MIDWEEK UPDATE 25 MARCH 2021

Compiled by Willie Bodenstein









COVID 19 REGULATIONS, INITIATIVES AND AEROCLUB NEWS



AERO CLUB COMMUNIQUE MARCH 2021 #2

AGM Feedback: -
The 80th Annual General Meeting of the Aero Club of South Africa was held on the 16th March at 18h30. This was a virtual AGM - as everything is virtual these days - with around 40 members in attendance as well as all 13 Member Associations, thus well represented, and thanks to those who could attend. The topics other than the statutory requirements that make up an AGM included the planning of the postponed Centenary events, notably AIrweek, the Centenary Yearbook and a number of topics covering the Aero Club's Advocacy interactions with the regulator.

In terms of the election of the Office Bearers for 2021, Rob Jonkers was elected as the Chairman, Marthinus Potgieter as the Vice Chairman, the Treasurer portfolio was left vacant to find an accounting officer to fulfil the accounting requirements of the Aero Club. An additional elected Officer will also be sought to fulfil the constitution requirements of the Board of the Aero Club. The draft minutes for this AGM will be posted shortly on the Aero Club website.

Aero Club Airweek 2021
Planning for the Centenary (+1) Airweek is now well underway. The dates are 23 - 27 April 2021, with early arrivals on the 23rd and the SAPFA speed rally planned for the 27th April. The EAA annual convention will also take place during this weekend as will other sections of the Aero Club participating in their various disciplines. Please visit the website for more details. www.aeroclub.org.za/airweek

Registration is also open for attending - and those who plan to attend if you can register at this link https://forms.gle/fNu45vALTcrRGzQMA

Those who wish to camp and hire tents, the booking link is here https://forms.gle/jHhK9t2PGQvVWSvB8

For Exhibitors wishing to book exhibition space, visit the website www.aeroclub.org.za/airweek-events-pg-2 for details and Exhibitor forms.

If you have any queries or require information, please email rsvp@aeroclub.org.za

If you are not a member and wish to join the Aero Club and any of its Sections feel free to do so member-renewals-and-new-memberships

Our Centenary Yearbook is now fully available to purchase (see advert below) from our new webshop www.aeroclub.org.za/shop

THE AERO CLUB CENTENARY YEARBOOK







R1,000.00 WORTH OF PRIZES - THE CHOCK NORRIS AVIATION THEMED PHOTO CONTEST

Contestants, please note multiple votes from one device will only be counted once and may led to the entry being disqualified.

Vote now for March week 4 finalists


Vote for Mrch4.1


Vote for Mrch4.2

Final entries! Competition will close on 31 March 2021

How to Enter:
Entering your aviation related photo is easy and simple. All images must be emailed to pilotspost@gmail.com with the following detail included:
Your name,
Email address,
Telephone number,
Where the photo was taken,
Phone used,
A theme name of the photo (Optional).

Due to the large amount of entries we expect, Pilot's Post will not acknowledge your entry!!

Entry Rules:
1. When entering the competition and by sending your photo to Pilot's Post, you explicitly grant the publication of your submitted photograph at Pilot's Post team's discretion without any remuneration or obligation to you.
2. Submitted photos must be resized to be less than 1 megabyte in size. If full-size photographs are required, the Pilot's Post team will request them from you.
3. Only photos taken with cell phones will be accepted.
3. All submissions must have an aviation theme.
4. Photo submissions may be cropped and / or resized only. Any other form of photo alteration or manipulation is not allowed and will be disqualified.
5. You may submit up to three entries per week.
Judging:
1. The Pilot's Post team will select the 2 best photos submitted every week and add them into our "Midweek Update" published every Thursday morning, where our readers will then cast their votes by simply clicking the link below the photo of their choice.
2. At the end of each month, a complete article will be published on Pilot's Post to include the weekly photo submissions with the most reader votes. Our readers will then again have the opportunity to cast their votes by simply clicking the link below the photo of their choice. The photo with the highest number of votes will then be judged the Winner of the Month.
3. A prize of a set of Chock Norris personalised Aircraft Chocks with leather storage bag valued at R500
and
a voucher from the Pilot Shop valued at R200.00 will be awarded to each monthly winner
and
a soft cover copy of the Aero Club of South Africa's Centenary Yearbook valued at R300.00 sponsored by Chapter 322 of the EAA of SA
Eligibility:
The Pilot's Post "Chock Norris 2020" aviation related photo competition is only open to photographers resident in South Africa as our prizes are not transferable and can only be redeemed in South Africa.



