MIDWEEK UPDATE 4 AUGUSTUS 2021
COVID 19 REGULATIONS, INITIATIVES AND AEROCLUB NEWS
OUR CENTENARY YEARBOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE FROM OUR NEW WEBSHOP
WWW.AEROCLUB.ORG.ZA/SHOP
The following events will take place under the rules controlling the number of people congregating together and are therefore not open to the general public.
18 - 21 AUGUST
Sport Aerobatics Club National Aerobatics Championships Phalaborwa Airfield. Contact Annie Boon E-mail: chunge@mweb.co.za or Natalie Stark natalie@stark.co.za
27 - 29 AUGUST
SAMJA Top Gun RC Jet Championships. For more information contact Dean Grobbelaar at dean@aerialconcepts.co.za
28 AUGUST
SAPFA Secunda Speed Rally at Secunda Airfield. Contact Jonty Esser E-mail: jonty@promptroofing.co.za Cell: 082 855 9435
1 SEPTEMBER
EAA Chapter 322 virtual monthly meeting via Zoom Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674
11 SEPTEMBER
RV Day Fly-In to Kitty Hawk. For more information contact Dawie Pretorius Cell: 082 804 6979
17 & 18 SEPTEMBER
EAA Silver Creek Fly-In and movie evening. Camping on the airfield. Contact Jeremy Woods Cell: 082 883 0436 OR Neil Bowden Cell: 084 674 5674
23 to 26 SEPTEMBER
MISASA Africa Cup at Hotel Numbi
24 & 25 SEPTEMBER
De Havilland 90th anniversary, a gathering of Tiger Moths at Queenstown Airfield. Contact Giel 082 555 4418 or Mark 082 921 2872
24 & 26 SEPTEMBER
EAA Sun 'n Fun at Brits airfield. Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: neil1@telkomsa.net Cell: 084 674 5674
24 SEPTEMBER
Heritage Day. Great Train Race, vintage cars and aircraft at Heidelberg airfield. Contact Van Zyl Schultz Cell: 082 560 2275 or E-mail: vzs@mweb.co.za
On 1 August 2021, Vektor Aviation (Pty) Ltd (FSP 51660) launched as one of South Africa's largest specialist aviation insurance brokers following the acquisition of PSG's aviation business, which has shown strong growth over the past 12 years. The niche business and existing team will now chart their own course under the new banner of Vektor Aviation.
Under the new banner, Vektor Aviation continues to provide insurance coverage to over 1 000 aircraft owners. They are one of a select few brokers in South Africa with international fixed- and rotor wing insurance programmes with dedicated brokers in London who understand the unique needs of local aviators. When asked about the new entity, Mr Wiese said, "We're confident our renewed 'suit of armour' and messaging will open new doors for us."
Vektor Aviation's recent partnership with Consilium, an Aventum Group company (GWP of $600 million globally) and an accredited Lloyd's of London Broker, offers the business access to a wider range of markets and hand-picked insurers. The business also works closely alongside some of South Africa's top underwriters including Santam, Azriel Aviation Africa, Infiniti Insurance and Natsure Aviation.
With regards to Vektor Aviation's successful FSCA registration, Mr Wiese says, "We've dotted all the I's and crossed all the T's. The pre-flight check is done. It's all systems go." Traffic control vectoring aims to ensure aircraft achieve and maintain their desired track to arrive, depart or transition safely. With their new name and brand promise, excellence and nothing less, Vektor Aviation strives to serve its clients in the same way.
"When insuring a multi-million-rand aircraft, a certain level of service is expected. Excellence and nothing less is the baseline from which we've always operated," Mr Wiese added. "We continue to be relationship- and service-oriented, prioritising risk prevention as a means of loss management. Our hard-won experience equips us with the necessary foresight to guide our clients and insure their most valued assets at a compelling price. Few insurance brokers are in a position to do that."
Vektor Aviation will continue working with PSG, who provides personal and business insurance advice, to ensure clients' needs continue to be met holistically.
Piper Aircraft has announced that is has achieved certification of the new Garmin GWX 8000 weather radar in all M-Class products. Piper Aircraft is the first general aviation manufacturer to certify the all-digital radar in a turbo prop or piston product.
