SAAF King Air door found on farm.
Cirrus announces SR Series G7+ Featuring Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland.
Morocco seeking $825 million worth of Stinger missiles.
Grob successful additional delivery to the Swedish Air Force.
Australia acquires Bombardier jets for ISR missions.
Riyadh Air reveals world-class guest experience with striking interior cabin designs.
Gulfstream G800 earns FAA and EASA certifications.
Archer secures design approval for UAE's first hybrid heliport, paving the way for commercial air taxi service In Abu Dhabi.
This week in history - George Schwartz Welch was a World War II triple ace……….
Worldwide Accidents and Incidents
Bonus video - Springs Airfield Breakfast Fly in
The SA Air Force (SAAF) King Air light transport aircraft door that came adrift soon after take-off from Lanseria International Airport just over a week ago was found north of runway 7/25.
The door, fitted to 41 Squadron King Air B200C (tail number 650), went MIA (missing in action) soon after the twin-engine aircraft left Lanseria for Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof, 28 nautical miles to the west. A brief SAAF Corporate Services statement had it the aircraft lost its passenger door “upon take-off but managed to fly to AFB Waterkloof and land safely”.
A subsequent statement from the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC) has it the door “was located within a farm erf a short distance north of Lanseria airport precinct and has been retrieved and taken to AFB Waterkloof”. It continues: “Upon inspection of the area where the door was located and as confirmed by the farm owner, it was established that there was no damage to infrastructure nor was there any loss of life suffered on the farm. The investigation of the incident continues”.
Lanseria-based Execujet was awarded a contract for SAAF King Air maintenance, with Armscor in November last year stating the contract runs from December 2023 to late March 2026 and has a ceiling amount of R95 million.
According to Armscor, King Airs 650 and 652 underwent scheduled servicing but 650 experienced fuel cell leaks when delivered to the SAAF and new fuel cells were ordered. 650 received Blackhawk-upgraded Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engines, producing 1 050 shaft horsepower up to 25 000 feet, while the aircraft's stock engines begin losing power at 15 000 feet. Both aircraft received refurbished cabins.
The SAAF has four King Airs in its inventory but 650 may be withdrawn from service if there is major damage to the fuselage.
Other King Airs have experienced in-flight door losses. For example, in February, a privately owned medical evacuation aircraft, ZS-LFW, had its door detach in flight while approaching Bloemfontein Airport after a flight from Kimberley on 8 February. Noone on board (two pilots, doctor and a paramedic) was injured, and the door was recovered from a parking area in Heidedal (a suburb of Bloemfontein) and returned to the operator.
Cirrus Announces Sr Series G7+ Featuring Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland
Cirrus today announced the new SR Series G7+ featuring Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland by Garmin®, the world's first FAA-approved autonomous emergency landing system in a single-engine piston aircraft.
With the integration of this technology, anyone in the cabin can activate Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland with the touch of a button in the event of an emergency, commanding the aircraft to navigate to a suitable nearby airport and land autonomously. This advancement in aviation safety provides pilots and passengers of the world's best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft with an automated emergency landing option in the event of pilot incapacitation or a similar in-flight emergency. Cirrus is currently delivering the SR Series G7+ with Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland.
The SR Series G7+ introduces more new features, including Automatic Database Updates enabled by Cirrus IQ PRO™ for pilot convenience, Runway Occupancy Awareness for safety and Smart Pitot Heat powered by the Perspective Touch+™ flight deck for reduced pilot workload. Together, these features combined with Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland and the company's signature Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), bring to market the SR Series G7+, a robust aircraft embedded with advanced technology, automation and safety innovations.
“We're excited to introduce the SR Series G7+, the aircraft that anyone can land in the event of an emergency with the touch of a single button,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “As the largest personal aircraft manufacturer in the world, delivering approximately 600 SR Series aircraft per year, the addition of Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland on a single-engine piston aircraft brings technology previously only available on larger turbine and turboprop aircraft to a greater number of pilots, spouses and their passengers for added peace of mind. The SR Series G7+ launch, along with our expanding ecosystem and Cirrus IQ™ platform, underscores our commitment to safety and relentless pursuit of innovation.”
Cirrus has historically led the industry in making safety innovations such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and now Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland as standard equipment. With over 10,000 SR Series aircraft manufactured and 17 million flight hours accumulated since 1999, Cirrus continues to grow the industry and invent solutions that make flying safer and more approachable.
The Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland system uses a combination of advanced sensors, sophisticated algorithms and automated flight control systems to enable the aircraft to autonomously land safely without pilot input. With a single push of a button, the system takes control of the aircraft, communicates with air traffic control, navigates to the nearest suitable airport while avoiding terrain and adverse weather, autonomously lands the aircraft bringing it to a complete stop, shuts down the engine and stops the propeller so that passengers can exit the aircraft safely.