EAA CHAPTER 322
With our MACH program (Member Awards for Chapter Help), your membership could win you a trip to Oshkosh!
Click on the link below today to renew or join!
www.eaa.org.za/membership/membership-form
or for EAA membership information go to
www.eaa.org.za





The following events will to take place under the rules controlling the number of people congregating together and are therefore not open to the general public.

24 MARCH
Join AERO South Africa and the Safety-First Aviator team Time: 19h00
Theme: From IMC [Covid-19], back into VFR, are you ready for it!? It remains 'YOUR CALL!' Following on the webinar hosted on 25 February 2021, join AERO South Africa and the Safety-First Aviator team, as we give guidance to pilots on getting back to flying safely, focusing on resilience with the 2020/2021 campaign of "Prop Clear." Register here >>> https://bit.ly/3qWT87bg

26 MARCH
Stellenbosch Rally Training Day, Stellenbosch Airfield. Contact Frank:- frank.eckard@mweb.co.za Tel: 083 269 1516. Enter here: www.sapfa.co.za/index.php/component/competition/?view=pilot or www.speedrally.co.za

27 MARCH
Stellenbosch Rally, Stellenbosch Airfield. Contact frank.eckard@mweb.co.za Tel: 083 269 1516. Enter Here: www.sapfa.co.za/index.php/component/competition/?view=pilot or www.speedrally.co.za

26 - 28 MARCH
Large Scale Aerobatics at Barnstormers. Contact Stan 084 268 2025 or Justin 084 465 1000

27 MARCH
EAA Chapter 322 drive-in or fly-in night at Jack Taylor Krugersdorp. We will show a movie on a giant screen on the airfield. Members can drive in or fly in (camp that night on the field). The planned movie is 'Flying the Feathered Edge' with Bob Hoover. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674



2 TO 5 APRIL
Sandstone Steam Festival - train rides all day from 10h00. Contact 051 933 2235 Website: www.sandstone-estates.com

7 APRIL
EAA Chapter 322 monthly meeting virtual and Dicky Fritz MOTH Hall, Edenvale. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674

15 TO 17 APRIL
National Rally Flying Championships - Stellenbosch Airfield. Contact frank.eckard@mweb.co.za Tel: 083 269 1516 Enter Here: www.sapfa.co.za/index.php/component/competition/?view=pilot or www.speedrally.co.za

17 APRIL
Robertson Flying Club annual breakfast fly-in with spot landing competition. Contact Alwyn du Plessis E-mail: boeredata@breede.co.za Cell: 083 270 5888

17 & 18 APRIL
Sports Aerobatics Club Eastern Cape Regionals Wings Park Airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za

24 APRIL
EAA South Africa at Middelburg Airfield AGM details to be announced

23 & 27 APRIL
Aero Club Airweek at Middelburg Airfield. Contact Rob Jonkers E-mail: rob@aerosud.co.za Cell: 082 804 7032

27 APRIL
SAPFA Middelburg Speed Rally at Middelburg Airfield. Contact Jonty Esser E-mail: jonty@promptroofing.co.za Cell: 082 855 9435

30 APR TO 2 MAY 2021
North meets South @ Gariep 2021. Venue: Gariep Dam. Tommie Jordaan. WhatsApp : 0828023221 email : tommie.jordaan@icloud.com

1 MAY
Military and history festival. Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria. For more information bemarking@vdm.org.za





SLING AFRICA TOUR: BUSHVELD SAFARI



The Sling Africa Tour is once again upon us and this year will see us Slinging our way over wild southern Africa and back! Southern Africa is one of the most picturesque regions in the world. From the majestic Victoria Falls, to its dramatic landscapes, diverse African cultures and abundant wildlife, the natural and cultural heritage of this region is a gift to us all. It's a magnificent region to explore, unwind in and fly over!

