Number 21 – 18 March 2024

“The only security men can have for their political liberty, consists in keeping their money in their own pockets …” Lysander Spooner

First casualty of the ridiculous SACAA ATC requirement at unmanned airfields

Last week I explained how the new SACAA requirement for an air traffic controller to have 100 hours of hands-on experience at an unmanned airfield before any aviation event could take place at the airfield. As a direct result of this ridiculous ruling Felix Gosher’s Elder’s Flight has been postponed to the third quarter of this year, by which time hopefully the matter has been sorted out.

It was also interesting that SACAA inspectors issued a ‘finding’ at the Aero Club’s AirWeek in Middleburg because Nigel Musgrave provided AFIS services for the weekend. Note he did not provide ATC services, but ‘advisory services’ exceptionally well. Well I hope the AeCSA gave the SACAA inspectors the ‘middle finger’ since it seems they are determined to ‘shut down’ General Aviation events.

As Ryan Beaton pointed out according to the SACAA’s mission statement:  
“To regulate civil aviation safety and security in support of the sustainable development of the aviation industry.”

Furthermore when we look at ATNS values:

Safety and Customer Centricity: Prioritising customer needs and ensuring that safety is non-negotiable

Accountability: Holding ourselves and others accountable for our actions

Agility: Ensuring that we are flexible and adaptable to change

I submit that both the South African regulator and ATNS should read and understand their core values and apologise to the General Aviation community for the inconvenience they have caused. In addition, the person promulgating this ‘ridiculous rule’ should be taken to task since he clearly does not understand the term ‘sustainable development’.  Right now it is also incumbent on the Director of Civil Aviation Ms Poppy Khoza to take executive action and develop a positive ‘ruling in this matter.’

A very competent Mohammed Suleman and Callum Taylor busy with their B1900 simulator sessions as part of their training towards their B1900 endorsement.

EAA Young Aviators 2 March 2024 at Rand Airport (Part One)

EAA breakfast fly-in to Brits airfield

by Karl Jensen

I arrived at my hangar at 07h00 after battling intense fog from all the R21 to Fly Inn.

We had to wait for the fog to dissipate sufficiently to fly safely from 08h45. We collected Nigel Musgrave at Kitty Hawk and arrived at Brits around 09h30. There was a fair turn out I understand with a good portion already departed for their home bases.

22 & 23 March
Stellenbosch airshow – Fashkosh
Contact Anton Theart E-mail: gm@stelfly.co.za Cell: 079 873 4567

April

6 April
Robertson annual fly-in breakfast Robertson airfield
Contact: Alwyn du Plessis. E-mail: boeredata@breede.co.za Cell: 083 270 5888

6 April
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

6 April
SAPFA ANR National Championships – venue TBA
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: iaanmyburgh@gmail.com Cell: 082 449 2531

6 & 7 April
SAC Eastern Cape regionals Wings Park airfield

13 April
Elder’s Flight Grand Central airport (Postponed to Q3 2024)
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 1919 4603

17 to 20 April
AERO Friedrichshafen 30^th anniversary
Contact E-mail: info@fairnamic.com Website: www.fairnamic.com

20 April
EAA Chapter 322 fly-in breakfast to Eagle’s Creek airfield
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

20 April
Wonderboom airshow
Contact Chris Theodosi E-mail: chris@creativespacemedia.co.za Cell: 071 220 1245

23 to 25 April
MRO Africa Conference incl. African Aviation Training Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contact Nick Fadugba E-mail: nickfadugba@africanaviation.com www.mroafrica.com

23 to 26 April
Aviation Week Africa including Kumbululuka Kwa Bafana Lusaka Zambia
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 1919 4603

27 April
Ekurhuleni East Flying Club fly-in breakfast at Springs airfield
Contact James E-mail secretary.eefc@gmail.com

27 April
Bill Harrop’s Dinosaur Derby night glow
Jacquie Pastor Cell: 083 443 2662 E-mail: jacquie@balloon.co.za

27 April two 4 May
Gauteng Regional Gliding Championships at Magalies gliding Club
Contact Soaring Society of South Africa Website: www.glidercomps.co.za  

May

4 May
SAAF Museum airshow at AFB Zwartkops
Contact Major Michael Church E-mail: mike.church172@gmail.com Cell: 072 720 0700 

