|
"You gain strength, courage and confidence through every experience where you stop and look fear in the face" Paul Sabatier
African Pilot's January 2007 edition
We still have some advertising capacity in our January edition. This edition will go to the printers on Thursday this week in order to be complete for distribution between Christmas and New Year. If you are interested, please contact Travis at (011) 702 2342/3 or e-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za ASAP or Mark at e-mail: mark@africanpilot.co.za Thank you.
African Pilot's prestigious wall calendar
This assignment is now complete and just over two thousand wall calendars are busy printing. One thousand of these are branded African Pilot and will be available for purchase at R65 each excluding delivery. In addition we will be selling calendars at airshows throughout South Africa in 2007. For further information of the thirteen leaf calendar please visit our Website: www.africanpilot.co.za
African Pilot's annual Service Guide
We would like to remind advertisers that we are rapidly reaching the deadline for our annual Service Guide to the aviation industry which will be packaged together with our February edition. This method of getting the Service Guide fully distributed is undoubtedly the most reliable in the aviation business in southern Africa . For further information, please contact Travis on (011) 702 2342/3 or e-mail: marketing@africanpilt.co.za . Thank you.
PPL renewal experience
That time comes around for every pilot; the time to renew ones' rating and to pass a medical examination. This experience has been rather difficult for me because since my horrific accident 15 months ago when I lost my trusty Cessna 172, I have not flown alone. I have always flown with an instructor or my good friend Russell Mackenzie in the AFOS Cessna 182 ZS EPR in which I own a 10% share.
The medical
The medical examination by Dr. Theunis de Bruin went without a hitch because I am still reasonably fit for my age. Dr. de Bruin is one of the most thorough aviation medical doctors because he is also a grade two flight instructor as well as a highly experienced commercial pilot. Periodic thorough medical examinations are essential for every person, because this is the method by which early warnings of any possible dreaded disease is detected. Many pilots are also overweight and this syndrome certainly affects long term performance.
The flight test
Due to the fact that I require confidence building as a direct result of the accident, I spent some time practicing circuit procedure and upper air work with Russell. On Thursday afternoon my turn came for the actual flight test, when I was tested by Marelise Odendaal, a young grade two flight instructor with a great attitude. The test went exceptionally well considering my lack of confidence and I was passed with very high marks. What made the flight test experience all the more significant was the fact that it helped boost my confidence. Many months ago I made the decision to place myself back under training, due to the fact that the circumstances of my accident were entirely my own fault and I believe that further training has been necessary. This has paid off, because all private pilots become complacent from time to time and therefore we all need further instruction.
The SA Civil Aviation Authority
The licensing section of the SA CAA is to be commended for the relaxed and efficient manner in which they handled my licence renewal. This was a rather pleasant surprise in which I was served by courteous staff members who clearly understood their mandate. Whilst waiting for the inevitable paperwork I took note of the licence renewal operation, which in my opinion has developed very well from what the situation was some years ago when the CAA was located in Pretoria . A comfortable waiting area with a refreshment cafeteria is located on the ground floor of the CAA building whilst one waits for the licence to be processed, a process that takes about one hour.
African Pilot's PPL competition
Our office has been requested to provide the correct answers to the African Pilot PPL competition that we ran from the middle of this year. Although most of the answers were available within the PPL Supplement, very few of the entrants got all ten questions correct. The five successful finalists were randomly selected by members of the African Pilot team. Their names, announced in last week's AP newsletter will go forward towards the final selection and the winner will be able to choose which flying school he/she would like to attend based on the particular flying schools that supported this African Pilot initiative.
Questions and answers
- State the number of hours required to qualify for a Private Pilots' Licence (PPL)? â€â€œ Answer: 40 hours.
- What is the official language of the air throughout the world? â€â€œ Answer: English.
- What are the two most important school subjects required for pilot training? â€â€œ Answer: Maths, English, Science and Geography (any two of the four would be accepted).
- Name the four forces involved in flight? â€â€œ Answer: Lift, drag, thrust and gravity (weight).
- Name the type of fuel used to power piston aircraft engines? Answer: AVGAS.
