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â€Å“It is easy to fake passion, but very difficult to hide itâ€Â Peter de Klerck
Correction to last week's AP Newsletter
Our report on the helicopter accident that claimed the life of Steve Mandel provided by Sholain Govender and Barry Bateman was factually incorrect in that the Safari Baby Belle involved was not owned by Naturelink Aviation, but by an employee of the company. Unfortunately this information was incorrectly quoted in various press reports about the accident throughout South Africa . Chris Briers, CEO of Naturelink Aviation described Steve Mandel as an outstanding young pilot with the world at his feet. Steve's funeral took place Friday 19 January 15h00 at Walmer Methodist Church in Port Elizabeth .
National Power Alert - Eskom press release - Thursday, 18 January 2007
Eskom is currently experiencing a higher than planned number of generating unit outages along with a higher than expected demand for electricity during this period. This includes 900 MW from Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which experienced an automatic and controlled shutdown of Unit 1 at 02:18 this morning.
"Eskom is experiencing unplanned outages of 4 600 MW due to technical generating plant problems. This is 3 000 MW higher than was anticipated for this period. The electricity demand is 1 000 MW higher than planned," states Jacob Maroga , MD Transmission.
The automatic shutdown of Koeberg unit 1 was due to a trip of the turbine. The reactor is in a safe shutdown condition. The cause of the turbine trip is currently under investigation. The national transmission grid remains stable; however, the country is faced with a shortage of available generating capacity during this period. Eskom is using all pre-arranged emergency options; however, this will not be sufficient to address the shortfall of electricity for today and possibly for the coming week. In order to maintain the balance between demand and supply, mandatory load shedding will be implemented country-wide, as and when required.
"Eskom regrets and apologises for the situation. We are doing all that we can to normalise supply as soon as possible. In the mean time we appeal to everyone to assist by switching off non-essential electrical equipment such as air-conditioning, geysers and swimming pool pumps," added Maroga
Editor comments
When the change in politics happened in 1994, a perfectly functional Eskom was handed over to a new management team who are displaying their inability to provide long-term planning for South Africa 's electrical power requirements. I understand that not a single new power generating facility has been built since the eighties and operational maintenance requirements appear to have gone out of the window. Does Eskom's management fully understand that their failure to provide South African business with un-interrupted power is damaging the growth of the county's economy?
Eskom - African Pilot is affected
Like all businesses, African Pilot is also affected by these power outages, which are becoming more and more frequent each year. As a direct result we have decided to install a substantial diesel generating plant so that future production will not be affected. Every business is highly dependent on reliable electrical power, but in many African countries several major cities do not have reliable power. This begs the question: What did South Africa have before candles? Answer: electricity.
Air France and Nationwide Airlines join forces
Air France (AF) has signed a code share agreement with Nationwide Airlines, allowing AF passengers to travel via Johannesburg onwards to Durban and Cape Town .
Book for Mauritius on kalula.com
Tickets to Mauritius will be on sale on the kulula.com Website from January 20 to March 10.
Flights will cost R3 310 return, all inclusive, aboard British Airways. One way tickets from JNB to MRU will cost R1 620 and MRU to JNB will cost R1 690. Flights will operate on Saturdays.
SAA cabin crew sabotage long-haul flights
Roger Makings Sunday 21 January 2007
It is only a matter of time before an SAA aircraft suffers the same fate as the Helderberg unless cabin crew stop sabotaging overhead warning lights, according to a circular sent to captains of the airline's long-range aircraft. Two smouldering blankets were found wedged into the overhead lights on two different aircraft earlier this month, the circular said.
Cabin crew dislike the â€Å“no smokingâ€Â and â€Å“fasten seatbeltsâ€Â warning lights because they interfere with their sleep during their rest periods on long-haul flights. The circular, which described the sabotage as â€Å“extremely dangerousâ€Â and a â€Å“criminal offenceâ€Â, said the blankets had â€Å“started to burnâ€Â when they were found.
