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The world is moving so fast these days that the man or woman who says it cannot be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it. Elbert Hubbard
Secunda Airshow cancelled
Please be advised that the Secunda airshow that was scheduled for this coming weekend has been cancelled.
African Pilots October edition
Whilst the October edition is at the printers and will be released later this week, we have heard of a tragic flying accident in England, resulting in the death of a pilot, and the loss of the Hawker Hurricane, which he was flying. Sky news reported that A warbird crashed at the RAF Airshow at Shoreham on Saturday afternoon The Hurricane was taking part in a tail chase sequence, with another Hurricane, a Me.109J and two Me.108s. The Spitfires had just taken off, but had not joined the sequence. The aeroplane was flying from right to left at the time, and eyewitnesses saw it enter a steep dive and disappear behind the hill at the back of the airfield. The dreaded plume of smoke appeared about 15 seconds later. What makes this significant is that African Pilots October edition carries a report on the Flying Legends Airshow, written and photographed by Pete van der Spek, and this downed Hurricane features in his report. What a terrible tragedy. To lose yet another owner pilot and valuable warbird that cannot be replaced!
African Pilots airshow reporting
Due to the turbulence caused by the African Pilots newsletter report on the Vereeniging Airshow last week, we have decided that we will only report on the positive aspects of any airshow in the monthly magazine and the newsletter. If an airshow is particularly poor for any reason, we will not report on the event at all. The fragile egos of certain airshow organisers are not worth entertaining in the long term. Our editorial team accepts the point that everyone is trying their best to promote aviation and airshows are certainly part of the equation.
For the record I would like to correct certain misconceptions of the covering of airshows by aviation magazines such as African Pilot: Some months ago African Pilot took the decision to carry a brief written report with plenty of pictures on airshows. The September edition features an example of this method of reporting on the Chemspec Durban Airshow. African Pilot has two media outlets: The monthly magazine and this weekly AP newsletter. The complaint that was voiced on AVCOM was against last weeks AP newsletter, and as a result we decided not to carry a report on the Vereeniging airshow, in the October edition of the magazine.
Some months ago, when we reported the faults of the Margate airshow, we were taken to task by the organisers, and now the same has happened with the Vereeniging airshow. In both cases there were many positive aspects reported, but because we raised a few negative issues the respective organisers were seriously upset by our remarks.
A few years ago a certain airshow was near to catastrophe when 29 cars were destroyed by veld fires at the airshow. There was little or no control over the public and the airfield was a disgusting mess, with much litter, broken bottles and so on. AP presented a negative report that at first was taken very badly by the organisers. However, the show the following year was so good, that the airshow was one of the finalists in the Aero Club's airshow of the year award. The organiser had taken our criticism seriously and pulled out all the stops to stage an amazing event. Generally speaking, I believe that most airshow organisers take constructive criticism very well, but there will always be those who cannot face the reality of the shortcomings of a particular event.
As for free accommodation and free cars I wish to respond as follows. At no time have I ever seen fingers pointed at organisers for assisting the media with travel arrangements. In most instances we pay our way in terms of reaching the venue, accommodation and transport. At certain events members of the media are requested to share transport, which is a good idea. There are up to 30 airshows in South Africa, and of course they all occur over weekends. On many of these occasions I know that many journalists and photographers would prefer to spend time at home with their families. Heavy costs are often incurred by the aviation magazines. A good example of these costs was the Durban Chemspec Airshow featured in the September edition of the magazine. Costs included a return air ticket from Johannesburg, car hire, accommodation and meals. The total expense for this one member of our team was more than R4000. The perception that the media is afforded all sorts of privileges is not altogether accurate. African Pilot tries to cover as many events as possible, and often this magazine is the only aviation media at a particular event.
