Civil Aviation Authority

The South Africa Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has announced the introduction of a new centralized Safety Reporting System that is aimed at improving aviation safety by reducing aircraft accidents.

The new system provides a platform for the public and those that are involved in aviation operations such as pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, engineers, airport and ground personnel , to report unsafe activities, omissions and "situations" that could lead to an aircraft accident. The new system, however, does not replace the reporting of an accident or serious incident which should still be reported to the Accident and Incident Investigation Division of the SACAA.

The SACAAs Director of Civil Aviation, Colin Jordaan, said:"The Central Safety Management Reporting Facility was introduced in order to meet the requirements stated in the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) around safety management.

"Most importantly, the new system is a proactive procedure which enables anyone to report aviation safety risks, on the ground or in the air, whether perceived or real, that could prevent an aircraft accident".

The announcement of the new system comes a few weeks after aviation experts gathered at a seminar convened by the SACAA to discuss safety concerns and whether the relatively new concept of the Safety Management System (SMS) is the ultimate solution to aviation safety.

The centralized Safety Reporting System, which forms part of the broader Safety Management System, accommodates three types of reporting, namely: voluntary, mandatory and confidential. The reporting system also affords "Whistle-blowers" confidentiality.

"Ensuring aviation safety is a daunting task, especially when the general public and role players in the aviation industry are not proactive taking part in reporting unsafe behavior and events that could lead to an accident. With the introduction of the Centralized Safety Reporting System, the process of alerting the SACAA to risky acts, omissions and events has been made easier.

"Through this system and with everyone's involvement ,we are optimistic that hazards can be identified well in advance, thereby providing those involved with an opportunity to prevent any potential loss of life, injury or damage to property," explained Ms Louise Stols,general manager : risk and compliance at the SACAA.

According to MS Stols, reports sent to the SACAA through the Centralized Reporting System are held in strict confidence."For instamnce, reporters may, but are not required to, submit their names and contact information. Moreover, when among analyzing or disseminating the report among relevant departments for follow-up, all identifying information about the submitter is removed."

She added: "Once a report is received, it is logged and where necessary de-identified and then distributed to the relevant SACAA technical department for further investigation."

On a quarterly basis, the reports are analysed and statistical data or information in terms of identified trends is then shared with the aviation community to ensure that lessons are learnt and where necessary steps are taken to rectify mistakes.

"The safety reporting system is a non-punitive system, meaning that reports are investigated with the objective of preventing reoccurrence and not to apportion blame or legal liability. However, in cases where reports indicate serious safety deficiencies that are blatantly and deliberately disregarding applicable regulations, even after the SACAA has alerted the responsible individuals or entities, applicable regulatory or judicial actions will be instituted against such perpetrators;" said Ms Stols.

"While we acknowledge that risk is inherent to the aviation industry, we also believe that most of the aircraft accidents we have encountered thus far could have been prevented had someone taken the initiative to report the risky behavioral trends, events and omissions encountered or observed that compromised safety," concluded Captain Jordaan.

This aviation sports event attracted many aircrafts and helicopters manufacturers for both military and general aviation as below find the real story,

SKA Takes Off With Fokker 70

Dubai based SKA Air Logistics took delivery of a Fokker 70 at AAD from Fokker Services which it will use on services in the Middle East .SKA is a world-class service provider of aviation and logistics solutions, typically in unsecured and hostile environments, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. SKAs track record boasts a full spectrum of projects in support of various governments, NGOs and humanitarian operations.

The carrier had previously leased Fokker F-28 -4000s from AirQuarrius but this aircraft, appropriately registered as ZS-SKA, will be operated by SKA SA Aircraft Leasing Pty Ltd. This company is a subsidiary operating under a South African AOC and in partnership with AirQuarrius, who have been a long term partner with SKA.

The aircraft has had a full heavy maintenance inspection and has been configured with 75 seats.

The program with SKA is part of the FLY Fokker program. It will be fully supported with the FLY Fokker take-off solution including comprehensive training, logistics, and MRO and engineering services. As such it enables SKA to serve its customers with the highest aircraft reliability.

Fokker is also confidant that this will be the first of many in the Middle East and Africa.

Interjet Agreements

Lanseria based avionics and aircraft maintenance specialists, interjet announced agreements with three American companies that promise to significantly expand the activities of the company.

Interjet will represent LoPresti Aviation on the Hawker,Citation,King Air and Caravan landing and taxi light upgrades. Thecompanys High Intensity Discharge Boom Beams landing and taxi light retrofit package provides increased safety and visibility ,reduces maintenance costs and is longer lasting . Interjet describes this package as providing aircraft with "a fresh pair of eyes" which greatly enhances pilot visibility in dark and adverse weather conditions.

