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Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart. I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people. I will not expect perfection from myself or anyone else. Perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. However, I will applaud any attempt to overcome human foibles. Penny Jacqueline White. Director of the Centre for Advocacy and Assoc. Professor of Law. USA.
African Pilots annual Aviation Services Guide
This week my African Pilot graphic design team will be preparing the annual aviation services guide for printing. The African Pilot services guide is the only reference document of its kind which actually reaches the entire aviation market in southern Africa as it will be packaged together with the April edition of African Pilot. The other service guide does not have a method of adequately reaching the aviation market in southern Africa as it is printed in limited quantities and does not have any reliable method of being distributed, other than to airports. For your last chance of being included this year please call Jenna at 011 702 2342/3 or e-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za
African Pilots April edition
The deadline for inclusion in the April edition of African Pilot is Friday 6 March. This exciting edition will feature Home-built and Kit-built aircraft types available in South Africa. In addition, we will be featuring the first month of business by the Recreational Aviation Association of South Africa (SAASA) as well as an article on Chalkie Stobbarts preparations for his attempt to break the record flight held for 70 years by Alex Henshaw. For further information on the April edition please call Jenna at our marketing department: 011 702 2342/3 or e-mail: marketing@africanpilot.co.za
Alex Henshaw challenge
Between 5 and 9 February 1939 Alex Henshaw created a world record. He flew his Percival Mew Gull from London to Cape Town and back again in 4 days 10 hours and 16 minutes. The record has stood for nearly 70 years.
In May 2009 an attempt will be made to better this long-standing aviation record for light aircraft, using a GP 4 non-type certified (homebuilt) light aircraft. Charles Chalkie Stobbart, a captain with South African Airways (SAA) will attempt to break the record by undertaking the return flight between Cape Town to London and returning to Cape Town, flying solo. Please visit the Website: http://www.henshaw-challenge.com/, which will be updated at regular intervals.
Some important facts:
Sir Alex Henshaw's flight was documented and is available in the book
"Flight of the Mew Gull" ISBN 1-84037-021-1
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an organisation dedicated to the freedom
of flight and the promotion of the ability of anyone to be able to build his or her own aircraft
The route will be on the western side of Africa, as close to a great circle track as modern
airways will allow, with stops in Point Noire (Congo) and Tamanrasset (Algeria)
The aircraft will be powered by an Aero Sport Power XP-IO-375 195hp engine.
Cruise height will be 10 000 ft 12 000 ft with oxygen supplementation for the pilot.
Flight testing will determine the most economical altitude and speed
In July / August 1992 Stobbart flew his 1941 Fairchild F24W-41A to Oshkosh (USA) to
demonstrate the ability of antique aircraft.
In July / August 2003 Stobbart flew his RV-6 homebuilt to Oshkosh AirVenture and back to
celebrate the Centenary of Aviation
In July 1994 Stobbart was co-pilot on the SAA Historic Societys DC4 flight from
Johannesburg to Oshkosh
Chalkie is desperately looking for sponsors who can assist with any aspect of this record attempt. African Pilot will be assisting with a token sponsorship, but as you can imagine the cost of undertaking his journey is huge. Chalkie can be contacted on his e-mail: chalkboy@mweb.co.za. Thank you.
Wakkerstroom Mile High Festival 7 March
This is a reminder that the Wakkerstroom Mile High Festival takes place this coming Saturday. For further information please contact: Hannelie van der Walt 082 379 0346 or
e-mail: hannalie@placo.co.za Thank you.
Bultfontein Fly-in 14 March
There is still a lot of confusion regarding the date of the Bultfontein Fly-In. This event will take place on Saturday 14 March and not Saturday 7 March. This years event will be the opening event of South Africas aviation events calendar. The event is fully sanctioned by the Aero Club of South Africa, ASSA and also the SA CAA. ATNS will be providing air traffic services during the event.
Everyone is invited to the event and all pilots in command will receive a complimentary boere breakfast as well as a souvenir cap. The airfield is in immaculate condition due to the recent rain. Bultfonteins main runway is 1 200 metres long. This will be the seventh time that the Bultfontein Flying Club will be presenting its famous fly-In. For further information please contact Piet Vermaak at 082-5713422 or e-mail: avermaak@absamail.co.za.
Thank you.
