century or more have already disappeared from the scene. As with nature, sudden shifts in the environment destroy the vulnerable species that cannot adapt to new circumstances. The list is set to expand so check out the solvency of all your famous customers - corporate and individual, because nobody is immune to the downturn.
3. Colony Collapse
Staying with extinction, you are going to hear a lot more about the disappearing honey bees in America and China. Maybe the cause is pesticides poisoning the bees or cell phone masts interfering with their radar system. Whatever the reason, Albert Einstein once said that mankind cannot survive for four years without bees because they play such a crucial role in the ecological chain.
4. Bali Blues
Given the recession and the drop in the oil price, environmental issues have generally been downgraded in the public's mind. Hence, politicians will be less enthusiastic to impose tough measures to protect the environment. However, in terms of the climate change conference held in Bali in late 2007, the new rules of the game to curb carbon emissions are expected to be published for discussion by the end of this year. They are supposed to come into effect after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. Unless an economic recovery is already in place, the response to the new rules may be underwhelming to say the least.
5. Price Wars
We have already seen the first shots being fired between the major supermarket chains i.e. huge discounts being offered to retain customers. However, manufacturers will have to follow suit to clear the enormous amount of stock that is piling up in their backyards. Commodity prices always fall first along with property and shares, but manufactured goods and services cannot escape in a buyers' market. Ask for a better deal, particularly if you can flash the cash.
6. China meltdown
At the Central Party School in Beijing, which is the inner sanctum of the Chinese Communist Party, I remember one of the professors saying in April 2006 that an American recession was China's greatest uncertainty. It could reduce China's economic growth rate to a level where social unrest in China explodes and causes serious problems for the current leadership. Well, here we are with the Chinese authorities applying the American cure of pumping huge sums of money into the economy to keep it alive. The only difference is that if something does not work in America, the politicians are voted out. In China, they disappear.
7. WMD Terrorism
This breaking future has been on our list since we published a letter to Mr. Bush in 2001 in which we said that it was his greatest uncertainty. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of terrorists change the game of war forever because the principles of mutually assured destruction fall away. Up until now it has been a case of "if you nuke me, I'll nuke you, so let's be sensible and not nuke each other". In the new game "if you nuke me, I won't know where to find you" so you'll just go ahead and risk the consequences. People won't want to live in major cities and nations will become dispersed again.
8. The Homecoming Revolution
Suddenly local is lekker in South Africa. We could see a major reversal in the flow of skills in the event of a prolonged recession as our economy is unlikely to suffer as much as, say, the UK, America and Canada. We are the America of Africa in that we represent a little less than 5% of the continent's population yet we produce 30% of the continent's GDP. The Chinese describe Africa as their "continent of choice" because it is the richest continent on Earth in terms of still-unwrapped mineral wealth. South Africa is well-placed to help Africa open up for business when the scramble for resources heats up again. Then there is the Soccer World Cup in 2010.
9. Goodbye, Mr. Mugabe
The endgame for Mr. Mugabe started with the results of the first round of the presidential election. Nobody knows when it will be over, but the cracks are showing and the power is shifting. An internationally acceptable solution will transform the economic prospects for the region and particularly for South Africa, which will act as the gateway for the resurrection of the Zimbabwean economy.
10. Cope receives 15% of the vote
This is the uppermost estimate in the range being given for our next general election. If it happens at least one or two provincial and municipal governments will change hands, and we will settle down to being a normal democracy where the ruling party has a majority in the 50%s and runs the risk of losing the next election if it does not govern well.
Clem Sunter gives another of his fascinating breakfast talks entitled The World and SA in 2010, on the 10 March at the Maroela Room, Sandton Sun. For more details contact finlay@clientliaison.co.za.
Round the island yacht race
Once again the Round the island yacht race will take place at Deneysville from the 30 January up to and including the 1 February. The first event takes place on Friday afternoon, the tune-up race is on Saturday and the main race takes place on Sunday.