4 May
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium 
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

11 May
Lowveld airshow at the Nelspruit airfield
Contact Willemien E-mail: willemein.hodgkinson@kishugu.com Cell: 079 499 5733

12 to 15 May
African Airlines Association 12^th stakeholders convention in Addis Ababa
Contact E-mail: events@afraa.org   

14 to 16 May
Airport Show with ATC Forum, Airport Security Middle East DWTC, Dubai
Contact Jamille del Mundo E-mail: jamm.delmundo@rxglobal.com

14 to 17 May
NAMPO Harvest Day Bothaville
Contact Wim Venter E-mail: wim@grainsa.co.za Tel: 086 004 7246

17 to 19 May
EAA Chapter 322 weekend fly-away to Pyramid airfield
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

18 May
Parys airshow
Contact Chris Theodosi E-mail: chris@creativespacemedia.co.za Cell: 071 220 1245

18 May
SAC Free State regionals at Tempe airfield

21 to 23 May
Air Finance Africa Conference and Exhibition Sandton Convention Centre
Contact Nick Fadugba E-mail: nickfadugba@africanaviation.com

23 to 25 May
SAPFA President’s Trophy Air Race at Louis Trichardt civil airfield (FALO)
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: race@sapfa.co.za  Cell: 082 449 2531

23 to 27 May
NAC fly-away to Magoebaskloof
Contact Agnes Phillips E-mail: agnes.phillips@nac.co.za Cell: 082 893 3399

25 May
Tempe airshow Bloemfontein
Contact Conrad Botha E-mail: rowco24cc@mailbox.co.za Cell 082 465 4045

Absolute Aviation acquires Aviation Centre, Namibia

Absolute Aviation, the Authorised Sales, Service and Parts Representative for Cessna, Beechcraft and Pipistrel in Southern and Central Africa, is thrilled to announce its recent acquisition of Aviation Centre (Pty) Ltd, a prominent aircraft maintenance company located in Windhoek, Namibia. This strategic move marks a significant expansion for Absolute Aviation, reinforcing its position in the Southern African aviation industry.

With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Absolute Aviation operates across multiple locations, offering a comprehensive range of aviation solutions including, but not limited to, aircraft sales, aircraft management and charter services, aircraft maintenance and aircraft parts services. The acquisition of Aviation Centre (Pty) Ltd further strengthens Absolute Aviation’s footprint in the region and bolsters its Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) and Aircraft Parts services.

Under the umbrella of Absolute Aviation, Aviation Centre (Pty) Ltd will soon undergo a rebranding to become Absolute Aviation Centre (Pty) Ltd, maintaining its commitment to excellence and industry-leading service. The founder of Aviation Centre, Mr Peter Hartmann, will continue to spearhead operations, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained growth within the Absolute Aviation family.

This acquisition signifies more than just an expansion of geographical footprint; it represents a strategic enhancement of Absolute Aviation’s capabilities in delivering comprehensive solutions to its esteemed clientele. With the addition of Aviation Centre, Absolute Aviation gains access to a highly skilled team of professionals, whose expertise will undoubtedly elevate the company’s service offerings and strengthen its competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, Absolute Aviation plans to leverage the newly acquired facility as a strategic parts warehouse, optimising operations and bolstering its parts sales business. By ensuring swift and reliable access to a wide array of aircraft parts, the company aims to enhance efficiency and better cater to the diverse needs of its customers across the region.

Neil Howard, CEO of Absolute Aviation, expressed his gratitude to the dedicated team members whose hard work and commitment have played a pivotal role in the company’s success. He emphasised the company’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, quality and customer satisfaction as it integrates Aviation Centre into its operations.

As Absolute Aviation embarks on this exciting new chapter, it extends a warm welcome to the talented professionals from Windhoek who are joining the Absolute Aviation family. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to collaboration, innovation and excellence and looks forward to achieving even greater milestones together with its expanded team. For further enquiries regarding this acquisition or Absolute Aviation’s plans for the new facility, please contact the company’s Marketing department or refer to the official website.