The GWX 8000 StormOptix is Garmin's most advanced weather radar system to date and includes capabilities typically only found in large business jets and commercial airlines. The system features unmatched capability that provides easier threat identification, increased situational awareness and a reduction in pilot workload. The Garmin GWX 8000 StormOptix™ automatic threat analysis adjusts the antenna sweep patterns to accurately profile weather cells. With the StormOptix autoscan function, the radar automatically performs multiple scan and sweep angles to help you determine the actual size, shape and hazardous storm cell activity. As standard capability on the GWX 8000, the radar will also predict lightning and hail development in thunderstorm cells ahead as well as detecting and alerting you to potentially hazardous turbulence.
"We are excited to lead the general aviation industry with the certification of the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar in our M-Class product line", said Piper President and CEO, John Calcagno. "The unmatched visibility that the advanced weather radar solution offers along with reduced pilot workload helps further enhance the safe operation of our aircraft and brings another level of assurance to our owner pilots. Our customers are able to easily interpret the severity of storm cells in an area and make timely decisions to help them navigate with confidence around severe weather systems."
"We are excited and proud to have our GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar certified on the entire Piper M-Class lineup," said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. "Historically, weather radar operation has been a laborious task. The StormOptix weather radar simplifies use down to a single button push and further enhances safety by more clearly depicting storm cells, including hail, lightning, and turbulence, so the pilot can navigate more strategically through areas of hazardous weather."
SR Series owners can upgrade the appearance of their aircraft with new interior and exterior upgrades. The new FLEX™ Cargo Management System for the Vision Jet was also announced. In support of new pilots entering aviation or those pursuing their instrument rating, Cirrus announced personalized, concierge flight training offerings at its training facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee and McKinney, Texas. Supporting owners service and support needs, Cirrus has added a Mobile Service Team for maintenance and AOG services and additional FAA Repair Station authorizations in Duluth, Minnesota; Knoxville, Tennessee and McKinney, Texas.
The new updates and features to the Cirrus IQ™ mobile app will enhance the ability for owners and operators of SR Series aircraft equipped with Cirrus IQ™ to remotely access critical aircraft and flight related information. The new release introduces two new features, Find Us and Technical Publications. Find Us allows you to quickly locate authorized service and training partners near you, as well as Cirrus Campuses, directly within the app. Technical Publications lists and provides push notifications for technical publication updates that are applicable to your specific aircraft.
Cirrus Aircraft is now offering interior and exterior aftermarket upgrades for the SR Series to fully enhance the aircraft. The interior and exterior upgrades are offered in a variety of options that allow owners to upgrade the appearance of their aircraft to add distinctive ramp presence.
Designed to bring added versatility and flexibility to the Vision Jet, the new FLEX Cargo Management System™ enables the convenient storing of cargo in the cabin. The FLEX system adapts to the existing seat positions in the Vision Jet cabin using a suite of attachments to easily and safely stow a variety of cargo - including bikes, luggage, golf clubs, coolers and more.
Launched at the company's facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee and McKinney, Texas, the new Cirrus Flight Training program gives customers access to the world's best-selling SR Series and expert instructors for a concierge experience, focused on concentrated learning on your schedule. With all skill levels in mind, Cirrus Flight Training includes the ability to earn your Private Pilot's License (PPL) or Instrument Rating, as well as recurrent or specialty training.
Keeping customer and aircraft support a priority, Cirrus Aircraft further supplemented the Service and Support experience with new programs and services, including a new Mobile Service Team serving aircraft on ground (AOG) customers in the areas surrounding Orlando, Florida. The Mobile Service Team joins a variety of added support services at the company's facilities in Duluth, Knoxville and McKinney.
The DA50 RG has recently reached a monumental milestone with the first North Atlantic crossing from Diamond Aircraft's headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, to the London, Ontario, facility in Canada.
"We have been eagerly awaiting the launch of the DA50 RG in North America, combining it with the relaunch of EAA AirVenture in 2021 is a winning combination, "says Scott McFadzean, CEO Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc, "We expect the aircraft will impress our customers at the display, but we know customers can't wait to get a chance to experience the aircraft first hand. The DA50 RG will begin a demo tour across the US in September 2021."
The US order book for the DA50 RG will be opened at EAA AirVenture with first deliveries commencing in the second quarter of 2022, as soon as FAA validation is obtained.