It is also regarded by many aviators as the opening of the season. This year the SAAF will be sending the Silver Falcons team No. 70 to fly a display over the dam at 13h00 on Saturday. At 14h00 the Castrol Aviators / Academy Brushware Flying Lions will carry out a display. On Sunday the Gabriel Wings Aerobatic Team will be performing. The national Garmin skydivers will be jumping on both Saturday and Sunday.
The organisers of this event, which is being co-ordinated with Brian Emmenis, have issued an open invitation to all aviators who would like to either do a flypast or a display on either Saturday or Sunday. It must be noted that all pilots must observe the rules and regulations of the SA CAA, The Aero Club of South Africa as well as ASSA. Brian normally listens out for any aircraft on 124.8 and then informs the crowds as to who will be doing the next flypast/display. This could be an ideal opportunity for sponsors to have their various planes showcased. Please contact Brian on 082-7764604 if any further details are required.
Cirrus launches The Jet at Lanseria International Airport
In what has been described as one of the most glittering aircraft launches in South Africa in recent years, Cirrus South Africa unveiled the full-scale mock-up of its Vision SJ50 to an audience of about two hundred people last Thursday evening. Brian Emmenis of Capital Sounds provided the sound, lighting, large screen projection of pictures and special effects for the very successful evening. John Bingham, Cirrus CEO for world sales, standing at the steps of the mock-up, spoke about developments at Cirrus. In addition the 50th Cirrus single engine piston aircraft was displayed in the middle of the newly renovated Cirrus hangar.
Once the curtain had been dropped to reveal The Jet most of the invited guests were able to have a first hand look at the full-scale mock-up of the plane. I was amazed to learn that Cirrus South Africa has already take deposits on 22 Vision SJ50s and South African orders represent the third highest order book after the USA and Brazil. This was an evening of the who is who in aviation as many current and future Cirrus owners became acquainted with the innovation of the newest personal jet to enter the market.
For further information on Cirrus products please contact Andy Currin at: (011) 701 3835 or e-mail: sales@cdcaviation.co.za
Report back on the EAA talk show held on Thursday 22 January by Gordon Dyne
The first talk show of 2009 was off to a cracking start with a workshop hosted by the larger than life Austrian Karl Finatzer, owner of SkyAfrica. Preceding the talk, succulent steaks and boerewors rolls were prepared by Neville Bhm, and the bar was competently run by William Woods and Gavin Bushney.
A packed EAA auditorium listened intently as Karl, a very experienced bush pilot, mechanical engineer, successful businessman and father of three beautiful daughters (one of whom, Barbara, is a first officer with Qantas) related the dos and donts of flying in the bush. SkyAfrica runs bush pilots courses for local and overseas pilots for up to eight days based at the well known game lodge of Kunkuru, North of Pretoria.
Karl, ably assisted by four of his flying instructors namely Tony Kent, Mike Weingartz, Glenn Price and Allister Freeman, spoke in perfect English, slaking his thirst with copious quantities of German beer. Karls excellent and amusing talk was accompanied by an excellent power-point presentation with great photos of some of the more interesting runways in Africa along with some of the problems that can befall the unwary pilot. Vigilance and experience are the name of the game. Karl is renowned at his home airfield of Brakpan for his fairly colourful language, and for calling a spade a spade. Much to the amusement of his many friends present, Karl barely uttered one expletive. Did Karl perhaps make a new years resolution of which we are unaware?
Seriously Karl, thank you for a most enjoyable evening. Karl is the author of Flying African Skies which was published in 2002. It is a splendid read on bush pilots tales. Karl can be contacted at natze@mweb.co.za should anyone require a copy. Please note it is natze not nazi. African Pilot featured an article on and photos of SkyAfrica in the November 2008 edition. Back copies of any of South Africas best selling aviation magazine may be obtained by e-mailing subscribe@africanpilot.co.za
Well done and enormous thanks must go to the tireless Jeremy Woods, his wife Anne-Louise and their helpers for another splendid evening at the EAA auditorium. Thanks also to Lalla Alexander of Avi Map who generously donated copies of Pilot Destinations 2009 for every member of the audience, and to Athol Franz for copies of the current African Pilot magazine.