This year, the Sling Africa Tour will be routing through Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique. It's going to be a fantastic tour and once again we're looking forward to enjoying it with you. Like we did in 2019, we'll be following in the footsteps of Essie Esterhuysen's tour and enjoying the organisational benefits associated with that. We aim to have 10 Sling Aircraft and 20 Slingers join us on this adventure. Mike Blyth will be leading the tour in our latest development, the Sling High Wing. Accommodation will cost around R27,000 per person - 1,750 USD - (depending on your choice of accommodation) for the entire trip which includes breakfast and dinner and sometimes lunch at each location. Please contact us for full details.

If you would like to experience the Sling lifestyle for yourself, book today and pay your deposit of R10,000 (670 USD) per person ASAP in order to avoid disappointment!

Shanelle McKechnie Shanelle@Slingaircraft.com







ROLLS-ROYCE AND TECNAM JOIN FORCES WITH WIDERØE TO DELIVER AN ALL-ELECTRIC PASSENGER AIRCRAFT READY FOR SERVICE IN 2026



Rolls-Royce and airframer Tecnam are joining forces with Widerøe - the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market, ready for revenue service in 2026. The project expands on the successful research programme between Rolls-Royce and Widerøe on sustainable aviation and the existing partnership between Rolls-Royce and Tecnam on powering the all-electric P-Volt aircraft.

Stein Nilsen, Chief Executive, Widerøe said: "Norway's extensive network of short take-off and landing airports is ideal for zero emissions technologies. This aircraft shows how quickly new technology can and will be developed and that we are on track with our ambition of flying with zero emissions around 2025."

Rob Watson, Director - Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: "Electrification will help us deliver our ambition to enable the markets in which we operate achieve net zero carbon by 2050. This collaboration strengthens our existing relationships with Tecnam and Widerøe as we look to explore what is needed to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market. It also demonstrates Rolls-Royce's ambitions to be the leading supplier of all-electric and hybrid electric propulsion and power systems across multiple aviation markets."

The programme will look to cover all elements of developing and delivering an all-electric passenger aircraft that could be used in the Norwegian market from 2026. Due to its topography, Norway makes extensive use of aviation for regional connectivity and has an ambition for all domestic flights to be zero emissions by 2040. Rolls-Royce will bring its expertise in propulsion and power systems, Tecnam will provide aircraft design, manufacturing and certification capabilities. Widerøe's mission will be to ensure that all competence and requirements of an airline operator are in place for entry into service in 2026.

Andreas Aks, Chief Strategy Officer, Widerøe, added: "We are highly excited to be offered the role as launch operator, but also humble about the challenges of putting the world's first zero emissions aircraft into service. Our mission is to have all new capabilities, processes and procedures required for a zero emissions operator, designed and approved in parallel with the aircraft being developed and certified."

Fabio Russo, Chief Project R&D and Product Development, Tecnam, said: "It is incredible to see the interest around the P-Volt, not only coming from regional airlines, but also from smart mobility-based companies. This last year has demonstrated the importance of promoting capillary connections between small communities, while reducing the congestion of the main hubs. The P-Volt, like the P2012 Traveller today, will perfectly fit the scope of this programme. We are honoured and pleased to see the level of enthusiasm Widerøe and our partner Rolls-Royce are dedicating to this project."