This kind of acquisition is what Tecnam calls "Fleet Solution", where a flight school can offer different models to cover all the flight training requirements, from initial training to Complex (Multi engine, Variable Pitch Propeller and Retractable Landing Gear). With incredibly low operating costs and competitive rates for students, the school has Tecnam as a single source for all needs. The Tecnam platforms for training are based on very modern aircraft models, that exceed a very strict and high level certification process, that, 1950's design aircraft on the training market cannot meet.
Legends will be utilizing the high wing P2008 LSA for initial through IFR introduction training equipped with the Garmin G3X dual screen system as well as the Garmin GTN 650. Students will then move to the FAA standard Category P2010 4 place single engine with G1000 NXi and GFC 700 autopilot for completion of IFR, Commercial and CFI Certificates. Finally, students will fly the P2006T light twin with Garmin G1000 NXi to complete their Multi-Commercial and Multi-Engine Instructor Certificates.
Starting in Fresno, the Pipistrel Alpha Electro aircraft flew 227 nautical miles over Central California with stops in Madera, Merced, Modesto and Lodi before following the same flight path back to Fresno. Beam Global partnered with pilot Joseph Oldham, founder and CEO of New Vision Aviation, to make the trip possible. EV ARC™ electric vehicle charging equipment was rapidly deployed at several airports, and in some cases, relocated to support the multi-leg flight, demonstrating that airports can support the electrification of aviation without construction, electrical work or large utility charges.
"This historic world record marks the start of a new chapter for zero emissions aviation while breaking down the barriers to rapid adoption of commercially available clean aircraft. Our products make airport charging infrastructure available now, ushering in a new level of aviation access for rural and suburban denizens," said Beam Global CEO Desmond Wheatley. "There are around twenty thousand public and private airports across the U.S. and we want to put clean, impact-free charging infrastructure in all of them."
Currently, 62% of electricity from the grid in the U.S. is sourced from fossil fuels and 29% of greenhouse gas emissions comes from the transportation sector according to an April U.S. EPA report on Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. As the momentum behind the electrification of transportation continues to grow globally, this world record highlights the coming renewable revolution of air travel ushering in a new era of clean transportation. These efforts are being led by the state of California, where Governor Gavin Newsom has dedicated a portion of the proposed 2021 state budget to mitigating the dangers posed by climate change, including efforts to prioritize zero-emission transportation.
The lifting power demonstrated by SB>1 DEFIANT in this test equates to an Infantry Squad Vehicle, hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition, more than 600 gallons of water, or ~240 cases of MREs - resupply vital to soldier survival in a contested environment.
SB>1 DEFIANT is the technology demonstrator proving out transformational capabilities for the DEFIANT X weapons system, the Sikorsky-Boeing team offering for the U.S. Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition as part of the Future Vertical Lift program. The Sikorsky-Boeing team designed DEFIANT X to serve the specific needs of all U.S. Army FLRAA missions - offering a holistic approach to speed, range and manoeuvrability. The external load capacity of DEFIANT X significantly increases its potential for humanitarian assistance missions at home or abroad.
The SB>1 DEFIANT test flight program continues to demonstrate the military utility of the DEFIANT X design and further reduces the risk for the U.S. Army's FLRAA program.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited ("De Havilland Canada") has announced that the company is working with Pratt & Whitney Canada ("P&WC"), a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, to integrate hybrid-electric technology into a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 flight demonstrator. The flight demonstrator will include an advanced electric motor and controller from Collins Aerospace. As announced by P&WC earlier, the hybrid-electric propulsion technology and flight demonstrator program is part of a $163M CAD investment, supported by the governments of Canada and Quebec. Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace are businesses of Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE: RTX).
The new hybrid-electric propulsion technology will drive significant improvements in aircraft efficiency by optimizing performance across the different phases of flight, allowing the demonstrator to target a 30% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, compared to a modern regional turboprop airliner. P&WC will target ground testing in 2022, leading to flight testing of the Dash 8-100 demonstrator in 2024.
De Havilland Canada will support the integration of the new hybrid-electric propulsion technology and batteries within the Dash 8-100 airframe, including designing a modified nacelle structure to house the hybrid-electric technology and will also be responsible for the cockpit interfaces needed to safely monitor and control the hybrid-electric technology. De Havilland Canada will conduct the flight test and demonstration program and interface directly with Transport Canada for the corresponding experimental flight permit.