Straightforward Activation: In the event of an emergency, the pilot or passengers can activate the system with a simple push of a button, which is centrally positioned in the aircraft's cabin ceiling, initiating Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland.
Advanced Algorithms: The system is powered by sophisticated onboard sensors and algorithms that adapt to changing conditions and enable navigation through the airspace, calculate runway parameters, and detect real-time weather and terrain.
Fully Automated Flight Control: Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland autonomously controls the autopilot and engine to fly the aircraft and execute a safe landing sequence.
Air Traffic Control: The system continuously communicates with air traffic control during the flight and automatically switches to different frequencies as the aircraft travels to the most suitable airport.
Passenger Experience: Passengers are kept informed with straightforward information on the flight displays, including airport destination, arrival time, and remaining fuel. Next steps are also clearly communicated over headsets. Passengers can press the “Talk” button on the flight display to speak directly to air traffic control.
Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland can be activated both manually and automatically. Anyone in the cabin can activate Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland at the press of a button. If a pilot is alone or those in the cabin are unable to activate it manually, Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland is designed to activate automatically if the system determines that the pilot is flying erratically or is unresponsive. Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland can be disconnected by pressing the autopilot disconnect button at any time the pilot decides.
With the SR Series G7+, Automatic Database Updates powered by Cirrus IQ PRO™ are now available through a subscription in the Cirrus IQ™ app for connected aircraft owners. Automatic Database Updates allow owners to receive automatic avionics database updates via Wi-Fi or LTE to ensure the most current and accurate data for navigation. These updates can occur while the aircraft is powered off and the owner is away from the aircraft. When the aircraft is powered up, essential databases are automatically synchronized across compatible avionics.
Runway Occupancy Awareness leverages ADS-B traffic data to predict and alert pilots of potential runway incursions from nearby airborne aircraft or other aircraft on or approaching the runway. Visual and aural alerts are provided on the pilot's primary flight display and 3D SafeTaxi™ map to maximize situational awareness, a safety feature that is especially useful at busy airports.
Smart Pitot Heat is enabled by systems integration through Perspective Touch+™ to reduce pilot workload and automate the flying experience. The system performs a self-test before every flight and automatically turns on or off in flight depending on outside air temperatures, making it one less system to manage.
Morocco Seeking $825 Million Worth of Stinger Missiles
The Kingdom of Morocco has requested the sale of FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles from the United States in a deal that could be worth $825 million.
The US State Department said on 15 April it had approved the possible foreign military sale, with the Defence Security Cooperation Agency also notifying Congress.
Morocco requested up to 600 FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles as well as contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services.
“The proposed sale will improve Morocco's capability to meet current and future threats. Morocco intends to use these defence articles and services to modernise its armed forces and expand its existing army short range air defence options. This will contribute to the Moroccan Army's goals of updating capability and further enhancing interoperability with the US and other allies,” the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said.
The principal contractors will be RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin.
The FIM-92K Stinger Block I is an advanced variant of the Stinger family of surface-to-air missiles, primarily designed for short-range air defence. Unlike earlier Stinger models, which were primarily man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), the FIM-92K is typically integrated into self-propelled ground-based air-defence systems (GBADS).
The missile is designed for all-aspect targeting, allowing it to engage threats from any direction, increasing its lethality against fast-moving aerial targets. A defining feature of the FIM-92K is its datalink capability, which enables lock-on after launch. This allows the missile to be fired before acquiring a target, extending its effective engagement envelope, especially against low-signature or evasive targets such as small unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The FIM-92K incorporates a proximity fuse, significantly improving its effectiveness against small, agile, or unmanned aerial targets by detonating the warhead when near the target, rather than requiring a direct hit.
The Moroccan military's surface-to-air missile defences are believed to presently comprise of ASTER 15, Aspide, M48 Chaparral, MIM-23 Hawk, SA-7, and Crotale systems.
Grob Successful Additional Delivery to the Swedish Air Force
H3 Grob Aircraft SE is proud to announce the successful delivery of three additional G 120TP training aircraft to the Swedish Air Force. These aircraft, locally designated as Sk40, were part of a second additional order placed this year. With this delivery, Sweden's fleet now consists of 13 G 120TP aircraft, marking another significant milestone in the long-standing partnership with the Swedish procurement agency FMV and the Swedish Air Force.
Thanks to outstanding coordination between the final assembly and quality assurance teams, combined with favourable weather conditions, all ground and flight acceptance tests were completed within just one week. The factory acceptance was successfully finalized on schedule.
In addition to the aircraft, a spare engine, along with extensions of existing training aids such as Computer-Based Training (CBT) and planning tools like Mission Planning and Debriefing Stations (MPDS), were also delivered to Sweden.
