CTFC News 31 July
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From the CFI's Desk
Club Social

Fly Ins

Women's Day Fly In

Aviation News
Win a flight in a fighter jet

Out of Africa

Humour

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Dates to diarise

3 August - Party at CTFC

11-12 August - Woman's Day Fly in at FAWC

24-25 August- Vredendal Fly In

20 October - Aerobatic Nationals, Oudtshoorn

9-11 November - TFDC Fly-In, AFB Overberg www.flyin.org.za

==================

From the CFI's desk --> Jaco van Zyl

Minimum Equipment List

· Please take note that as from 01/08/2007 each member will have to comply with the minimum equipment list (MEL) supplied for each aircraft.

· The MEL for each aircraft can be found in the documents folder inside the aircraft bag and the following lists is in place:

o PA38 – VFR day, VFR night.

o P28A – VFR day, VFR night, IF

o C172 – VFR day, VFR night, IF

o C72R – VFR day, VFR night, IF

· No pilot shall operate a club aircraft if any of the equipment mentioned in the MEL for that aircraft is not working.

· In the event of an emergency, or if an aircraft is stuck at an airfield other than Cape Town, the requirements of the MEL may be waived by the CFI of the club only, and only by prior arrangement with the CFI.

· Nb: The MEL is not an exhaustive list and contains items that have to be in working order before a flight may be undertaken. It is still the responsibility of the pilot in command to make sure that the aircraft is airworthy and safe to fly.

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Club Social - Friday 3 August 18:00

Come join fellow pilots and aviation nuts at CTFC on Friday. Fellow pilots will be recognized for their flying achievements.

Food and drinks will be on sale.
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Women's Day Fly in at FAWC 11/12 August

If you are still debating whether to do, and there is no plane available, contact Linda Hodgkinson to see if there is a spare seat available in one of the aircraft.
email: lindahodgkinson@absamail.co.za

For those already organised, what follows is to wet the taste buds! (maybe the men won't have to cook after all!!)

The cost estimate for both dinner and brekkie the next morning is R80.00. Half price for kids.

Dinner:
Chicken with herbs and sauce
Pasta Salad
Green salad
Madiera cake and custard

Breakfast:
Yoghurt
Fruit
Fruit Juice (Passion fruit)
Toast
Croqu Messieur (ie: french for toasted egg/ham/cheese on homemade bread)
Coffee/Tea
Rusks/Muffins

Pilots wishing to attend are asked to please RSVP to Ursula Venter so she can organise the food!
email: shebear@acenet.co.za]
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Aviation News this week --> Gareth Pinnock/Danny Buitendag

Pilots killed at 2 airshows (Oshkosh and Dayton)
Denel Optronics
Authentic Flight Simulator
-----------------------------------

Pilots killed at two airshows --> CNN.com (pictures Associated Press, on cnn.com)

(AP) -- A biplane stunt pilot died after he crashed in front of thousands of spectators during a Dayton, Ohio, air show Saturday, a day after another pilot was killed during an air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

WHIO-TV reported pilot Jim LeRoy of Billings, Montana, died on the way to the hospital after his S2S Bulldog biplane crashed at the end of a runway at Dayton International Airport in Ohio.

The plane was one of two making loop-the-loops with smoke trailing as part of Dayton's annual air show. It slammed into the runway across a field from spectators and caught fire.

"It came down and didn't have enough room," said Aaron Smith, who was watching with his 5-year-old son. "I could hear it crunch, hard. Some pieces came off."

The plane struck the ground at an angle and slid about 300 yards, bursting into flames and spewing smoke, said Airport fire chief Mark Carpenter. It took less than a minute for firetrucks to arrive and start putting out the fire.

"We cut Mr. LeRoy out of the aircraft," Carpenter said.

LeRoy died en route to Miami Valley Hospital aboard a Blackhawk helicopter that was already at the airport, Carpenter said. The crash's cause was being investigated.

LeRoy, a Marine veteran who had a degree in aeronautical engineering, was a design engineer with GE Aircraft Engines until he became a full-time stunt pilot in 1997.

He won the Art Scholl Award for showmanship in 2002, presented by the International Council of Air Shows, and the Bill Barber Award for showmanship in 2003, presented by the World Airshow News.

A performance by the Air Force Thunderbirds was canceled. Some people with ticket stubs from Saturday will be admitted to Sunday's scheduled performance, officials said.

In Wisconsin on Friday, two single-engine war planes at an experimental air show collided while landing, killing one of the pilots and injuring the other, officials said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the two P-51 Mustangs collided after finishing a performance at the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual AirVenture show.

P-51 Mustangs are single-seat fighters that were used in World War II.

National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Ted Lopatkiewicz said Gerald S. Beck, 58, of Wahpeton, North Dakota, died and the other pilot, 24-year-old Casey Odegaard of Kindred, North Dakota, suffered minor injuries when the planes clipped wings on landing.