- What does the abbreviation ATC stand for? Answer: Air Traffic Control (Controllers).
- Name any four sections of the Aero Club of South Africa? Answer: Any four of the following would have been acceptable: Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Sport Aerobatics Club (SAC), Power Flying Association (SAPFA), Virtual Aviation Association, Soaring Society, Balloon and Airship Federation, Gyroplane Association, Parachuting Association, Microlight Association, Model Aircraft Association, Aircraft Homebuilders Association, Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association, Disabled Aviation Association and Air Show South Africa (ASA).
- Where is air denser? At the coast or at Johannesburg 's altitude of 5 500 feet? â€â€œ Answer: At the coast.
- Name two types of aircraft undercarriage? â€â€œ Answer: fixed gear, retractable gear, taildragger type gear or helicopter skids (any two would have been acceptable)
- How many years has African Pilot been published? â€â€œ Answer: 5 years (the answer is on the cover of every copy of African Pilot â€â€œ Volume 5 â€â€œ means 5 th year.
South African Landing Championships from Chris Booysen
Dear SAPFA member, please note that the 2006 South African Landing Championships will be held on Saturday, 9 December 2006 at the Tempe Airfield. For additional information please contact Hennie Stander at e-mail: teken6@civic.mangaung.co.za . The competition is open to all. No pre-qualifying is required. For additional information see the SAPFA website.
Airshow and aviation events calendar
Five years ago when African Pilot was first published, we realised that an up-to-date airshow and aviation events calendar was essential for the aviation business in South Africa . Together with the assistance of Brian Emmenis of Capital Sounds, African Pilot has developed the most accurate aviation calendar in the business. At this stage there are thirty-two registered events listed for 2007. However, we understand that many more events have been planned but the dates of these events have not reached either Brian or me. African Pilot will be printing a free one page A2 wall calendar that will contain the dates of all the aviation events already reserved for 2007. As with the January 2006 edition this calendar will be folded to A4 and distributed together with our January 2007 edition. Please send details to e-mail: editor@africanpilot.co.za . Thank you.
Sky Raiders L-39 jets
Sky Raiders has just been issued with a Part 96 licence allowing legal SA CAA approved rides in their L39 Jets. This authority comes after nearly two years of negotiation with various governing bodies, including Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Transport and the SACAA. Sky Raiders will not only be offering flips for R10 000 each, but also â€ËœJetAways', a personal jet ride for him and her, to various bush locations.
The two L39's, ZU-HIT and ZU-RUN underwent extensive refurbishment and avionics upgrade at ExecuJet, lasting over a year. Western avionics have largely replaced the old "steam" gauges and serious smoke systems have been fitted for airshow displays. Besides ZU HIT and ZU RUN, Sky Raiders hope to soon have ZU TEE on their licence as well. For further information please contact Mark Beckley on (011) 827 6571. Thank you.
Aerobatics Ace of the Base by John Gaillard
This was a relaxed year-end contest, with two advanced pilots, three intermediate and single entries in sportsman & graduate, the contest being flown to best percentage of score within each class, counting to an overall winner.
The outstanding feature of this contest was the performance of both the advanced pilots Helmut Ludwig and Nigel Hopkins who both achieved over 80% in their free programmes, before a panel of five judges. We are used to Helmut achieving a high standard in recent times so this came as no real surprise, but Nigel was flying his newly acquired mid-wing Extra 300 in which he had only practiced on three occasions, so not much was really expected of him, how wrong can you get. Nigel flew a stunning free sequence, with all judges being impressed, eights and nines were the order of the day, a couple of figures still need attention, the roller in particular, but the final score of 82% would have placed him well at any contest internationally, I firmly believe Nigel is going to be a World beater in the not so distant future.
The advanced unknown was quite tricky and the two pilots only had a couple of hours to get on top of it, no zeros but significantly lower scores were to be expected. In intermediate, Bertus prevailed in his Pitts, one wonders what he will do when he has his Slick ready, exciting times are ahead for SAC. Barrie Eeles continues to make progress in Graduate and achieved a far better result this time; Warren Haslam was only a couple of percent behind Bertus. Mike Beresford's score also does not really tell the true tale, his sequence card contained an error and he flew the same figure twice an expensive error.