Two of the three aircraft were ferried to Sweden by experienced factory pilots Uli Schell and Thomas Brenner. They were accompanied by Terence Kliem, Head of Customer Support & Services and Contract Implementation, who provided on-site support for the handover.
H3 Grob Aircraft SE is a global leader in composite aircraft design and manufacturing. Based in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, the company is synonymous with innovation, precision engineering, and exceptional quality. Its portfolio includes advanced training aircraft and special mission platforms, trusted by military and civilian operators across the globe.
H3 Grob Aircraft SE combines decades of expertise with a forward-looking approach, delivering reliable and environmentally conscious aviation solutions. By fostering innovation and maintaining an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, the company continues to lead the aerospace industry in shaping the future of aviation training and beyond.
Australia Acquires Bombardier Jets for ISR Missions
Bombardier Defence recently announced that Principal Finance, a renowned provider of customized operating lease for aircraft in Australia, has acquired two Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft destined for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Australia. The delivery of both aircraft is planned for 2026.
“This purchase represents a major milestone for Bombardier Defence, increasing our presence in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Our aircraft are the platform of choice not only due to their reach, persistence and performance, but also due to the large accessibility of our services and support ecosystem in the country,” says Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales & Bombardier Defence.
“We are excited to integrate the Bombardier Challenger 650 into our fleet, leveraging its exceptional performance and reliability, which will play a crucial role in our future operations. This platform allows us to enhance our surveillance reach and effectiveness, ensuring we stay ahead in the rapidly evolving defence landscape,” says Harrison Langrell, Managing Director of Principle Finance.
Bombardier's high-performing Challenger 650 aircraft are appreciated for their outstanding short-field performance and proven reliability in the mid-sized jet category. The aircraft configured for business jet use can achieve endurance of up to 11 hours, with a dispatch reliability of over 99.9% and an impressive range of 4,000 nm (7,408 km). Challenger 650 aircraft are also considered an ideal choice for ISR missions by flying higher, faster and farther than legacy airborne platforms ensuring the coverage of expansive territories and offering performance comparable to large maritime patrol aircraft at fractions of their purchase and operating costs. This aircraft offers the right flexibility to complete missions in challenging environments, with an optimal payload capacity for customized mission specific equipment, a strategic advantage for next-generation solution development.
Riyadh Air Reveals World-Class Guest Experience with Striking Interior Cabin Designs
Riyadh Air, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's innovative new airline, set to take flight later in 2025, is redefining aviation travel with the unveiling of its stunning cabin interiors.
The 'no legacy' carrier which is seen as the world's first digital-native airline has revealed its first cabin layouts which blend luxury and comfort to deliver a unique and market-changing premium experience. Innovative technology integrated into elegant designs will set a new standard in comfort, convenience, and style. The use of colour and materials which reflect Saudi heritage combined with a deep attention to detail alongside unique technology and wonderful amenities will make flying a pleasure from Economy through to Business Elite.
Riyadh Air has taken an industry-leading approach to the quality and comfort levels of its seating and the new interiors will ensure a consistent product throughout its Boeing 787 fleet, providing reassurance to guests. As an airline with no legacy and the largest industry start-up in a generation, Riyadh Air is gaining a reputation as a digital native, revolutionizing the guest journey from booking to onboard and will launch Version 3.0 of its digital journey in the coming months as it moves closer to a ready to sell date.
Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CEO, said: “Riyadh Air has always promised to deliver a world-class experience for our guests and the unveiling of our cabin interiors make this ambition a reality. The design, layout, and features of our new cabins are carefully crafted to ensure flights are as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. From the ergonomic and luxurious fabrics in the seats to the high-end technology used in the entertainment systems, every facet of the cabins has been chosen to deliver relaxing luxury.”
Riyadh Air's Boeing 787-9 fleet configuration will accommodate 290 guests.
Gulfstream G800 Earns FAA and EASA Certifications
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), today announced the all-new Gulfstream G800, the world's longest-range business aircraft, has earned type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) along with certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and has done so with even greater performance capabilities than originally anticipated.
The certifications confirm enhanced performance for the aircraft, including a range of 8,200 nautical miles/15,186 kilometres at the long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, an increase of 200 nm/370 km over original projections. The G800 also can travel 7,000 nm/12,964 km at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 or an unprecedented 8,000 nm/14,816 km at Mach 0.87. The aircraft's maximum operating speed has increased to Mach 0.935 from Mach 0.925.
In addition, the G800 was certified with a balanced field length take-off distance of 5,812 feet/1,771 meters and a landing distance of 3,105 ft/946 m (standard ISA day, sea level), both shorter than initially announced, giving customers access to more airports.