Air Show South Africa (ASSA) awards
On Saturday evening during the very well attended ASSA AGM, Chairman Rikus Erasmus presented a Service Excellence Award to three of South Africas well known aviation personalities. These were Brian Emmenis our airshow commentator and two of our top South African display pilots, Scully Levin and Dennis Spence. Each man received an award for his continuous and loyal support towards the aviation industry over a twenty-five year or longer period. Ironically the same three men received honorary life membership of the Durban Wings Club for their contribution to aviation.
It was at the very first Welkom Airshow that Scully Levin and the late Jeff Birch gave their first public display in two Pitt Specials painted in the colours of Winfield. It was also at this event that Brian provided commentary for an airshow for the first time. At the AGM the same committee which managed the body in 2008 was re-elected with Rickus Erasmus being elected to chair ASSA for another year.
Aerobatics sponsored
The Sport Aerobatic Club of South Africa is thrilled to announce that Suzuki will be sponsoring Aerobatics for the 2009 season. For the first time we are able to host a National Championships without charging an entry fee. Furthermore the 2010 National team will have the entry fees paid for by Suzuki. The 2009 National events will now be broadcast on M Net Supersport courtesy of a documentary included in the sponsorship deal. We look forward to a great association with Suzuki and Aerobatics for the foreseeable future. A formal press launch will be held at the first stage National Championships in Potchefstroom which will be held from 3 to 5 April 2009.
Aviation Tariff Regulation - Weather Services From the Aero Club of South Africa.
The South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has published Government Gazette 31912 containing the proposal for Aviation Meteorological Tariffs. This gazetted proposal honours the previous agreement on the exemption:
Exception rule: Aircraft with an MCM between 2 000 and 4 999 kilograms which operate
exclusively under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) fall into Category 2: In respect to aircraft with a maximum certified mass (MCM) below 2 000 kilograms or those aircraft that qualify according to the exception rule, the tariff is set at zero.
Any comment in this respect must reach the appropriate office within 30 days from publication which was 20 March.
Aviation accident investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SA CAA), in particular the accident investigation unit, has asked the Aero Club to distribute the following message.
The CAA will be appointing external field agents on a pro tem basis to assist with accident investigation all over South Africa. The county is divided into blocks / areas of coverage. Whilst some blocks require one appointee, others may require more.
Background
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is inviting applications for people to be designated as pro tem (for the time being) investigators countrywide on a voluntary basis and training will be provided. Details are available upon request.
Requirements:
The candidate must hold or have held a licence issued in terms of the Act, or have been
employed by the South African Air Force and obtained a similar qualification
Be a security and safety officer of a company, or be a designated investigator
The candidate must have sufficient ability in reading, speaking and understanding the
English language to enable such candidate to duly exercise the powers of a designated
pro tem investigator
The candidate must be a fit and proper person to duly exercise the powers of a
designated pro tem investigator
The SA CAA reserves the right to designate pro tem investigators as the need arises. Successful attendance on a training course will not necessarily constitute a right to be designated.
The incumbent will be responsible for:
Carrying out investigations as instructed by the SACAA IIC
Taking custody and protection of wreckage and the impounding of evidence
Moving wreckage and taking photographs
Controlling access to the accident site
Dealing with the news media, SAPS and EMS
Informing the SA CAA AIID Section on information gathered
Applications: Interested and suitably qualified applicants are invited to submit written applications and detailed CVs via email or post before the close of business on Friday, 27 February to Mr. J.J. du Plessis - Accident & Incident Investigator SA CAA
Private Bag X 73, Halfway House, 1685.
Mobile: +27 83 451 2603
Office: +27 11 545 1059
Fax: +27 11 545 1466
E-mail: duplessisj@caa.co.za
Single pilot Cockpit (or crew) Resource Management talk
Yesterday a packed EAA auditorium at Rand Airport listened intently to well known pilots Mike Weingartz and Darryl Lush give a thoroughly interesting, well prepared and thought provoking talk on single pilot Cockpit Resource Management. Mike and Darryl gave even the most experienced pilots in the audience something to think about, but the biggest beneficiaries were those whose flying careers are in their infancy. A single pilot does not have anyone to whom he may turn in the cockpit when the wheels start falling off. It is all about being prepared for the unexpected. Thank you very much Mike and Darryl for giving so many of us the benefit of your vast experience. Thank you too, Master of Ceremonies Karl Jensen and the ubiquitous Jeremy Woods and your helpers for preparing the auditorium and for your work behind the scenes. A braai and a few bevvies completed
the morning.