Interjet now also represents Aero Twin in Africa on the Caravan 208/208B Honeywell TPE331 950hp engine upgrade.This provides operators of this popular workhorse improved take-off and climb performance; allows the aircraft to fly farther with the same fuel and comes with a five-year or 2,500-hour warranty.TBO intervals for commercial operators are now at 7,000 hours.

Interjet will also enter the very light jet (VLJ) market representing the Total Eclipse 500, a twin jet engine aircraft which has full EFIS avionics and is single-pilot certified for up to five passengers in single pilot operations. The factory-certified Total Eclipse 500 is ready for delivery within 30-60 days.

Interjet CEO, Paul Ludick, said,"We are very pleased to have been selected to promote the Eclipse 500 aircraft, which brings the benefits of VLJs to Africa at a very affordable price. The Eclipse 500 is well positioned to represent the needs of private and corporate operators and with Interjets strong maintenance and avionics support ability, will naturally support any Eclipse 500 customer throughout Africa.

Euro copter

Euro copter South Africa Ltd was bullish in its market outlook, fore-casting continued growth on the back of a 35% increase in its South African business, driven primarily by countries in the region investing in airborne law-enforcement and civic emergency response capabilities.

Addressing media at AAD, Euro copter Southern Africa Ltd CEO, Fabrice Cagnat said that despite the recession, which has affected the global aerospace industry and rotorcraft sector, Eurocopter has maintained its position as the leading manufacturer with 42.4 per cent of the total market."The proven suitability of our various civil and military products places Euro copter in the prime position to take advantage of the global and African markets resurgence. While corporate and utility sectors have followed the low trend of 2009, demand for helicopters has remained strong in the para-public domain for law enforcement, public safety and environmental protection", added Cagnat.

Euro copter currently supports a fleet of about 240 helicopters operating throughout Southern Africa. Most of these aircraft are in service with the police services in the region, emergency medical rescue organizations, VIP/Corporate operations and utility missions where they are used, for example, in geo-seismic missions, game counting and power line inspection. A number of helicopters are also flown in the tourism/charter market. The company can also count on its recently established Training Academy at Lanseria, near Johannesburg, to further develop business. This Academy provides type rating and technical training for helicopter pilots and engineers form customers across the region. To meet the increased training demand, Eurocopter Southern Africa will employ an additional instructor from 2011. To date, more than 150 pilots and 220 engineering personnel have undergone training at the Academy.

Euro copter Southern Africa continues to provide technical support to customers in the region, having deployed its engineers on more than 80 missions in the past year."Because our helicopters deliver superior performance and are easy to maintain, they are first choice for tough missions, often far from their home base. We are committed to supporting these aircraft and in honoring that commitment, our technical teams often have to service aircraft in some challenging and remote locations, such as the jungles in the Democratic Republic of Congo," said Cagnat.

Euro copter has also demonstrated the 12 seat EC 145 light twin IFR helicopter at AAD as part of a multi-country demonstration tour in the region. Shown in the "Stylence" configuration for VIP, Corporate and business applications, Eurocopter describes the type as the most versatile helicopters in its class and in service around the world in a multitude of missions such as law enforcement, EMS, utility harbor piloting, offshore oils and gas services and VIP/Corporate services. The first African customer, the Gendarmie Royale Maroc took delivery of two EC 145s which are used for a large variety of law enforcement and public service missions such as surveillance, rescue and medical evacuation.

Euro copter Delivers New AS350 B3 Helicopter to Namibia's Police Air wing at AAD

Euro copter delivered an AS350 B3 "Squirrel" to Namibia's fledgling Police Airwing during a ceremony at AAD. This is the Namibian Police Air wings second helicopter to be delivered since its inception in 2009. The helicopter is equipped with advanced crime combating equipment and aids including a stabilized camera and FLIR system, public address system, spotlight, winch and platforms on the skids for intervention unit personnel.

Inspector-General of the Namibia Police Force, Lt –Gen Sebastian Haitota Ndeitunga said: "Namibians like millions of people in other countries around the world, are reaping the benefits of this investment in modern, versatile, reliable and efficient crime-fighting assets such as our AS350 helicopter. We need the right tools and equipment and methods; we fight them with technology. Air support is essential in a country with vast areas where the helicopters are used for rescue and pursuit operations as well as supporting the activities of other ministries such as health and education.

In addition, Eurocopter Southern Africa Ltd has facilitated rotary-wing flight training for two Namibia Police Air wing pilots as Starlight Aviation in Durban and conducted type conversion training for two experienced pilots in Namibia. Euro copter has also sponsored training by Carl Zeiss Optronics for two LEO system operators. The LEO system incorporates a set of day and night optical sensors and cameras, enabling the helicopter crew to conduct surveillance and track and intercept suspects in daylight and in the dark.