African Pilots Cape Town correspondent
African Pilot would like to appoint a correspondent to cover aviation events in the Western Cape. Our Durban correspondent, Pete van der Spek has been involved with African Pilot for several years and he enjoys working on aviation events within his region, as is evident in his various reports with superb pictures in the monthly magazine. If you are interested, or know someone who might be interested in this part time position, please send an e-mail with credentials to: editor@africanpilot.co.za
Steve Fossett is still missing
The Civil Air Patrol, National Guard, Sheriffs' departments and volunteer fleets flying from Minden-Tahoe and the Flying M Ranch, continue the search for the missing adventurer Steve Fossett, into a third week. Meanwhile the Amazon Mechanical Turk / Google Earth web-based image analysis project has been operational since the weekend and continues to receive and sift leads, filtering and analysing possible sightings, and passing them through to members of the search teams.
It is now believed that Steve Fossett was unlikely to have ventured very far (such as crossing the Sierra Nevada range), but that he was more likely to have been on a local pleasure flight - and that he probably was not surveying sites for the upcoming land speed record project.
Based on Steve's known movements, plans and the aircraft's capabilities, the search is now primarily focused on a 30 - 50 mile radius from the ranch. However, some members of the search team are convinced that the plane may even be closer.
The aircraft's last confirmed position on Monday 3 September at approximately 10:30 am local time showed Steve west of Powell Canyon -south of Walker Lake and southwest of Hawthorne., proceeding east towards the canyon. This location is less than 30 miles SE from his point of departure / expected arrival. Steve was expected to return to the ranch around 11:00 - 11:30 am. Although the Super Decathlon is capable of good performance at sea level, the predicted aircraft speed and climb rate must be adjusted down for the density altitude of this area in summer.
African Pilots October edition carries an article on Steve Fossetts career as one of the greatest aviators of our time. Although the outcome of his disappearance looks bleak, we naturally hope that Steve is found alive and well. As I had the pleasure of meeting this aviation pioneer last year at Oshkosh, his disappearance is particularly close to my heart.
Tiger Moth accident near Tedderfield
During this past week a tragic accident happened, where apparently a pilot had no alternative other than to attempt to land his stricken Tiger Moth on the road adjacent to the Tedderfield airfield south of Johannesburg. African Pilot does not usually report on aircraft accidents and certainly does not report on accidents in the monthly magazine. However this incident became particularly ugly, and as such had to be reported in our AP newsletter. By all accounts, the Tiger Moth ZS BXB hit a truck carrying steel doorframes, which in turn crashed into two other vehicles. The passenger in the front seat of the Tiger Moth was killed instantly, as was the driver of the truck, and 23 security guards in another vehicle were injured. However, what makes this accident important is the eyewitness report of events immediately after the accident.
Eyewitness report: This afternoon whilst on my way to Tedderfield / Solitude for an afternoon flight, I saw ZS-BXB flying in the position of right down wind to runway 29 at Tedderfield, when suddenly I heard a loud bang. The plane continued flying perfectly for about 15 seconds before it spun straight into the road on which I was travelling. It struck a truck loaded with steel door frames and after that there was just a huge plume of dust and smoke.
The truck struck a Mercedes sprinter which was fully loaded with people all wearing yellow shirts. A Mercedes sedan was also involved in the accident.
The passenger in the front seat of the Tiger moth was killed instantly. The pilot in the back seat was lying on the road strapped to his seat. As I approached this horrific scene, a taxi stopped, people jumped out and started kicking the pilots face as if it was a soccer ball. What an absolutely macabre scene! I would like to state here, that the young pilot did not have any visible head injuries before the beating, but by the time his assailants were overpowered, his face was totally covered in blood.
The pilot had a broken right leg and a deep laceration to his right arm. He was talking and aware of what had happened, but he was in a state of severe shock.
We are pleased to report that the pilot, although seriously injured, should make a good recovery.
This report has been edited in order to take out certain racist remarks that are not appropriate.