Next EAA talk show Thursday 12 March at the EAA Auditorium Rand Airport
From where does Jeremy Woods continue to find these heroes from World War Two? We are all promised another memorable and fascinating talk show on the 12 March, when our guests are Felix van Rensburg and Paul Kruger. Felix flew Spitfires, Tempests and Typhoons whilst Paul flew Beaufighters and Marauders. Paul was also captured by the Germans and interrogated by the Gestapo. We in the audience will yet again be privileged and humbled to listen to the exploits of two amazing men, who are numbered amongst a bunch of men whose numbers are diminishing with the sands of time. The Master of ceremonies will once again be the effervescent, wit and raconteur Karl Jensen. More details are to follow in next weeks newsletter.
Booking is essential.
Please contact Jeremy Woods on 011 888 8495 or e-mail: wbmeaa@tiscali.co.za
or fax: 011 888 8497. You miss it you miss out.
The saga of the SAA crew in the latest drugs bust as described by one of the pilots
When the customs official at the Queens Building asked us to come inside and bring all our luggage, there was not any real surprise. Given what had happened only a few weeks ago, one can expect to be searched on each visit to London now. We had to line up all our bags down the centre of the room, and stand next to what we were claiming belonged to us.
Then one of her Majesty's officials walked in with a small blue bag which had been
left in the luggage hold of the bus. He asked to whom it belonged and surprise, surprise no one came forward to claim it. That is when my heart sank, as I knew straight away, here was trouble. I could not believe it.
The official placed the unclaimed bag at the end of the line, and a sniffer dog started working down the line of bags from the opposite end. When it reached the blue bag the dog reacted positively as I heard them say later. This bag was then removed and placed on a table where it was opened, and the contents removed. Shortly after this, we were informed that we were all under arrest for suspicion of smuggling a controlled substance. We had landed at Heathrow at 06:15(z) and were placed under arrest by 07H20(z). We were read our rights and informed that we were not to use our mobile phones.
We, the pilots, were outraged and furious, as one could only imagine. There are no words that I can write here to describe the rage that started building up in us. A lengthy process of individual luggage searches and body searches was then carried out. What added to our indescribable anger was the fact that it was quite obvious that the customs officials were not very interested in the pilots at all. Our luggage searches were very brief and un-thorough, as were our body pat-downs. However, most of the cabin crew had every piece of their luggage rifled through and were stripped to their underwear during the body search.
After repeated appeals, to no avail, by the Captain for the culprit to come forward, we were bussed to a holding facility which was about ten minutes to the northwest of Heathrow. We arrived there at about 11H30(z.) This was when the full gravity of the situation hit home. As we entered through huge security gates, a warden came to the drivers window and asked: "How many prisoners do you have?"
We went up to the third floor of this building where we were booked in. Some paper work had to be completed. Luggage, phones and computers were sealed into evidence bags and confiscated. We had to remove our wings, belts, ties and anything with which we could have tried to harm ourselves. We were then ushered to individual cells where the doors were locked behind us with a clang. The cell was about 4 X 3 metres. It had a concrete floor, a concrete slab on one side with a small mattress on top, sheet, blanket and pillow. There was a small corner basin and a flushing bowl resembling a toilet. I believe that the cabin crews cells did not even have the luxury of the basin and loo. Shortly after being locked in the cell, the small slot just below the window of the solid iron door slid open with a clunk and a tray of food was slid through the opening. Much later, after we were released, we three pilots realised that we were all having similar stomach problems.
We tried to sleep, as we were all quite exhausted by this stage, but couldn't as we were kept constantly awake by the warders who kept asking arbitrary things. I could see Heathrow out my window, and passed the time by watching the departures off 27R. Interestingly, the cell was completely sound proofed to the outside world, as one could not hear the aircraft at all, but there was constant noise inside the cell block from slamming doors and loud voices. Eventually I think we all gave up trying to sleep.