On Monday, a veteran pilot trying to break a speed record en route to Oshkosh was killed when his small, experimental plane crashed into an apartment building and playground in Switzerland.

The pilot, identified as Hans Georg Schmid, a former Swissair pilot, had been trying to break a world record for a solo single-engine flight. He had planned to fly more than 4,970 miles with a C1-D class of plane, aiming to reach his destination in 30 hours.

The annual convention is considered one of the world's largest gatherings of recreational aviators. It draws more than 600,000 people and 10,000 planes from around the world. The weeklong event ends Sunday.



View a video of the P-51 crash here:
http://www.aero-tv.net/index.cfm?do=app.bestView&videoid=00b0d640-e714-4b79-b17b-6f3b0f149c4d

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Denel Optronics:

BAE Systems, the global defence and aerospace group, has awarded Denel Optronics a production order for optical helmet tracker systems (HTS) for the Eurofighter-Typhoon fighter aircraft. This R200 million contract is the latest South African investment by BAE Systems through its Defence Industrial Participation programme arising from South Africa's decision to modernise and right-size its air force with 24 Hawk lead-in fighter trainers and 27 Gripen fighters. It will see Denel Optronics manufacture 450 high-technology pilot helmet tracking systems over the next four to five years. These will be installed on the Eurofighter Typhoon, NATO's newest jet fighter.

"We are particularly pleased with this large contract from BAE Systems, as it confirms Denel Optronics' position as a world leader in helmet tracking systems for pilots," said Shaun Liebenberg, Group CEO of Denel (Pty) Ltd. "Importantly, it sets Denel Optronics on a firm footing within the global defence environment as part of Carl Zeiss Optronics. This is exactly what we'd hoped to achieve with Denel's turnaround strategy and are grateful our partnerships are benefiting all those involved. As design authority of the HTS, Denel Optronics is also playing an important role in supporting the high technology supplier base in South Africa including such strategic suppliers as Parsec and Ansys."

German company Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH signed an agreement with Denel in March 2007 to acquire a majority stake in Denel Optronics as part of the Denel's restructuring process. Final competition authority and PFMA approval of the Zeiss transaction is imminent.

The unique Denel designed optical HTS continuously monitors the position of the pilot's head and where he is looking. In this manner it is able to aim the aircraft's weapons, reconnaissance and self-protection systems towards 'points of interest' at which the pilot is looking.

"Eurofighter-Typhoon pilots will appreciate the design ingenuity and reliability of the Denel Optronics head-tracker system. It is a testament to the valuable engineering skills that reside within South Africa's defence and aerospace industry. BAE Systems is delivering US$8,7 billion of benefits to South Africa's economy and we are committed to supporting South Africa in growing its high-technology industry," explained Mr Jonathan Walton, Executive Vice President, South Africa for BAE Systems."

In February this year, BAE Systems placed a US$3.4 million (approximately R24 million) order on Denel Optronics to complete the industrialisation of the optical head tracker system. Evaluations have shown the system to be superior to any similar available in the world.

(www.aviationnews.us)

-------------------------------------

The Authentic Flight Simulator

This is a game for all of you who love to fly or dream of being in control of your own plane.

The flight simulator that turns your PC into the most advanced aviation simulator available using Hands on Throttle and Stick technology, the same Human Machine Interface used in fighter aircraft cockpits. Got to the following link for more...
http://www.product-reviews.net/2007/06/07/the-authentic-flight-simulator/

===============
Win a flight in a fighter jet --> Chay White

The raffle is being held to raise funds for Dave Lentle. Visit http://www.flyingmad.co.za for more details.

The student, instructor, Co-pilot, Captain, test pilot, radio controlled pilot, Springbok glider pilot and friend. I met Dave four years ago when we were both working for NAC Durban. Having recently returned from Eastern Europe where he represented SA in the World Glider Championships, Dave was flying the Premier 1 and shortly thereafter, was sent to Nigeria to fly a Hawker 800 between Africa, Europe and the East. Dave returned to SA 18 months later to pursue his career in an airline (Airlink) for which he achieved an unofficial posting. Dave was set to fly the Embraer from July ’06.

Only 15 days prior to him signing up with Airlink, Dave was flying an experimental aircraft down to East London. Little did he know that his worst nightmare was about to become a reality. While enroute, just outside of Durban and without warning, the engine exploded as the conrod went through the crank case. The canopy was instantly covered in oil and engine coolant while the cockpit filled with white smoke. Dave was left flying blind as he plunged towards the ground. The only link Dave had with the rest of the world was via his HF to an SAA Captain who was inbound for Durban International. Dave was able to give his position from Durban using a small handheld GPS he had borrowed that morning and momentarily was able to see what was happening outside of the cockpit. The aircraft initially imprinted in an open cane field and bounced another 1000 meters before colliding with a hill.

