Aero Club Communique # 12 of 2026
Aero Africa we're proud to be heading to Germany to connect with our international AERO partners at AERO Friedrichshafen - the world's leading general aviation show.
Milkor signs agreement with South Korea's LIG Defence & Aerospace on UAV collaboration
Angola acquiring over a dozen AW119 helicopters.
Piaggio receives launch order for Avanti NX.
Lyte Aviation announces SkyClinic VTOL Aircraft concept.
Daher Aircraft brings its Kodiak 900 to Europe for a demonstration tour of the Kodiak family's utility capabilities.
This day in history - 24 April 1959: Captain John Stanley Lappo, United State Air Force, flies a Strategic Air Command Boeing RB-47E Stratojet under the Mackinac Bridge.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Goerapan Kalahari Helicopter Safari 2025 Day One
Aero Club Communique # 12 of 2026
Good day to all our Aero Club members and the GA Industry. I trust you are well. We have a mix of information about a few recreational aviation topics.
12-Year Engine Rule
There is nothing new since the previous Communique that was sent on the 20th of April. What we do have is a link to a video interview with Kev Storie, the CEO of CAASA. He gives information on several facets of the 12-year engine matter, covering the history, what happened and the possibilities about what may happen.
It is well worth the time to watch this informative interview.
Click to watch the video. www.youtu.be/Rsf30edkzL0
85th Annual General Meeting of the Aero Club of South Africa NPC
It is time again for our yearly Annual General Meeting. The AGM is an important legal requirement in terms of the constitution of the Aero Club. Here is our official Annual General Meeting Notice:
Dear Member, we are pleased to invite you to the Aero Club of South Africa NPC's Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place on 6th May 2026 at 18:00 for 18:30. The meeting will be held virtually on Teams.
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All members in good standing are encouraged to attend. In accordance with our constitution, we are delivering this notice of the AGM via email in this Communique and publication on the Aero Club website. A prior notice was sent 21 clear days in advance, as required.
Only members in good standing may attend the AGM. If you are unsure about your membership status, please reach out to us prior to the meeting.
Members who are unable to attend in person or virtually may appoint a proxy.
A member may appoint only one proxy and an appointed proxy may only hold one proxy. Proxies must be members in good standing, and the proxy form must be completed, signed, and submitted to the Chairman at least 48 hours before the AGM.
We encourage you to participate in this important event, where we will discuss key developments and plans for the future of Aero Club. Your attendance and input are highly valued.
The AGM agenda, proxy from and nomination form can be accessed on the Aero
Club website at:
You can also access the AGM information on the website at www.aeroclub.org.za under Governance on the top right of the launch page.
The Microsoft Teams Meeting Link information is:
Meeting Link Join: www.teams.microsoft.com/meet/37586483728354?p=XqYwJ7MSTxunubHo5v Meeting ID: 375 864 837 283 54
Passcode: Nc3Rw28S
Your Yearly Medical
At the recent bimonthly EAA 322 meeting Dr. Mike Brown gave valuable information on the yearly renewal of the medical. Among other topics, Dr. Brown gave the following advice:
? Prepare early for your medical.
? Do not do the examination if you are unfit or ill.
? If you need information before you do your yearly medical, contact your
aviation medical specialist to assist.
? Complete all documentation correctly.
? Establish a relationship with your Designated Aviation Medical Examiner.
? Also covered were the more common disqualifying medical conditions
Please see the full PowerPoint presentation below that contains all the detail of Dr.
Brown's presentation.
www.aeroclub.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Defending-Your-Medical.pdf
The 2026 Aero Club membership renewal commenced on the 1st of December.
Please visit the Aero Club website renewal portal at
www.aeroclub.org.za/membership/ to renew or to register as a new member.
Have a safe week,
Regards
Walter Doubell,
Acting Chairman,
Aero club of SA,
walter@aeroclub.org.za
We're proud to be heading to Germany to connect with our international AERO partners at AERO Friedrichshafen - the world's leading general aviation show
Join us as we strengthen global partnerships, showcase AERO South Africa, and highlight Africa's growing presence in aviation.
