Information on the Initiative by Industry to Remove AIC 18.19.
Aero Club Communique June 2025 #1.
uAvionix Announces FAA Certification for AV-HSI and AV-APA: major step forward in IFR flight capability for general aviation.
Cessna SkyCourier Combi configuration achieves certification from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil.
Canadian Airline Nolinor purchases production slots for Natilus KONA cargo aircraft.
Hermeus flies Quarterhorse Mk 1 at Edwards Air Force Base.
Pratt & Whitney's iconic 747SP test bed to soar into EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.
IAC highlights at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.
This week in history - Cleveland Hopkins is of particular importance to the history of commercial air travel due to a number of first-in-the-world innovations.
Worldwide Accidents and Incidents.
Bonus video - Krugersdorp Flying Club 20.10. 2012
Information on the Initiative by Industry to Remove AIC 18.19
Issued by the AIC 18/19 Task Team under collective comprising the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA), the Aeroclub of South Africa, Aviation Watch Action Committee, Aviation Action Group and Concerned Aircraft Owners, Pilots, Engineers and Operators.
All South African fixed-wing aeroplanes and helicopters fitted with Textron-Lycoming and Teledyne Continental engines and possibly also Pratt & Whitney and Rotax engines not overhauled during the past 12 years have constructively been grounded overnight. A major insurance underwriter estimates up to 70 percent of the ageing fleet could be affected.
The latest move by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to rescind an Air Information Circular embodied in the South African Civil Aviation Regulations and associated Technical Standards follows successive general exemptions and unsuccessful deliberations over the past two years to oppose the new regulation.
An entire sector of the aviation industry could subsequently be grinding to a halt. The knock-on effects in the value chain could harm food security, conservation, safety, security, tourism and private business enterprises and amount to billions of rand. It is therefore imperative that the collective efforts of an action group formed under the auspices of industry representative organisations listed above, and affected aircraft owners, pilots, operators, technicians and maintenance engineers to reverse the decision and reinstate the former ruling will be successful.
Scores of owners and operators may not yet be aware that they may be flying with effectively 'un-airworthy' aircraft, illegally and without any insurance cover. Few aircraft owners, especially those operating under Part 91 operations, can afford to overhaul their aircraft engines prematurely and are highly likely to stop flying altogether. Many operators may subsequently have to dismiss staff and close their doors, as the costs of a premature major overhaul could vary between R 1 m and R2.5 m depending on the size and complexity of the engine variant. Owners and pilots operating under Part 92 operations for leisurely activities, including ultra- and microlight aircraft or gyroplanes, are currently not affected.
Most private owners and pilots operating in the Part 91 category of operations use their aircraft for private business and to gain access to clients across the SADC region, including destinations not readily accessible by road or via commercial airlines. The action group insists that no empirical evidence exists to indicate safety is being compromised that would compel owners to carry out overhauls based on years instead of the number of hours flown. The original rationale for factories to recommend overhauling engines every 12-years was based on passive storage and inactive engines. The rescinded AIC was aimed at mitigating any potential harmful effects. No empirical evidence was ever presented to warrant the rescinding.
Anyone wishing to support the effort to oppose the ruling through collective action, should please contact CAASA as the current situation if left unresolved, poses a dire threat to the South African economy, potentially costing thousands of jobs, and destroying entire sectors irrecoverably while doing all South Africans enormous harm in the process.
Please Contact your association involved for details of how to get be informed and contribute.
Alternatively, contact Kevin Storie, CEO of CAASA, kev@caasa.co.za
Aero Club Communique June 2025 #1
Dear Member,
Please see the linked response (below) that contains information regarding the decision by the SA Civil Aviation Authority to remove the provisions of AIC 18.19 related to the 12-year overhaul limited on certain aircraft engine types. Although there has been a year long activity in provisioning this in regulations and current Part 43 developments, the regulator has chosen a negative interpretation of the General Notice issued in Nov 2024 and has now withheld Certificates of Airworthiness.