The result - Dave shattered both of his wrists, elbow and ankles, suffering massive bruising to his abdomen and lower spine and lacerations to most of his face and head. Looking at the ‘after photo’ again I just can’t believe that Dave is still with us. From the get go – Dave put on a brave face and sought no pity. Now, over 1 year later, Dave is slowly walking and still has no feeling in his lower abdomen. He is in much pain and has metal pins in his wrists, ankles and right elbow.
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Out of Africa --> Sean O'Connor

Suena Chimpanzee Sanctuary is run by a South African family here in Goma, DRC. They fund the entire operation themselves and are really struggling at the moment. Their international wildlife organization registrations and recognition are being processed, but may still take a while. If you would like to help, or have any contacts that might help, get in touch with:

Sumarita Boshoff
Cell: +243817009166
Email: sumarita@gmail.com
Website (under construction – they need help with this too!): www.suenasanctuary.org

The family presently cares for five chimps (two adults and three young) at the sanctuary, all rescued from near death. There is an international market for chimps and gorillas from this region, apparently mostly perpetuated by Europeans and Americans, who will pay $500 for a baby chimp and $10000 for a baby gorilla! So as not to create a market for them, Suena sanctuary refuses to buy chimps. When a chimp becomes so malnourished or sick that it’s no longer worth anything to its captors, it’s usually abandoned. A lucky few get taken to Suena and other sanctuaries for rehabilitation. The sanctuaries often have to pay many thousands of dollars for transport and medical attention.

The two adults, Suena and Poplap are always caged when I visit. They’re really friendly, but apparently unpredictably moody, very strong and have occasional carnivorous tendencies. The young chimps play free in the gardens of the sanctuary all day. I visit them to play two or three times each week and have become very attached to them.

Padda has a toe fetish.












Biati closing in for a kiss.












Atanga the comic.











Padda is the smallest; he’s like a pre-teen human. He’s really mischievous and sneaky, with a stocky body and a wrinkled little face – he looks like a baby gorilla. He gets my attention by biting my ankles or chewing on my toes. When I can catch him, I pin him to the ground, hold his arms above his head and blow raspberries on his tummy, under his arms and in his neck. He goes lame with laughter and tries to bite me on my nose, which is still tender from being broken a few weeks ago! He loves climbing into the trees and dropping onto me as I walk past. Then he stands on my shoulders and beats a jungle rhythm on my head!

Padda having a rare pensive moment.






















L-R: Padda, me, Atanga, Biati






















Biati is the “teenage” girl of the group. She’s gentle, affectionate, moody and flirty. She has a dark face and gentle eyes and in my opinion, a bit too much facial hair for a girl. She thinks she’s my girlfriend and whenever I arrive, the first thing she does is lift my shirt, stick an index finger in my belly button, twist the finger around a bit and then she sniffs the finger – it’s very tickly! She’s checking to see if I’ve been with another woman I think. Then, satisfied that I’ve been faithful, she lifts her arms into the air for me to pick her up for kisses, which always start gently, but when I don’t let her stick her tongue in my mouth, she gets insistent and tries to pry my lips and jaws apart with fingers and foot digits (are they called toes?). She’s caught me with the tongue a couple of times, but mostly not any more. Disappointed, she slides down my legs onto the grass and sits with her back to me, in a huff.

The Goma Swinger’s Club.
























Biati trying to get some tongue action.

















Atanga is the oldest of the “kids”, the equivalent of a youth in his late teens. He’s strong and acrobatic with a sad looking face that hides his wicked sense of humour. On a couple of occasions, he’s run at me without me seeing him coming – he launches himself onto my neck in one jump and knocks me right over onto my back! Then when I’m down, he bares his teeth to display his impressive canines and buries his open mouth in my neck, giving me a gentle but firm bite. The first couple of times were pretty scary! After that, he sits on my torso and beasts his chest with his fists and screeches in victory! He’s the most communicative and inquisitive. He’s always pointing at things and then he looks at me questioningly. When I do something he thinks is funny (it’s really easy to make him laugh), he throws his arms into the air, falls over backwards onto the grass with his legs in the air and shakes with mirth!

Atanga & I are starting to look alike
























OK dude! Guys don’t look at each other this way!


















There is so much hardship here for humans, that the welfare of animals is low priority. Chimp adults are just meat and the babies are just currency, nothing more.

===============
Humour

Sky Pirate and fun things to do at 20 000'! --> Sean O'Connor

CTFC News 20 July
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Safety Meeting

From the CFI's Desk

Fly Ins

Woman's Day Fly In

Vredendal Fly In

Aviation News

Out of Africa

Humour

==================

Dates to diarise

26 July - Safety Meeting at CTFC (see below)

28 July - South African landing Championship, Bloemfontein

--------------------
11-12 August - Woman's Day Fly in at FAWC

24-25 August- Vredendal Fly In

20 October - Aerobatic Nationals, Oudtshoorn

9-11 November - TFDC Fly-In, AFB Overberg www.flyin.org.za

==================

Safety Meeting 26 July

Topic will be “ hangar talk – that was close”.

