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"If you would like to get into an argument with an experienced journalist, better you know your facts â€â€œ or suffer the consequences of your ill informed actions." ATF
Mafikeng Airshow
One of the most difficult tasks a reporter has is to report positively on an airshow in which so much went wrong. Yet, if I did not report accurately then I would not be doing justice to my position in the aviation media. From a hospitality point of view, the efforts of Rickie Rennie and his team were outstanding as the display pilots, media and their respective families were very well accommodated. I am certain that the large crowd also enjoyed themselves as was clearly evident to all of us who were there. However, the sheer size of the Mafikeng Airport and its runway (being the sixth longest in the world) makes planning at this facility rather difficult. The commentary box in the terminal building was 600 metres from the runway centre line, making it almost impossible to monitor crowd behaviour more than 350 metres further forward.
Pilot briefing
A compulsory briefing and roll call was very well managed by Brian Zeederberg, Ian Popplewell and Kevin Woolacott with an introduction by Rickie Rennie in the executive lounge of the terminal building. The CAA designated airshow inspector, Mr. Martin Modisane, did not attend the 09H15 pilot briefing. Although the SAAF were present in force, only a few officers attended the briefing as the remainder of the pilots were operationally located on the eastern side of the runway, several kilometres away. ATC was provided by a team led by Craig Allen in the magnificent control tower adjacent to the terminal building. The operational control centre was located within the air conditioned, glassed-in balcony on the first floor. Included were Brian Emmenis of Capital Sounds, and civilian flight director and safety officer. The SAAF was represented by Lt. Col. 'Hosepipe' Hanekom (SAAF safety officer), and Lt. Col. Wayne Smit (SAAF head of airshow planning and special events). The South African Police were represented by several high ranking officers from various branches within the servie.
Grounding of the two Sasol Tiger Jets
The designated SA CAA official presented a grounding notice to the airshow director a few moments before the start of proceedings. One of the reasons for the Sasol Tigers' performance at this event was as a dedication to the memories of Gabriel and Johnny who tragically lost their lives at the Vereeniging Airshow accident two weeks ago. The reason given for the 'grounding' was that neither Ralf Dominique nor Martin van Straten has a 'jet aerobatic rating.' After several high level cell phone calls it was later established that the SA CAA does not have such a rating in the rules and that the minutes of an Aero Club and CAA joint meeting showed that the SA CAA were ill informed and the decision was reversed. Fortunately the last display of the airshow was an excellent flying tribute by the two Sasol Tiger L29s to two of the greatest aviators that I have had the privilege to know. After the display an emotional meeting between the Premier for the North-West Province, Ms Ednah Molewa, and the two aviators took place in full view of the gathered crowd at the foot of the terminal building.
Participating aircraft
Aircraft that participated were the three Albatrosses who transported the skydivers to altitude for their mass jump and a SAAF Cheetah solo display. Four Cheetahs departed for a Heritage display at a town some distance from Mafikeng and returned in a diamond formation. Samba and Lambada, P.M. Pitts Special, Mazda Zoom-Zoom with two aircraft, Shurlock Zlins, L39 Jet display ZU TEE, Boeing Stearman, Extra 300, Pharos Yak smoke display, Swaziland Air Force Arava and Air BP Flying Lions with three Harvards. A further Cheetah display by veteran display pilot, Etienne Potgieter, who so eloquently talks throughout his excellent display, was a real treat. The SAAF also provided two Oryx helicopters which were most useful in putting out the two fires which broke out in the car park. Finally, the Showdown Jet Car appeared with an attempt at a land speed record.
Poor crowd control measures
The overall management of the airshow was not good due to the many oversights by the organisers. There were no dustbins placed within the crowd of several thousand people and this resulted in a disgusting mess in a very short time of the start of the airshow. The strong northerly wind did not help matters and frankly, the litter situation was the worst I have ever experienced at an airshow. The spectator line was demarcated by light poles holding plastic danger tape which was breeched on many occasions. There was plenty of evidence of drunken and disorderly behaviour with broken glass and filth lying all around the airfield. In spite of the presence of the South African Police, crowd control was poor. These issues need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. I feel that ASSA should not endorse an airshow which has such poor attention to overall safety and crowd control.