The collaboration offers an opportunity to develop an exciting solution to the commuter aircraft market. Before the pandemic, Widerøe offered around 400 flights per day using a network of 44 airports, where 74% of the flights have distances less than 275 km. The shortest flight durations are between seven and fifteen minutes. Developing all-electric aircraft will enable people to be connected in a sustainable way and will fulfil Wideroe's ambition to make its first all-electric flight by 2026. The all-electric P-Volt aircraft, which is based on the 11-seat Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft is ideal for the short take-off and landing as well as for routes in the North and the West Coast of Norway.

Rolls-Royce also has an existing strategic partnership with Tecnam to develop the modified Tecnam P2010 aircraft with the H3PS1 propulsion system, the first parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system for General Aviation started together with Rotax in May 2018.



BEECHCRAFT KING AIR 260 ACHIEVES FAA TYPE CERTIFICATION AS THE NEWLY UPGRADED AIRCRAFT BEGINS NEW ERA OF FLYING



Textron Aviation announced it has achieved Type Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its newly upgraded twin turboprop Beechcraft King Air 260, paving the way for customer deliveries to commence in the coming weeks and launching a new era for the renowned King Air 200 series aircraft. Announced in December 2020, the King Air 260 features the latest technological advancements to the cockpit and improvements to the cabin, reflecting the company's continued commitment to making substantial investments to its current industry-leading products.

"The continual conversations we have with our customers play an integral role in the decisions we make about the design of new aircraft, as well as enhancements to our existing fleet," said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering and Programs. "With the King Air 260, we utilized that valuable feedback and truly elevated the flying experience for both pilots and passengers. And now, with certification complete, we are looking forward to getting the King Air 260 into the hands of so many eager customers."

The King Air 260 combines the platform's rich history of rugged reliability and versatility with state-of-the-art upgrades and next-generation capability, offering a greater ease of flying. With an occupancy of up to nine, a maximum range of 1,720 nautical miles and a top cruise speed of 310 kts, the Beechcraft King Air 200 series aircraft have long been the aircraft of choice for customers around the world. The latest upgrades offer even more reasons for choosing the aircraft.

The upgraded cockpit features the Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle system, which supports pilots in their critical mission of delivering people or cargo by automatically managing engine power from the take-off roll through the climb, cruise, descent, go-around and landing phases of flight. This enhancement reduces pilot workload and is designed to prevent over-speed or under-speed, over-temp and over-torque conditions. The ThrustSense Autothrottle system has been awarded special type certification (STC) approval from the FAA.

Another key update in the cockpit is the new digital pressurization controller, which automatically schedules cabin pressurization during both climb and descent, reducing pilot workload and increasing overall passenger comfort. The pressurization gauges have been integrated with the powerful Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck.

The Collins Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar provides pilots with a fully automatic system that is optimized to detect short, mid and long-range weather. The system is designed to present an accurate picture of the weather around the aircraft, further reducing pilot workload.

The King Air 260 cabin, meanwhile, features newly designed seats created through an innovative pressure-mapping process that identifies ways to provide a more comfortable, relaxing journey for passengers, especially on longer flights.



BOEING INDUCTS FIRST EA-18G GROWLER FOR U.S. NAVY MODIFICATION PROGRAM



Boeing [NYSE: BA] has started a five-year modification program for the U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growler fleet with the induction of the first jet at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The first production EA-18G aircraft delivered in 2007 is the first Growler to receive this capability upgrade. A variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, the Growler, will receive several capabilities common with the Block III upgrades.

The modifications are focused on updating the jets' structural and mission systems architecture, enabling future capability growth for the Navy's 160 Growler aircraft. Growlers serve a critical role in jamming radar and communications signals of threat forces, disabling their ability to detect and track U.S. and allied military forces.

"We're excited to have the Growler industry team here working on capabilities that will bring the fleet enhanced electronic surveillance, enhanced data link and the ability to carry the Next Generation Jammer pod," said Capt. Chris "Needles" Bahner, commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "We look forward to being a cooperative partner with PMA-265 and PMA-234 at Naval Air Systems Command and the Growler industry team on this exciting work."