The industry has come together in a meeting this week to contest the CAA's interpretation, but to do so has to take a legal stance in the form of a class action. We encourage you to contribute to the legal fund to support this class action. The banking account information and how to deposit the funds is in the attached document in the link below:
If you are not a member and wish to join or renew membership of the Aero Club and any of its Sections feel free to do so member-renewals-and-new-memberships
Our Centenary Yearbook is now still available to purchase (see advert below) from our web shop www.aeroclub.org.za/shop
Uavionix Announces FAA Certification For AV-HSI And AV-APA: Major Step Forward in IFR Flight Capability for General Aviation
FAA certification of uAvionix's AV-HSI and AV-APA hardware is here-bringing big-panel performance to small aircraft. When paired with the AV-30-C, these certified components unlock real IFR capability, including seamless autopilot and nav integration, for thousands of legacy GA aircraft. Now shipping soon from uAvionix and resellers as the AV-HSI PMA and AV-APA PMA.
When the AV-30-C was initially certified in 2020, it was FAA approved as an attitude indicator or directional gyro replacement for both VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). The AV-HSI PMA brings the AV-30-C's IFR capabilities a giant leap forward, by enabling display of precise enroute and approach guidance from GPS and VOR/ILS navigators. The AV-HSI PMA connects to up to four AV-30-Cs while also providing an ARINC 429 interface to digital autopilots.
The AV-APA PMA, used either with the AV-HSI PMA or by itself, adds an analogue interface to drive legacy S-TEC autopilots with heading and GPS guidance.
Key features of the new certified systems include: Reduced Workload: Advanced instruments provide accurate flight information, allowing pilots to focus more on flying and less on managing systems. IFR-compliant navigation display: Full course and glideslope guidance for ILS and LPV approaches. Connected Cockpit: Synchronization of settings such as heading bug and barometric pressure across up to four AV-30 displays and autopilot Integration: Digital integration with Trio Pro Pilot and Aerocruze using the AV-HSI. Analog integration with S-TEC using the AV-APA.
This release is particularly impactful for general aviation pilots, avionics installers, and flight schools seeking cost-effective, space-saving solutions for IFR upgrades. The advanced capabilities are designed to enhance safety, reduce workload, and prepare cockpits for the future of general aviation.
Pre-orders are shipping in June, with general availability beginning in July. Contact us to place your order and modernize your panel today.
www.aeronautical.co.za
Cessna Skycourier Combi Configuration Achieves Certification from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil
The Cessna SkyCourier Combi configuration kit recently achieved certification from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) and joined the fleet of Brazilian charter company Cleiton Táxi Aéreo (CTA). This marks the first delivery of the SkyCourier into South America.
CTA recently took delivery of a passenger variant of the twin-engine, large-utility turboprop equipped with conversion kits that enable the standard 19-passenger interior to be configured to a 9-passenger and cargo Combi, or to a full freighter configuration. The aircraft also has the optional gravel kit installed, allowing it to land on unpaved runways and access more remote locations. CTA's order includes two Cessna SkyCourier aircraft of the same configuration, with the second expected to deliver in 2026.
“The Cessna SkyCourier is an excellent aircraft to support regional missions and services across South America,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “We look forward to seeing the impact this versatile and hardworking turboprop will have on CTA's operations.”
Founded by Cleiton Sérgio de Sousa, Cleiton Táxi Aéreo first became a customer of Textron Aviation with the purchase of the Cessna 210 Centurion in 1995 to begin charter operations across the Amazon region. Since then, the company has operated a fleet ranging from the Cessna Caravan to the Beechcraft King Air, each aircraft fulfilling a variety of special missions and charter operations across the region.
The Cessna SkyCourier recently marked five years since the aircraft prototype first took flight in 2020. Since it entered into service in 2022, the aircraft has proven itself as a valuable business tool for both cargo and passenger operations, with recent milestones including the first delivery to Canada and first order from the Marshall Islands, among others.