Panel discussion with experienced pilots about their closest calls and what they learned from it.

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From the CFI's desk --> Jaco van Zyle

Dear members, students and fellow pilots.

You might have noticed a wendy house that sprung up out of the blue, as well as me spending a couple of late nights at the club.

The reason for this is that CAA made a decision after an ICAO audit to standardise all PPL exams. Initially they wanted all PPL exams to be administered by CAA, but that would have created the problem that students would only be able to write their exams on pre-set dates and that would make it impossible for the student who wished to complete his or her PPL in 4 weeks.

After some workshops held between CAA and the training sector in South Africa, led by Paul van Tellingen from AWSA, they decided to accredit some training organizations the status of approved testing centre, in order for us to administer our own exams. The requirements to become a testing centre are quite strict however, and to meet the minimum requirements we had to create a facility, hence the wendy house with the 3 online computers for exams.

I would like to thank Tony and Pam Russel for their time which they spent in installing the computers and software. Also I can truly say that we have a testing centre that compares with the CAA's own centre.

It is important for all students to take note of the following:

1. As of 2 July 2007, all PPL exams must be written online through the testing centre.

2. Bookings for exams have to be made through Beverly after the completion of an exam entry form.

3. The fees for the exams will be R 250,00 per subject, which is required by CAA - So make sure you have studied before attempting an exam.

4. Students who have written some of the PPL exams can get credits for those subjects already written, but only for a period of 60 days after 02/07/07. Please consult you instructor for advice on credits.

5. Students who already have written all their subjects only have 60 days after 02/07/07 to complete their practical flight test.

6. If you write subject on the new system you will have 6 months after the date of the last written subject to complete your practical flight test.

This testing centre is only the beginning of new and exciting things planned for aviation training. The long-term vision from CAA is that Comm. and ATP exams will also be written at an approved testing centre.

Study hard and fly safe.

Regards,

Jaco van Zyl

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Fly ins

Woman's Day fly in

Come and celebrate Woman's Day in Worcester this year --> Linda Hodgkinson

When: 11 and 12 August

Where: FAWC clubhouse

How: By aeroplane (book it ASAP) or by car if the weather fairy triumphs again. The party will happen regardless. Rain or shine, plane or Volkswagen.

How much: Accommodation ranges from R80 in a shared bungalow at the airfield to approx. R250 at nearby guesthouses. Cost of dinner and breakfast to be announced.

What: fly in on Saturday afternoon, have dinner, have fun, go to bed, have breakfast, go home. Not necessarily strictly in that order.

Who: Ursula Venter on 076 166 8761 or 028 272 9193 shebear@acenet.co.za for more info, accommodation bookings etc.
Linda Hodgkinson 082 925 8808 linda.hodgkinson@absamail.co.za for CTFC numbers and other CTFC issues e.g. filling up your plane with pax.

See you there.

PS: although this event is tailored to celebrate women's day, the other half of the population is welcome too.

PPS: The committee has kindly declared this an official fly away, which means minimum utilization rules will be waived for this event.

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Vredendal Fly in 24/25 August 2007

The Vredendal Fly in takes place on the weekend of the 24-26 August, with the actual air display taking place on the 25 August (Saturday).

The Silver Falcons will be displaying, as well as the Hawker Hunter from Thundercity/Shell Aviation. The Oryx and Police air wing will also be amongst the displays (and not to mention ZS-PMY from CTFC on static display).

More information on this fly in (regarding programme, accomodation etc) can be found on AvCom on http://avcom.co.za/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=21670&start=15 (page 2)

Members are reminded that the rules regarding minimum utelization are waived for fly ins.

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Aviation News --> Danny Buitendag

Wake Turbulence:

This picture was taken after a Boeing 747 flew over a fire on the ground on short finals to Hong Kong airport. This demonstrates the power of the vortex generated by such a large aircraft.













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ACSA signed contract for new Durban airport (iol.co.za)

Sapa reported that Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) has signed a multi-billion rand contract with the Ilembe Consortium for the construction of a new airport north of Durban.

Acsa's managing director Monhla Hlahla said the R6,8-billion contract was "an important step in the right direction. Our main aim is to ensure that the airport is ready for 2010. Since late last year, we have been engaging with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that all legal and governance requirements were met".

She said that despite the contract being signed, Acas could not begin building until the outcome of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was known.

"Acsa, as a corporate citizen will continue to follow due process in all matters relating to this project and the same will apply for the EIA study. Signing of the contract allows both Acsa and Ilembe to start certain processes within the construction and design framework considering the schedule involved in delivering the airport by 2010," Hlahla said.

The Ilembe Consortium consists of major shareholders Group Five, WBHO and Total Facilities Management Corporation, as well as a large group of KwaZulu-Natal empowered organisations. This group includes several women-owned companies. The consortium intended to use the best local and foreign consultants with airport experience to build a "world class airport" in time for the 2010 soccer world cup.