The Chairman of the Aero Club Stan Oliver soldiers on in Intermediate, with all the work he does for general aviation, it is a surprise he has any time to practise at all, but he always posts a reasonable score, but for a couple of errors he would have been much better placed.
The final three places were:
1 st - Nigel Hopkins 76.83%
2 nd - Bertus du Preez 75.13%
3 rd - Warren Haslam 73.10%
Grob SPn destroyed in crash
One of the two Grob SPn Utility Jets flying prototypes was destroyed during a "demonstration flight" near the company factory in Tussenhausen-Mattsies , Germany on Wednesday, Grob CEO Niall Olver confirmed to AVweb . Chief SPn test pilot Gerard Guillaumaud, 45, the sole occupant aboard the aircraft, was killed. Guillaumaud was a former French air force pilot and a graduate of the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, California . The crash occurred at 1:20 p.m. local time shortly after takeoff, according to witnesses. Guillaumaud was demonstrating the aircraft's flight performance to a group of invited company guests on the ground. The aircraft destroyed was the second and newer version of the two prototypes. Before the crash, certification and customer deliveries of the $7.1 million, eight-passenger jet had been anticipated for the third quarter of 2007. Grob had expected that the aircraft would be certified for single pilot operation. So far, Grob has issued only a very brief statement confirming the crash and chief SPn test pilot Gerard Guillaumaud's unfortunate death.
AVSTAR group buys 15% shareholding in 1 time holdings
Last week 1time airline announced that the Avstar Group had acquired a 15% shareholding in 1time Holdings. The shares have been acquired in terms of a rights issue for R11.5 million cash. In terms of the deal 1time airline will also be leasing two additional 157 seater MD83 aircraft from the Avstar Group.
1time Holdings is the investment holding company owning all the shares of 1time airline and in the group's aircraft maintenance, aircraft charter and aircraft leasing companies. The combined 1time group turnover will exceed R500 million this year with after tax profits of over R20 million for the current financial year. Chief Executive Officer of 1time airline, Glenn Orsmond expressed his pleasure at the deal, "The additional aircraft will be used to introduce new routes and to expand capacity on existing routes as part of an aggressive expansion strategy in 2007."
The Avstar Group is involved in aircraft leasing and charters throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands . Managing Director Wade Tanner said: "The deal provides a natural fit between the two companies. Our strategy to acquire more aircraft assets and to expand our African operation fits in neatly with 1time's strategies. The shareholding cements this relationship firmly." 1time will celebrate its third birthday in February and will carry more than 1 million passengers this year servicing eight destinations, and has targeted 1.2 million passengers next year. Significant growth was also expected in the aircraft maintenance and charter businesses. The group operates a fleet of ten aircraft.
The 1time group would consider a listing on the JSE main
The JSE which has lost or is in the process of losing a plethora of good shares will have a new incumbent next year : low-cost airline 1time .
Glenn Orsmond, CEO of 1time said that this would be purely for growth purposes and not for debt purposes. He added that the company does have marginal-aircraft debt, and maintained that the listing would not be for debt purposes but for growth. Rhynhard Roodt, an analyst from Investec Asset Managers said the announcement was surprising, but that it made sense for 1time to list. "It is not easy to run an airline. It may be incurring large amounts of debt and need to bring in equity, which tells me that things aren't going all that well.
"It's really similar to what SAA is doing. These are tough times for 1time following the recent launch of low-cost carrier Mango." he said.
But Orsmond reckons that the market has grown by 50% in the past four years, and that it hoped to make R25m in earnings next year, R5m more than the past financial year. "Next year is going to be a great year. We've been adding a new aircraft every six months. We see a lot of growth next year, and we need to move with that growth," he said.
Orsmond said that he wanted to introduce new routes and also to increase flights on existing ones next year. Running an airline is quite a tough job; a lot of budget airlines have come and gone. Apart from Southwest Airlines in America and Ryan Air in Europe , the industry hasn't seen a lot of companies flourishing.