We then started, one by one, to see the solicitor that SAA had arranged for us. He explained what the procedure would be, and told us that he was hoping to arrange bail for us by that evening. We then each had to be interrogated, with the solicitor present and a tape recorder running. We answered what questions we could. After that was finished we were returned to our individual suites to stare at the ceiling or out of the window, or try to sleep. The thought did cross my mind that her Majesty's prison bunks were more comfortable than those bunks on our A340s.
Eventually, at about 23H30(z) the solicitor came to tell us the good news that we were being granted bail. We three pilots met up at the check-in desk once more. The procedure now was to go to a local police station where a police officer had to fill out more paper work and carry out the bailing procedure. Our personal possessions were returned to us and we decided that we would get dressed in our full uniforms, however smelly, and proceed to the police station with what little pride we could muster. We were placed in two cars, escorted by customs officials and taken to the Uxbridge police station where we were finger printed and had our mug shots taken. DNA samples were extracted from us. SAA had arranged for a mini-cab to collect us at the police station, and we finally arrived at our hotel at 02H00(z). We had been awake for approximately 32 hours. Jill Beck, one of the SAA managers in London was in the mini-cab to meet us at the police station. She was really fantastic to us throughout the rest of our stay in London. The support from SAAPA, Johnny Woods, Les Wahl and various SAA managers, both in London and at home was great. Our families were kept informed as to what was happening to us.
As I described earlier, the incredible anger and frustration during this whole ordeal was overbearing and exhausting. Messages from colleagues, family and friends via voice mail and SMSs were gratefully received. We have all been struggling to sleep, probably from the stress, but are now very pleased to be home with our families where hopefully we will be able to unwind. There are now six SAA pilots who have had to endure this outrageous predicament. It must not be allowed to happen again.
Editors comments
Brave words from a professional pilot who has described the anger and frustration of being locked away due to the greed of yet another SAA cabin crew member. After the shocking expose screened on Carte Blanche last Sunday, it is not surprising that crew members can easily smuggle drugs or any other contraband for that matter without much fear of being detected under the current dispensation.
There can be no doubt that this second drugs smuggling effort within a few weeks at Heathrow has further damaged SAAs reputation. In addition, why should professional pilots and honest cabin crew members be subjected to this harassment by the British police due to the underhand operations of a few disgusting individuals within the airline? Surely it cannot be that difficult to find out to which cabin crew member the small blue bag belonged?
Why has there not been any proper screening process so that the right type of cabin crew member is employed? We frequently hear of sloppy on board service, bad attitudes, absenteeism, blankets stuffed into light fittings in the crew rest section and many other misdemeanours. SAA has a serious problem with many of its cabin crew members, a fact that has been highlighted in almost all media by many unhappy customers. Is it not time to stop the rot and dismiss those cabin crew members who have trashed the once good name of our national airline?
SAAs corporate communications spokesperson sent me the following comment:
SAA is deeply concerned by the recent drug smuggling incidents which have damaged its good name. We have taken immediate action to deal with this threat, by forming a special task team which includes representatives from the airline, Airports Company SA (ACSA), customs and the South African Police Services (SAPS). The purpose of the special task team is to review the additional measures put in place by SAA after the first incident in January as well as to identify immediately additional measures aimed at curbing drug traffic. The task team has made a number of resolutions, which we fully support. Other parties such as the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) have also made valuable suggestions about ways to improve security and negotiations were being held with the relevant authorities. SAA remains committed to a zero tolerance approach towards the use of the airlines services for any criminal activity and will continue to closely monitor the situation going forward.
Eclipse finally fails fails finally
Eclipse Aviation sent an e-mail to staff late on Tuesday which signals the end of a 10-year odyssey which started with the promise of a made-in-America everyman's jet which would revolutionise aviation and ended with a messy bankruptcy which involved the likes of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The e-mail says the board of directors will support a move by creditors to convert the current Chapter 11 bankruptcy into a Chapter 7 liquidation. "All of the executive management team at Eclipse gives you our most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your tenacity and perseverance in trying to deliver this dream we know as the Eclipse 500," the e-mail reads. "We gave it one heck of a try. We are sorry that it came to this today." The e-mail is signed by executives Mark Borseth and Michael McConnell. Notably absent is the signature of CEO and Chairman of the Board Roel Pieper, the architect of the failed deal which led to the collapse.