"Pratt & Whitney Canada is proud to be part of Canada's green recovery plan and to be collaborating with De Havilland Canada in the development of the hybrid-electric propulsion technology by utilizing a Dash 8-100 regional aircraft as our flying demonstrator," said Maria Della Posta, President, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "Hybrid-electric technology holds considerable potential to drive the next step-change in efficiency for aircraft engines, while also contributing to the development of the industry's workforce, economic growth and innovation."
"Canada has an opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership in the aviation sector," said Dave Riggs, Chief Transformation Officer, De Havilland Canada. "De Havilland Canada has a legacy of innovation that has supported aviation in Canada and around the world for more than 90 years and we are immensely proud to be the first manufacturer of regional aircraft supporting the development of hybrid-electric propulsion technology. We look forward to collaborating with Pratt & Whitney Canada and governments in Canada to further the development of alternative, climate-friendly aircraft that hold much potential to contribute to more sustainable aviation.
"The robust and proven airframe of the Dash 8-100 provides a reliable platform to support the development of Pratt & Whitney Canada's new hybrid-electric propulsion technology and we anticipate that the technology will be scalable for operation on larger Dash 8 aircraft models as well. Our collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada is well aligned with other significant investments being undertaken by De Havilland Canada to ensure that Dash 8 Series turboprops are positioned to continue supporting commercial aviation, cargo transport and missionized operations well into the future. Ultimately, our innovations, upgrades and modifications across the platform will provide continued reliable, safe and comfortable service for Dash 8 passengers, lower costs for our operators and greater sustainability for our industry," added Mr. Riggs.
De Havilland Canada's Dash 8 aircraft are recognized for their industry-leading credentials on sustainability and the company is ensuring that the aircraft continue to deliver their well-known fuel efficiency, low noise footprint and low carbon impact on the environment. De Havilland Canada's teams are excited about the ongoing research and development efforts to decarbonize aviation and are participating in numerous investigations regarding the development of new propulsion technology options that will likely shape the future of aviation. De Havilland Canada is uniquely positioned to participate in this green journey by leveraging the unique capabilities of the company's aircraft platforms in the zero emissions challenge. The company has had discussions with many parties on the "greening" of aviation and is keen to see its products fulfil their potential for decades to come.
This achievement is indicative of an integrated Leonardo team spanning the United Kingdom, Poland and Italy. It highlights the strength in collaboration between Leonardo and the Company's main industrial presence in Poland, PZL-Swidnik which acts as the prime contractor, as all teams work closely across the three nations to ensure this high-end capability for the Polish Ministry of National Defence.
In April 2019, the company announced it would supply four AW101s and a comprehensive integrated logistics and training package to the Polish Ministry of National Defence. The aircraft will significantly enhance the Polish Navy's helicopter capability.
PZL-Swidnik acts as the prime contractor and is responsible for the entire contract execution and at Leonardo in Yeovil, the team assembles the aircraft. The AW101 will perform a range of missions for the Polish Navy including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).
The AW101 for the Polish Naval Aviation Brigade will be equipped with the most modern mission systems, including autopilot with SAR modes, data transmission system, tactical navigation system and protection and defence systems (passive and active). In addition, the AW101 will be equipped with a tactical radio, reconnaissance radar, an observation head (FLIR) and an S-mode transponder. It will also be equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun.
In addition, there will be a searchlight and arrayed lights, which will ensure good visibility in all-weather conditions. The aircraft will be optimized with medical and rescue equipment, including two winches and a system for carrying loads on the external suspension. In addition, the AW101 fleet will be equipped with an emergency float system, life rafts and a cold climate survival kit.
"This was the first flight of the new AW101 ASW aircraft built here in Yeovil for the Polish military. The flight represents not only the culmination of the design and production processes, but also the start of the thorough testing phase of the aircraft's development. It is expected that there will be a total of 700 hours of flight testing across the four airframes, which will confirm the correct function of each aircraft as well as develop and validate a broad range of mission and customer specific changes from the standard AW101," commented Miles Barnett, Senior Test Pilot at Leonardo Helicopters (UK).
Designed with sophisticated avionics and mission systems, coupled with long range and endurance, thanks to its ability to use two out of three engines for cruise flights, the AW101 helicopter provides operational persistence for all missions. This mission flexibility makes the AW101 the most advanced, versatile and capable multi-role helicopter available today. The helicopter is already in service in some of the most important NATO nations, such as Italy, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Portugal.