Roodt says that the industry has been at the bottom of its cycle with oil prices going up so things can't get any worse. As to how much the company would list for, Orsmond didn't say.
He just said that it would have to be less than Comair's price, which at close of business on Wednesday was R2 ,25 , at listing five years ago it was at R2,40. "It all depends on the market," he said.
Roodt said that he hadn't seen its financials, and wouldn't be able to put a price on the company but added that it would have to be attractively priced and could not be given the same rating as Comair. 1time also announced that an aircraft leasing company, the AvStar Group, has acquired a 15% shareholding in the airline.
Eclipse aviation CEO explains delivery delays
In a letter to customers and investors on Monday, Eclipse Aviation CEO Vern Raburn addressed concerns that the company has not yet delivered its first aircraft -- an event that has been anticipated for weeks. "That important milestone event has not yet taken place and in turn, this may be impacting your confidence that Eclipse can perform, and more importantly, meet the schedules we have projected for delivering your aircraft," Raburn wrote. "Some of you have specifically asked whether it will still be appropriate for us to invoice for the upcoming 60-percent progress payment due for aircraft scheduled to be delivered through June 30, 2007." In a lengthy letter, Raburn explains the complexities addressed by the company as it evolves from development to production, and assures customers that they will still get their airplanes on time. When the FAA issues a production certificate for an aircraft, the company must be able to ensure that every airplane that comes off the line conforms exactly to the type design that the FAA approved. The FAA's review process to ensure conformity is "very well defined, detailed and unforgiving," Eclipse Aviation CEO Vern Raburn says. The FAA found problems with Eclipse's conformity process -- not the airplane itself -- and the company must rectify those issues before it can start deliveries. Eclipse is working closely with the FAA to create a plan of action to address all of the concerns. "We will work our way through this issue," Raburn wrote.
Cirrus Design expands global sales and sets a new record
Cirrus Design Corp. hit a new record for aircraft orders in the third quarter, the company announced on Monday. As reported in the General Aviation Manufacturers (GAMA) third-quarter report , Cirrus has sold 529 airplanes so far this year. The company credits the creation of a worldwide sales network for the increase. International orders accounted for 24 percent of all business through October, up from 5 percent in 2002. John Bingham, vice president of sales, says the Cirrus strategy of shipping airplanes overseas for local re-assembly is paying off. Cirrus aircraft are distributed from the U.K. for European sales and from Australia for buyers in that country and Asia . "Once again, our factory-direct-to-the-consumer sales model has proven itself," Bingham said. "In 2005, we anticipated a 26-percent increase in overall international sales, and we are on target to make and exceed that goal."
South African Airways (SAA) will retrench 1 000 employees
Due to high operating costs, the airline's announcement last Thursday that it would retrench employees from all sectors of the national carrier had already begun said chief executive officer Khaya Ngqula at a media briefing in Sandton. Although revenue was up SAA had to cut down on costs. The airline, Mango, a subsidiary of SAA, had nothing to do with the retrenchments, he said. Spokesperson for SAA Jacqui O' Sullivan said the airline had a record number of passengers in the past three months. "Revenue has never been better but the operating costs are eating up whatever that it (revenue) has brought in."
She said staff members were informed of the decision on Wednesday last week. "For two years the airline looked at ways to cut costs, so this has not been an easy decision."
Government and the SAA board have both approved the decision and retrenchments are expected to end in December. Meanwhile the airline announced it would be expanding its route network to Europe, North America, South America and Africa by adding new destinations to each of these continents. From 2007 the airline will fly to Buenos Aires , Chicago and Munich .
Media planners are often biased words from a top media buyer
"A group of my colleagues and I had lunch last week with a well-respected media consultant, who pointed out that media planners are still very biased when deciding where to place advertising. While this might have to do with human nature where we tend to stick with what we know, he raised concerns at the disservice this was doing for their clients whose aim is to reach as wide an audience as possible in their target market.
I agree with him. With so many magazines launching, I took some time to page through the new kids on the block â€â€œ less than three years in the industry â€â€œ such as Move! Glamour and Tribute and the more established ones like True Love, Fairlady, Femina and Marie Claire.
