“Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.” Robert H. Schuller
It is Monday and you know what that means. You guessed correctly, a brand new mystery aircraft for the week. Please send your answers to news@africanpilot.co.za. The names of those that identified the aircraft correctly will be published within the Thursday edition of APAnews.
The 220-page August edition of African Pilot with three picture gallerias and 12 videos was completed on Saturday 3 August and sent to the world the same day. Once again African Pilot has consistently delivered a monthly aviation magazine that has more relevant features and is far easier to read on any digital device that any other aviation magazine in Africa. This edition features the special experience of the South African camping group that travelled to Oshkosh in July, Sling Aircraft’s award at Oshkosh, AERO South Africa exhibition, the amazing Elders Flight, Polokwane airshow, Avionics and Instrumentation as well as headsets and many other interesting features. In addition, the magazine also contains all the normal chapters such as Airline Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Helicopter Pilot, Military Pilot, Sport Pilot a Technical section and the four Historical subjects. Once again, the August edition of African Pilot takes on a completely different flavour to previous magazines mainly due to the extensive photography and embedded videos.
The 22nd 134-page edition of Future Flight was sent out to the world-wide audience on 15 July 2024. Due to the nature of the subject material, compiling this exciting new publication has been most rewarding, whilst at the same time, the magazine allows many of African Pilot’s advertisers to have their adverts placed in our second monthly magazine FREE of charge. I would love to receive your feedback about this exciting digital publication: editor@africanpilot.co.za.
Thank you.
Detailed tour through the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
SA at risk of noncompliance with international air safety regulations
South Africa’s air traffic management is facing significant challenges that could lead to noncompliance with international air safety regulations. Outdated air safety procedures, systems being taken offline, and staff shortages have put the country at risk of international flight bans. This situation has already caused disruptions, with airlines blaming nearly 30% of recent delays on Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the state-owned entity responsible for regulating South Africa’s airspace. Several airports, including George and Umtata, were recently closed due to outdated regulatory procedures, leading to significant operational delays and financial losses for airlines.
The impact of these issues extends beyond just operational setbacks; they also pose a serious threat to South Africa’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination. Aviation experts and industry leaders have expressed grave concerns, with some warning that noncompliance could result in international flight bans. The lack of communication and transparency from ATNS has further exacerbated the situation, leaving industry stakeholders in the dark and unable to mitigate the damage. The situation has prompted calls for greater accountability and oversight, with some suggesting the need for independent investigations into the management of ATNS.
Political instability and a lack of effective leadership have been identified as contributing factors to the crisis. Over the past seven years, South Africa has seen six different Ministers of Transport, leading to inconsistent oversight and management of critical entities like ATNS. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has long been concerned about ATNS, citing inadequate air safety transparency and a lack of technical insight in addressing the issues. The recent intervention by the current Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, who gave ATNS two weeks to resolve its issues, underscores the urgency of the situation.
Industry leaders are calling for immediate and decisive action to address the crisis. Some have suggested the establishment of a crisis summit or commission to develop a viable solution. There is also a push for external oversight, with calls for independent forensic auditors to investigate the troubled entities. The challenges faced by ATNS not only affect airlines but also have broader implications for South Africa’s tourism and travel sectors, which rely heavily on the smooth operation of the country’s air traffic management systems.
ATNS has acknowledged the issues and claims to be making progress in addressing them. However, the organization has admitted to being behind in submitting necessary procedures, partly due to a shortage of flight procedure design specialists, a problem that extends beyond South Africa. While ATNS has implemented a training pipeline to address this shortage, the situation remains precarious, with significant risks to both aviation operations and the broader economy if the issues are not resolved swiftly and effectively.
Source: The Citizen
African Pilot’s 2024 calendar
We will publish the aviation calendar within APAnews three months ahead, but you can always visit African Pilot’s website:www.africanpilot.co.za if you would like to obtain the full calendar for the entire year.
September
2 to 5 September
Egypt International Airshow
Contact Yasmine Nasr E-mail: yasmine.nasr@arabianworldevents.com
3 to 5 September
Commercial UAV Expo Las Vegas, USA
Website: www.expouav.com
Contact Carl Berndtson E-mail: cberndtson@divcom.com
6 September
Children’s Flight at New Tempe airfield, Bloemfontein
Contact Felix Gosher E-mail: felixgosher@gmail.com Cell: 066 1919 4603
7 September
RV annual fly-in to Kitty Hawk airfield
Contact Frank van Heerden E-mail: frankvh@mweb.co.za Cell: 082 656 7253
7 September
Bethlehem airshow
Contact Khotso Motsoeneng matsoenegkhotso01@gmail.com Cell: 073 909 5409
7 September
SAA Museum Society Specialised Tour limited to nine adults
Contact E-mail: events@saamuseum.co.za Cell: 076 879 5044
7 & 8 September
4 X 4 Outdoor Show at Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria.
Contact Alan Carwood E-mail: alan@4X4outdoorshow.co.za
9 to 12 September
ICAO’s first Advanced Air Mobility Symposium ICAO headquarters Montreal, Canada
African Pilot will be attending this symposium as a delegate of the SACAA
10 & 11 September
Aerospace and Test Development Show Toulouse, France.