Please diarise the next talk show to be held on Thursday 12 February. Guests have not yet been finalised, but with the possibility of the evergreen humorous raconteur Karl Jensen back as master of ceremonies, the evening promises to be a great one.
You miss it. You miss out.
Rand Challenge fun rally
Jointly sponsored by SAPFA, African Pilot, KARCHER, AviMap and AFOS, Rand Airport hosted the first of five Fun Navigation Rallies planned for the year and twenty-one entries from as far a field as Polokwane were received.
First place: Rudi Greyling and Ferdi Hugo in ZU-LUZ with 219 points
Second place: Kobus Kotze and Smook Frank in ZS-IWK with 379 points
Third place: Hubi van Molke and Brian Bontekoning in ZU-VRV with 518 points
The next four events (subject to confirmation) are planned for Brits on the 21 February, Virginia 28 March, Rustenburg 23 May, and Parys the 27 June.
Details regarding entries are available from Mary de Klerk at: maryd@expandingbranding.co.za
Drugs in luggage entire SAA flight crew arrested
Fifteen crew members of a South African Airways flight that landed in London were arrested on Tuesday after a large shipment of cannabis and cocaine was found in their luggage, customs officials said. Fifty kilograms of cannabis worth 150,000, and four kilos of cocaine, worth 160,000 were discovered on a flight that came in from Johannesburg. The drugs were discovered in three pieces of baggage, the spokesman said. Those held were both flight crew and cabin crew. A spokesman, Bob Gaiger from Her Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said: "Those arrested are now being held in custody and will be interviewed by HMRC investigation officers. HMRC, together with the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA), play a vital role in the fight to prevent illegal drugs from entering the UK, and in protecting our communities from the violence and corruption which always accompany this hideous trade."
SAA crew members released by UK authorities
South African Airways (SAA) can confirm that the 15 crew members who were detained by British authorities yesterday have now all been released without being charged. The crew members, including three pilots and 12 cabin crew members, were detained by British customs officials on their arrival at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning. This took place after three items of luggage containing contraband were found on the aircraft. SAA has ensured that the crew members have legal representation and airline officials in London have assisted the crew where possible.
SAA is co-operating fully with the British authorities. The airline has also launched an investigation into this matter involving SAA Aviation Security and the SAPSs Crime Intelligence Unit. SAA has a zero tolerance approach towards the use of the airlines services for any criminal activity.
Issued by: Robyn Chalmers - Group Corporate Affairs SAA.
SAAPA statement
The South African Airways Pilots Association is happy to announce that the pilots who were detained in London following the discovery of a drug haul in crew suitcases, have returned safely to South Africa.
SAA pilots are extremely proud of their profession and the airline for which they fly. We are deeply offended that the criminal behaviour of some reckless individuals has damaged the reputation of the airline and by association our profession.
The pilots feel strongly that the guilty parties must be brought to book and the pilots will co-operate fully with the authorities to ensure that this happens. It is extremely unfortunate that the criminal actions of a few people can so badly tarnish the image of the pilots and the many fantastic honest cabin crew members who work for SAA.
Captain Jimmy Conroy
SAAPA Chairman
Saturday Star reports SAA hostess in R300K bribe bid
Apparently the SAA air hostess implicated in this drug bust allegedly tried to pay her co-accused R300 000 to remain silent. Mmatshu Mothlaga (35) was arrested in Johannesburg on Thursday after the arrest in London of the entire crew of flight SA234 on Tuesday. On Wednesday South African detectives arrested Pulane Hlahane (43) of Reshebile Aviation and Protection Services, which SAA has hired to check its air crew. Hlahane was responsible for the screening of staff members at Airways Park, SAAs operational headquarters adjacent to OR Tambo International Airport.
The pair of alleged drug peddlers appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates court to face charges of corruption and fraud. They were remanded in custody and as they were taken to the cells they covered their heads. Apparently this is only the tip of the iceberg as the Saturday Star revealed that an organised smuggling syndicate exists within SAA. Informers at SAA revealed how contraband from drugs to diamonds is regularly smuggled on board international flights. The British authorities have stated that if found guilty under British law, the sentence for trafficking cocaine is life and 14 years for dagga.