Canadian Airline Nolinor Purchases Production Slots for Natilus KONA Cargo Aircraft
Canada's largest commercial charter airline, announced the purchase of multiple aircraft production slots from Natilus, a U.S. aerospace manufacturer developing a family of hyper-efficient blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft. As part of the agreement, Nolinor has purchased production slots for Natilus's regional freight aircraft, the KONA. The addition of KONA to its existing fleet will support Nolinor's goal of expanding its services to remote operations in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut while reducing emissions in these ecologically sensitive areas.
As global electrification drives substantial growth in mining activities across northern Canada, Nolinor is experiencing an increase in flight demand for the transportation of workers, equipment and supplies in its key service regions. Operating amid limited road infrastructure and challenging weather conditions, Nolinor serves as a lifeline to remote regions in rural Canada, transporting essentials and equipment during the summer months.
Nolinor is the world's largest operator of the B737-200 aircraft, which are equipped to land on dirt, gravel, or ice runways. The B737-200 allows for greater cargo capacity and requires fewer trips to transport essential cargo - making it particularly suited for deliveries to the northern regions. To maintain its competitive edge in the market, Nolinor is investing in fleet expansion and looking for new airframe designs - such as the blended-wing body - to meet its future needs.
“This partnership marks a pivotal step in our commitment to innovation and operational excellence,” said Marco Prud'Homme, President of Nolinor Aviation. “During our visit to Natilus's head office in San Diego last fall, we were impressed by their groundbreaking approach to aircraft design and their dedication to addressing the unique challenges of the cargo industry. The KONA's gravel runway capability is a perfect match for our operations, and we are eager to leverage its potential to better serve our customers across Canada and beyond.”
The first to commercialize the blended-wing-body design for commercial freight operations, Natilus is developing a family of sustainable blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft designed to unlock improved aviation economics by reducing fuel consumption by 30% while increasing payload capability by 40%. Like the B737-200, Natilus's regional cargo aircraft, the KONA, can take off and land in challenging environments, including unpaved, shorter gravel runways typically found in northern Canada. The KONA also offers 50% lower operating costs when compared to similarly sized tube-and-wing aircraft.
“For isolated communities in northern Canada, air freight serves as a lifeline to access essential goods and services and enables connectivity to other territories,” said Aleksey Matyushev, CEO and Co-Founder of Natilus. “As Nolinor continues to evolve its specialized air freight service for passenger and cargo transit, Natilus is committed to supporting their efforts to improve logistics efficiency and reduce the carbon emissions of their fleet operations.”
Natilus is expected to begin production of KONA before the end of the decade, followed by its passenger aircraft, the Horizon, in the early 2030s.
Hermeus Flies Quarterhorse Mk 1 at Edwards Air Force Base
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA - Hermeus, a venture capital-backed aerospace and defence technology company specializing in high-speed aircraft, announced today the flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 aircraft. This milestone is a significant step in Hermeus' development of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft. With this flight, Hermeus demonstrated a rapid development pace, advancing Hermeus' mission to operationalize hypersonic technologies.
“Mk 1 has redefined the pace of developing and flying new aircraft,” said Hermeus CEO and Co-Founder, AJ Piplica. “I'm incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished. We've proven the viability of our iterative development approach. But this is just the start. We have much more to do as the bar rises for the next iteration.”
Quarterhorse Mk 1 went from clean sheet to flight-ready in a little over a year. The primary focus of the test campaign was to validate high-speed take-off and landing of a large uncrewed aircraft. The aircraft's unique configuration - driven by high-speed flight - makes basic operations of take-off and landing distinctly challenging.
“Industry partnerships continue to have an important role in the development and test of disruptive and innovative capabilities for our warfighters,” commented Major General Scott Cain, Commander of Air Force Test Centre. “The promise of routine hypersonic flight is an exciting capability for the joint team.”