The EIA report has been submitted to the department of environmental affairs and tourism (DEAT) for the minister to issue a 'record of decision'. Once the EIA decision has been issued by the DEAT, Acsa will make further announcements, said Hlahla.

------------------

Safety warning for UK's Corporate Jets

Analysis of business jet safety incidents in UK airspace indicates that business aviation as a whole does not - as it might have believed - have an underlying safety record to rival that of the airlines, even if the top corporate sector of business aviation does.

UK air navigation service provider NATS says 3.5% of the movements in the airspace it manages are business jets, but 16% of level bust incidents 33% of failures to follow standard instrument departures 12% of altimeter setting errors and 10% of the particularly dangerous error in which a pilot correctly acknowledges a level change instruction but fails to carry it out, involve business jets.
NATS safety division chief Richard Schofield, addressing a safety seminar at EBACE last week, also revealed that 10% of "gross navigational errors" in the Shanwick Atlanic oceanic area are committed by business-jet crews, and said that although this represents a small number of incidents it is disproportionate to the amount of business jet activity
.
==================

Out of Africa --> Sean O'Connor

Cape Town pilot Cameron Price and I were lucky enough to be in Goma when our Van needed a service. The service centre that we use is in a little town in Uganda called Kakirra, about 100km East of Entebbe along the northern shore of Lake Victoria. The flight to Entebbe started with the usual spectacularly diabolical weather in the alley between the volcanoes. We elected to go around the volcanoes and bust Rwandan airspace rather than risk picking our way through that! Once past the volcanoes, the skies cleared enough for us to see Lake Edward beneath us. The thought of ditching in that lake with its six metre crocs made us chant our FREDAS religiously until we were clear. A right turn at the equator kept us clear of the 17000ft high, snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori “Mountains of the Moon”. From there the terrain gradually became less rugged as we approached Entebbe Airport on the Northern slopes of Lake Victoria.










Entebbe International is surrounded by lush greenery. The runway is on a finger of land that sticks out into Lake Victoria.


Uganda is a beautiful, peaceful and friendly country. Everyone speaks English, which is a great relief, because I don’t have to endure the usual DRC concentration headaches from speaking and listening to French. After clearing customs & passport control, we stocked up on cigars and other “party weekend” stuff at the duty free before flying the short hop to Kakirra. We left the Van in the capable hands of the SA maintenance team and hurried to our taxi which drove us the to The Jinja Nile Hotel, 30 minutes away in the town of Jinja, which is the source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria spills over into the Nile Gorge.










The maintenance hangar at Kakirra, with Lake Victoria in the background. The “ECHO” on the Van’s tail stands for European Commission of Human Rights Organisations (I think!). That’s who I fly for here (I think!)


Colonial guilt was the furthest thing from my mind when we checked into the hotel, ate dinner on the patio overlooking the Nile and basked in the attention of the courteous white jacketed hotel staff. After dinner we had had enough culture so we walked down the road to the backpackers lodge - we had heard that two overland trucks full of backpackers were overnighting there. The place is run by a Costa Rican / Californian honey called Anna and her boyfriend, Johan, from Bloemfontein. We taught the backpackers how to drink springbokke without their hands (their hands were too busy making thilly springbokkie horns on top of their heads) and with a bit of fluffy white ass showing. When Anna started looking concerned about the mess and the drooling, semi-comatose backpackers she would have to dispose of, Cameron and I snuck out.






The view from my room at the Jinja Nile Hotel


In the morning we decided to explore Jinja the local way, on bicycle taxis, called boda-Badas. The Boda pilots really earn their money the hard way, but could probably increase their turnover if they deodorized a bit. They laboured up the hills and speed-wobbled dangerously down the other sides! We ate pap and Tilapia (river fish), visited the point clamed to be the actual source of The Nile and then headed back to the hotel for more colonial excess.










Boda-boda. The cheapest way to get around Jinja.


The next morning we were going to go river rafting, when we saw some of the river guides heading off in kayaks. We said, “Take us with you!” and they said they were going to surf a standing wave in the river and if we could roll the canoes, we could go along. Cameron and I surprised them and ourselves with some rolls and we were hooked up! What a day! We were dragged down rapids upside down, bashed into boulders, trapped in raging eddies – was awesome!










Riding the standing wave called “Super Hole”. The wave breaks upstream – the river is flowing from right to left in the pic.


My Ugandan experience was unforgettable and I would recommend the country to anyone that truly wants to experience Africa’s beauty, without the tensions of war and crime. I believe that Idi’s army was run into North DRC many years ago and are re-grouping with the intention of re-gaining power. They are being funded by soulless first world countries and businesses that could stand to gain mineral and other interests if the rebels came into power. Same game, different playing field, different players.