Sources who wished to remain anonymous within SAA, said that those involved were a tight circle and that it was almost impossible to know who was involved. The spokespersons said that smuggling of narcotics on airlines was a roaring trade conducted by staff members on all airlines across the world without a route left untapped, especially the junkie run from Brazil to South Africa. One source claimed that the mules were recruited by senior SAA staff. Everyone wants to make a buck. So the senior managers approach those at the bottom of the food chain they know who is struggling and these are the cabin crew who are targeted.
Editors comment
Think about what this incident has cost SAA by having to send a new crew to London to fly the plane back to Johannesburg. Just at a time when many of SAAs service issues are being addressed, this situation happens. I believe that the culprits should be allowed to have a smoke break on the wing an airliner in flight or failing this they should be placed on the first flight to Thailand where drug dealers are incarcerated in jail for the remainder of their lives or hanged. The death sentence is far too lenient for people who pedal drugs, especially when employed in trusted positions on an airline. I urge SAA to open an investigation into the allegations that made headline news in the Saturday Star These people need to be named and shamed so that they are never employed in the aviation industry ever again.
Closure of Rand Flight Academy
For several months the SA CAA has been aware that things were not well at the Rand Flight Academy based at Rand Airport. On Thursday officials from the CAA issued a notice of closure of the flight school for irregularities within the Aviation Training Organisation (ATO). In direct defiance of this order the school continued to operate on Friday when officials from the SA CAA conducted a ramp check to find an instructor landing with his student after a cross-country flight. Both licences were confiscated by the officials after intensive questioning. Serious allegations were brought to the attention of the Commissioner, which he handed to the police. Aside from this RFA has been directly or indirectly involved in several fatal accidents over the past few years.
The two students who flew from FALA to FAGM and hit a storm over JBG.
The plane crashed into a block of flats in Yeoville - 2 killed.
The plane carrying three young people which crashed into a golf course - 3 killed.
The overloaded Piper Lance which crashed shortly after take-off at Rand - 6 killed.
There are other allegations of irregularities regarding the issuing of pilots licences. Apparently in one case a PPL licence was issued to a student who had never even flown solo. I am certain that many other transgressions will come out within the next few days when the SA CAA issues a press statement.
Glen Dell involved in a forced landing
This week our very own Red Bull pilot, Glen Dell had to make an instant decision to force land his Extra 300 on a dirt road very close to Kittyhawk Airfield. It appears that the loss of power was caused by a broken linkage on the fuel injection system. The engine could idle perfectly, but as soon as power was applied, the engine died as a result of an incorrect fuel/air mixture. Glen was turning base leg and fortunately he knows the airfield very well and had actually decided a long time before, that in the event of an engine failure he would land on the gravel road.
I have worked with Glen for some years now and I have always found him to be thoroughly professional. There is no doubt that flying high speed and low level aerobatics has inherent dangers, but when the aircraft is in the hands of the master then the outcome of this type of incident is always likely to be positive. We can all learn from Glen's flying discipline and admire him for his cool, calm assessment of what could have been a tragedy. Well done Glen and I hope your Extra will be back in the air very soon.
The incident happened at around 18H20 on Thursday afternoon.
Oshkosh 2009 tours the pilots Mecca.
EAAs AirVenture remains the finest airshow in the world. There is nothing to distract one from ones devotion to flying and sharing time with like minded aviation enthusiasts.
Some official statistics of AirVenture 2008:
Attendance: Estimated 540 000, a slight decrease from 2007, but nearly equal to
2006's attendance.
Aircraft: More than 10 000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh
and other airports in east-central Wisconsin.
Total show planes: 2 516 which includes 972 homebuilt aircraft, 822 vintage
airplanes, 404 warbirds, 114 ultralights, 131 seaplanes, 40 aerobatic aircraft
and 33 rotorcraft.
Commercial exhibitors: 797 (slightly up from 2007).
International visitors registered: Up nearly 25 percent, with 2,128 visitors
registered from 71 nations. Canada (492), Australia (299) Brazil (186) South Africa
(130) and Germany (129).