Following contract awards in October 2020 and February 2021 for materials and labour, the modification work includes various upgrades for Growler mission systems. The aircraft's ALQ-218 receiver system will receive the Airborne Electronic Attack System Enhancements modification, enabling the Growler to operate in increasingly complex electromagnetic environments.

Additional modifications will expand the Growler's information pipeline for more rapid and secure data transfer to other aircraft and platforms as well as substantially improve the speed of data processing. Boeing will also prepare the Growler for the Next Generation Jammer, which greatly improves the Growler's electronic attack capability.

"As the world's premier electronic attack platform, we're starting this program for the EA-18G Growler in solid partnership with the Navy," said Mark Sears, Boeing vice president of Fighters & Strike Product Support. "These modifications will position it to meet the threats of today and those in the future."

The program schedule forecasts that all Navy Growlers will be modified in five years. Full rate modification is expected to start in June 2021. Boeing has positioned people on-site at Whidbey, following state, local, customer and corporate COVID protocols, to ensure the program is fully staffed to support the work flow.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defence, space and security systems and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.



KAMAN DELIVERS NEW K-MAX TO BLACK TUSK HELICOPTER INC.



Kaman Air Vehicles, a division of Kaman Corporation announced it delivered a new medium-to-heavy lift K-MAX helicopter to Black Tusk Helicopter Inc. of Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Black Tusk performs various external lift projects of every scale, ranging from aerial timber harvesting, ski tower setting, firefighting and hydroelectric projects.

"Black Tusk is a highly respected operator and we appreciate the confidence they have placed in Kaman and the capabilities of the K-MAX," said Roger Wassmuth, senior director of business development. "Operators are choosing K-MAX for its proven repetitive lift capability with unmatched performance in the most demanding environments."

"Our primary business goal is to offer our clients quality helicopter services and to ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business by continuing to provide customers reliable and safe performance in all areas of our business. Adding a K-MAX to our fleet is an important step towards ensuring we can continue offering our customers the most appropriate and efficient aircraft for their requirements and particular job needs," stated Black Tusk Helicopter Inc.

"We are excited to add Black Tusk as our newest international K-MAX operator. The reputation of the K-MAX as a highly versatile and capable aircraft is translating into the increased level of interest we are seeing from operators and industry around the globe," said Darlene Smith, president, Kaman Air Vehicles / Precision Products Division.

The K-MAX is a rugged, low-maintenance aircraft that features a counter-rotating rotor system and is optimized for repetitive external load operations. The aircraft can lift up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) with unmatched performance in hot and high conditions.



SH09 FLIES AFTER MAJOR RETROFIT



The SH09 third prototype (P3) recently took off at Mollis, Switzerland, following a major modification. This was part of the planned product development roadmap, towards the final Type Certificate configuration, as presented by Kopter during the 2020 HAI exhibition.

This modification programme was successfully implemented thanks to the joint efforts of the Kopter and Leonardo teams. It includes a new main rotor head design, a new main gear box with an extended mast and new flight controls configuration. Another significant change is the installation of the state-of-the-art Garmin G3000H integrated flight deck, flown for the first time on a helicopter.

The expected improvement of P3 handling qualities and stability were immediately apparent to the crew; during the first flight it was possible to complete a set of low-speed envelope manoeuvres up to 35 kts, including forward, rearward and sideward flights as well as spot turns.

Subsequently, several flights have taken place and the crew has been able to expand the flight envelope to climb, descents, autorotation and turns up to 5000ft.

Richard Grant, Kopter Chief Test pilot commented: "The overall helicopter response to control inputs has been improved. All manoeuvres could be performed accurately with deliberate and precise inputs."

The Garmin G3000H has performed as expected, thus confirming the importance of anticipating its integration in the P3 configuration to fully develop its potential and benefits in the next generation SH09 helicopter.