==================
Humour

Famous last words and other one liners--> Linda Hodgkinson


1. I'm from the CAA and I'm here to help you.

2. Me? I've never busted minimums.

3. We will be on time, maybe even early.

4. Pardon me, ma'am, I seem to have lost my jet keys.

5. I have no interest in flying for the airlines.

6. I fixed it right the first time, it must have failed for other reasons.

7. All that turbulence spoiled my landing.

8. I'm a member of the mile high club.

9. I only need glasses for reading.

10. I broke out right at minimums.

11. The weather is gonna be alright; it's clearing to VFR.

12. Don't worry about the weight and balance -- it'll fly.

13. If we get a little lower I think we'll see the lights.

14. I'm 22, got 6000 hours, a four year degree & 3000 hours in a Lear.

15. We shipped the part yesterday.

16. I'd love to have a woman co-pilot.

17. All you have to do is follow the book.

18. This plane outperforms the book by 20 percent.

19. We in aviation are overpaid, under worked and well respected.

20. Oh sure, no problem, I've got over 2000 hours in that aircraft.

21. I have 5000 hours total time, 3200 are actual instrument.

22. No need to look that up, I've got it all memorized.

23. Sure I can fly it -- it has wings, doesn't it?

24. We'll be home by lunchtime.

25. Your plane will be ready by 2 o'clock.

26. I'm always glad to see the CAA.

27. We fly every day -- we don't need recurrent training.

28. It just came out of an MPI -- how could anything be wrong?

29. I thought YOU took care of that.

30. I've got the field in sight.

31. I've got the traffic in sight.

32. Of course I know where we are.

33. I'm SURE the gear was down.

Cape Town Flying Club enews 10 July 2007

==================

Safety Meeting

New Examination Room

Achievements

General

ACSA fees promulgated

Vredendal Fly in

Aircraft Accidents and Incidents

Another happy week in Goma

Aviation History

==================

Dates to diarise

10 July - Bar evening at CTFC

14 July - Wings Club Airshow, Virginia Airport, Durban

26 July - Safety Meeting at CTFC (see below)

28 July - South African landing Championship, Bloemfontein

--------------------

24-25 August- Vredendal Fly In

20 October - Aerobatic Nationals, Oudtshoorn

9-11 November - TFDC Fly-In, AFB Overberg www.flyin.org.za

==================

Safety Meeting 26 July

Topic will be “ hangar talk – that was close”.

Panel discussion with experienced pilots about their closest calls and what they learned from it.

==================

New examination room

Due to the CAAs changes in the way PPL exams are to be held, CTFC decided to become an accredited ATO so that PPL examinations could be written on our premises when required. The new wendy house is for this exact purpose.

Thanks to I.T.S Computer Systems for supplying the computers at a greatly reduced rate, and to Tony and Pam Russel who, on behalf of Clarotech Consulting, installed the computers and systems free of charge.

More information on the change in regulations can be found here: http://www.caa.co.za/What's%20new/Industry%20Communique%20On%20PPL.pdf

==================

Achievements

Date	Name	Achievement	Aircraft	Instructor
24/05/07	F. Cloete	1st Solo	KKC	M. Mann	J. v Zyle
13/06/07	D. Wilson	PPL	KKC	M. Mann	J. v Zyle
25/05/07	A. Beeharilall	1st Solo	KKU	M. Kleinhans	J. v Zyle
25/06/07	J. Seymour-Hall	Night Rating	KKU	P. Erasmus	J. v Zyle
05/07/07	J. Jordaan	Night Rating	KKC	J. v Zyle	A. Russel
07/07/07	A. Russel	Authorised his 1st Solo	-	-	-
07/07/07	K. Portellis	1st Solo	KFV	E. Cornelissen	A. Russel

Congratulations to all, soloists are reminded about wearing ties to the next social. You never know what might happen if you don't.... ;)

==================

General

ACSA fees promulgated --> AWSA

The monitors of AWSA have just learned of the publication of Government Gazette no 29987 which contains details of the proposed ACSA tariffs for the 2007/2008 permission period. Of particular interest to General Aviation is the fact that passenger fees will still be levied where no service at the airport in question is used. Airports such as George and Port Elizabeth, which have a separate GA
section obviating the need for passengers to use the ACSA facilities,come to mind here. (GP: And us at CTFC....)

There is concern that ACSA is distorting the principle of "User Pays" to boost its revenue stream. Ironically the new fee structure will result in a repeat of its 2006 excessive profits due to the fact that passenger fees have been increased by approximately 10% and passenger movements are growing at a rate of approximately 12%. Thus ACSA can expect a growth in revenues from passenger fees of 23%.

Landing fees have been reduced by approximately 3% but aircraft movements are growing at a rate of 8% which consequently will result in a net revenue growth attributable to landing fees of approx 4.5 %. In the light of more than 15 million passenger arrivals and approximately a quarter of a million aircraft arrivals projected, the financial future of ACSA indeed looks extremely positive.