Needless to say, I was not surprised by what I found. Indeed it appears media planners, and I know I'm generalising here, stick to publications they know. And not only because they read them, but also due to how long they have been around, and if they grew up with their parents reading them. This does count for something, after all, who would want to put money into something that might shut down tomorrow? I don't understand why they continue pouring money into some of these elderly publications when it is clear they are battling in the face of competition, judging from their downward spiralling circulation figures?
"It's all about relationships. If you know and get along with a client, they won't hesitate to place advertising with you," a sales manager once told me. This must be true, because it appears there are media planners who do not do their home-work, and take really in-depth looks at the media available. Or is it easier to go with what they know or what sales reps tell them, rather than take the time and effort to understand newer magazines?"
Airbus A380 landing at OR Thambo on Sunday 26 November
African Pilot received numerous letters from readers responding to the disgusting manner in which media persons and members of the public were treated by ACSA officials last week. It seems that there has been an overwhelming feeling of dissatisfaction with the way in which this auspicious event was managed by ACSA. I have re-produced some of the letters to illustrate the high level of dissatisfaction with regard to this important aviation event in South Africa .
Dear Athol
I'm sure you are sick of hearing this but your magazine is simply awesome. I can't wait for it to arrive each month.
I wanted to add to the comments that you made in the most recent e-mail editorial, about the treatment of journalists at the recent arrival of the A380. Do not feel special; the general public was equally poorly treated. I think, for what my opinion is worth, that the problem lies with the public relations department at ACSA, if indeed it has one.
Surely with an event of this significance, which received good publicity in the press, ACSA would expect the airport to be inundated with aviation enthusiasts and curious onlookers? It was a golden opportunity for the airport to say to it's customers, this is what we have done to up-grade the facility, this is what we intend to do, and thank you for taking the time to visit our airport and increase our income by paying for parking, refreshments and so forth.
No attempt was made to increase capacity at the viewing decks. There was no public address announcement concerning the event or updates throughout the day. The aircraft was parked beyond the visible range of the viewing decks, so it was pointless going there in the first place.
Perhaps if somebody within ACSA puts a little forethought and effort into events in future they might attract visitors who are not fare paying passengers but would just like to do something different on a weekend morning.
Best regards
Adrian Higgins - aviation enthusiast and pilot
London- Malawi direct with new air service
AIR Malawi is launching flights between London Gatwick and Lilongwe from 9 December. A special London fare of US$850 (R6 000) will apply from 1 December, 2006 to March 30, 2007. Passengers may take 30kg baggage and one-way fares are available at 75% of the return fare.
Flights depart Lilongwe on Wednesdays at 22h40 and arrive at London Gatwick at 06h40. The return flights depart London Gatwick at 17h30 on Saturdays and arrive in Lilongwe at 05h30 the next morning. As ticketing can only be done through Air Malawi offices, agents have to issue an MPD for Air Malawi to ticket. An agent's commission of 7% applies. Terms and conditions apply. Natalia Thomson â€â€œ Now Media.
Aviation Humour from Neil Wetmore
Santa Claus, like all pilots, also gets regular visits from the SA CAA, and the designated examiner arrived last week for the pre-Christmas flight check. In preparation, Santa had the elves wash the sled and bathe all the reindeer. Santa got his logbook out and made sure all his paperwork was in order. He knew they would examine all his equipment and truly put Santa's flying skills to the test.
On arrival the examiner walked slowly around the sled. He checked the reindeer harnesses, the landing gear, and even Rudolph's nose. He painstakingly reviewed Santa's weight and balance calculations for sled's enormous payload. Finally, they were ready for the check ride.
Santa got in and fastened his seat belt and shoulder harness and checked the compass. Then the examiner hopped in carrying, to Santa's surprise, a shotgun. "What's that for!?" asked Santa incredulously. The examiner winked and said, "I'm not supposed to tell you this ahead of time," as he leaned over to whisper in Santa's ear, "but you're going to lose an engine on takeoff."
|