Michele Riccobono, Kopter CTO and Head of Flight Operations stated: "The results of these first flights with this new configuration are the evidence of the Kopter engineering capability to accurately predict the helicopter behaviour and successfully drive the design towards the required performance improvements".

The flight test programme is now continuing with the expansion of the weight, speed and altitude envelopes while assessing the new flight deck avionics suite.



FIRST F-35A FOR DENMARK TAKES FLIGHT



Earlier this week, L-001, Denmark's first F-35 Lightning II production aircraft flew its inaugural flight. Denmark is the fifth European NATO nation to fly and operate an F-35, strengthening NATO's 5th generation airpower foundation. Denmark is joining four other European nations who already operate the F-35: The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway and Italy.

Like the F-16 before it, the F-35 is spearheading NATO's air power and ensuring strategic integration of allied combat airpower. The vital interoperability of the 5th Generation F-35 binds 13 allies and partners with the United States in air dominance and enabling critical joint capabilities. The F-35 will serve as a force multiplier for Denmark, allowing the Royal Danish Air Force to train and fight alongside NATO allies and create a strong deterrent.

"Achieving the first flight of Denmark's first F-35 is major milestone for the Denmark F-35 program and a testament to the outstanding abilities of our dedicated and highly trained joint industry and government team," said Bill Brotherton, acting F-35 vice president and general manager. "This team's focus on delivering the most effective, survivable and connected fighter in the world will ensure the sovereign protection of Denmark and strengthen allies and partners through the NATO F-35 coalition."

L-001 is scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Danish Air Force in April and will be flown to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, later this year for pilot and maintainer training. F-35s will arrive in Denmark in 2023 and be based at Royal Danish Air Force's Fighter Wing Skrydstrup where it will safeguard the skies over Denmark and its NATO allies.



LEBANESE AIR FORCE COMPLETES FIRST MD HELICOPTERS TRAINING CLASS



The Lebanese Air Force successfully completed their first training class at MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Flight Training Academy. This was the first of three classes that included pilots, maintainers and armament personnel, which took place in Mesa, Arizona as well as at an off-site location for gunnery training.

Utilizing the Lebanese Air Force's MD 530Fs for the training allowed the customer to become comfortable in their own aircraft and ensure the aircraft will maintain a high rate of readiness during all phases of training and after delivery. Pilot training consisted of aircraft qualification, including touchdown emergency procedure training, basic combat skills and tactics conducted during daylight and night time utilizing night vision goggles (NVG). Tactical training included single ship and team tactics and culminated with day/NVG aerial gunnery utilizing the customer's pilots, maintainers and armament personnel, training as they would in combat. Additional training was conducted for the instructor and maintenance test pilots while supplemental quality control classes allowed the customer to become more familiar with both flying and maintaining the aircraft.

Although travel restrictions have increased due to COVID-19, MDHI remains open for training our customers both in the hangar and the classroom. MDHI adheres to strict social distancing practices and has deployed strong cleaning procedures to ensure training areas and aircraft are sterilized for the safety of our customers.

MDHI Flight Training Academy is proud to provide a complete training solution for customers and operators worldwide. We customize all training to the customer's required end state and perform training at MDHI's facilities in AZ or in-country at the customer's training location.



SABREWING ANNOUNCES LONG RANGE CARGO VTOL FIRST FLIGHT



Sabrewing Aircraft plans to perform the first flight of its Rhaegal unmanned heavy-lift, long-range half-scale prototype aircraft by the end of March, says Ed De Reyes, Sabrewing chairman and CEO. This half-scale prototype has an 8.5 m wingspan and will be roughly half the weight of the full-size production aircraft.

The full-scale Rhaegal that will go into production will have a wingspan of 17 m, said De Reyes, adding that the company started with the half-scale prototype to make it easier to operate and for it to perform avionics and autopilot development.

The Rhaegal RG-1 is designed to fly non-stop and un-refuelled for 4500 nautical miles (8800 kilometres). Learn more about its technical specifications in the Hangar.