Data from the campaign has validated design and performance models, including aerodynamics, stability and control. Testing also validated performance of vehicle subsystems including propulsion, fuel systems, hydraulics, power, thermal management, avionics, flight software, telemetry, flight termination, and command and control.
“The real-world flight data from Mk 1 provides significant technical value that we're rolling into our next aircraft,” said Co-Founder and President Skyler Shuford. “Moreover, the team has accomplished this milestone on a challenging timeline while operating within the overall aerospace ecosystem - all to support rebuilding America's lost capability to quickly develop brand-new, full-scale jets.”
Quarterhorse Mk 1 is the first in a series of uncrewed aircraft on Hermeus' iterative development roadmap. The company's approach emphasizes “hardware richness” - building multiple prototypes in quick succession, allowing the team to take well-managed technical risk. While driving technical progress towards high-speed flight, this approach simultaneously enables Hermeus to rapidly develop its team and talent. The “one aircraft per year” development cadence drives Hermeus' engineers and technicians through multiple crucibles of full life-cycle aircraft development in a very short time period. As a result, the company is progressively building a team capable of solving the hardest engineering challenges of aviation to operationalize hypersonic aircraft.
The team is actively reviewing data and integrating lessons learned into Hermeus' next iteration, Quarterhorse Mk 2, currently being manufactured at Hermeus' headquarters in Atlanta. The scale of an F-16, Quarterhorse Mk 2 is a high-Mach aircraft designed to de-risk uncrewed supersonic flight. It is on-track to fly late this year. This vehicle will enable both high-cadence hypersonic flight test and novel operational defence capabilities.
Pratt & Whitney's Iconic 747SP Test Bed to Soar into EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2025
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 will feature a unique version of one of the world's most popular airliners as RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney brings a Boeing 747SP test bed aircraft to Boeing Plaza during the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration. The 72nd edition of EAA's fly-in convention is July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
The aircraft's appearance is part of Pratt & Whitney's global centennial celebration, commemorating 100 years since its founding in 1925. The 747SP will arrive on Sunday, July 20, and depart on Thursday, July 24, offering attendees a rare opportunity to tour this iconic flying test bed up close.
“Pratt & Whitney has built a storied legacy in general, commercial, and military aviation,” said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “As a means of celebrating its 100 years of innovation, Pratt & Whitney is flying the 747SP to be displayed for the more than half-a-million aviation enthusiasts who will attend the show.”
Pratt & Whitney began operations in 1925 with the invention of the R-1340 Wasp engine, which revolutionized military and commercial aviation. The 1940s saw more innovation as the company powered several era-defining aircraft for the allies in World War II and began exploring jet propulsion.
“Pratt & Whitney has always pushed the boundaries of what's possible in flight,” said Maria Della Posta, president at Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Bringing our 747SP to Oshkosh isn't just about showcasing a unique aircraft - it represents how our legacy of innovation continues to shape the future of aviation. This aircraft has played a pivotal role in the testing and development of our advanced propulsion technologies - from the PW800 for business jets to our groundbreaking GTF engine for commercial fleets. As a proud EAA AirVenture exhibitor for more than 15 years, we've valued every opportunity to connect directly with pilots, operators, maintainers, aviation enthusiasts, and OEM partners who share our passion for flight.”
Canadian subsidiary Pratt & Whitney Canada, founded in 1928, has attended the annual EAA show for decades and is a major player in the general aviation space. Its legendary PT6 engine - celebrating over 60 years of flight - has logged more than 500 million flying hours and remains a benchmark for performance, reliability, and innovation in turboprop propulsion. PT6 engines continue to power thousands of aircraft around the globe, from bush planes to business aviation and beyond.
The Boeing 747SP (for special performance) is a shortened version of the 747 airliner that features a longer range than its full-sized counterpart and is powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines. Only 45 such aircraft were produced, with Pratt & Whitney owning the only two that are currently airworthy. The test bed variant features a fifth engine mount separate from the four main powerplants located below the wings. This extra engine configuration allows for testing engines in real-life weather conditions. Since 2001, Pratt & Whitney's test beds have completed more than 1,400 ground runs and flight tests using 71 different experimental engines.
