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Being a pilot must be one of the few professions where one's licence validity is only as good as one's last medical and flight check. Even doctors are not required to remain current with medical developments, but they can dictate the future of a pilot's career. Anonymous.
Second last AP Newsletter for 2005
The end of this year is upon us almost before it has started and this will be the penultimate AP Newsletter for the year. I wish to thank our readers for your valuable input and support over this very difficult year in which we lost several good friends. Please remember that the purpose of the weekly AP Newsletter is to disseminate information within aviation circles. Therefore I will distribute any information that involves aviation â€â€œ within reason.
African Pilot January 2006 edition
We still have space for advertisers in this edition but will be closing acceptances on Wednesday 6 December in order to be ready for distribution between Christmas and New Year. Please contact Andre at our offices ASAP if you would like to have your message included in this edition: (011) 702 2342/3 or e-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za.
African Pilot Service Guide
The overwhelming support by the aviation industry for the annual African Pilot Service Guide has meant that our 2006 volume will double in size and become the most important reference work of its kind yet produced in South Africa. We have incorporated several design improvements over our 2005 volume that will give businesses improved exposure to the market. In addition, since this volume will be distributed together with the February 2006 edition of African Pilot, market penetration is guaranteed. We have re-drawn all the major airport maps, including Port Elizabeth, East London and Cape Town, which will be included. Important aviation representative bodies such as the Aero Club of South Africa and the Commercial Aviation Association have also been included. Can your business afford not to be included in the African Pilot Services Guide? With a line mention under the relevant category starting at only R150, the cost is affordable for every business involved in aviation. For further information, please contact Ruben at our offices: (011) 702 2342/3 or e-mail: info@africanpilot.co.za. But hurry, as we need to close acceptances by 9 December 2005.
This past week in the fairest of all Capes
Nationwide, once again, very kindly took the African Pilot team down to Cape Town for the two recent airshows. Our most sincere thanks to them for what is always a most pleasant flying experience. This past week in Cape Town was an eye opener - people appear to be far more relaxed than in Johannesburg. Aviation business people seem to take most things in their stride and are most polite in meetings. This relatively 'laid back' attitude is also evident on the roads where drivers are considerably more tolerant of other road users. Even the taxis appear to be better disciplined as sometimes they actually used their indicators. Thank you Capetonians, for a lovely ten days in which many exciting meetings and flights took place in your beautiful part of the world.
SAAF Ysterplaat Airshow
Good Cape Town weather throughout the preceding week almost guaranteed an excellent spectator turnout for the biggest airshow of this year. When our team arrived on Friday, preparations were in full swing with aircraft arrivals and airshow validations. There was a magic moment when the Super Frelon arrived late in the afternoon, but unfortunately, due to a few judgement errors, this massive helicopter blew several of the Capital Sounds speakers over, which were badly damaged. When the barrier fence collapsed, also as a direct result of the terrific downwash, several photographers had their equipment damaged by the falling gates. This helicopter has wheels, so it was not necessary to 'air taxi' into position, which resulted in all types of mayhem. Pilots are requested to think carefully before unwittingly creating havoc, resulting in bad feelings all 'round.
Apart from the southerly wind that blew up to 35 knots most of the day, the airshow was very well managed and supported by the people of Cape Town. The SAAF was well supported by civilian participants that included a great mix of jets: Sasol Tiger L-29s, two L-39s and the Impala that performs together with the Showdown Jet car. Stu Davidson flew his Sea Fury with grace and style whilst Patrick Davidson put his Extra through its paces. Glen Dell amazed the crowd of more than fifty thousand with a precision, advanced aerobatic performance in spite of the strong wind. The two Wesbank Pitts Specials provided a great display of team aerobatics and also dropped two skydivers from an inverted position high above the airfield. Only one Harvard from the Harvard Club displayed, which was a shame, as in past years several Harvards have performed at this annual airshow.