Piper adds two more weeks of shutdown
In an effort to remain viable and avoid further layoffs, Piper Aircraft has announced that it will close for a week in May and another week in June, in addition to the two weeks announced previously. "These shutdowns will be without pay and will affect all employees in the company, from executive management to hourly manufacturing employees," Piper spokesman Mark Miller said in a statement released last Monday. "We realise and regret the impact that this has on our employees and are doing everything possible to preserve the 650 jobs Piper continues to provide. Piper is focused on taking all necessary actions to weather the current downturn in such a way that we will be positioned for growth when the economy improves. The two-week shutdown will reduce inventory as well as curtail expenses. Miller said the company is pleased that the new federal stimulus package includes a provision for bonus depreciation and believes that it will help facilitate a market recovery. Miller continued: "However, we are still deeply concerned about high inventory levels of new and used aircraft, lack of available credit and the overall continued decline in consumer confidence.
Cell phones on the flight deck
Airlines have long requested that passengers turn off their cell phones and electronic devices for certain phases of flight to avoid causing interference with flight deck instrumentation, but a recent incident shows that not all carriers have made the same request of their pilots. A Safety Alert for Operations issued earlier this month by the FAA notes that an aviation safety inspector conducting an en route inspection for an unnamed carrier experienced an event which was categorised as extremely dangerous. The event was caused by a pilot's cell phone. According to the alert, the first officer's ring tone caused a distraction between the crewmembers during the takeoff phase and could have led the crew to initiate an unnecessary rejected takeoff. The inspector later confirmed that the crew had spoken correctly when they said their General Operations Manual did not prohibit them from leaving their cell phones on while performing on station. Digging deeper, the inspector found that the carrier's checklists did not include turning off cell phones as part of crewmember preparations for departure. Whilst that may seemingly allow pilots some wiggle room, the FAA's policies, as outlined in a current Advisory Circular, spell things out more clearly.
Talk as you fly Royally
Royal Jordanian Airlines is the latest carrier to allow in-flight mobile phone calls. Travellers may now use mobile phones to make and receive calls whilst in the air, and exchange text and multimedia messages. Passengers with smart phones can also send e-mails and access the internet. Ryanair launched a similar service earlier this month, with Emirates the first to offer the service as of March last year.
Globe-circling Virgin
A new round-the-world air fare celebrates the fact that it is now possible to circle the world using Virgin airlines. Although the carrier has offered globe-circling tickets in the past, these were in conjunction with other carriers. Virgin Global West and Virgin Global East are the two tickets and are being sold at an introductory price of 1,239 UK pounds.
Heli-Expo sets attendance record
Helicopter Association International said its annual Heli-Expo trade show will almost certainly set an attendance record despite the economic downturn. With one day still to go in the three-day event, held this year in Anaheim, this year's attendance total was just 52 people short of last year's record of 17,373. Exhibitors reported high activity at their booths and vendors were able to interact with thousands of attendees on the floor," HAI said on its Website.
FAA finds self-certification process effective for LSA types
When the light sport aircraft industry launched, less than five years ago, with an FAA mandate that would allow manufacturers to essentially self-certify their airplanes, there was some concern about whether buyers or even insurers would consider such a process adequate. However, now the FAA has completed 23 of a planned 29 assessments of LSA manufacturers and so far has been pleased with the results. "The FAA is confident that LSA manufacturers compliance can match that of the commercial aviation manufacturers," John Colomy, acting manager of FAA's Small Aircraft Directorate, recently told LSA industry officials. "This will be a major accomplishment as using consensus standards and compliance self-declarations are a new way of doing business for the LSA industry." Dan Johnson, chairman of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, points out that self-certification is not really new for the LSA industry, as that is how it has been done from the start. However, it is new for the FAA. "Congratulations to this federal agency for stepping back from its normal regulatory control," Johnson said. The FAA added that it found some areas where improvements could be made and the manufacturers are sure to hear more about that soon. Johnson said that is to be expected. "How could it be otherwise? We have an industry barely four years old whilst Cessna, for example, has had 80 or more years to get it all right."