Editor replies
This situation sadly reflects the tragic reality of South African culture. The plane did not intentionally land on the road, but you would think from the reaction of certain members of the public, that the plane had been deliberately aimed at them! Unfortunately, this type of situation happens, and only education will change the way individuals react to a tragedy. I remember many years ago when a PC-12 slammed into the mountains near Nairobi in Kenya with the resulting loss of life of several prominent South Africans. On board was world famous aviation photographer, Herman Potgieter and my personal friend, Patrick Wagner from Getaway magazine. Before the rescuers could reach the scene of the accident, the local people had stripped what ever they could find from the bodies and the luggage. For this reason it is important NOT to fly at a low altitude over any built-up township areas in Africa. Please make sure that you have at least 1 500 feet ground clearance. Ask yourself the question. If I survived a forced landing as a result of an engine out, would I survive the wrath and greed of the people on the ground?
Aero Club Annual Awards Dinner
The Aero Club of South Africa has provided details of its annual awards function as follows:
Venue: Sky Raiders, Rand Airport
Date: 10 November 2007
Time: 18:30 for 19h00
Dress Code: Formal / National Colours
Tickets are available at R285 per head and pre-booking is essential. Please contact the Aero Club for details: 0861 018 018 or e-mail: neil@aeroclub.org.za
The Aero Club is calling for nominations for the following awards by 30 September 2007:
- Gold Wings - 10 years continuous service to Aero Club or an affiliate organisation.
- Silver Wings - exceptional service/projects to further the objects of Aero Club or an affiliate organisation.
- Don Tilly Trophy Safety oversight.
- Lewis Lang Trophy - Pilot of the Year.
- Dennis Jankelow Trophy Airmanship.
- SA Eagle Trophy - Most meritorious achievement at an international event.
- James Gilliland Trophy - Most meritorious feat over the past year.
- African Pilot Trophy - best airshow of the year.
EAAs Sun n Fun Rustenburg
EAA Sun n Fun 2007 Rustenburg arrangements are on track. This is a reminder that the dates are 28 30 September 2007. We are hoping for an excellent response to our efforts for a fun weekend. The airspace within 5nm up to 6 000 feet above mean sea level at FARG are NOTAMed Class G (Information) from 07h00 17h00 Local on Saturday 29 September 2007. ATC Information service will be provided by veteran air show ATC Ricardo Affonso and Frank Pain. The tower will operate on 122.4 MHz. It is unfortunately necessary to remind all participants again that NO AEROBATICS will be permitted in the NOTAMed airspace unless prior authorisation has been received from the SA CAA and the CAMU (ATNS)
The EAA Website and Chapter 322 Website: www.eaa.org.za has further details.
South African Air Force Air Power demonstration
Journalists and delegates from many countries were privileged to be invited to a superb demonstration of Air Power held at Roodevaal bombing range north of Polokwane (Pietersburg) last Thursday. Delegates from Brazil, Sweden, South Korea, Pakistan, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Chile, Germany and the United States were flown in three Hercules C-130s to Pietersburg. In addition, several high ranking officers from the South African Army, Navy and Air Force as well journalists and photographers were afforded the opportunity to witness first hand the SAAFs capability.
During this demonstration the new SAAF Hawks were used for the first time in a public demonstration of fire power. Two Rooivalk attack helicopters demonstrated their deadly fire power with missiles and 30mm cannon. Other SAAF types, were the Oryx helicopter demonstrating troop roping, and extraction. The new Augusta 109-LUH helicopter, simulated the rescue of a downed pilot. Cheetahs with deadly accurate target acquisition, and Hercules and Casa types demonstrated supplies deployment to the battlefield. Finally, Oryx helicopters doused a large fire. The two hour Air Power demonstration kept the many spectators on the edge of their seats, as explosions rocked the Roodevaal bombing range.
The November edition of African Pilot will carry a full report with pictures of this spectacular demonstration of SAAF capability.
Silver Queen Air Rally
The Silver Queen rally recently took place at AFB Zwartkops in which eleven aeroplanes participated. These were as follows:-
The winner was Cessna 170 Shiny one ZS VAL Karl Jensen and Paul Sabatier
Second prize the SAAF Museum Puma- Gen. John Church, Lt. Col. Erasmus and Sgt. Maj. Du Toit.