Contact: Tom Enders: tom.eames@markallengroup.com
14 September
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
14 September
SAPFA Speed Rally finale venue TBA
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200
16 and 17 September
Aviation Africa 2024 Sandton Convention Centre
Contact Email: info@aviationafrica.aero
18 to 22 September
Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition at AFB Waterkloof
Contact Nakedi Phasha E-mail: expodir@aadexpo.co.za
20 & 21 September
EAA Silver Creek breakfast pancake fly-in at Silver Creek Gorge
Contact Sean Cronin E-mail: sean@glutek.co.za
24 & 25 September
DroneX Trade show and Conference at Excel London
Website: https://www.dronexpo.co.uk/
28 September
West Coast airshow at Saldanha airfield
Contact Clive Coetzee Cell 084 614 1675
28 September
Great Train Race at Heidelberg airfield
Contact Christopher Van E-mail: chrisvan@rocketmail.co.za
October
3 to 5 October
Volare International Airshow at Volare International Airport, Italy
Contact: info@airexpo.aero Website: www.volareairshow.com
4 to 6 October
Reno airshow celebrating 60 years of aviation at this venue
Website: www.renoairshow.org
5 October
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
22 to 26 October
SAC National Aerobatics Championships at Stellenbosch airfield
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za
26 October
SAPFA Spot Landings at Brits and Stellenbosch Airfields
Contact Ron Stirk E-mail: melron@mweb.co.za Cell: 082 804 445 0373
November
2 November
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
16 November
EAA Chapter 322 breakfast fly-in to Airspan airfield
19 to 21 November
Air Expo Abu Dhabi
Contact: Mr Didier Mary (General Manager) E-mail: didier@airexpo.aero
20 to 24 November
IADE Tunisia Aerospace and Defence exhibition Djerba Zarzis Airport
Contact: IADE Tunisia E-mail: admin@iadeorganiser.com
December
3 December
Wonderboom Airport Safety Symposium at Villa San Giovani
Contact Dave le Roux PilotInsure E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za
7 December
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA auditorium awards breakfast
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com
7 & 8 December
SAC Ace of Base at Heidelberg airfield
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za
African airlines see 6.2% increase in air cargo demand for July
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported continued robust growth in global air cargo demand for July 2024, with cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs) increasing by 13.6% compared to July 2023. This marks the eighth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth, bringing demand levels close to the record highs seen in 2021. The growth in demand was accompanied by an 8.3% increase in capacity, driven by a 12.8% rise in international belly capacity and a 6.9% growth in freighter capacity. Notably, while belly capacity growth was the lowest in 40 months, freighter capacity saw its highest growth since January 2024.
According to Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, the strong performance in air cargo demand reflects a buoyant global trade environment, booming e-commerce, and ongoing challenges in maritime shipping. He emphasized that with the peak season still ahead, 2024 is shaping up to be a very strong year for air cargo. Walsh also highlighted the adaptability of airlines in navigating political and economic uncertainties to meet emerging demand trends.
Regionally, the performance varied, with Asia-Pacific airlines leading the way with a 17.6% year-on-year demand growth, the strongest of all regions. African airlines saw the lowest growth at 6.2%, while North American carriers experienced an 8.7% increase, partially hindered by disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl. European and Middle Eastern carriers also showed strong demand growth, particularly in the Middle East–Europe trade lane, which surged by 32.2%. Latin American carriers posted an 11.1% year-on-year growth, though they too were affected by hurricane-related disruptions.
Several factors in the operating environment contributed to these results, including stable inflation rates in major economies and modest increases in global industrial production and cross-border trade. However, the global new export orders Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) remained below 50, indicating a contraction. Despite these mixed indicators, the overall outlook for air cargo remains positive, with the industry poised for further growth in the coming months.
Why 2024 is a bad year for air accidents
Turbulence has emerged as a significant concern in 2024, leading to severe injuries and the first fatality on a large commercial airliner since 1997. In May, a Boeing 777 encountered what was described as “some of the worst turbulence that Singapore Airlines pilots have experienced,” resulting in the death of a passenger from a heart attack and over 40 others sustaining serious injuries, including skull, brain, spinal, and bone damage. More recently, all 62 passengers and crew aboard a Voepass ATR 72-500 turboprop perished when the plane crashed in Brazil after plummeting 17,000 feet in just one minute.