Thunder City is always a big draw card at these events and this year was no exception, with the eerie 'blue note' of the Hawker Hunter F6, Buccaneer and several English Electric Lightning displays, one of which was a fly-by together with a TFDC Cheetah D. SAAF aircraft participation was a little thin with the only jet present being the Cheetah D flown by Janie Scott. Helicopters that flew were the Oryx and Allouette 3. An all time crowd pleaser was the build up by Brian Emmenis over a few hours of a car being parked in the wrong place. The Oryx then flew in with the car suspended below and 'accidentally' dropped the car in front of the crowd. The huge Russian Mi-8 'Working on Fire' wowed the crowd with an impressive, simulated fire fighting exercise. Apart from the Pilatus PC-7s of the Silver Falcons from Langebaanweg, SAAF types were restricted to those based at Ysterplaat in the shape TP DC-3s and the Shackleton, which sadly did not get off the ground due to a magneto drop on number one engine. Unfortunately the Icarus taxied behind the Shackleton and landed up on its back as a result.
Static displays in the hangars were plentiful with lots for the visitors to view. Entertainment opportunities for kids, as well as food stalls, were also readily available. It was great to see the Chief of the Air Force at Ysterplaat, supporting his team. Our team was impressed with the handling of the media by ATC Major Gerrie Everts, especially given the fact that fifty-two media persons were accredited well in advance. Only recognised camera persons were allowed into the restricted area in front of the hospitality marquees and security enforced that decision. This was a much appreciated move, as those persons who have a job to undertake on behalf of their respective media were given reasonable freedom within the restricted area. It was also great to meet with several AVCOM members whilst sharing stories of recent happenings, especially on the airshow scene. We were forced to move our display marquee into one of the large hangars due to the high winds, but this was a good move because we sold all copies of Haley Horan and Frans Dely's book, 'Airshow South Africa', many calendars and five boxes of African Pilot magazines. Apart from certain international media, once again African Pilot appeared to be the only South African aviation magazine that took this airshow seriously by being present with photographers and reporters. I wish to thank our sales team and especially Anne Commerford who undertook the hectic task of managing the African Pilot show stand.
Col. Pete Smith and his extensive team are to be congratulated on providing outstanding opportunities for the public to get up close to the action in a very safe environment. The overall cleanliness of the airfield was good due to the proximity of large numbers of litter bins, and in spite of the strong wind that blew most of the day. Brian Emmenis did his best to remind spectators that the Air Force had provided numerous litter bins and that they should be '"proud South Africans who care about the environment." But, it is always a shame to see how certain South Africans litter. I actually watched in horror as certain people simply dropped their rubbish when a suitable bin was only a few metres away. This is a national problem that has to be addressed at government level and also by every media person in South Africa. On behalf of all media, African Pilot wishes to thank the SAAF for a job well done, sometimes under difficult conditions. The friendship and comradeship of military and civilian pilots, media and sponsors was a true testimony to the success of a safe, successful airshow.
Another domestic airline launches
This week saw the launch of Interlink's service from Johannesburg to Cape Town flying a Boeing 737-200, initially four times per week. Departures will be on Mondays 08h25, Wednesdays 09h00 and Fridays 08h30 departing from Johannesburg International Airport and on Sundays at 11h30. All flights leave Cape Town International Airport at 16h20 on the same days. The check-in counter at Cape Town Airport is No.1, right next to the SAA counters. Interlink was started eight years ago as a charter and VIP service flying from Johannesburg in various aircraft types from Cessna Citations and other corporate jets airliners,to DC-9s and B-737s. I interviewed CEO, Murad Ismail, in Cape Town on arrival of their inaugural scheduled flight of the aircraft ZS SIN, ex-SAA now operated by SAFAIR.