The airline suffered its worst accident when the Helderberg, a Boeing 747, plummeted in a ball of fire into the ocean off Mauritius 20 years ago, killing all 159 on board.
According to the circular, removing the wiring in the overhead units could lead to short- circuiting behind closed panels. It went on: â€Å“Almost all aircraft returning to base recently have had lights where the wiring behind the light had been pulled out.â€Â
SAA said this week that culprits could be dismissed. A spokesman denied, however, that blankets had been found burning, despite what was said in the circular. Since last year eye shades had been issued to all cabin crew and the overhead lights were being checked before and during flights.
Editor comments
This type of situation happens when poorly trained persons are placed into positions simply to â€Ëœbalance the colour structures within the company.' Clearly the un-professional behaviour of certain SAA cabin crew is a serious problem for the airline as well as all those persons within SAA who have pride in the airline for which they work. The question is: â€Å“Are SAA senior management listening, or do they regard this report as another racist attack on their inability to manage the many aspects of the national airline professionally?â€Â
U.S. Air force 60 th anniversary commemoration for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007
For more than a half-century, some of aviation's most amazing innovations and top developments have come from two places: the U.S. Air Force and the annual EAA AirVenture fly-in convention. In 2007, the USAF will make the 55 th annual edition of EAA AirVenture, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," a major stop during its 60th anniversary commemoration, as it brings its "Heritage to Horizons" showcase to Oshkosh .
The "Heritage to Horizons" exhibit will include more than 30 displays that will fill a 10,000 square-foot pavilion on the AirVenture grounds, recognizing the notable people and aircraft that have been part of the USAF's first 60 years. In addition, the Air Force Recruiting Command will return to Oshkosh in 2007 with its popular "Cross into the Blue" exhibit.
"The U.S. Air Force has always been very supportive and enthusiastic in its participation at EAA AirVenture, featuring airplanes such as the F-117 Stealth fighter, F-16, and C-5 and C-17 cargo aircraft in past years, up to the amazing F-22 aerial display that was a highlight of the 2006 event," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "We are very excited to host the Air Force at Oshkosh as it commemorates its 60 th anniversary, recognizing the occasion with fellow aviators from around the world."
As one of the officially designated events of the USAF's 60 th anniversary commemoration, EAA AirVenture will also host a sizable contingent of current military aircraft during the weeklong event. The exact aircraft and appearance dates will be released as they are finalized.
Along with USAF headquarters in Washington , D.C. , other Air Force units supporting the service's EAA AirVenture appearance include Wisconsin Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Force ROTC, Air Force Academy Liaison Officers, and Air Force Recruiting Services.
"EAA and the Air Force are joining to present programs and exhibits during EAA AirVenture 2007 that will tell the compelling story of the Air Force's first 60 years, with the people and aircraft that have made history over that span," Poberezny said.
The Air Force's anniversary commemoration will be an added highlight in 2007 to EAA AirVenture's always-popular war bird activities. The hundreds of war birds that gather at Oshkosh each year include World War II-era aircraft from the USAF's predecessor, the U.S. Army Air Corps, as well as those from other branches of the U.S. military and other air forces from around the world.
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA's annual membership convention. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit the Website: www.eaa.org . EAA AirVenture information is also available at: www.airventure.org .
Cato Ridge open day
Can you please include this in your newsletter - the dates are 3 and 4 March for the open day. http://avcom.co.za/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16783
NetJets®, the Worldwide Leader in Private Aviation, Doubles Order of Hawker® 750 and 900XP Business Jets
Raytheon Aircraft Company has signed additional orders with NetJets® Aviation and NetJets Europe -- valued at more than $500 million -- for the purchase of 48 additional Hawker® aircraft for their European and U.S. operations. Combined with the NetJets order for 48 aircraft announced at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention in October, 2006, these two orders are now worth more than $1 billion.