Fires in the car park
Two separate grass fires broke out in the disorderly car park behind the terminal building where three cars were destroyed in the first fire, allegedly as a result of a spilled braai fire. The second fire, about an hour later, destroyed another seven vehicles. The Beeld newspaper reported that a total of 28 vehicles were destroyed or damaged as a result of the two fires. Unfortunately the three fire tenders in attendance did not have any water loaded and the fires had to be fought by the SAAF Oryx with a bambi bucket and the dust control water tanker. I have always maintained a high regard for the members of the South African Police, but at this airshow I personally felt that that police management could have been improved upon.
Participant's dinner at the Tusk Hotel Boma
The evening meal in the boma was a wonderful opportunity to allow the trials and tensions of the day's events to subside. The meal was excellent and both Frans and I presented pictures from the events of the day. Frans did a brilliant presentation with sound which he had prepared from pictures we had both taken over the years of Gabriel and Johnny as a token to all members of the aviation family. A big "Thank you" from all of the members of the airshow team that attended goes to Ricky Rennie and his team for their wonderful hospitality
Mafikeng Airport - FAMM
As a relic from our previous government, this massive facility was built in the middle of nowhere, some twenty kilometres from the town of Mafikeng. The original persons responsible for the building of the airport were badly informed if they believed that this rather arid region of South Africa was going to boom in the future. Like so much money that was wasted at that time, the building of this unnecessary infrastructure when the country desperately needed suitable aviation facilities closer to the main economically active cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, Mafikeng is just another example of the ridiculous, failed apartheid system. The problem is that the airport exists and the Provincial Government is desperately trying to keep a bad decision, made many years ago, alive. There is no way in which this economically inactive region of our country will ever thrive unless huge mineral deposits are found and mining activity resumes.
Therefore one has to question the money spent on preparations for this airshow. I am of the opinion that several schools, for local historically disadvantaged children, could have been built for the huge pile of cash wasted. In fact, had the money been allocated to the building of an aviation education facility within the region, it might have been a better move. Security fencing could have been restricted to the immediate area of the terminal buildings, tank farm and SAAF operational area on the eastern side. We understand that a brand new security fence of at least twenty kilometres was constructed right around the entire facility. I believe that, within two years, significant portions of this fence will have 'disappeared' unless further money is spent to guard the fence line.
Our country desperately requires education within aviation if we are to see a significant change in the pilot colour ratio in the next ten years. In addition, there are many other technical, ATC, operational and supportive careers which need attention. The media cannot just sit back and simply watch this type of misuse of government funds, especially in aviation. We need to learn from these mistakes and not expect an economically challenged community to be in a position to support an event of this nature at an airport in the middle of nowhere.
Media involvement at airshows
Over the past few airshows several media members have expressed their dissatisfaction with the treatment that has been dealt out by both civilian and SAAF organisers. To simply create a box within the crowd for ten or so photographers is defeating the object of trying to obtain special pictures that are later used to promote the airshow scene. African Pilot has been one of the best supporters of the South African airshow circuit, but frankly we are becoming rather tired of the way in which we are treated at these events. All other sporting events such as rugby, cricket, motor racing, and motor rallying have made special arrangements for the media.
Events at the Mafikeng Airshow were an absolute disgrace because the public continuously breeched the crowd line, some playing soccer with empty plastic bottles up to 30 metres in front of the plastic tape. As a result of the build up of all these issues, African Pilot has decided not to cover any further airshows where clear briefings are not addressed by the officials of the particular event. Unless specific arrangements are in place for media for each event, we will put down our cameras and simply join the spectator line and be 'just another show stand'. It is widely acknowledged that African Pilot has done much for the promotion of the civilian airshow scene as well as South African Air Force over the past years, but the time has come to become sensible about these issues and not shoot the messenger any longer.