Airline representatives have repeatedly stated that the application of a correction factor after the financial year does not restore the status quo fully as the regulatory intention requires it to do.

The complete gazette can be found at:

http://www.info.gov.za/gazette/notices/2007/29987e.pdf

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Vredendal Fly in 24/25 August 2007

The Vredendal Fly in takes place on the weekend of the 24-26 August, with the actual air display taking place on the 25 August (Saturday).

The Silver Falcons will be displaying, as well as the Hawker Hunter from Thundercity/Shell Aviation. The Oryx and Police air wing will also be amongst the displays (and not to mention ZS-PMY from CTFC on static display).

More information on this fly in (regarding programme, accomodation etc) can be found on AvCom on http://avcom.co.za/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=21670&start=15 (page 2)

Members are reminded that the rules regarding minimum utelization are waived for fly ins.

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Incidents and Accidents 20 of 20: Cirrus In A Tree -Danny Buitendag. Picture copyright Gary Shephard.

On returning to Virginia Airport north of Durban from the General Flying Area on 19 February 2005, the pilot flew a normal circuit at 800 ft AGL, but on final approach, misjudged his height and landed one third after the threshold down the runway, on the nosewheel first.

The aircraft bounced and the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft veered to the left, off the runway, colliding with bushes. Allthough the aircraft had substantial damage, the pilot and his two passengers sustained only minor injuries.

A good general rule in flying (and one that members should remember) is that if you have not touched down within one third of the available runway (not sorted out excess speed before then), good airmanship would suggest a go around.

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Another Happy Week in Goma --> Sean O'Connor

On a nice long flying day last week – we did six flights – the last flight almost didn’t happen – in fact there were moments when I thought that it was the end for us. The day started of routinely - on our second leg we carried 6 ambassadors, from Spain, Germany, Finland, Holland, Spain and France. They had 3 heavily armed SWAT type bodyguards with them. It was interesting flying with an assortment of matt black weaponry in the cockpit. Best part for us was that we got priority clearances in the air & on the ground – the fuel truck which usually takes an hour to arrive was actually waiting for us!!

Our last stop of the day before returning to Goma was at a place called Bukavu. The other pilot, Cameron secretly took a pic of the plane and was unfortunately seen by the local militia. Faaark! In no more than 30 seconds, we had a dozen armed and wild looking locals around the plane. I managed to get my door shut & locked, but Cameron didn’t make it in time. A couple of them were hanging on the door, climbing on the ladder, trying to get his camera away from him and wrench him out of the plane! Realising that only one could get to him at a time up the ladder and that we had a height advantage, they resorted to shouting to get Cameron out – threatening to shoot him and cut him into little pieces which they would send to his mother. This was all in French, which I translated as best I could. We tried asking for ID, which just pissed them off even more – the airport security were standing a distance away, but must have been scared of this mob too – we never did find out who they were! I radioed the tower to ask for assistance, but after initial contact – the controller just ignored my calls.

OK, I thought, at best, we’re going to be kidnapped here – at worst, we’ll be killed. I ignored the angry mob and called our office in Jhb on the Satellite phone, just so that someone knew where to start looking for us. The ops controller in Jhb said, “Oh no, Bukavu has been declared Level 4 (at Level 5 all aid workers & foreigners get evacuated!), because there was an attack on UN troops yesterday and one was killed!” Thanks for that, I thought. I then called our controller in Goma who then called the Bukavu airport manager and offered to cross his palm with silver if he could help us. To our relief, the airport manager arrived with some UN troops a few minutes later. They took Cameron away to the office (leaving me in the plane alone – I locked myself in and sat low so I didn’t have to see the mob. I sat there wondering what kind of armour-plating Cessna Aircraft and Pratt and Whitney Turbines engines equip their C208’s with – I wondered how far I would get if I tried to start up and take off?

After relieving Cameron of a fistful of dollars and getting a promise of more from our Goma ops controller, Cameron was escorted back to the plane by the airport manager and we were allowed to leave. The mob was pissed, ‘cos they were left empty handed after all their efforts. We’ve been back to Bukavu a few times since then – we’re always very wary there now.

Two huge (5 metres high!) radial-engined AN2 – Antonov biplanes taking a breather on a peaceful day at Bukavu

On the brighter side, things have been cool here in Goma. I broke my nose when I tried to do a back flip into the lake – my own knee hit me in the face when I tucked in with more enthusiasm than needed - so I’ve had a pair of nice shiners for a week or so. The nose was quite skew, but I managed to pull it down and straighten it just after the accident. It went into place with a crunching sound and shooting pain that nearly made me faint! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

A week after the broken nose, the shiners are fading nicely!

Two days ago, Cameron and I returned from a trip with no pax, so got the opportunity to get right up close to the volcano. The world’s largest lava lake makes the sky above the crater glow at night and flying over it in the day is an awesome reminder of our own insignificance.