Deliveries under the initial order for the Hawker 900XP will begin in 2007 and continue through 2009; deliveries under the new follow-on order will run from 2009 through 2012. Deliveries under the initial order for the Hawker 750 will begin in 2008 and continue through 2009, while deliveries under the new follow-on order will run from 2010 through 2011.
The Hawker 750 and Hawker 900XP were formally launched in October at NBAA. Both aircraft will be derived from the Hawker 800-series airframe, well known for its cabin, extended range, exceptional payload capabilities, reliability and comforts unique to the Hawker brand.
The new Hawker 750 will be a 2,100 nautical mile (approximately 2,417 miles) NBAA IFR- range airplane with four passengers, strategically positioned with the largest cabin in the light-mid size aircraft segment. Ideally suited to the European market, it will offer customers a mid-size cabin and comforts at a light-mid price, with a range capable of achieving multiple-city visits in one day. The Hawker 900XP will launch Honeywell's new TFE731-50R engine providing improved hot and high-altitude performance. With more than 2,800 nautical miles (approximately 3,222 miles) NBAA IFR range with six passengers, the Hawker 900XP is able to make a one-stop flight from New York to Honolulu 99.9 percent of the time. With increased climb, cruise and fuel efficiency performance, as well as the largest and most successful cabin in its class, the 900XP will be well positioned to continue to be the most preferred airplane in the mid-size segment.
â€Å“This is outstanding news and a great day for the employees of Raytheon Aircraft Company,â€Â said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO. â€Å“This additional order from NetJets highlights its confidence in the quality and performance of our products. We have clearly identified the right solution for the fractional customer in the mid-light and mid-size segments with these two new Hawker aircraft.â€Â
â€Å“We are delighted with the value proposition the Hawker 750 and 900XP brings to our NetJets customers,â€Â said Richard Santulli , chairman, NetJets Inc. He added: â€Å“This order for 48 additional Hawker aircraft will help NetJets meet its increased demand for private aviation solutions in Europe and the U.S. The Hawker 900XP will be an integral part of our Columbus-based NetJets Aviation program. It complements our existing fleet in the U.S. , providing our owners with greater choice and longer range, while continuing to maintain the high standards that have made NetJets the market leader. The Hawker 750 is a fantastic fit for our European customers enhancing our NetJets Europe fleet. If you couple that with the broad customer support coverage provided by Raytheon Aircraft Company, we have a winning solution for our customer base.â€Â
Dear Ed,
I want to share with you something hilarious my son Slade (aged 8) said to me about flying recently when I sent him down as an 'unaccompanied minor' to MGH from JNB on 17 December 2006 to visit his grandparents for a week.
(To sketch a background picture, weather too poor in Margate to land, flight re-routed to Durban International).  The storm is settling in and the aircraft is hitting air pockets and dipping during the flight. On his return to terra firma, he comments:
"Oh Mommy, I was so afraid, the silly pilot kept on taking his foot off the petrol".
Thought you might enjoy this one.
As a 'female' recipient of your news I must say I look forward to receiving your great newsletter regarding aviation news.Â
Kind Regards
Sonja Pickering
Witbank , Mpumalanga
Aviation Humour - A pilot goes to heaven
A minister died and is seen waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy who's dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans.
Saint Peter addresses this guy, "Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven ?" The guy replies, "I'm Joey Shasta, retired pilot, of Pittsburgh PA. " Saint Peter consults his list. He smiles and says to the pilot, "Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom." The pilot goes into Heaven with his robe and staff.
Next it's the minister's turn. He stands erect and booms out, "I am Joseph Snow, pastor of Saint Mary's for the last 43 years." Saint Peter consults his list. He says to the minister, "Take this cotton robe and wooden staff  and enter the Kingdom." "Just a minute," says the minister. "That man was a pilot and he gets a silken robe and golden staff. How can this be?"
"Up here, we work by results," says Saint Peter. "While you preached, people slept; while he flew, people prayed.â€Â
African Pilot weekly newsletters
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