The most attended day of the show is the fifth day, Saturday. On this day the Warbirds take to the sky en-masse. The drone of literally hundreds of piston engines and some jets is mind blowing. The sight of Mustangs, Spitfires, Harvards (some in SAAF colours), Gullwings, Bearcats (all the Cats for that matter) and many others, taking to the air, three abreast every fifteen seconds, cannot be imagined. The subsequent formation fly past will leave you convinced that somehow you have arrived in (airmans) heaven.
When so many people attend on one day, how does AirVenture cope? More to the point, how will you cope? After all, we South Africans can claim maybe 40 000 at a rugby stadium as our experience of a crowd. EAA has organised its annual Oshkosh convention and airshow for more than fifty years so you will not really notice the 350 000 plus spectators spread out along a five kilometre show line on the Saturday. There are so many loos that, if you have to wait, it will be for a minute or two at the most. In fact, clean and tidy is the general impression you have about Oshkosh and Wisconsin. With all of the disposable food wrapping and drink containers about, you would expect to see litter. However, AirVenture has the reputation for the cleanest public space in the region.
Food and drink vendors abound. Wisconsin, as a result of its largely German descended population, is the sausage (Bratwursts called Brats) capital of the USA. Sausage and beer. However, no beer or any alcoholic drink is available or permitted within the show grounds. The nearest watering hole is some 150 metres outside the main gate.
Oshkosh as a town is probably not much larger than Paarl. It only has about 1000 hotel rooms and these are reserved in perpetuity by EAA officials or allocated to performing pilots and other senior show staff. Therefore, as far as accommodation is concerned you have three options:
Camping in quality tents with Neil Bowdens Air Adventure Tours on the airfield
a short distance from the show entrance gates.
Bunk down in one of the university residences that require a daily 50 mile commute,
communal bathrooms and no air-conditioning.
The third option is hotel/motel accommodation. Appleton is 18 miles or twenty
minutes away and has some 5 000 rooms. Being so close, competition amongst
the FAA, NASA, tour operators and other exhibitors for these rooms is fierce.
Therefore room allocations are fixed for years ahead.
Passports - Please note that it takes up to three months to secure a passport. If you do not have a passport or if your passport expires after 01 February 2009 please apply for a new passport and USA visa as soon as possible. British passport holders do not require a USA visa.
Air Adventure Tours camping on the airfield
Priced from R16 850, the Air Adventure camping tour fee includes airfares, transfers, camping accommodation, breakfasts and unlimited fun. Prices exclude airport tax and are subject to alteration. Departure dates from 25 July to return on 3 August on Air France to Paris and then to Chicago. Coach transfer to Oshkosh and the camp is set up for the week of AirVenture. Neils group is well organised as dinners and refreshments are generally on hand for a small fee at the camp site meaning that campers do not need to travel into the town of Oshkosh for meals. EAA has installed free WiFi throughout the entire camping grounds at AirVenture.
I have been part of Neil Bowdens Air Adventure Tours group for eight successive years. Neil has a wooden hut at the campsite, which contains all the necessary camping equipment for the tour. New high quality tents, stretchers, blow-up mattresses, folding chairs, shade marquees, braais and a host of other necessary equipment. This is an excellent opportunity for like minded aviators to spend quality time under the stars in the well organised green campsite which is to be their home for ten days. For further information please call Neil Bowden on 084 674 5674 or e-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Website: http://www.airadventure.co.za/.
Designer Tours hotel accommodation in Appleton
South African Airways from Johannesburg or Cape Town toLondon then United Airlines to the USA. A Tour London directly to Washington and four days later, to Chicago - coach to Appleton. B Tour London directly to Chicago - coach to Appleton.
A daily shuttle service to the airshow in Oshkosh is provided. Hotel accommodation is three star, air-conditioned, large en-suite rooms with two queen double beds or one queen bed in single rooms. This years tour will be Designer Tours thirteenth successive Oshkosh tour. Costs include: airfares, taxes, duties, all coach transfers, insurance, accommodation, professional escort, American style continental breakfasts in Appleton, embroidered cap and hat.
B tour: Saturday, 25 July to Tuesday 04 August 04 - 11 days costs R23 900.