The full-scale Rhaegal will feature a turbo-electric powertrain that will be fuel-efficient and not require a charging station. Sabrewing is installing a Safran Arriel 2D turboshaft engine that it received for free from Safran into the half-scale prototype for use in its upcoming flight test. The Arriel 2D, which powers the Airbus H125 and H130 single engine commercial helicopters, features a take-off power of 952 shaft horsepower (shp), and a cruise power of 856 shp.

De Reyes said Sabrewing just finished redesigning the half-scale prototype's gearbox for use with the Arriel 2D as it would provide about 3x the shaft horsepower that would have been provided by another engine the company considered using. De Reyes told Janes on 16 February that the company was planning to use a Boeing 502 gas turbine engine in the half-scale prototype's first flight, but decided against it when it discovered that the Boeing engine, which provides 300 hp, would max out at just over 300 kW for a few seconds.





RUSSIA



An Utair flight 595, a Boeing 737-524 with 100 on a board on a domestic scheduled passenger flight suffered a main landing gear collapse after it touched down in the snow short 32 meters short of the threshold of runway 13. of the runway at Usinsk Airport, Russia.
The aircraft then hit a snow bank, causing the main landing gears to separate. It then slid down the runway and came to rest on the edge, perpendicular to the runway. All occupants evacuated the aircraft safely.
Probable Cause:
The accident occurred during the landing as a result of a collision of the aircraft with a snow parapet 1.1 m high at a distance of 32 m to the runway threshold (within the paved section of the runway), which resulted in damage to the main landing gear and their subsequent "folding" in the process of moving along the runway.
The accident was caused by a combination of the following factors:
- Failure by the operator of the Usinsk aerodrome to comply with the FAP-262 requirements for the maintenance of the aerodrome, which resulted in the presence of snow parapets on the paved section of the landing strip;
- Lack of risk assessment in the airline associated with the execution of approaches in the baro-VNAV mode in the presence of factors that impede such approaches (low ambient temperatures, snow-covered underlying surface, drifting snow (snowstorm), significant changes in the relief in front of the runway end, lack of PAPI-type lights), as well as appropriate recommendations to the crews on the specifics of such approaches, including after the transition to visual flight and crew training;
- Insufficient assessment by the crew during the preparation of the existing threats (hazard factors) and making an insufficiently substantiated decision to perform an RNAV (GNSS) approach (under the control of the autopilot in LNAV/VNAV mode) without introducing a correction for low outside air temperature in altitude overflying waypoints, which led to a flight below the established glide path;
- Performing a flight along the "extended glide path" after turning off the autopilot and switching to manual piloting without attempting to enter the set glide path;
- The PIC may have had a visual illusion of a "high glide path" due to a snow-covered underlying surface, a snowstorm and the presence of a ravine directly in front of the runway end in the absence of PAPI type lights, which led to an incorrect assessment of the aircraft's flight altitude after switching to manual piloting, lack of reaction to timely and correct warnings of the co-pilot and exit to the runway end at a height significantly less than the established one.



South Africa, AFB Swartkop: The aircraft, a once off Patchen TSC-2 Explorer 2000 reconnaissance aircraft, impacted the terrain while on approach to the Swartkop Air Force Base (FASK), Gauteng, South Africa. The vintage airplane was destroyed by an ensuing post-crash fire and the two people onboard were fatally injured. The Explorer was developed for pipeline patrol operation, aerial photography and law enforcement agencies. The prototype was shipped to South Africa and evaluated by the SAAF's Test Flight and Development Centre for use as a light recon forward air control aircraft, but was not quite what was required. As a result, it languished in a hangar for many years before being donated to the SAAF Museum.

South Africa, Ballito KZN: A Solo Wings Windlass Aquilla with two on board crashed under unknown circumstances shortly after take-off. The two occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Kenya, Marsabit: An Aeronav Air Services Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crashed in a mountainous area near Marsabit, Kenya, killing both occupants. The aircraft was flying to Marsabit to pick up passengers for a peace meeting in the Ileret area. It had been chartered by the Marsabit County Government.