Third prize the Bosbok AM3L ZU ADH Gavin Brown and Claire ?
Fourth prize was awarded to D.H. Chipmunk ZS VTL - Kim Pratley
The following also took part so gallantly and keenly:-
- Stinson ZS JKV - Chris Linakis and Blane Carstens
- V tail Bonanza ZS CHO Gert Verbaan from Krugersdorp
- SAAF Museum Alouette II Maj. Billy Burger
- D.H. 82A Tiger Moth SZ OSS Martiens Steyn and his son
- Cessna 140 Patrick and Courtney Watson
- MR5 Auster ZS VWP John Illsley and Kyall Patterson
- T6 Harvard 7306 Daryl Wright and Grant Timms
The 108 nautical mile course was set by Arrie de Klerk on behalf of the SAAF Association. The idea of the rally was to revive the Silver Queen Air Race / Rally, as it is ten years since the last race took place. Arrie expressed his hope that the rally would become an annual event and would be open to all types of aircraft and helicopters. The lunch time prize giving at the Hartebees Club at AFB Zwartkops was an ideal opportunity to meet with aviation friends, and soon the room was filled with laughter as the old stories were rolled out! What a great atmosphere!
African Pilot would like to congratulate all the entrants you were all winners! We pledge the support of the magazine to promote this event and grow it into a sizeable rally in future years. For further information, please contact Arrie de Klerk at e-mail: aranco@worldonline.co.za
Letter from Karl Jensen
Greetings Athol,
On Saturday 15 September, I took part in the Silver Queen Air Race from AFB Zwartkops. This race is held periodically to commemorate the epic flight undertaken by Sir Pierre van Ryneveld and Quintin Brands in 1920, to London from Cape Town. As you are aware in the same year, Sir Pierre was asked by Jan Smuts to form the South African Air Force. Coincidentally, my mothers maiden name was Van Ryneveld, and Sir Pierre was my grandmothers cousin.
The race was in the form of an air rally. As I have been a crossword fan for many years, I, along with my most competent navigator Paul Sabatier were able to decipher all the clues and find all the turning points. We flew in my own shiny silver queen Cessna 170B and were fortunate enough to win! We were awarded a temporary substitute trophy, as the original Silver Queen trophy has been mislaid.
May I prevail on your influence, and the readers of African Pilot magazine to help trace this historic trophy?
Many thanks and regards.
Karl Jensen E-mail: karlpix@icon.co.za
1time Holdings Ltd posts interim results
The directors of aviation group 1time Holdings are pleased to announce their maiden results as a listed company for the first six months ended 30 June 2007. Net profit before tax increased by 30% from R12.5 million last year, to R16.3 million for the six month period. Headline earnings per share increased by 91% from 3.5 cents to 6.7 cents per share.
The strong earnings growth was achieved on the back of a 36% revenue growth from R222 million to R302 million for the six months. 1time Airline achieved a 25% increase in passengers, and significant growth in third party aircraft maintenance services was achieved by Aeronexus Technical, the groups aircraft maintenance subsidiary.
The airline fleet upgrade programme is on track and by the end of the year 1time Airline will be operating a full fleet of eight MD80 variant aircraft. The standard MD80 aircraft fleet is all stage three noise compliant and will be younger than the fleet of aircraft currently operated by most of 1times competitors.
Prospects for the second half of the year remain positive. 1time Airline is expected to continue to grow its market share during the strong seasonal period. Aeronexus Technical is expected to benefit from the continued strong demand for aircraft maintenance services from third party airlines for the remainder of the year. In the absence of any unexpected events or changes in the current trading and cost environment, the directors of 1time Holdings remain confident that the R25 million earnings forecast for the year to December 2007 included in the listing prospectus will be achieved.
Record profits for Comair
Last week Comair Ltd. (Comair), the listed group that operates the kulula.com and British Airways airline brands, announced record profits for the year ended 30 June 2007. Earnings per share for the year were up by 39% in a year which saw Comairs fuel bill increase by R120M. Joint CEOs Erik Venter and Gidon Novick attributed the companys success to the quality of the 1559 Comair staff. Venter and Novick praised the Comair team by saying, Once again our people have delivered exceptional service to our 3.3 million customers, and this is reflected in our results.