A tour: Wednesday, 22 July to Tuesday 04 August 04 -14 days costs R27 700.
Interested? Call Calvin 021 788 8440 e-mail: calvin@designer.co.za
Canon SA and African Pilots Oshkosh competition
African Pilot has promoted Neil Bowdens Air Adventure Tours trip to Oshkosh for many years. In addition, as last year, we are promoting a fantastic prize worth R40 000 for two people to travel to Oshkosh with the tour this year. The competition requires that the entrant write a short aviation story of a maximum of 800 words and illustrate this story with at least ten good quality photographs. Last year more than 50% of the entries were disqualified because the entrant had either written too few or too many words. Entries between 750 and 850 words will be accepted and judged on the quality of the English and grammar. In addition, the pictures will be judged for quality and relevance to the story entered. All entries are to be e-mailed to African Pilot at the following e-mail address: info@africanpilot.co.za. The judges decision will be final. There will not be any correspondence considered.
Eclipse sale approved
A Delaware bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of the assets of Eclipse Aviation to EclipseJet Aviation International, a subsidiary of ETIRC Aviation, which is owned by current Eclipse CEO Roel Pieper and is the largest single investor in Eclipse. Judge Mary Walrath, of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, made her decision on Tuesday after hearing two days of testimony, much of it in opposition to the sale. Pieper's offer is $28 million in cash, plus $160 million in shares and 15-percent equity in the company for secured shareholders. When it filed for Chapter 11 protection on 25 November 2008, it was estimated that Eclipse owed more than $1 billion. Now that the ownership question has been settled, perhaps an even larger question looms, particularly for the people and politicians of Albuquerque. The saga continues.
Your own landing strip at zero degrees longitude
If you are looking for a home with its own runway, then there is a house for sale which is ideal for you in the Normandy region of France. In addition, it has 100 acres of land, nine buildings, a six-hole golf course, stables for 20 horses, and more. As an added attraction, the grass runway itself, beautifully mowed and over 3,000 feet long, is sited right at zero degrees of longitude. According to the current owners, this is the only place in the world where you can land your airplane exactly on the Greenwich Meridian, which is not quite precisely so -- as the runways are designated as 06/24 and the Meridian runs directly north-south. Therefore, the landing roll actually intersects the meridian, rather than being aligned with it. However, that is a minor point, considering that besides the convenience of owning your private airstrip and the pleasures of golf and horseback riding, the new owners of the property will obtain an aircraft hangar, a caretaker's house and a crystal-clear river for swimming and fishing. The property is about 100 miles from Paris and 9 miles from the beach. The airstrip is equipped with an official international licence, which permits flights directly to and from almost every country in Europe.
Lithuanian airline agrees to sale
The owners of Lithuanias national flag-carrier, FlyLAL-Lithuanian Airlines, have agreed to sell the struggling company to industrial holdings company SVH Swiss Capital Holdings in a deal which could be completed within the next two weeks, the company said last Friday.
Virgin Nigeria suspends SA route
Virgin Nigeria said last Saturday it was suspending its loss-making flights to Britain and South Africa in order to focus on its domestic and regional operations within West Africa. Sources said United Bank for Africa had been pushing for Virgin Nigeria to reduce losses on the competitive routes.
The right man, in the right place, at the right time. Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger
As a qualified gliding pilot and a leading expert on aviation safety, Captain Sullenberger was the right man, in the right place, at the right time, when Flight 1549 suffered a total loss of engine power.
In his 29 years with US Airlines, Sully as he is known, has clocked up 19,000 hours of flying time, and has time as a flying instructor and an accident investigator. Air traffic controllers described the eerie calm of their communications with Capt. Sullenberger as he informed them that he was going to land the Airbus 320 in New Yorks Hudson River.
Colleagues of Sully said they were not surprised when they heard who had been in charge of the aircraft. Capt. Sullenbergers wife, Lorrie, said: My husband is the consummate pilot. He is all about making an aircraft perform to the exact precision to which it is made.
Capt. Sullenberger is a former US Air Force fighter pilot, who flew F4 Phantoms from 1973 to 1980.