The crewed Volocopter 2X took off at 2:45 PM CST for a 4-minute flight at ~164 ft and a top speed of 18 mph over Wittman Regional Airport as part of EAA's AirVenture aviation celebration. Event attendees were able to watch the Volocopter 2X fly and take a seat in the VoloCity model at Volocopter's booth to experience these aircraft. Nicknamed the "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," more than 600,000 visitors were expected to come to see pioneering designs in action.
Florian Reuter - CEO, Volocopter: "Volocopter successfully conducting the first US public manned test flight of an eVTOL company in the US is a milestone for the industry and a reminder that our commercial launch is fast approaching. We can talk about our lead in certification, low noise emissions and global partnerships all we want, but nothing shows just how close we are to launch UAM as a service as does flying an air taxi in front of crowds and inviting people to sit in our aircraft. Air taxis are coming and we are working to bring electric flights to cities around the globe in the next two to three years."
Rick Larsen - EAA Vice President of Communities and Member Programming: "Oshkosh is a haven for enthusiasts and experts to embrace the pioneering spirit of aviation and the Volocopter flight is one for the history books. This is the spirit of Oshkosh giving our visitors the chance to experience real pioneers, who will change aviation for good, right here."
Volocopter is the only eVTOL developer with a family of electric aircraft for passengers and goods. This aircraft family includes aircraft for both long and short distances within cities and beyond (VoloCity and VoloConnect air taxis and VoloDrone heavy-lift drone). Volocopter's holistic approach to launching UAM services entails partnering with global industry leaders to offer the whole operating UAM ecosystem, including infrastructure and the digital backbone (VoloPort and VoloIQ) to integrate services into existing transport systems in cities.
In addition to a full-service solution, Volocopter is the first and only eVTOL developer to hold Design Organisation Approval and Production Organisation Approval, two strategic certification approvals from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to design and produce aircraft in-house. Once certified for commercial launch in Europe, Volocopter is positioned for concurrent type certification approvals in the U.S. from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), having applied earlier this year and the civil aviation authority in Singapore (CAAS).
Volocopter is an expert in urban air mobility (UAM), a subcategory of AAM. While the term AAM covers the aviation transportation system for people and goods with highly automated aircraft, UAM focuses specifically on how these advanced aircraft can thrive in and around cities. The company has ten years of experience, over 1,000 test flights, and a track record of public flights in Paris (2021), Singapore (2019), Helsinki (2019), Dubai (2017).
On 2 January 2021 at approximately 0500Z, a pilot on-board an AS350-B3 helicopter with registration ZS-OXK was preparing to take-off from Cape Town International Airport (FACT) to the Cape Peninsula National Park in the Western Cape province on an anti-crime patrolling flight.
The flight was conducted under the provisions of Part 127 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011 as amended.
The pilot stated that while waiting for take-off clearance from air traffic control (ATC), he momentarily removed his hand from the collective pitch lever to adjust the volume on the radio. This led to the collective pitch lever moving up to its maximum position, making the cyclic very stiff and difficult to control. The pilot did not hear any audible warning or see any warning lights illuminating on the cockpit panel. Thereafter, the helicopter lifted off to a height of approximately 30 feet above ground level (AGL) and began to yaw to the left with a slight right roll and forward pitch.
The pilot attempted to stop the yaw rate by using the yaw pedals, but they were ineffective. The helicopter continued to yaw; it made two full rotations while pitching forward with a slight right roll. The main rotor blades then struck the ground and the pilot lowered the collective pitch lever.
The right-side skid impacted the ground and a dynamic rollover to the right ensued with the helicopter coming to rest on its right side. A post-impact fire erupted in the engine compartment before the pilot shut down the engine and disembarked the helicopter unaided. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and a post-impact fire. The pilot sustained minor injuries during the accident sequence.
The accumulator test push-button (HYD TEST) mounted on the centre console, when left in the TEST/DOWN position during pre-flight checks, will result in the solenoid valve opening on the regulator unit, which depressurises the hydraulic system. It will also open the tail rotor servo solenoid, depressurising the tail rotor load compensator, but allowing the main rotor servos to be powered by the accumulators in their respective safety units.