Nigerian AH-1Z Viper contract awarded to Bell

In April 2022 the US approved the sale of 12 Bell AH-1Zs to Nigeria for $997 million. The proposed deal included 28 T-700 GE 401C engines, 2 000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance sections, M197 20 mm guns, sighting systems, night vision equipment, technical and logistics support. For some time Nigeria had shown interest in acquiring AH-1Z helicopters, but the deal was put on hold over concerns about possible human rights abuses by the Nigerian government. Under former President Obama’s administration, arms sales to Nigeria were cut back. However, when Donald Trump assumed power in 2016, his administration agreed to sell Nigeria 12 A-29 Super Tucano turboprops manufactured in the United States by Sierra Nevada Corporation and these have been used to combat terrorists in the northern regions of the state.

On 19 December 2023, the US Department of Defence (DoD) announced a contract awarded to Northrop Grumman for the production and delivery of an additional 32 H-1 tech refresh mission computers in support of the AH-1Z aircraft for the government of Nigeria. Work is expected to be completed in June 2024. The AH-1Z programme was originally launched in 1996 by the US Marine Corps; the AH-1Z first flew in December 2000. The Viper model features a 10 000 flight-hour airframe, higher rated transmission system, a new four-bladed tail rotor and drive system, upgraded landing gear and new foldable four-bladed, hingeless and bearingless main rotor system. The new rotor configuration provides greater agility, a higher top speed, faster climb rate and reduced vibration. Top speed is 370 km/h and cruise speed 260 km/h.

New avionics include a full digital / glass cockpit with large multifunction liquid crystal displays and TopOwl helmet mounted displays. The TopOwl system has a day / night capability and its visor projects forward looking infrared or video imagery. The AH-1Z is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C engines (1 800 shp each) that greatly increase its ordnance payload compared to older AH-1 models. The engines have infrared suppression systems to reduce the exhaust signature. The AH-1Z’s primary weapon system is the Hellfire missile, 16 of which can be carried. In addition, two AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles can be carried, together with rocket launchers. The helicopter’s main gun is a 20 mm cannon.

FAA EAD 2024-05-51

Certain General Electric Model CT7 engines

FAA have ordered a phase array ultrasonic inspection of the torque reference tube magnetic insert braze joint of the power turbine drive shaft assembly for inadequate braze coverage and repair or replacement of the power turbine drive shaft assembly if necessary. The measure was prompted by at least four reports of failures of the torque reference tube magnetic insert braze joint of the power turbine drive shaft assembly within the last several months.

The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. The manufacturer is currently investigating the root cause of the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Affected engines must before further flight, do a phase array ultrasonic inspection in accordance with CT7-2E1 S/B 72-A0034, or CT7-8 S/B 72-A0118

FAA says that If during any inspection required any braze coverage of the torque reference tube magnetic insert braze joint is found to be less than 42 percent, before further flight, repair or replace the power turbine drive shaft assembly.

LATAM 787-9 upset inquiry focused on ‘seat movement’

Investigators are focused on ‘flight deck seat movement’ in the upset episode involving a LATAM Boeing 787-9 on Monday 11 March. A report published by TAC (The Air Current news outlet) cites information received from ‘two people briefed on the incident.’ The news source also cites a senior airline safety official who said it is understood the seat movement at cruise altitude on the flight from Sydney, Australia, to Auckland, New Zealand (final destination was Santiago, Chile) was ‘pilot induced, not intentionally.’ The sources also said ‘the seat movement caused the nose-down’ attitude that resulted in the abrupt loss of altitude, causing injuries to dozens of passengers and crew members.

Possible electrical issues are also being explored. The sources told TAC that investigation into the flight crew’s PA announcement to passengers that the ‘gauges blanked out’ is not the main focus of the inquiry. According to the TAC report, there are two methods of adjusting seat position on the flight deck of a 787. One control is designed to be used by the pilot while seated and the second is located on a covered panel on the back of the seat under the headrest, primarily meant to be used to reposition the seat from the in-flight position for access by the pilot.

Ukraine claims Russian AWACS hit on the ground

Ukraine claims it has damaged or destroyed another Russian AWAC plane, this time while it was on the ground. Newsweek is reporting the high value A-50 was hit when Ukraine launched a mass drone attack against a repair facility in Taganrog, just east of the front lines. Russian officials acknowledged the attack, saying they downed 47 drones, but did not confirm that an A-50 was hit. If it was, it is at least the fourth highly valued command and control plane taken out by Ukraine and the focused assault on that type of aircraft appears to have had the desired effect.