NAC Bell 429

Local Bell Helicopter distributors National Airways Corporation (NAC) showed off the new Bell 429 light twin IFR helicopter which the manufacturer claims to be the most advanced of its type available on the market. The helicopter has been on an intensive demonstration tour, having flown 48 flights with 150 people from South Africa and the region. With orders in the triple figures, including from African customers, NAC is confident of securing even more following the type's local debut.

Bells regional managers, sales and marketing, Arnie Easterly said the type is well suited for the aerial law enforcement, EMS and corporate VIP markets. The Bell 429 was designed to meet the latest in customer requirements. It seats up to eight passengers in a number of spacious and luxury configurations.

NAC and HBC

National Airways Corporation showed off a number of the Hawker Beech craft Corporation (HBC) aircraft for which it is the regional distributor. The Hawker 400 made its show debut, having been in service with several regional clients for more than a year. With a maximum range of 3,300nm at Mach 0.75 and seating up to nine passengers in a spacious, stand-up cabin, NAC feels the type is the ideal solution for government and private corporate transport needs.

The King Air 350i ER was on display and NAC says this is the "greenest" aircraft in its class offering excellent fuel ecomony and efficiency for environmentally conscious clients. The new types extended range is the "ultimate solution "to both civilian and military users. NAC has also entered the military product market with the advanced HBC T-C turboprop trainer. Already ordered by the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the type has been on an African demonstration tour including Algeria, Angola, Gabon, Namimbia and South Africa.

NAC is confident the T-6C meets and exceeds customer requirements and HBC is geared for purpose built solutions and the aircraft is ideally suited to the modern, net-centric ISR, light precision attack and training operations. Former commanding officer of the US Navy Blue Angels demonstration team was also on hand to give potential clients his personal insights into the T-6Cs capabilities.

NAC ALSO DISPLAYED THE Pacific Aerospace P-750 XSTOL extreme short take –off and landing aircraft equipped with the proven Carl Zeiss Optronics stabilized electro- optical airborne surveillance system. This system, along with a powerful searchlight, is fitted in a belly pod manufactured by Pretoria based Global Composite Solutions. NAC believes the aircraft is ideally suited to border control duties, as well as combating the poaching of natural resources.

It is good news for African Continent that South Africa will be hosting the world cup 2010 starting from June 11 to July 2010. Most tourists can take this advantage by planning there safari commencing from Kenya then to South Africa as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is hub to all connecting flights in Africa, Middle East, United Emirtaes, Asia,United States of America and Europe.

For those who are able to take private charters they can do so as there are aircrafts ranging from Turbo Prop, Jets, which can be chartered and also you have to keep in mind during this period it will be also high season immigration of wild animals into Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, Shaba which one can take advantage of coming to Africa for the world cup 2010 and do a safari as well. We have National Carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South Africa Airways, British Airways who operates commercial flights on Nbo-Johannesberg and in addition there are private charters which you can hire ranging from 90 Seater to 124 seater using CRJ Regional Jets,B737-100,DC-9 ,Ambraer which are available.

But the inquiries for private charters are overwhelming and the need to make advance reservations to avoid last minute disappointments and even if there will be aircrafts for charter during this period it will be too expensive, so please make your bookings in good time.

You can book your flights direct from anywhere globally via Jomo Kenyatta International Aiport,Nairobi ,Kenya and connect local scheduled services or non-scheduled flights to the national parks & reserve and thereafter connect to South Africa to watch world cup 2010 , what an interesting safari to and over African Continent?

Airline news.

(1) Mthatha Airport Ready for World Cup.

The R56-million upgrade of the Mthatha airport, in the Eastern Cape, would be completed by May, in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, according to Eastern Cape Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC Ghishma Barry. Local construction companies Tikanedywili Construction, Makole Business Enterprise, the Ludumo/Alamo Project joint venture and Intellect Construction have already started work on the upgrade. The upgrade to the airstrip to include lighting for night flights had been completed.

The South AFRICA Civil Aviation Authority has inspected the lighting and the province is now waiting the issuing of a night rating for the airport. The project includes the building of a temporary relocation structure, aterminal building upgrade, civil works and fencing. It formed part of the provinces Blue Skyway aviation strategy, which aimed to improve the potential of the Bhisho and Mthatha airports, as well as to bring new life to rural airstrips within the province.

A R78-million upgrade at the Bhisho airport was completed in August last year. The province is also expecting the Mthatha Airport upgrade to contribute to tourism in the region, particularly during the world cup event. At present the airport is used by Airlink flights from Johannesburg and other small aircraft.