?? See you in Friedrichshafen
Then join us back home at AERO South Africa | 10-12 June | Lanseria International Airport #AEROFriedrichshafen #AEROSouthAfrica #AERO #GeneralAviation
Milkor Signs Agreement with South Korea's LIG Defence & Aerospace on UAV Collaboration
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
Milkor and South Korea's LIG Defence & Aerospace have signed a collaboration agreement covering unmanned aerial systems, with LIG's mission payloads to be integrated into the Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The agreement was signed on 21 April at the Milkor booth at the Defence and Security Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Milkor and LIG D&A plan to jointly develop unmanned reconnaissance platforms and mission equipment, as well as conduct global marketing efforts, with a focus on expanding business in Africa and the Middle East.
LIG noted that UAVs have emerged as essential equipment in modern warfare. “As the two companies have continuously discussed the future direction of unmanned systems through mutual exchanges, they have decided to elevate their relationship beyond mere technology exchange to that of strategic partners jointly planning weapon system development.”
LIG Defence & Aerospace will integrate its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems into Milkor's next-generation unmanned aerial platforms. The partnership aims to develop an integrated unmanned system capable of surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strike missions.
Through this, they intend to complete and introduce to the global market an integrated unmanned system “turnkey solution” capable of performing tasks ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to precision strikes on a single platform.
“When LIG D&A's advanced mission equipment technology and Milkor's proven UAV platform come together, we will secure a competitive product that will lead the global market,” an LIG D&A official stated. “We will strive further to secure unmanned system solutions optimised for the future battlefield and, through this, enhance the status of 'K-defence'.”
The MoU involves Milkor Aerospace and Defence, based in the United Arab Emirates, and Milkor Integrated Systems, based in South Africa. Milkor manufactures its Milkor 380 at its factory in Cape Town. It is also working on the larger Milkor 780.
The Milkor 380 features a wingspan of 18.6 metres, enabling stable flight in diverse conditions. With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1 500 kg and a payload capacity of up to 220 kg, it can accommodate a variety of mission-specific equipment, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and precision-guided munitions.
Powered by a turbocharged Rotax 915is engine (in future it will feature a turboprop), the UAV achieves an operational endurance of up to 35 hours, allowing for extended loiter times over target areas. It operates at altitudes reaching 30 000 feet. Top speed is 250 km/h and cruise speed 110-150 km/h.
LIG (formerly known as LG Innotek and LIG Nex1) develops, manufactures, and sells a wide range of advanced precision electronic systems, including missiles, underwater weapon systems, radars, electronic warfare, avionics, tactical communication systems, fire control systems, naval combat systems, and electro-optics. It is one of the major suppliers of weapon systems for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, as well as an international exporter of weapon systems.
Some of LIG's key products are its Hynmoo-3 cruise missile, AT-1K Raybolt man-portable anti-tank missile, M-SAM surface-to-air missile system, K-SAAM ship-launched surface-to-air missile, L-SAM surface-to-air missile system, and White Shark, Blue Shark and Red Shark torpedoes.
Milkor has previously engaged with South Korean defence companies, notably in June 2025 signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha Systems to integrate its Active Electronically Scanned Array Synthetic Aperture Radar on the Milkor 380. The integration of the SAR payload will equip the Milkor 380 with high-resolution imaging, Ground and Maritime Moving Target Indication (GMTI/MMTI), and all-weather reconnaissance capability - significantly enhancing its effectiveness in intelligence-gathering and situational awareness.
The Milkor 380 can be armed, and has already been displayed with Al Tariq X-series precision guided munitions, Halcon Desert Sting DS-16 guided bombs, and FZ602 laser-guided rocket launchers. A mockup of a Milkor-developed missile has also been shown under the aircraft, as Milkor is exploring in-house missile development.
Also at DSA 2026, Milkor was promoting its new Ripper 1200 patrol boat. The 12 metre long rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) combines triple outboard engines producing up to 1 050 hp with a lightweight composite hull, enabling speeds above 55 knots while carrying up to 14 personnel.
After having designed and produced the smaller 12 metre Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft) which is primarily aimed at near shore patrols, coast guard, and policing operations, Milkor is further expanding its naval offerings with systems such as the Arsenal unmanned surface vessel, Commander, Interceptor (30 metre patrol boat) and Ripper, all of which are sub-35-metre vessels aimed at bringing speed and awareness to inshore naval operations.