According to Ukrainian news outlet RBC Ukraine, Russia is now down to five flyable A-50s and they are no longer a factor for Ukraine. ‘They no longer fly near Ukraine,’ RBC quoted its security sources as saying. The A-50, based on the Il-76 transport, is said to give eyes and ears to fighters probing Ukraine defences and that airspace is soon to get more complicated for the Russians. According to multiple reports, the first operational F-16s of the Ukrainian air force will join the fray in July with a suite of more modern weapons, like fire and forget air-to-air missiles, that it has not faced in the theatre so far.

GNSS jamming and spoofing events present a growing danger

Last year, reports that fake signals were jeopardising aircraft navigation systems spiked in the area over the Black Sea. First reported by security intelligence organization OpsGroup, the reports cited false or jammed global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals, affecting the US global positioning system (GPS) civil signals, causing aircraft navigation systems to show missing or inaccurate position information. More recently, an OpsGroup member reported experiencing GPS spoofing on 29 January after departing from Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport (LLBG). “This lasted until the FIR boundary. ATC was notified and provided vectors to us instead.”

GNSS is an all-encompassing term referring to any satellite-based position, navigation and timing (PNT) system that provides information to receivers such as portable GPS units and those installed in aircraft. The US GPS is one such GNSS and there are others such as Europe’s Galileo, Russia’s Globalnaya Navigazionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (Glonass), China’s BeiDou and regional systems in Japan and India. Receivers can be made to operate on multiple GNSS constellations or just one. Most aircraft GNSS receivers use only the US GPS constellation, while many portable GNSS receivers and watches with GNSS capability tap into multiple constellations.

GPS jamming overwhelms relatively weak GNSS signals and in the US and many other countries, it is against the law to compromise GNSS. Spoofing is not the same as jamming and is more sophisticated, tricking the receiver into calculating a false position, which could send an aircraft off the desired course. Many modern avionics products rely on GNSS and jamming and spoofing can cause problems beyond navigation, such as the autopilot switching off. More about this developing situation in the April edition of African Pilot.

Pentagon finally approves F-35 for full rate production after five-year delay

Defence Department acquisition chief Bill LaPlante signed off on the so-called ‘milestone C’ decision, a crucial moment signifying the department’s confidence in the performance of the aircraft and maturity of Lockheed Martin’s production system, though the plane has already been in service in the US and with friendly foreign nations for years. “This is a major achievement for the F-35 Programme,” LaPlante said, according to a Pentagon news release. “This decision, backed by my colleagues in the Department highlights to the Services, F-35 Cooperative Programme Partners and Foreign Military Sales customers that the F-35 is stable and agile and that all statutory and regulatory requirements have been appropriately addressed.”

The Milestone C decision followed a March 7 meeting with the Defence Acquisition Board, which considered the findings of the F-35 Combined Initial Operational Test and Evaluation and Live Fire Test and Evaluation Report prepared by the Pentagon’s independent weapons tester, the department said. While more than 990 F-35s already have been delivered, the programme has technically been stuck in its initial operational testing phase and low-rate initial production for years due to delays in standing up the Joint Simulation Environment, a digital environment that emulates advanced threats that cannot be replicated in live flight tests. Testing in the JSE was a prerequisite for the F-35 to complete IOT&E.

Compared to an original plan outlined in 2012, the programme formally entered the operational testing phase over a year late in 2018 and testing in the JSE hit continual delays due to technical issues and pandemic challenges. A key moment came in September 2023, when the F-35 completed 64 combat trials in the JSE known as ‘runs-for-score.’ The years of delays did little to impact F-35 sales and production, as Lockheed has been producing upwards of 100 F-35s per year since 2019, the year the F-35 was initially planned to achieve full rate production. The US manufactures the F-35 with seven international partners and has agreements to sell the planes to another nine. Israeli F-35s already have seen combat in the current Gaza crisis.

Raymond D. O’Toole, the Pentagon’s acting director of operational test and evaluation (DOT&E), said in a statement that his office continues to be concerned about the development of test infrastructure needed for the F-35’s upcoming Block 4 modernisation plan, as well as the integration of future JSE capabilities.