1time Expands Aircraft Fleet
1time is pleased to announce that it has concluded a R20m deal with Safair for the acquisition of an MD83 aircraft. The MD83 will go into service at the end of the month. The 157-seater, stage 3 noise compliant MD83 offers low seat costs derived from the operating efficiencies of new generation aircraft. This will further enhance 1time's ability to continue offering the lowest airfares in South Africa.
Glenn Orsmond, Chief Executive Officer of 1time said: "The fact that the lease cost is being fixed in Rand terms for the duration of the contract, makes this deal very attractive. In addition, the lease rate is also based on the depressed 9/11 aircraft values, ensuring a long term cost advantage on our competitors. The MD83 also has longer range capabilities than our current MD82's, giving us the flexibility to expand our services into Africa. The larger aircraft will enable us to keep fares low, despite the dynamic high crude oil prices. The MD83 will replace one of the 110-seater DC9-32 aircraft, thereby increasing much needed capacity on existing routes. "In less than a year, 1time has managed to re-invent airline pricing policies, with no hidden costs. Our low fares have dramatically stimulated the domestic air travel market, giving many passengers the opportunity to fly for the first time."
Since its inception in January 2005, South Africa's first genuine low fare airline has offered airfares between 30% and 70% lower than its competitors. 1time now operates a fleet of six aircraft carrying 80,000 passengers per month and services Cape Town, Durban, George, Port Elizabeth and East London â€â€œ all out of Johannesburg International Airport. The low cost carrier now also has its first coastal route between East London and Cape Town.
Henley Air Flying Skills day
On Saturday 1 October Henley Air will be presenting the second in a series of Helicopter skills flying for members of their flying school based at Rand Airport. As discussed at the previous Flying Club meeting in August, in order to facilitate better management of the forthcoming Skills Day, slot times have been allocated to all competing teams. Furthermore, the competition has been separated into two groups, namely the R22 Beta II and R44 Raven II groups which will compete at different times. The first group will be the R22 Beta II's competing from 09:00 to 11:15. The flying time of each team should be no more than 10min per flight, giving enough overtime per hour to ensure that all teams in the group take part. The second group will be the R44 Raven II's competing from 11:30 to 13:30. This has been done specifically to prevent teams from having to wait around for their flight for 3 hours or so. Also, please note that teams in each group have been listed simply in alphabetical order. No preferences have been given.
Two safety briefings will be held before each Group takes part in the competition. The R22 Beta II Group should attend the 08:00 briefing and the R44 Raven II Group should attend the 11:00 briefing. Whilst this schedule has been developed, it should not be seen as restricting your presence at Henley Air for the day. You are more than welcome to join in the fun and excitement from 08:00 onwards. This schedule has been put in place so that teams can effectively plan their flying time on the day of the competition and get a better indication of when they will be flying.
EAA Flying Circus - Pietermaritzburg
(The Garden City - Oribi Airport 7, 8 and 9 October 2005)
Come and join the Kwa-Zulu Natal EAA Chapters in this fun event.
- FLYING POKER
- FLOUR BOMBING
- SPOT LANDING
- QUICKEST CIRCUIT
- MEET OTHER EAA MEMBERS
- BRING FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FUTURE MEMBERS
For this event our theme is to have fun!
What's the plan? Sunday 25 September 2005 - phone or e-mail Dave or Harry and let them know you want to join in the fun! Dave 084 422 6259 dwg@iafrica.com or Harry 082 945 7847 hjantel@yahoo.co.uk
Thursday 6 October 2005 - Wash aeroplane and re-fuel ready for trip tomorrow (or wash car and load up the trailer)
Friday 7 October - Load up family and friends into cars and aeroplanes and head off to Oribi Airport, Pietermaritzburg
Friday night - Oktoberfest at Pietermaritzburg Aero Club - an evening of fun.
FREE SUPPER ON FRIDAY NIGHT FOR ALL EAA MEMBERS.