The Ripper range come in several models, including the 6 metre Ripper 600, the smallest in the series, followed by the 9 metre Ripper 900 (with seating for six), 12 metre Ripper 1200 (with seating for up to 20), and 15 metre Ripper 1500 (with an enclosed cabin as well as external seating).
On the larger side, Milkor offers its Commander, a high-performance aluminium monohull vessel engineered for maritime security, law enforcement, and emergency operations. Variants are tailored for interception, patrol, and emergency medical services. The 16.5 metre Commander displaces 20 tonnes at full load and is powered by two engines giving a cruising speed of 30 knots and top speed of 45 knots. The high speed 19.2 metre Commander X is powered by twin V12 2 000 hp engines for a top speed in excess of 60 knots and cruising speed of 40 knots.
The Commander was in late 2025 seen undergoing sea trials off the coast of Abu Dhabi (the vessel has been designed and built by Milkor's United Arab Emirates division). Sea trials and qualification activities were conducted through 2024 and 2025.
Angola acquiring Over a Dozen AW119 Helicopters
Angola's President João Lourenço has approved a financing agreement worth €132.8 million for the acquisition of 14 AW119 helicopters from Italy. This is according to Angolan media reports, which quote a Presidential Decree (137/26, published on 17 April) authorising the financing agreement with Italy's Intesa SanPaolo S.P.A., with coverage from the Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE).
The funds will be used to acquire 12 AW119M helicopters and two AW119Kx helicopters from Leonardo for the Ministry of National Defence, as well as to “ensure the provision of training services, technical publications, the supply of spare parts, and technical assistance.”
The Minister of Finance is authorised to sign the financing agreement and all related documentation, Lusa reported.
The Intesa Sanpaolo Group has been widely involved in Africa, having carried out transactions in Kenya, Cameroon, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Zambia, Ghana, Uganda, Algeria, and Côte d'Ivoire.
The AW119Kx Koala is a three ton, eight seat helicopter, derived from the A109 (the AW119M is the military designation). Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37A turboshaft engine delivering 1 002 horsepower, the helicopter has a cruise speed of more than 240 km/h (130 knots). It has an endurance of over four hours and a service ceiling of 15 000 feet (4 500 meters).
The aircraft is equipped with fixed skids instead of retractable wheels, supporting the installation of an emergency float system for over-water missions. For cargo missions, the aircraft is fitted with a cargo hook under the fuselage that can support up to 1 400 kilograms of external load (maximum takeoff weight is 2 850 kg). A 204 kg capable door winch is used for search and rescue missions and can hold two people.
The type is equipped with a digital avionics suite that enables both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) operations, showing critical flight information on two large multi-function displays, enhancing situational awareness and reducing pilot workload, such as the Synthetic Vision System (SVS), Highway In The Sky (HITS) depiction, moving map and embedded Helicopter Terrain Avoidance Warning System (HTAWS).
The AW119M can be used for a wide range of military missions, including troop transport, training, external lift, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, command and control, and armed escort.
Angola's police (Policia National de Angola) already operates the AW119Kx. In December 2025, it received two of the helicopters (I-RAIX and I-EASI) in a handover ceremony in Italy that formed part of the formal acceptance process.
This was preceded by the 22 October handover of an AW139 and an AW119Kx to the Angolan police by Leonardo at its headquarters in Vergiate, Italy. The two were the first part of an order for 19 new AW119Kx and AW139 aircraft placed in December 2021 by the Angolan Ministry of the Interior to modernise and expand the police air wing.
The police contract involves a support package including pilot and technician training, the supply of spares, and on-site support through TECNER, a company certified by Leonardo Helicopters and the Angolan National Civil Aviation Agency.
The Policia National de Angola said the helicopters would be used for aerial surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue, and other duties.
Piaggio Receives Launch Order for Avanti NX
Piaggio Aerospace has secured the launch customer for the P.180 Avanti NX with an order from a European operator for two of the next-generation pusherprop twins, the company announced today at Aero Friedrichshafen. The aircraft will be delivered in executive business configuration with stretcher modules that enable conversion for air ambulance operations.
Unveiled in late February, the NX will have upgrades in systems, including avionics, as well as new interior features and bolstered support. The unveiling came less than a year after the company underwent an ownership change and emerged from bankruptcy following a years-long process. Piaggio said the aircraft will be a “working forum” to explore new concepts and targeted upgrades.