Embraer achieves ETOPS-120 approval for E190-E2 and E195-E2 jets

Embraer has secured 120-minute extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS-120) approval for the E190-E2 and E195-E2 jets from Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). This milestone paves the way for E2 operators to conduct direct non-limiting routes over water and other remote areas, resulting in significant time and fuel savings. The granting of ETOPS-120 capability underscores the aircraft’s design excellence and system maturity. ETOPS-120 certification necessitates the fleet of aircraft in operation to achieve cumulative flying hour milestones. Delays in ETOPS certification for the E2 were experienced due to the global pandemic, which substantially reduced aircraft operations, slowing the accumulation of required flying hours.

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, emphasised the significance of ETOPS-120 as an additional capability for the E2. He stated, “ETOPS is an important additional capability for the E2 and a key enabler for more sales, especially in Asia Pacific. Airlines flying routes with up to 120-minute diversion time will be able to use straighter, quicker and more fuel-efficient routes and have access to more diversion airports. ETOPS-120 capability is a further optimisation of the E2, already the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its segment.”

Turkish Airlines new carrier AJet confirms first flight date

The new Turkish Airlines carrier AJet ha confirmed that it will begin passenger flights from 31 March 2024, as tickets go on sale for the first time. Turkish Airlines unveiled its new low-cost subsidiary airline AJet Air Transportation, which evolved from AnadoluJet, in November 2023 and anticipation for the launch has been building since.  On 12 March 2024, AJet confirmed in a statement that passengers could now access tickets through its website and app with the first flights operating to the United Kingdom. It was also explained that on and after 31 March 2024, passengers that are registered on AnadoluJet flights will be transferred to Ajet flights. “We will also share general information about the status of your flights after our system transition,” the airline said. 

In the summer of 2024, AJet will fly to 93 destinations including 41 on domestic routes and 52 on international routes with 95 aircraft in its fleet. AJet has ambitions to eventually fly to a total of 44 countries with a fleet of 200 aircraft in the next 10 years. “Established with the aim of becoming a low-cost airline at global standards and strengthening its competitive position in the market, AJet aims to make the airline experience more modern, comfortable and accessible by meeting the sky as of 31 March, when it will start its flights,” a spokesperson for AJet said. 

Speaking in November 2023, Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat said: “In line with our goals for the next 10 years, we are proud to have started the establishment process of our AJet. The efforts and dedication we have put in for a long time have paid off, and we will introduce AJet to the skies with the summer schedule at the end of March 2024.”  Bolat added: “We fully believe that AJet, with its new name, will become an important part of the low-cost aviation industry on a global scale.”

Rolls-Royce to invest £55 million in the UK and Germany to meet demand for civil large engines

Rolls-Royce has announced significant investments in its assembly, test and shop visit capacity in the UK and Germany to address the increasing long-term demand for new civil large engines and enhance customer aftermarket support services for its global Trent engine fleet. According to projections outlined at last year’s Capital Markets Day, Rolls-Royce anticipates an annual increase of 7 – 9% in Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft in service for the remainder of the decade. In addition, the company forecasts engine flying hours to reach 120 – 130% mid-term compared to 2019 levels. To prepare for this growth trajectory, Rolls-Royce is investing £55 million and recruiting over 300 individuals, distributed between its operations in Derby, UK and Dahlewitz, Germany. Approximately half of the investment and about two-thirds of the job opportunities will be located in Derby.

The investments encompass:

• Expansion of engine build capacity in Derby, aiming to deliver over 40% more new engines per year starting from 2025, compared to the average deliveries over the last decade. This expansion will also augment service capacity.
• Utilisation of existing engine test capability for civil large engines in Dahlewitz to meet near-term services demand before transitioning to assemble and test new Trent XWB-84 engines in 2026.
• These investments follow the recent announcement of a £1 billion investment in a continuous improvement program for the Trent engine family.

Skyryse taking deposits for fly-by-wire turbine single

Skyryse is taking refundable, non-transferrable $2,500 deposits for its Skyryse One, a Robinson R66 retrofitted with its SkyOS operating system featuring simplified, single-stick control and two touchscreens. The proprietary system offers an IFR-capable, aircraft-agnostic, triple-redundant fly-by-wire system. The company is in the final stages of the FAA STC certification process and plans to offer the new-production helicopter for a base price of $1.8 million. The company said it anticipates receiving certification and beginning deliveries in 2025. Skyryse said SkyOS is designed to put ‘the pilot fully in command while freeing them from mundane, error-prone chores.’