An upbeat Mr. Ismail explained: "Fares would be pegged at R499 one way and Interlink will become known as South Africa's the first full-service low price carrier." Currently the company has a full time staff of thirty-five people as well as thirty part timers, as well as the support of Swissport. Reservations can be made on the Internet, through travel agents or the Call Centre utilising the credit card system. From January, Interlink will be introducing services to Kruger, Mpumalanga, utilising two Brazilia aircraft they have acquired. Mr. Ismail is a pilot himself with an ATP and Grade 1 instructor's rating as well as huge courage to enter the aggressively traded domestic airline market. We flew back to Johannesburg on the very comfortable, refurbished Boeing 737 with Captain Don Burnett and First Officer, John Ackhurst, at the controls. Captain Burnett was outstanding as he pointed out landmarks to passengers. On landing he spoke from his heart about his love for flying. Mr. Ismail kindly offered us seats in the Business Class section so that we could experience the excellent service on board. When the B-737 is not being utilised on the schedule, it is available for VIP charters throughout Africa. For further information please telephone Interlink's call centre: 0861 101 135 or visit their Website: www.interlinkairlines.com. Mr. Murad Ismail can be contacted on his e-mail: murad@worldonline.co.za.
SASOL Tigers to perform in Abu Dhabi, UAE in January
The renowned 3-jet L29 Sasol Tiger Formation Aerobatic team are to perform at the extremely-popular Al Ain International Aerobatic Airshow at Abu Dhabi International Airport, in the United Arab Emirates, from 11 to 15 January 2006.
The team has been invited by the organisers, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and UAE Air Force, to put on two displays per day and also to participate in the FAI World Grand Prix, performing their routine to music. The airshow includes crowd-thrilling attractions, such as breathtaking solo and team aerobatic displays by some of the best pilots in the world, flying both propeller and jet-engine aeroplanes, helicopters, radio control model aircraft, the spectacular Haute Voltige Air Musical and static air exhibition.
The Sasol Tigers will join the cream of the international civilian aerobatic teams, the Honda Dream Team, Breitling Jet Team, Russian Knights and the German National Aerobatic Helicopter Team, and are assisting two of South Africa's foremost flying squads to also appear in Abu Dhabi.
Joining the three Tiger jets in the two massive UAE Air Force Illusion transporters, collecting the aircraft from Johannesburg International Airport at the end of December, will be two of the Mazda Zoom-Zooms, the 'Wing-Walking' Boeing Stearman of Port Elizabeth-based Stu Davidson and his son, Patrick's, Extra 300, resplendent in the South African flag colour scheme. Brad Bennetts and Ian Billing will display the Zoom-Zooms at the airshow, while 36-year old Bernice Esther Joyce, an Eastern Cape provincial runner and swimmer, will do the 'walking' atop the Stearman - something not yet seen in the UAE.
For further information on the Sasol Tiger Team visit www.airshow.co.za or www.sasolracing.co.za
2006 Airshow calendar
Whilst every effort has been made to publish the 2006 airshow dates as reserved by organisers, African Pilot cannot be held responsible for publishing information which may have changed as a result of airshow organisers failing to notify us in good time. African Pilot distributes 9 500 magazines and receives more than 200 000 hits on our Website each month. Can any organiser be legitimately excused for failing to keep the media informed about their plans? After all, this is a FREE service provided for the benefit of our considerable aviation audience. Our Website: www.africanpilot.co.za will always contain the most recent information as this comes to hand. African Pilot is the aviation magazine that recognises the importance of airshows and aviation events. Through our extensive influence within aviation we are regarded as the magazine that offers the best support to this specialised sector of the southern African aviation market. The most recent 2006 airshow information follows:
18 February NAC Tecnam Open Day, Lanseria Airport
Contact: Tracy Porter (011) 267 5566 or 083 651 4974
17 to 18 March West Coast Air Carnival - hosted by SAAF AFB Langebaanweg
Contact: Riaan Olivier or Martin van der Merwe (022) 706 2137/2259
24 to 25 March Middleburg ( Mpumalanga) Airshow
Contact: Roy Vermaak 082 3791123 www.royslodge.com
1 April Mozambique International Airshow
4 to 10 April EAA Fun 'n Sun - USA
Contact: Neil Bowden 084 6745674 (084 OSHKOSK)
E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net
22 April Ermelo Airshow
Contact: A. van Rooyen 082 417 0174
28 April to 1 May Oudtshoorn Aero Club annual Fly-In
Contact: Morne Jonker: 082 653 6800;
Johan Erasmus: 082 253 9150;
E-mail: morne@schoonberg.co.za
6 and 7 May EAA Wonderboom Airshow
Contact: Terry Hertz 083 296 6460
13 May Bultfontein Fly-In
Contact: Piet Vermaak 082 571 3422
e-mail: avermaak@absamail.co.za
14 May Rand Airport Airshow
Contact: Anton Kruger (011) 827 6864
20 May Pietermaritzburg Airshow
Contact: Airshow office (033) 346 0929
25 to 27 May Presidents' Trophy Air Race - Klerksdorp
Contact: Kassie Kasselman 083 265 7331 e-mail: race@sapfa.co.za
Or Chris Booysen: www.sapfa.org.za
3 and 4 June Barberton Bush Pilots Fly-in â€â€œ Barberton Valley
Contact: "CC" Pocock 082 490 5721 www.bushair.co.za
8 to 17 June Yak-52 World championships at Hluhluwe
Contact: Celeste Bennett: Unlimited Xposure: 072 463 5302
16 to 17 June Margate Airshow
Contact: Vicky Erasmus 083 2225149
E-mail: wozaniafrica@futurenet.co.za
23 and 24 June Tzaneen Bush Pilots' Airshow
Contact: Eddie Vorster (015) 345 1600 or 083 294 2225
8 to 9 July Flying Legends- Duxford, UK
Contact: Pete van der Spek 082 441 6405
E-mail: puds@telkomsa.net
15 and 16 July Durban Wings Club Airshow
Contact: Mike Hartley 082 2922108 or airshows@wingsclub.co.za
15 to 16 July Royal International Air Tattoo, UK
Contact: Neil Bowden 084 6745674 (084 OSHKOSK)
E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net
17 to 23 July Farnborough International Exhibition and airshow, UK
Contact: Neil Bowden 084 674 5674 (084 OSHKOSK)
E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net
24 to 30 July EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, USA
Contact: Neil Bowden 084 674 5674 (084 OSHKOSK)
E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net
8 to 9 September Vereeniging Air Carnival â€â€œ also Vaal River Carnival
Contact: Sarie van den Berg
E-mail: svandenb@media24.com
20 to 24 September Africa Aerospace and Defence 2006
Contact: Theresa Da Costa (011) 661 4041
E-mail: Theresa@kagisoexpo.co.za
7 October Mafikeng International Airshow
Contact: Rickie Rennie: 082 933 9131
24 October Aero Club of South Africa AGM
Contact: Neil de Lange 086 101 8018
4 November Aero Club of South Africa annual awards function
Contact: Neil de Lange 086 101 8018
Airshow organizers: please supply the details of your planned events to African Pilot
African Pilot Annual Airshow Award details on Website: www.africanpilot.co.za
Pre & post publicity: E-mail: info@africanpilot.co.za Website: www.africanpilot.co.za
Details are published in the magazine, the African Pilot weekly Newsletter and the African Pilot website.
They serve to remind aviation enthusiasts of forthcoming events during the week running up to the event.
Capital Sounds for sound and broadcast: Brian Emmenis: (057) 388 2351 E-mail: capital@icon.co.za
Air Show South Africa Secretariat: Anne Pickard: (011) 827 5503 E-mail: annep@henleyair.co.za
Website: www.airshowsa.org.za
Management & Airshow Authorization: Neil de Lange - Aero Club of South Africa: Tel: 086 101 8018
Website: www.aeroclub.org.za E-mail: neil@aeroclub.org.za
Aviation humour
A young pilot wanted to sound cool on the air. This was his first time approaching an airfield at night. Instead of making an official request to the tower this is what happened:
Student Pilot: "Guess who?"
Tower Controller: (Switching off the airfield lights): "Guess where?"
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