“We are proud to sign a contract for the sale of the Avanti NX so soon after unveiling the aircraft,'' said Piaggio Aerospace CEO Giovanni Tomassini. ''Returning to Aero Friedrichshafen after a long absence and signing a contract for two aircraft demonstrates that, with the support of Baykar, we are making a strong comeback in the aviation market.''
Piaggio Aerospace plans to gradually increase production in the coming years, striving to reach up to 30 aircraft per year over the next decade as demand continues to develop. As it moves to its next-generation model, Piaggio is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the aircraft's first flight.
Indian leasing group Vman Aviation Services has placed 10 conditional purchase orders for the new SkyClinic aeromedical version of the SkyBus LA-44 hydrogen-electric VTOL aircraft being developed by Lyte Aviation. The companies announced the deal on Thursday, reporting that it has a potential value of €500 million ($589 million) with Vman committed to paying a €10 million deposit when two unspecified milestones are reached.
UK-based Lyte Aviation has been developing the passenger-carrying SkyBus LA-44 model since 2023, but has not indicated when it will be ready to start flight testing a prototype. The tandem tiltwing design will carry between 19 and 40 passengers with an anticipated range of up to 1,000 kilometers (544 nm). A freighter version called the SkyTruck would have a payload of around 9,900 pounds.
Lyte Aviation founder and CEO Freshta Farzam told AIN the company has now completed its preliminary design review based on work with a digital twin for proof of concept purposes. This involved two key changes to its earlier design: removing the tail section and reducing the number of wing-mounted engines from eight to four.
According to Lyte the new architecture is based on the deployment of an alternative dual-fuel powertrain configuration it has developed under the name PowerBridge, combining a combustion engine, fuel cells and electric motors. The company is now in discussion with potential fuel cell suppliers.
The SkyClinic design includes an interior equipped as a medical center in which up surgeons and nurses can support up to six patients at a time. According to Lyte, it could be equipped with the latest remote robotic surgical equipment. The aircraft is expected to be able to land in spaces as short as 50 meters (164 feet).
Mumbai-based Vman provides aircraft for multiple types of operator, from regional start-ups to legacy carriers. According to the company's CEO,Vishok Mansingh, the SkyClinic will support the delivery of medical services “directly to underserved locations” across India, particularly where it is impractical or uneconomical to build specialized hospitals.
Lyte Aviation believes its aircraft's VTOL capabilities will allow it to “position itself at the doorstep” of disaster zones, conflict regions or otherwise underserved communities. According to start-up, it now holds provisional pre-orders for 33 orders for the SkyBus, SkyClinic and SkyTruck models.
Daher Aircraft brings its Kodiak 900 to Europe for a Demonstration Tour of the Kodiak Family's Utility Capabilities
The Kodiak 900 is making its European debut at this week's AERO Friedrichshafen show, underscoring the capabilities of Daher Aircraft's “go anywhere” Kodiak airplane family in utility operations across Europe.Arriving in Germany from Daher Aircraft's U.S. production facility in Sandpoint, Idaho, the Kodiak 900 is displayed at the company's AERO Friedrichshafen exhibit (Hall A3, Stand #305), where it is joined by the latest member of its fast, efficient TBM product line: the TBM 980, built in Tarbes, France.
The Kodiak 900's presence at AERO Friedrichshafen marks the start of a multi-month European tour, with planned stops to demonstrate the Kodiak product line's unique combination of short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance, payload capacity, operational flexibility and low operating costs.
Designed for demanding environments, the turboprop-powered Kodiak 900 and the cornerstone Kodiak 100 are tailored for a full spectrum of operations, especially at low and medium altitudes. Their ability to operate from short runways, off-airport sites and unimproved strips further enhances deployability.
“The Kodiak 900 and Kodiak 100 bring a new level of capability to operators who require both performance and versatility,” said Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher Aircraft. “Bringing the Kodiak 900 to Europe provides an opportunity to introduce customers to an aircraft that can operate where others cannot - including many grass fields - delivering the reliability and efficiency that the Kodiak family is known for.”
Showcased on Daher AERO Friedrichshafen exhibit stand is the company's Kodiak 900 Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA), underscoring the airplane's adaptability for a full range of multi-role applications.