That price includes a full four-axis flight control, dynamic envelope protection, fully automated autorotation, auto-pickup and set-down, hover assist and on-screen swipe right to start. Add-on options are mainly concerned with interior fit and finish such as choice of seat fabrics, according to Ray Wert, Skyryse VP of marketing. On Wednesday, Skyryse announced that Peter Blades, Tesla’s former lead designer for its Models 3 and Y, roadster and semi concept had joined Skyryse as VP of design.

Wert said Skyryse has yet to determine if the package will be made available for retrofit or eventually licensed to OEMs as a factory installation, or which airframes to select for system installation after the R66. He said the company has had a means of compliance in place with the FAA since 2018, we well as excellent coordination with the agency and Robinson.

Customers who already hold a helicopter license will receive a flight training voucher good for six hours of training and will be cycled through the company’s training facility in coordination with their delivery date. Fixed-wing pilots can apply the six hours to the 20 in-aircraft hours required for their helicopter add-on rating. Skyryse has already built a simulator for the platform and plans to have it available for attendees to try in July at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

According to Wert, SkyOS is expected to draw more people to helicopters by providing greater comfort and confidence. The compact flight controls will not only free up more space in the cockpit but also reduce pilot fatigue. “You are not going to be nearly as tired, for one thing,” he noted. But Wert said the system’s real advantage is the sense of safety it conveys. “The kind of automation we provide and the safe flight envelope that we are able to create around the pilot are going to be transformative in terms of giving people back a sense of freedom in the skies and even more significant in terms of giving people a level of comfort they have not had in helicopters.”

Veilis Electro 100 and counting

Pipistrel Velis Electro serial number (S/N) 100 has been delivered to Green Aerolease, a French sustainable aircraft rental business. “The Velis Electro leads the journey towards more sustainable flight solutions and the entry into service of S/N 100 is a notable achievement,” said Gabriel Massey, president and managing director of Pipistrel, which is owned by Textron. In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as well as most recently received a light-sport aircraft airworthiness exemption from the FAA.

SpaceX’s Starship rocket successfully launches on third attempt

SpaceX’s Starship rocket has successfully launched from its Boca Chica base in Texas on its third attempt, ascending into the sky at 08h25 local time. The next crucial phase was a ‘controlled’ return to Earth, guiding the Starship back to Earth and ultimately touching down in the Indian Ocean. However, the spacecraft was lost during re-entry, 48 minutes into its flight. The rocket had known two explosive setbacks during its previous test flights in April and November 2023. This latest test flight is a significant milestone for SpaceX as it continues to refine and develop its ambitious Starship project. The project holds promise for future space exploration endeavours. Elon Musk’s company is relying on Starship to achieve its stated goal of installing an autonomous colony on Mars, making humanity a multi-planetary species. NASA is also counting on this spacecraft to land its astronauts on the Moon during its Artemis 3 mission, planned for 2026.

SpaceX Starship grounded again

On Thursday the FAA initiated its third mishap investigation into Starship after the 400-foot-tall spacecraft and booster were lost during its third orbital test flight. Both components are intended to be reusable. Starship will remain grounded until the FAA concludes its investigation and awards a fresh launch license. However, Thursday’s flight undoubtedly built on previous Starship missions, during which the rocket and booster exploded minutes after take-off. This time around, they flew halfway around the planet.

Starship stands taller than the Statue of Liberty and on Thursday generated nearly twice the thrust of NASA’s Space Launch System, which owned the previous record. Orbital test flights are intended to evaluate the spacecraft’s capabilities for NASA Artemis moon missions, which aim to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time in half a century. Starship and the Super Heavy booster lifted off on Thursday morning from Starbase, SpaceX’s launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas. The spacecraft generated 16 million pounds of thrust from 33 Raptor engines, the most ever in a rocket booster.