Our greatest achievement for the year was the progress we have made in our transformation efforts, said Venter. 53% of the companys staff are now black, up from 29% five years ago, and 79% of staff are from designated groups. The BEE deal that was concluded during the year and the Thelo Consortium helped the company achieve 25% black ownership. Other highlights included the great progress we have made on extending the cadet pilot training programme, as well as taking on more than fifty airport and call centre recruits in support of our underprivileged local communities.
During the year the company made good progress with its fleet renewal programme, which resulted in both increased efficiencies and additional capacity. By the end of the year we hope to replace our entire kulula.com fleet of old gas-guzzling MD82s with modern Boeing 737-400s, continued Venter. Our new fleet will ensure that our kulula.com brand has the lowest cost base in the industry.
The companys two brands, kulula.com and British Airways, continued to out perform competitors during the year. According to Novick, Our occupancy levels were consistently higher than our competitors a great tribute to the strength of our brands. In the Sunday Times Markinor annual brands survey, both British Airways and kulula.com were in the top three most recognised airline brands in South Africa. Kulula.com was also voted best Low Cost Airline in Africa by leading Airline researcher, Skytrax. The renewal of the licence agreement between Comair and British Airways Plc. was recently concluded, and will see the partnership extended for a further seven years.
Comair will continue to pursue growth opportunities in the domestic, regional and international travel markets, whilst simultaneously looking for brand extension opportunities for the kulula.com brand. Comair recently declared its intention to compete in long haul markets, and has applied for the rights to serve the South Africa England route.
Use it or loose it warns Department of Transport
South African carriers must use their unused frequencies if the 2010 World Cup is to benefit the country. Otherwise we will have to lean more on international carriers for capacity enhancement, warned Department of Transport (DoT) chief director of civil aviation, Anwar Abdul Gany. Some 400 000 football supporters are expected to converge on South Africa in 2010, and a lot needs to be done to increase capacity Gany added.
In particular, there was a need for direct flights to and from Spanish-speaking football mad Argentina, and its Spanish speaking neighbours. These supporters are not keen to use the existing SAA service from Portuguese-speaking Brazil.
According to SATSA, limited capacity is resulting in tour groups having to wait up to eight months for seats to become available. Argentineans would have to connect via Europe or the USA, discouraging them from attending the SA World Cup, because the trip would become time consuming and very expensive. Gany continued The DoT is talking to SAA and has told them, that this route has to happen, but it is sure to be profitable for them
A number of bilateral air service agreements are being negotiated specifically to ensure enough capacity for 2010. In terms of its use-it-or-lose-it policy, the DoT has also cut from 12 to nine months the time an airline has to start using its route rights, or alternatively, lose them. Carriers have now been snapping up domestic and regional routes, upon which rivals had been sitting for strategic purposes.
South Africa and overseas carriers have 469 frequencies available a week to and from South Africa. Of these, overseas carriers use only 258 frequencies a week, whilst SA carriers (SAA and Nationwide) use 237 frequencies a week. With the exception of Nationwide, SAA is the only South African carrier flying to the UK, Europe, the Americas and Asia/Pacific, although Comair applied for UK route rights recently.
Air Zimbabwe to code share with LAC
Air Zimbabwe plans to enter into a code share agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congos (DRC) national airline, LAC, from October. The airlines will jointly operate the Harare-Kinshasa-Brussels route as LAC has the rights for the Kinshasa-Brussels route, but does not have any aircraft. Consequently Air Zimbabwe aircraft will be used on the route. The flights will operate on Mondays and Thursdays.
Aviation Humour
A young and foolish pilot wanted to sound cool on the radio. This was his first time, short leg approach to a field during a night flight. Instead of making any official requests to the tower, he said: "Guess who?"
The controller switched off the field lights, and replied: "Guess where?" |