In addition, RTX's booth located in Exhibit Hangar B will showcase Pratt & Whitney Canada's iconic PT6 engine cutaways, as well as Collins Aerospace technologies throughout the week of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.
IAC Highlights at EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2025
The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) will host a variety of activities during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, open for everyone's enjoyment. Attendees don't need to be aerobatic pilots to participate in the events.
Aerobatic legend Rob Holland's life will be celebrated with a special program during the July 21 afternoon air show, and his trophies will be displayed throughout the week in the IAC building.
The IAC is also celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Pitts Special. During AirVenture, numerous forums will be held featuring some of the most legendary and influential Pitts pilots from around the world. Those flying in with their Pitts Specials are encouraged to display them outside the IAC Aerobatic Center.
Attendees will also have the chance to meet some of the skilled air show pilots performing throughout the week, including National Aviation Hall of Famer and former EAA Young Eagles Chairman Sean D. Tucker, the NextGen Eagles, and more. This will be an up-close opportunity to ask pilots anything related to aerobatics, including their experiences, training, and tips for aspiring aviators.
The IAC will also host its annual membership meeting on Friday, July 25, at 8:30 a.m. The same day, the IAC member gathering and dinner will be held at the EAA Nature Center from 6-8 p.m.
Educational seminars will also be held at the IAC Vicki Cruse Educational Center Pavilion, starting on Tuesday, July 22, and running through Friday, July 25, at 8:30 a.m. See the full schedule of events on the IAC website.
Cleveland Hopkins is of particular importance to the history of commercial air travel due to a number of first-in-the-world innovations that would eventually become the global standard.
Founded on July 1, 1925, it was one of the first municipality-owned facilities of its kind in the United States.
It was the site of the first air traffic control tower (1929), the first ground-to-air radio control system (1939), and the first airfield lighting system (1930), and it was the first U.S. airport to be directly connected to a local or regional rail transit system (1968).
It was also the first airport to employ a two-level terminal design separating arrivals from departures. The airport was named after its founder, former city manager William R. Hopkins, on his 82nd birthday in 1951.
South Africa, near Lanseria International Airport (HLA/FALA): A Cessna T210N Turbo Centurion crashed shortly after take-off from Lanseria International Airport (HLA/FALA), South Africa. The pilot perished and the passenger suffered serious injuries and the aircraft received substantial damage. Witnesses reported that the aircraft had a long take off run and struggled to climb. The ATC asked the pilot if anything was wrong, and the pilot originally said yes. One minute later, the pilot reported that she was going to conduct a forced landing in a field.
South Africa, near Greytown: ZS-CZU and ZS-KFB were attempting to divert to Greytown due to a low fuel situation. ZS-CZU was forced to land and both occupants sustained minor injuries. ZS-KFB was found the following day in the Greytown vicinity. Pilot and three passengers deceased.
Venezuela, A Cessna 500 Citation I, YV3217, is reported missing after take-off from Caracas-Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS). Last radar contact was over a mountainous area 15 nautical miles east of the airport at FL070. On June 4th authorities reported finding remains of the aircraft including documents from inside the aircraft. It has also been revealed that 5 people were onboard instead of the previously reported 3. All onboard are presumed dead.
A Cessna F172F Skyhawk (Reims) crashed into Pieni-Peräinen pond during final approach after losing engine input at Jyväskylä Airport (JYV/EFJY), Jyväskylä, Central Finland.
Finland, near Jyväskylä Airport (JYV/EFJY), Jyväskylä, Central Finland: The aircraft had completed a jump run for the skydiving club "Full Stack Nomads" where two skydivers exited the plane and was returning to Jyväskylä Airport, approaching runway 12. The engine lost input at 400m altitude and made an emergency landing to a small pond around 1km short from the runway. The pilot was able to swim ashore and was not injured and the aircraft received substantial damage.