Unlike past attempts, Thursday’s mission, OT-3, travelled nearly halfway around the Earth as intended. For the first time, Starship reached space. But when the rocket re-entered the atmosphere about 45 minutes into the mission, SpaceX lost communications. The company later said the vehicle did not survive re-entry. Starship was intended to splash down in the Indian Ocean and the booster in the Gulf of Mexico.

However, while not fully completed, the mission was vastly more successful than previous flights. For the first time Starship demonstrated the ability to reach orbital speeds and open its payload door, which could one day deploy Starlink satellites and other cargo during flight. Another crucial feat was a liquid oxygen transfer between two tanks, part of a NASA tipping-point demonstration and a key capability for missions to the moon and beyond.

A SpaceX representative estimated the company will need to complete 10 refuelling missions before its Starship Human Landing System (HLS), the capsule that will transport astronauts to the moon during Artemis III can land on the lunar surface. The representative did not convey how many orbital test flights will be required, but Starship will need to complete at least one mission in full before moving to the next phase.

On Tuesday SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said with three orbital test flights under Starship’s belt the rocket will complete six more this year, an unprecedented number for a new super heavy lift rocket. Though the flight undoubtedly builds upon Starship’s previous missions, the FAA will nevertheless investigate the loss of communications, which it said affected both the rocket and booster. A mishap investigation is standard whenever a launch does not go according to plan. The goal is to determine the root cause of the event and identify corrective actions to keep it from happening again. The regulator said it would be involved in every step of the process. It will need to approve SpaceX’s final report, including any corrective actions the company intends to take, before a license can be reissued.

‘A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety,’ the agency said. ‘In addition, SpaceX may need to modify its license to incorporate any corrective actions and meet all other licensing requirements.’ No public injuries or property damage were reported from OT-3, the FAA said. That was not the case during Starship’s first test flight, which damaged buildings and sent plumes of ash and debris flying miles away. The investigation into that incident closed within seven months and the agency’s second inquiry was completed in just three months. Since Thursday’s test was far more successful than the previous two and no injuries or damage were reported, the investigation timeline may be on the shorter side.

Accidents are not particularly uncommon for spacecraft. In fact, a Japanese rocket called Kairos and a Chinese model called Yuanzheng-1S both suffered anomalies this week. But the delays caused by Starship investigations may have implications for the Artemis missions. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated SpaceX on Thursday’s test flight. But with Americans’ return to the moon aboard Artemis III now delayed to 2026, the agency will be expecting a usable Starship HLS by then. Jim Free associate administrator of NASA predicted vehicle’s development may take more time than previously thought. Meanwhile, Musk has touted Starship as a ferry to Mars, envisioning trips to the Red Planet carrying hundreds of humans at a time. Those ambitions will depend on SpaceX ironing out the kinks with the 400-foot-tall rocket and booster.

Atlantic FBOs prepare to support Lilium eVTOL flights

Through a partnership announced on Wednesday with manufacturer Lilium, Atlantic Aviation is expanding its plans to support eVTOL operations. Under a memorandum of understanding, the business aviation services group will prepare its North American network of more than 100 FBOs to support commercial operations with the six-passenger Lilium Jet.

The companies said their collaboration will focus on infrastructure provisioning, including electric charging equipment and determining how to optimise the passenger experience. Joint strategic planning will also cover aircraft flight paths and operations forecasting. Lilium’s aircraft is expected to operate on sectors of up to around 175 kilometres (109 miles) at speeds of up to 250 kph. In addition to the standard model, Lilium is developing a more spacious Pioneer Edition with four seats in a cabin that could be customised for private owners.

The German manufacturer aims to complete type certification in time for commercial services to start in 2026. Prospective operators for the Lilium Jet, which has 30 ducted fan electric engines in its wing and canard, include NetJets and eVolare. It also has agreements with several other companies in Europe, China, Brazil, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, including airport operators and support providers.

Unlike some other leading eVTOL aircraft developers, Lilium has a business plan based on selling its all-electric vehicle to individuals and companies for a mix of private, charter, and shuttle services, for which it would provide aftermarket support and services. “This go-to-market strategy will allow for a diverse revenue stream and is predicated on aviation facilities being ready for the Lilium Jet, emphasizing the value of partnering with Atlantic,” the company said in a media statement.