The investigation revealed that it is probable that the pilot did not return the HYD TEST button
on the console to the "OFF" position before cutting off the hydraulic assistance using the "CUTOFF" switch on the collective stick. This resulted in hydraulic pressure not being supplied to the servos. Thus, when the pilot momentarily took his hand off the collective pitch lever, it was forcefully pushed up due to natural and centrifugal forces on the main rotor. This would render the helicopter uncontrollable.
The pilot had last flown the helicopter type in January 2007.
Ethiopia, near Kombolcha: An Abyssinian Flight Services Cessna 208B Grand Caravan operating for the United Nations World Food Programme with four on board suffered extensive damage following a forced landing near Kombolcha, Ethiopia. The aircraft was carrying two humanitarian staff members from Jijiga to Dire Dawa. The aircraft came to rest nose down. The right-hand wing was severed, the right-hand main gear broke and there was extensive damage to the propeller, engine and nose gear area. There were no fatalities.
Germany, near Grube Airfield, Ostholstein: A Aerospool WT-9 Dynamic with two on board overshot the runway at Grube Airfield (EDHB), Ostholstein and came to rest in a field near a highway. Both occupants were unhurt and the ultralight sustained minor damage.
USA, Ryan Field Airport, Tucson, AZ: A amateur built Rutan Long-EZ with two occupant impacted terrain short of the runway at Ryan Field Airport (RYN/KRYN) Tucson, Arizona and came to the rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage while one occupant onboard received fatal injuries. The second occupant onboard was seriously injured.
USA, Floyds Knobs, IN: A Just JA30 SuperSTOL with only the pilot on board impacted heavily wooded terrain at Floyds Knobs, Lafayette Township, Floyd County, Indiana following a loss of engine power. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the sole pilot onboard received serious injuries.
USA, near Creech Air Force Base, Clark County, NV: A Plane Holding Co, an experimentally built Lancair IV with only the pilot on board force landed on Highway 95 and struck a median near Creech Air Force Base north of Las Vegas, Nevada. The pilot exited the aircraft that was destroyed by a post-crash fire uninjured.
Russia, Sea of Okhotsk, Khabarovsk Territory: A Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-35 crashed into the Sea of Okhotsk, Khabarovsk Territory, after a technical malfunction. The pilot ejected safely.
USA, Colchester Causeway, near Burlington International Airport: A Beta Air LLC Enstrom 280 Shark helicopter was destroyed by fire on the Colchester Causeway after a precautionary landing shortly after take-off from Burlington. The pilot, the sole occupant, received minor to moderate injuries.
Iraq, near Tuz Khurmatu, Salah ad Din province: An Iraqi Army Mil Mi-17 with five occupants in a combat mission against ISIS insurgents crashed near Tuz Khurmatu under unknown circumstances. All five occupants died in the crash.
USA, Ripon, Fond du Lac County, WI: A Stinson Junior SR with four occupants, forced landed and came to rest inverted to open field terrain in Ripon, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin following a loss of engine power. The four people onboard received apparent minor injuries.
USA, near Grimes Field Airport (I74), Urbana, OH: An experimentally built Van's RV-6 force landed to cornfield terrain while on approach Grimes Field Airport (I74), Urbana, Ohio following a loss of engine power. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the sole pilot onboard was not injured.
1 AUGUST TO 1 OCTOBER
After his 1973 RTW attempt was aborted by bad weather between Hokkaido and the Aleutian Islands, Don Taylor of California successfully circumnavigates the world (Oshkosh eastbound to Oshkosh) in his Thorp T-18, the first aviator to do so with a homebuilt aircraft.
Taylor retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel from the United States Air Force in 1962, having seen action during World War II in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theatre.
From an early age, he'd resolved to build an airplane and to fly it round-the-world. His plane, a Lycoming-powered Thorp T-18 was fitted with improved communications and navigational equipment as well as a new fuel system.
After his initial 1973 round-the-world attempt had to be aborted due to bad weather between Japan and the Aleutian Islands on 1 August, he returned to his starting point of Oshkosh, Wisconsin for his record-breaking flight. Two months later to the day after 1 October, he landed back at Oshkosh.
Taylor passed away on 2 December 2015 at the age of 97. The Thorp named Victoria '76 is now on display at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture museum in Oshkosh.
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