EAA confirms WhiteKnightTwo will fly at AirVenture
As has long been expected, EAA confirmed last week that the Virgin Mothership Eve, also known as WhiteKnightTwo, will make its public debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, on opening day, Monday, 27 July. The space launch vehicle, which is the largest carbon-fibre aircraft ever built, will be on view all week, departing during the Saturday airshow. EAA said it hopes to arrange showcase flights during the week. "This will be a major highlight of our event," said EAA President and AirVenture Chairman Tom Poberezny. "Since the appearance of the X-Prize-winning WhiteKnight and SpaceShipOne at AirVenture four years ago, our members have eagerly awaited the next advancements from the Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites innovators." The ship has a unique heavy-lift, high-altitude capability and an open architecture-driven design which provides for maximum versatility in the weight, mass and volume of its payload potential, said Will Whitehorn, president of Virgin Galactic. Besides serving as a launch vehicle for SpaceShipTwo, VMS Eve can also be used to launch satellites, conduct space science projects and train astronauts. "Its carbon composite construction also gives unprecedented fuel efficiency and the strength to perform high g manoeuvres and parabolic flight," Whitehorn said. The ship has a 140-foot wingspan. Burt Rutan, chief designer for Virgin Galactic's spacecraft, is scheduled for two forums on Wednesday 29 July, one during the day at the Honda Pavilion and one in the evening at the Theatre in the Woods.
Doobie Brothers to play at AirVentures opening day
People attending opening day at AirVenture this year will have the opportunity to listen to the music of legendary recording artists The Doobie Brothers, who will perform on AeroShell Square, compliments of the Ford Motor Company. The performance, free of charge to all AirVenture guests, will be held immediately following the afternoon airshow adjacent to the Ford Hangar. Known the world over for their string of Top 40 hits, the band is led by co-founding members Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons. The Doobies have accumulated many Grammy awards, and gold and platinum records over the years.
Time is running out to book for Oshkosh 2009
Do not leave your booking until it is too late. If you wish to make the annual pilgrimage to EAAs AirVenture you had better move fast. USA visas take a few weeks to secure and are not that easy to obtain, given all the requirements needed by the US Embassy. There are two scheduled trips planned from South Africa:
Neil Bowdens Air Adventure Tours - camping on the airfield: e-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net.
Calvin Fabigs Designer Tours - Hotels in Appleton: e-mail: calvin@designer.co.za
Pip Borrman, Australian aerobatics star, killed during practice
Peter 'Pip' Borrman, 54, one of Australia's most popular aerobatic performers, was killed on Wednesday afternoon last week whilst practicing in his new Pitts Samson biplane, which he planned to fly for the first time in public at next month's Australian International Airshow. A witness, Peter Lott, told local reporters that the airplane took off, Borrman flew one manoeuvre, then there was a weird bang and he saw the smoke. "When I reached the crash site the plane was just a ball of flames in the paddock," he said. According to the Edge Aerobatics website, Borrman was just nine years old when his father taught him to fly and he fell in love with aerobatics as a teenager. He put his flying dreams on hold and went into business, after his father was killed in a Tiger Moth accident in 1975. However, some years later he returned to aerobatic flying and eventually bought a Zivko Edge 540. He flew the Edge in airshows around the country and in 1999 he received one of only two Ground Level Waivers ever issued in Australia. His wife of 30 years, Janet, said, "Flying was his passion, he just loved it. He lived, ate and breathed it. He really did. Any spare time he had it was practice, practice, practice. He was just so particular."
Editors comment
Rest in peace, Pip, in that big hangar in the sky. Your flying brought such pleasure to thousands of aviation enthusiasts. Thank you for it. Our sincere condolences are extended to Janet and family.
Two light aircraft packed with C4 fly suicide mission
The nightmare scenario sometimes conjured to push for further regulation of general aviation aircraft in the US played out in Sri Lanka on Friday a week ago and ended with one aircraft crashing into a government building and the other close to an air force camp. Used as weapons of war by rebel forces, two men flew two 1,600-pound Zlin Z-143 light piston single aircraft at night using handheld GPSs and torch light (presumably flashlights) to guide them in an effort to deliver themselves and about 280 pounds of C4 high explosive to their targets. Sources differ in their reports regarding of the amount of explosives carried -- some cite 215 kg, or close to 473 pounds. According to rebel sources, the men were not meant to return from what they called suicide missions and they were not shot down. Rebels claim the two defence installation targets were hit and both the military and rebel accounts seem to agree that one aircraft struck the Inland Revenue Department building and exploded. The other aircraft crashed into a marsh, according to the Sri Lankan air force, which said both aircraft were turned away from other targets by a darkened city (defensive blackout) and ground fire. The two pilots were killed and more than 40 people were injured in the attacks. The local government claims each aircraft had been engaged with antiaircraft fire after the aircraft were spotted on radar and said their destruction, plus that of another aircraft destroyed in September, leaves the rebels without any remaining air power.