Atlantic Aviation has a presence at more than 30 airports within Lilium’s intended US launch markets in Florida, Southern California, Texas and the Northeast corridor between Washington, D.C. and Boston. The company has similar partnership agreements with other eVTOL aircraft manufacturers, including Archer, Joby and Beta Technologies.

Lilium and Atlantic Aviation sign MoU to electrify existing airport infrastructure

Lilium and Atlantic Aviation, a fixed-based operation (FBO) and aviation services provider, have signed an MoU to prepare Atlantic’s network of more than 100 FBOs for the Lilium Jet’s upcoming regional air mobility service launch in the United States.  This strategic partnership will work to ensure seamless compatibility between the Lilium Jet and Atlantic’s network of aviation assets across North America, enabling Advanced Air Mobility operations at current and future locations. Atlantic operates sites at more than 30 airport locations within Lilium’s planned launch markets in Florida, Southern California, the Northeast corridor and Texas.

Lilium and Atlantic will focus on infrastructure deployment and operations, with an eye toward passenger experience, at existing and upcoming sites. Strategic planning will revolve around key drivers including aircraft flight paths, charging capabilities, passenger facilities, operations forecasting, and more. This comprehensive approach will ensure Lilium Jet operators have access to strategic points within Atlantic’s network of aviation facilities, working to both optimise the passenger experience and usher in a new era of air travel.

Lilium’s planned commercialisation approach focuses on manufacturing and selling the Lilium Jet to various individuals and companies for private, premium and shuttle operations and thereafter providing aftermarket support and services. This go-to-market strategy will allow for a diverse revenue stream and is predicated on aviation facilities being ready for the Lilium Jet, emphasizing the value of partnering with Atlantic. Lilium’s strategic collaboration with Atlantic will pave the way for a smooth entry into service of the Lilium Jet that will help usher in a new era of regional air transportation that connects travellers from city to city and saves passengers hours in travel time.

US DoT inspector general to audit FAA efforts on drone integration

On 13 March Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operation of unmanned and autonomous systems (UAS) operations took a big step forward. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Transportation (DoT) filed a memorandum on the FAA’s efforts to establish a regulatory framework for such operations. According to the memo, “Nationwide interest in using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as ‘drones,’ in complex operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) is expanding.” The FAA reports that more than 369,000 commercial drones were registered as of the end of last year, with nearly one million expected to enter service by 2027.

The DoT acknowledges there are safety challenges associated with incorporating drones into the US National Airspace System but asserts that expanding BVLOS capability is vital to retaining a technology leadership role for the US and advancing the capability of drones can also benefit safety across all modes of transportation. “For example,” the OIG memo says, “drones can perform dangerous bridge inspections or replace vehicles on roads, reducing the risk of accidents and loss of life.” FAA efforts on behalf of expanding drone operations include flight tests in partnership with both government and industry stakeholders and looking into recommendations from a rulemaking committee devoted to BVLOS issues.

The OIG is initiating an audit this month to oversee the FAA’s integration efforts ‘due to their importance for maintaining US leadership in aeronautics as well as their potential for introducing risks to the National Airspace System.’  The audit will assess ongoing development of the FAA’s regulatory framework for BVLOS drone operations.

About African Pilot and Future Flight:

After 24 years of continuous publishing there is no doubt that African Pilot provides the finest overall aviation media reach on the African continent and now throughout the world. All African Pilot’s and Future Flight’s monthly editions are easily read on any digital device including smart phones

Our team is positioned to provide professional video and stills photography, website development, social media platforms, company newsletters as well as several other important media services to customers.

The two monthly magazines are available as a digital edition where ALL advertisers enjoy the direct routing to their websites at a touch on a smart phone or tablet as well as a click of the mouse on a computer screen or tap on any smart phone device.

This twice weekly APAnews service has been part of African Pilot’s line-up since the inception of the magazine 24 years ago.

African Pilot is the third best English language aviation magazine in the top ten magazines in the world: https://blog.feedspot.com/aviation_magazines/

African Pilot Website: www.africanpilot.co.za
Future Flight Website: www.futureflight.online
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AfricanPilot
Twitter: www.twitter.com/africanpilot
Instagram: www.instagram.com/african_pilot_/

Should you miss out on any edition of APAnews, please visit the website: www.africanpilot.co.za and click on the APAnews link on the front page. All past weekly APAnews publications have been archived on the website.