Editors comment
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. What an amazing feat of flying or should I say landing. Those most fortunate passengers owe their lives to Capt. Sullenbergers calmness and skill, under extreme duress.
Death of Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Leith-Macgregor soldier and pilot
Lt.Col. Leith- Macgregor, who has died aged 91, grew bored with life as an officer with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers on the Belgian frontier in late 1939, so he transferred to enjoy an exciting career with the RAF.
Whilst learning to fly Lysanders with the School of Army Co-operation, he was told to practice his flying by spraying crops at a nearby farm. Sadly, he was not advised that a wedding reception was taking place at the farm. He later learned that the guests and the wedding cake looked as if they had contracted chickenpox.
By June 1942, Leith-Macgregor had been promoted to flight lieutenant and was operating from Libya. On his first reconnaissance sortie, he was jumped by four Messerschmitt BF 109 fighters. Leith-Macgregor took them all on and shot one down. His aircraft landed in flames and although strafed on the ground he was able to return to his base. He was awarded an immediate Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC.) In August 1942, over El Alamein, Leith-Macgregor was diving at high speed from 10,000 ft. when his hurricane was hit by flak and caught fire. He came down behind German lines. The hood jammed, trapping him inside. With ammunition in the plane exploding, German soldiers courageously broke the hood open and dragged him free. Leith-Macgregor spent the rest of the war as a prisoner-of-war, until he was liberated from a PoW camp near Hamburg by the Scots Guards in February 1945.
Leigh-Macgregor returned to the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers at the end of the war and was a major with the 1st Battalion when it was sent to Korea in 1950. During the Korean War he was awarded a Military Cross (MC) for holding the Chinese at bay for several days, without losing a man.
Editors comment. What an amazing military career. How many men can claim to have fought in the army and RAF and been decorated in both services? Rest in peace sir, you deserve it.
Soaring words celebrate Nancy-Bird Waltons life
She was born Nancy Bird, but when she married her husband Charles Walton, she became known as Nancy-Bird Walton, as Charles preferred to call her Nancy-Bird.
It was with soaring words and happy hearts that Sydney celebrated the extraordinary life and times of aviation pioneer Nancy-Bird Walton at a state funeral service in St Andrew's Cathedral. The service for Mrs. Walton, who died on 13 January aged 93, was preceded by a flyover of the latest Qantas A380 superjumbo bearing her name. Its appearance over George Street brought cheers of delight from the waiting congregation.
Three Tiger Moths, of the sort she flew at the start of a career, which as long-time friend and pilot Dick Smith pointed out, was almost as long as the history of aviation in Australia - were due to fly over the harbour at 4.45pm. Mr. Smith said Nancy had led a fantastic life in a wonderful spirit of adventure. However, despite blazing a trail in a man's world, she was always a lady, wearing a hat, gloves and normally a pearl necklace.
Indeed, many of the women in the congregation wore pink and pearls in her honour. A Ms. Holman said her grandmother would have been tickled pink, adding that so impeccably turned-out was Nancy-Bird that she always came to dinner, attend to correspondence and even garden with hot-pink fingernails and in high-heel shoes. Mrs. Walton, who was never involved in an aviation accident, is survived by her daughter, son, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bon voyage Nancy-Bird to that big airport in heaven where all great aviators eventually land in peace.
Aviation Humour
A couple of drinking buddies, who were airplane mechanics, were in the hangar in Cape Town. The airport was fogged in, and they had nothing to do. One said to the other, "Man, do you have anything to drink?"
"Nah, but I hear that if you drink jet fuel it will give you a real buzz."
So, Bill and Bob drank jet fuel, became totally inebriated and had a great time. The following morning, Bill woke up and figured his head would probably start pounding as soon as he stood up.
However, it didn't. He felt good. In fact, he felt great - no hangover.
Bill's phone rang. It was Bob. Bob asked, "Hey Bill, how do you feel?
"I feel great" replied Bill.
"I feel great too. Bob replied. That jet fuel is great stuff - no hangover. We ought to drink it more often. However, just one thing Bill. Dont break wind. I did, and I am now in Windhoek. | 