Before the upgrade, the airport had only been operating at 30% of its capacity and the Eastern Cape was eager to link the airport with other larger cities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, in future.

There is need to have an airline between Cape Town and Mthatha via Bhisho. An important goal is to link Port Elizabeth to Mthatha via Bhisho with the service geared for faster movement between these three areas.

With these new developments in South Africa air transport industry you are assured that they are as many airports and airstrip that will be available to accommodate flights into and from South Africa during both night and day.

(2) Boeings 747-8 Freighter Maiden Flights on February 8, 2010 Becomes Successful.

It was indeed a success when Boeing 747-8 Freighter successfully took to the sky for the first time before more than 5,000 employees, customers, suppliers and community leaders. It was a test program for the world's most efficient freighter. This B747-8 was flown by Chief pilot Mark Feuerstein and Capt Tom Imrich in the flight deck, the newest member of the 747 family took off at 12h39 local time from Paine Field in Everett and landed at Paine Field at 16h18. According to the crew the airplane performed as expected and handled just like a 747-400.

This flight was the first of more than 1,600 flight hours in the test program for the newest member of the Boeing freighter family. The airplane followed a route over Western Washington, where it underwent tests for basic handling qualities and engine performance. The airplane reached a cruising altitude of 17,000 feet (5,181m) and a speed of up to 230knots, or about 264 miles (426km) per hour. Powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B engines, the 747-8 freighter will transition its testing program to Moses Lake, Wash, and Palmdale, Calif, where the other two test airplane will join it in the coming month.

According to Mo Yahyavi the program general manager and vice president Boeing Commercial Airplanes this was truly a great day for the Boeing Company and the 747 program. This was achieved through hard work and dedication of the company staff, suppliers and customers. While there is still additional four main-deck pallets and three lower-hold pallets," The 747 freighter continues the leadership of the 747 freighter families, which carries more than half of the worlds air freight, making it the standard of the air cargo industry" the program general manager and vice president Mo Yahyavi said.

Boeing launched the airplane on November 14, 2005, with firm orders for 18 747-8 Freighters: 10 from Cargolux of Luxembourg and eight from Nippon Cargo Airlines of Japan. All told, Boeing has secured 108 orders for the 747-8, of which 76 are orders for the new freighter. Cargolux,Nippon Cargo Airlines, AirBridge Cargo Airlines, Atlas Air, Cathay PACIFIC Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Emirates Sky cargo, Guggenheim and Korean Air all have ordered the 747-8 freighter.

These new aircraft will make the cargo flights cheaper and affordable as it can carry more than half what the other freighters have been carrying.

The prospects for the now closed Durban International Airport being re-opened as an aviation facility have markedly improved over the past few months following the recent pronouncements made by some very senior Government office holders.

At the release of the Airports Company of South Africas (ACSA) financial year end results,the Minister of Transport announced the following with respect to the disposal of the DIA Site:

"We have formed a steering committee which is made up of the Department of Transport, the province of KwaZulu-Natal, ACSA, City of EThekwini among others to advise on the best use/options for the land and to determine the process to be followed in disposing of this land. We will ensure, however, that due process is followed to obtain the best proposal on the table.

"A Request for Expressions of Interest will ensure that all interested parties bar none, are given the opportunity to submit proposals on the land. It is our intention that this process is completed in the shortest time possible in the interest of all bidders and the country as a whole. We will make further announcements in the coming weeks".

In addition, the Commissioner for Civil Aviation, Colin Jordaan, speaking at the recent Aviation Outlook conference in Cape Town, mentioned that there was a distinct possibility that DIA could be retained for aviation use.

Aviation observers feel that this more open-minded approach by Government to the disposal of DIA,can only benefit South Africa's aviation industry if it- the industry- jumps into action and puts together a proposal to Government combining its brightest ideas and best resources.Also,as the DIA site is so large, it would be prudent for any industry proposal to identify a "mix" of stakeholders that will be able to utilize the facility in away that serves both the economic and strategic interests of the country.

At the moment, three stakeholders have a clearly identifiable interest in utilizing the DIA,namely the operators at Virginia Airport, the SA Air Force (SAAF) and Comair Limited.

The commercial general aviation operators at Virginia, represented by the Virginia Operators Committee, have identified DIA as a possible re-location site for Virginia Airport which is currently experiencing various operating challenges .Virginia Airport currently lacks a convenient general flying area (GFA); is too small to accommodate certain types of operations and any new business entrants, and it is regarded as a noise pollutant by many Durban North residents. There is also strong rum ours that the Durban Metro intends selling the airport for real estate development.