Saturday morning, 8 October - Head out on a Flying Poker Run to three/four other airfields (find your way there, but will not be too difficult - we will give you clues). Airfields will all be long enough and not too difficult (unless you fly a Boeing). Breakfast will be en route at one of the airfields. After the Flying Poker run, head back to Oribi for some munchies. Then in the afternoon, we will have some other fun events like flour bombing, bog roll cutting, quickest circuit and spot landing. No stress and all fun - remember this is KZN! In the evening, some more food and socialising at Oribi.
Sunday morning, 9 October - Go look for dolphins/turtles/whales on the coast, or fly around the PMB area, or the mountains - at your leisure. We will help with different routes. Fly/drive home after a great weekend of relaxation and fun flying.
Even if you can't make it for the whole weekend, come along and join in whenever you can.
We will need numbers for catering for:
- Friday night supper
- Saturday's events
- Saturday lunch (probably wors rolls/hotdogs)
- Saturday night supper.
Pilots will receive
- Free dinner for EAA members on Friday night
- A free cap and pilot pack
- Lots of chatter with other EAA members
- Nice aeries to look at.
- Single landing fee at Oribi (R30 for the whole weekend, no matter how many landings)
- A prize if you win the Flying Poker!
You will need to budget for:
- Your accommodation
- Some food
- A bet for flying poker (not excessive)
- R30 landing fees for the whole weekend
We have organised accommodation at a local B&B at special rates:-
Thorny Tree Lodge contact:- 033 396 5559 e-mail: ttlodge@netactive.coza
All rooms are en suite with M-Net, tea/coffee making facilities.
Upstairs (Air-conditioned) - R295 Single and R400 for a double.
Downstairs (Aircon) - R270 single and R370 double
Downstairs (no Aircon) - R245 single and R340 double
These prices do not include breakfast (breakfast en route Flying Poker)
Garden City Motors have sponsored transport for everybody to the B&B.
We would like to see as many people and aeroplanes as possible!!
Regards,
Dave Gosvernor
President, EAA Chapter 645
Rumoured - SA CAA fails FAA inspection
There has been much talk about the SA CAA allegedly failing a FAA inspection during the past weeks. According to postings on PPprune Forums UK and AvCom in South Africa, the last regular six month check up of the SA CAA resulted in an advisory been issued to the regulatory body that they had better get their act together or face sanction by the FAA, which will naturally be followed by ICAO and JAA sanction. The results of this potentially disastrous situation are too horrific to contemplate and will spell certain disaster for all of South African aviation. The European community has already banned eight African Airlines from flying into Europe due to declining standards. Just imagine a situation where our own State President's Boeing Business Jet will not be allowed to enter European or USA airspace? African Pilot is still awaiting comment from the SA CAA as promised on Friday last week. However, during the forthcoming week we will be investigating this situation in order to report a balanced view in next week's AP newsletter.
Comments taken from AvCom:
"BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) is necessary if applied with a view that the service standard is kept at the required levels and that excellence is striven for, especially in aviation where the impact of a proper controlling administration will impact on our industry from a global perspective and where safety of our citizens is a key concern. Instead, the practice is to get rid of anyone who has a pale skin and employ without due regard to the level of experience and impact that the unskilled may have.
Imagine a scenario like Delmas where citizens employed to look after the water do not understand the impact of un-chlorinated water and do not care to add to the drinking water - a national disaster and typhoid epidemic with deaths and unnecessary waste of taxpayer's money. Or where almost every metro cop and his dog is suspected of taking bribes - or where the persons responsible for Air Force selection try and push though failing candidates who then crash their aircraft - if this were to happen at the inspection level at CAA - well that is a disaster waiting to happen - not if but when....- AIEEEESSSHHH" Name withheld
Aviation humour
An out of town aircraft, clearly unsure of himself on the radio talking to Cape Town ATC, calls tower and says: "CT Tower, please advise me of your pressure".
ATC calls back: "The local QNH is 1021". After a 10 second pause, ATC calls him again and says "Just don't ask me about my wind!"
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