Launched in 2022 as a larger and faster evolution of the Kodiak 100, the Kodiak 900 features a 3.9-foot (1.18 meter) fuselage stretch, a cruise speed of 210 KTAS and increased useful load, along with a maximum range of approximately 1,130 nautical miles. Operating economics also are improved, with a nine percent reduction in specific fuel consumption - equating to a double-digit advantage compared with competing aircraft.
A distinguishing feature of both the Kodiak 900 and Kodiak 100 are their “discontinuous leading edge” wing design that enhances handling across all flight regimes and provides strong resistance to aerodynamic stalls, including at low speeds and during maneuvering. Their tight turn performance enables operation within a small Area of Responsibility (AOR), comparable to that of a helicopter.
Daher Aircraft continues sustained production of the Kodiak 900 and Kodiak 100 on a shared final assembly line in Sandpoint, Idaho. To support growing demand, a new final assembly line for both the Kodiak and TBM product families will be established at Daher's facility in Stuart, Florida.
24 April 1959
Captain John Stanley Lappo, United State Air Force, flies a Strategic Air Command Boeing RB-47E Stratojet under the Mackinac Bridge. The suspension bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac, connecting the upper and lower peninsulas of the U.S. state of Michigan. The Straits of Mackinac connect the Great Lakes of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
The vertical clearance under the Mackinac Bridge at the center of the main span is 155 feet (47 meters). The vertical gap between the highest point on the underside of the bridge's main span is 155 feet (47.2 meters) above the surface of the water. The RB-47E has an overall height of 28 feet (8.5 meters). And Captain Lappo was flying at just 75 feet (23 meters).
Captain Lappo and his crew were returning to Lockbourne Air Force Base, southeast of Columbus, Ohio, following an overnight simulated bombing mission.
When asked why he did it, he answered: “Why do men climb mountains? Or what motivates them to go into space? It's just a sense of adventure that some men have and some don't. . . I've always wanted to fly under a big bridge. I thought it would be the Golden Gate. When I was flying missions to the Far East, I was a co-pilot, and I wanted to fly under the Golden Gate at night. But I couldn't induce the pilot to do it.” ¹
The total length of the Mackinac Bridge is 26,372 feet (8,038 meters). The length of the main span is 3,800 feet (1,158 meters). The height of the main towers is 552 feet (168 meters). The bridge opened to traffic 1 November 1957
Reported by his navigator, Captain Lappo was charged with violating a regulation prohibiting flying an aircraft below 500 feet (152 meters) (AF Reg 60-16). At his court-martial, he pleaded guilty. The court fined him $50.00 per month for six months and he received a reprimand. Based on this, Lieutenant General Walter Campbell Sweeney, Jr., Commanding General, Eighth Air Force, ordered him permanently removed from flight status.
John Lappo had been a highly respected pilot. Several senior officers testified at the court martial as to his skill, dedication and reliability.
Italy, near Livo, Trentino, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol: A Jonker JS-1C Revelation crashed on the southern slope of Monte Pin, in the Maddalene range, Val di Non, near Livo, Trentino, South Tirol. The pilot perished and the powered glider received substantial damage.
USA, near Chanute Martin Johnson Airport (CNU/KCNU), Chanute, KS: A Cirrus SR22T GTS G6 Rhodium, N39VF, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Chanute, Kansas. The pilot and passenger suffered minor injuries. ADS-B data shows that the airplane was descending through 2,500 ft on approach to KCNU when it entered a left hand turn and activated the airframe parachute. The airplane came to rest in a treeline. The tail was severed. The FAA reported that the airplane experienced a loss of engine power.
Myanmar, Yangon-Mingaladon Airport (RGN/VYYY): On April 20, 2026, At Yangon International Airport, an aircraft operated by Myanmar National Airlines (ATR-72) reportedly experienced a brake system failure while taxiing on the runway, according to initial reports. Due to the malfunction, the aircraft was unable to control its speed and collided with the tail section of a parked Airbus A319 belonging to Myanmar Airways International. Following the initial impact, the aircraft veered off course, spun, and struck a ground baggage cart before finally coming to a stop within the airport premises. Both aircraft and some ground equipment sustained damage, though no major destruction was reported. There were also no injuries among passengers or airport staff.
Goerapan Kalahari Helicopter Safari 2025 Day One 21