Airline executives have reported an increase in “horror comics”—the internal air safety reports filed by pilots after encountering severe turbulence or other safety issues. This surge in incidents is fueling passenger anxiety. A survey by analytics company Quantum Metric in June revealed that one in five travelers aged 18-54 now checks the aircraft type before purchasing a ticket, and one in four plans to reduce their flights this year due to safety concerns.
The aviation industry is facing challenges on two fronts: a decline in Boeing’s quality and an increase in turbulence, according to The Sunday Times. The Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes were attributed to a “catastrophic combination of corner-cutting, poor risk assessment, and a failure to inform airlines, pilots, and regulators about changes to flight control software.” Meanwhile, Tim Clark, president of Emirates, highlighted the rise in clear air turbulence, the most dangerous type because it is invisible and unpredictable. Scientists, including Paul Williams from Reading University, link this increase to climate change, as rising air temperatures are disrupting jet streams.
Despite the growing concerns, flying remains statistically safe. A 2017 Harvard University study found that the odds of a plane crash are one in 1.2 million, and the odds of dying in such a crash are one in 11 million. In comparison, the chances of dying in a car accident are significantly higher, at one in 5,000. Nonetheless, the recent incidents and rising turbulence are contributing to an atmosphere of heightened anxiety among travelers.
World Aviation Festival Announces Official Airport Partner
The World Aviation Festival has announced the Royal Schiphol Group as their Official Airport Partner for this year’s event. The festival is a premier annual conference and exhibition that brings together leaders from the world’s airlines, airports, and senior executives overseeing software, services, marketing, and distribution in the aviation industry. As the operator of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and several other airports in the Netherlands, the Royal Schiphol Group plays a crucial role in facilitating international connections for passengers and cargo, thereby contributing to the global economy.
Pieter van Oord, President & CEO of the Royal Schiphol Group, expressed pride in hosting the world’s most dynamic commercial aviation event, noting that the World Aviation Festival has grown significantly in recent years, attracting key industry stakeholders from across the globe. The Royal Schiphol Group has ambitious plans to become the world’s most sustainable airport network, aiming for zero-waste and emissions operations by 2030 and net-zero emission air travel by 2050. These goals reflect their commitment to innovation and sustainability within the aviation sector.
The organizers of the World Aviation Festival expressed excitement about partnering with the Royal Schiphol Group, recognizing the alignment of their dedication to innovation and sustainability with the festival’s mission of promoting a forward-thinking aviation industry. The event will take place from October 8-10, 2024, in Amsterdam, with over 3,000 attendees already confirmed and expectations of reaching 5,000. Industry professionals will share insights into the latest aviation developments, innovations, and trends, with notable speakers including Marjan Rintel of KLM, Patrick Roux of SkyTeam, and József Váradi of WizzAir.
Grounding lifted: SpaceX cleared to launch again
SpaceX launches are resuming after a brief halt due to a booster rocket accident during a landing off the Florida coast. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had grounded the company’s Falcon 9 rockets to investigate the incident, which occurred early Wednesday. Although the rocket’s first-stage booster toppled and ignited after successfully deploying 21 Starlink satellites, no injuries or public damage were reported.
The FAA has since given SpaceX the green light to return to flight operations while the investigation continues. In a statement, the FAA confirmed that SpaceX’s request to resume flights was approved, provided all other licensing requirements are met. The impact of this brief grounding on SpaceX’s upcoming crewed missions, including a private flight and a NASA mission, remains uncertain. A private spaceflight was already delayed due to poor weather conditions.
Despite the setback, SpaceX is swiftly working to identify the cause of the booster failure, marking the first such incident in years. Jon Edwards, a SpaceX vice president, expressed disappointment over the loss, noting that each booster has its unique history. Looking ahead, SpaceX is preparing for additional launches, including a crewed NASA mission, as well as ensuring the safety of astronauts who previously launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule.
South African wine producer drone-drops wasps on vineyard
Vergelegen Wine Estate in the Western Cape has turned to innovative technology by using drones to release predatory wasps in a bid to control pests and combat the spread of leafroll virus in its vineyards. Partnering with SkyBugs and agritech company Aerobotics, the estate is deploying drones to drop wasp pupae over the vineyards from a height of about 30 meters. Once released, the wasps are expected to target and eliminate mealybugs, which are responsible for causing the leafroll virus that disrupts grape ripening, a crucial process in winemaking.
This method offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional pesticide use. The wasps, indigenous to South Africa, lay their eggs inside the mealybugs, effectively reducing the risk of the virus spreading through the vineyard. Vergelegen’s heritage, dating back to 1700, is preserved with this modern approach, as the estate continues to produce a variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, just 3 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean.
About African Pilot
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
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Twice Weekly News from 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.