Hitler spared Blackpool - he wanted it for his personal playground after the war
Adolf Hitler spared Blackpool in England from the might of the blitz, because he wanted it as a personal playground after the end of the war, newly found documents suggest. His invasion plans included making the Lancashire resort a headquarters and a playground. Maps and photos recovered from a German military base by York-based publisher Michael Cole explain why the city of Blackpool escaped almost unscathed even though there was a large RAF factory in the vicinity.
Helicopter crash on the N17
Last Friday morning a R44 crashed on the N17 west highway, near the Rondebult off-ramp in Boksburg. Both occupants survived, but are in critical condition. Looking at the photos of the wreck on the internet, it is a miracle that either survived. It is understood that the plane took on fuel at Rand then followed the highway as a route marker towards Springs.
Aviation authority lagging behind with accident reports
Business Day 26 February reports: The SA CAA had not completed final reports on any of the 190 reported aircraft accidents which took place in South Africa last year, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said in a written reply to a parliamentary question by Democratic Alliance transport spokesman Stuart Farrow. At least 94 people had died in 33 crashes.
Mauritius flights cut
Comair will suspend two of its three weekly flights from SA to Mauritius because the planes could be better utilised on other routes, the Johannesburg-based company said last Friday.
Jet-Gulf Air lease deal
Hit by the economic slowdown, Indias largest carrier, Jet Airways, will lease out four of its wide-bodied Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to Gulf Air. The agreement is a wet lease.
Free drinks all round at US Airways
US Airways, the only major US airline to charge for cool drinks, coffee and bottled water, said yesterday that it was dropping the charges as they were a competitive disadvantage. Non-alcoholic drinks would be free again as from 1 March. The airline began charging for soft drinks and coffee last August.
Ryanair to remove check-in desks
Irish low-cost airline Ryanair would remove all check-in desks and staff from airports by the end of the year to cut costs. CE Michael O Grady told Englands Daily Telegraph last Saturday. All we will have is a bag drop where passengers can drop off their luggage, otherwise everything else will be done online.
End of uniform era
Japans Skymark Airlines said it would soon abolish all uniforms for all its plane crews and ground crews in an effort to save costs. The uniforms would be replaced by polo shorts and windbreakers.
Aviation humour (tongue in cheek.) I do not know who wrote this, but it is very well said. Dedicated to all those pilots who flew behind round engines:
We have to get rid of those turbines. They are ruining aviation and our hearing.
A turbine is too simple minded. It has no mystery. The air travels through it in a straight line and does not pick up any of the pungent fragrance of engine oil or pilots sweat.
Anybody can start a turbine. You just need to move a switch from OFF to START and then remember to move it back to ON after a while. My PC is harder to start.
Cranking a round engine requires skill, finesse and style. You have to seduce it into starting. On some planes, the pilots are not even allowed to do it.
Turbines start by whining for a while, then give a lady-like poof and start whining a little louder.
Round engines give a satisfying rattle-rattle, click-click, BANG, more rattles, another BANG, a big macho regurgitation sound or two, more clicks, a lot more smoke and finally a serious low pitched roar. We like that. It's a GUY thing.
When you start a round engine, your mind is engaged and you can concentrate on the flight ahead. Starting a turbine is like flicking on a ceiling fan. Useful, but hardly exciting.
When you have started his round engine successfully your crew chief looks up at you like he would let you kiss his girl, too.
Turbines do not break down or catch fire often enough, which leads to aircrew boredom, complacency and inattention. A round engine at speed looks and sounds like it is going to blow up any minute. This helps concentrate the mind.
Turbines do not have enough control levers or gauges to keep a pilot's attention. There is nothing to fiddle with during long flights.
Turbines smell like a Boy Scout camp full of Coleman Lamps. Round engines smell like God intended machines to smell.
Pass this on to any old WWII guy (or his son, or anyone who flew them, ever) in remembrance of all the men and women who saved the world.
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