At first Cameron and I blamed each other for the eggy methane smell, but the sulphur fumes were actually responsible.

The volcano is just a few miles from the airport at Goma, (in fact a third of the runway was covered in lava during the 2002 eruption) so a rapid descent was required after our sight-seeing trip over the crater. The van is really in it’s element during this type of flying.

The vertical speed indicator is against its stopper pin in the descent, but the airspeed is still comfortably in the white arc. The Van’s a great plane to fly!

I’d like to thank Lisa and Gary and everyone else that contributed to my birthday present (Garmin 296) last year. There are times when the awesome visual representation is the best friend we have when the weather and terrain are nasty. There are no ground navigation aids here.

Flying in “whiteout” IMC conditions over Lake Tanganyika at the intersection of the borders of Rwanda, Burundi and DRC – my GPS is very comforting.

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Aviation News --> Danny Buitendag/Gareth Pinnock

Boeing pays tribute to 7-Series family with special nine aircraft customer show --> Michael Targett (taken off avcom.co.za)

As part of its 787 Dreamliner Premiere, Boeing honoured its 7-Series family of airplanes with a special show featuring customers' Boeing-produced airplanes on Sunday (8 July 2007) in Seattle.

The airplanes on display at Boeing Field included an Omega Air 707; AirTran Airways 717; FedEx 727; Alaska Airlines 737-800; Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Flying Test Bed 747-200; Continental Airlines 757; Delta Air Lines 767; and Air France 777-300ER (Extended Range).

In addition, the Boeing 747-400 Dreamlifter was on static display.

The aircraft took off from Paine Field, adjacent to Boeing's Everett facility, Washington state, and landed at Boeing Field in Seattle.

Each airplane - the 707 through the 777 - took off in sequence of airplane model numbers matching to time, beginning with the 707 landing at 7:07 p.m. Pacific time.

This special display was part of a Boeing-sponsored event held at The Museum of Flight as part of the weekend's activities for the 787 Premiere.

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Aviation History --> Danny Buitendag

In July...

1838, Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin is born in Baden, Germany. The first large-scale builder and pioneer of rigid dirigible balloons, Zeppelin made his first balloon ascent while serving as a volunteer and observer for the Union Army in America’s Civil War.

1872, Louis Blériot, the pioneer aviator who made the world’s first aeroplane flight across the English Channel, is born in Cambrai, France. After experimenting first with gliders, he designed and built his own monoplane with a 25-hp engine, which took him across the channel.

1908, The USA’s first aviation legislation is passed: a municipal ordinance requiring an annual license and regulating aircraft within the city limits of Kissimmee, Florida. Maybe this is where the red tape started.

1909, That guy Louis Blériot again. He flies his Blériot No.XI monoplane from Les Baraques to Dover, England in 37 minutes, making the first aeroplane crossing of the English Channel. The event increases public and government awareness of the possible military aspects of the aeroplane.

1914, Dr. Robert H. Goddard is granted a patent for his liquid fuel rocket engine.

1919, Anthony Fokker founds the Dutch Aircraft Company Fokker at Schipol, near Amsterdam.

1919, The first crossing of the Atlantic by airship, as well as the first return flight, is made by the British rigid airship, R-34. This giant, which flies non-stop from Scotland to Long Island, New York, has a 30-man crew and is piloted by Major G.H. Scott.

1931, The Air Line Pilots Association of the USA is formed.

1933, One-eyed pilot Wiley Post lands after completing the first solo flight around the world. Post pioneers the early development of a pressure suit and proves the value of navigating instruments, especially the automatic pilot.

1946, Bernard Lynch becomes the first person to be “shot” out of an aeroplane. Lynch was involved in the first airborne test of a British “ejection seat.”

1950, The first scheduled passenger service flown by a gas-turbine powered airliner (turboprop) is British European Airways’ (BEA) Vickers V. 630 Viscount.

1953, New York Airways, America’s first scheduled passenger helicopter carrier, begins service.

1956, A Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft makes its first operational overflight. It is designed to fly at supersonic speeds and photograph the earth from 60,000 feet.

1958, President Eisenhower signs the National Aeronautics and Space Act, creating a new federal agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA’s stated goal is to enable the U.S. to lead the exploration of space for peaceful purposes to benefit humanity.

1959, The first 'jetway' in the US is installed at the International Airport in San Francisco, California. Designed to protect passengers from the weather when they board or leave the jet plane, it is a powered telescopic or collapsible corridor that extends to the aircraft and connects the plane to the terminal. They are commonplace in all airports today.

1981, The first solar-powered aircraft flight across the English Channel is made by the MacCready Solar Challenger. The 180 mile flight takes over 5 hours and is powered by about 16,128 solar cells on the upper surfaces of the wing and tailplane.

2007, K. Portellis goes solo with CTFC. Also, J. Jordaan gets his night rating