Nigeria: Following series of incidents involving Azman Air Boeing 737 aircraft, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended the operations of all the Boeing 737 aircraft in the fleet of Azman Air Services Limited, with effect from March 15, 2021. The suspension is to enable the NCAA to conduct an audit of the airline to determine the root cause(s) of the incidents, and recommend corrective actions. The airline currently operates one Airbus A340-600, two Boeing 737-300's and three Boeing 737-500's.

Nigeria, near Kano-Aminu Kano International Airport: An Aero Contractors Boeing 737-522 returned to land at Kano Airport, Nigeria, after suffering a bird strike on take-off from runway 24. The aircraft landed safely 12 minutes later.

South Sudan, Juba International Airport: A Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Cessna 208B Grand Caravan was one of two parked planes that were damaged in a heavy storm at Juba International Airport. The MAF aircraft tilted backwards and rested on its tail.



USA, Lawrenceville-Gwinnett County Briscoe Field, GA: The EAA Aviation Museum's Boeing B-17G-105-VE Flying Fortress "Aluminium Overcast" suffered minor damage to the right wing between engines no.3 and 4 from an apparent bird strike during a landing near Lawrenceville-Gwinnett County Briscoe Field. The aircraft landed safely. The B-17G has been grounded until further notice.

USA, Delaware Municipal Airport: A Bücker Bü-131 Jungmann Replica with only the pilot on board sustained minor damage subsequent to a landing gear collapse during landing at Delaware Municipal Airport /Moore Field, Delaware, Ohio. The sole pilot onboard the tailwheel equipped amateur build biplane was not injured during the incident.

USA, Chippewa County, New Auburn NW of Bloomer, WI: A M-Squared Breese XL home build ultra-light with one occupant subsequent to a downdraft, the aircraft tailwheel caught powerlines during a landing attempt to a private landing strip in Chippewa County at New Auburn northwest of Bloomer, Wisconsin. The suspended pusher configured ultralight sustained minor damage and the sole pilot onboard was not injured during the incident.



Pakistan, Karachi-Jinnah International Airport: Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320-214 with 162 on board suffered a bird strike on take-off from runway 25L at Karachi-Jinnah International Airport (OPKC). The aircraft returned and landed safely back at Karachi Airport, nine minutes after take-off.

India, Gwalior Airport: An Indian Air Force MiG-21 Bison with one on board crashed upon take-off from an airbase in central India under unknown circumstances. The pilot did not survive.

China, sea off Xiamen City, Fujian Province: A Fanya General Aviation Bell 206B JetRanger III with four occupants crashed into the sea off Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China. There were no survivors.





22 MARCH 1937

Mary Du Caurroy Russell, Duchess of Bedford, DBE, ARRC, FLS (née Tribe) born on 26 September was a British aviator who financed and took part in record breaking flights to Karachi and Cape Town.

The Duchess of Bedford, became interested in aviation late in life claiming that flying gave her some relief from her constant tinnitus, although she eventually became totally deaf. On 2 August 1929, she departed on a record-breaking flight of 10,000 miles (16,000 km) from Lympne Airport to Karachi (then in India) and return to Croydon Airport in eight days. She was accompanied in her single-engine Fokker F.VII (G-EBTS, named "Spider") by her personal pilot C. D. Barnard and mechanic Robert Little. On 8 April 1930 she made her first solo flight, in her DH.60G Moth (G-AAAO).

On 10 April 1930 she embarked on a record-breaking flight from Lympne Airport to Cape Town, in the "Spider", flying 9,000 miles (14,000 km) in 100 flying hours over 10 days, accompanied by C. D. Barnard.

The duchess died aged 71, on 22 March 1937, three months before Amelia Earhart's death, after leaving Woburn Abbey in a DH.60GIII Moth Major (G-ACUR), that crashed into the North Sea off Great Yarmouth; her body was never recovered.



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