“With the certification of the G800, Gulfstream has again exceeded expectations thanks to the expertise and rigor of our flight test, certification and manufacturing teams,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “The G800 marks the latest evolution of business aviation as we continue to build the next-generation fleet and bring industry-leading performance and efficiency to the market. With the capability enhancements we have achieved, Gulfstream customers will greatly benefit from the increased flexibility and range the G800 offers.”
The G800 features unparalleled cabin comfort, including the industry's lowest cabin altitude of 2,840 ft/866 m when flying at 41,000 ft/12,497 m - shared with the Gulfstream G700 - 100% fresh air, a plasma ionization air purification system and 16 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows. The whisper-quiet interior can be configured with up to four living areas or three living areas and a dedicated crew compartment.
The ultralong range, high-speed performance and enhanced fuel-efficiency of the G800 can be attributed to the combination of Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and the Gulfstream-designed aerodynamic wing and winglet.
“The Gulfstream team never ceases to test the boundaries of what is possible while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality and customer commitment we are known for,” said Burns. “We have been preparing for this accomplishment and are poised for a seamless G800 entry into service as U.S. and European customer deliveries begin.”
Archer Secures Design Approval for UAE's First Hybrid Heliport, Paving the Way for Commercial Air Taxi Service in Abu Dhabi
The General Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA) has approved the design for the planned transformation of an Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad into a hybrid heliport for both helicopter and eVTOL aircraft operations.
Archer (NYSE: ACHR) is working to transform this helipad alongside its infrastructure partner Falcon Aviation in close coordination with the GCAA. Once complete, this location is targeted to be the first hybrid heliport available for early commercial air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi, and part of Archer's broader infrastructure network in the UAE, with early operations planned with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA).
The GCAA has become the first civil aviation authority globally to develop regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure-a pioneering framework designed to support the safe, interoperable and efficient operation of both helicopters and eVTOLs from a single platform. Following industry consultation, these proposed standards are now being finalized and are on track for publication by July 2025, marking a significant step toward the seamless integration of advanced air mobility into existing aviation ecosystems.
Under this guidance, Archer and its partners plan to add charging infrastructure and upgrade landing and safety systems to enable use by eVTOL aircraft. By upgrading an existing facility, Archer can capitalize on airspace regulations, zoning and structures that are already in place, without incurring the cost and time it would take to build a bespoke vertiport.
Archer selected this site because of its location at the cruise terminal, which is a thriving tourism hub welcoming over 650,000 guests to its port each year. This location also serves as a gateway to some of the capital's most renowned cultural and leisure destinations, providing access to the Abu Dhabi Port, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the future Saadiyat Cultural District and the Corniche.
“This milestone is not just about infrastructure-it reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility,” said H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA. “Through our close collaboration with Archer and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape. This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.”
“By developing the world's first regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, the GCAA is positioning the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation. This framework ensures that our air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable-laying the foundation for the seamless integration of both helicopters and next-generation eVTOL aircraft within a unified operational environment,” said Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA - Aviation Safety Affairs Sector.
"Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy. It allows us to move both quickly and safely-getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial launch. This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, ADIO and our local operating partners,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer.
“This heliport has long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky, and its transformation into a hybrid heliport marks an exciting new chapter. We are proud to support the UAE's vision by introducing future-ready infrastructure that not only enhances our tourism offering but also supports the shift toward more sustainable and advanced air mobility solutions,” said Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services.
Air Synapsis, a Dubai-based company that provides heliport and vertiport design, supplies and project management services, supported the apron and airspace design work for the development of this hybrid vertiport.
10 May 1918
Born on 10 May 1918 George Schwartz Welch) was a World War II triple ace, a Distinguished Service Cross recipient, and an experimental aircraft pilot after the war. Welch is best known for having been one of the few United States Army Air Corps fighter pilots able to get airborne to engage Japanese forces in the attack on Pearl Harbor and for his work as a test pilot.
Welch resigned from the United States Army Air Forces as a major in 1944 and became a as chief test pilot, engineer and instructor with North American Aviation during the Korean War, where he reportedly downed several enemy MiG-15 Fagots while "supervising" his students. Welch's kills were in disobedience of direct orders for him not to engage and credits for the kills were thus distributed among his students.
After the war, Welch returned to flight testing; this time in the F-100 Super Sabre, with Yeager flying the chase plane. Welch became the first man to break the sound barrier in level flight with this type of aircraft on 25 May 1953.
Stability problems were encountered in the flight test program and on Columbus Day, 12 October 1954, Welch's F-100A Super Sabre disintegrated during a 7-G pullout and crashed in Rosamond Lake in the Mojave Desert. When he was found, Welch was still in the ejection seat, critically injured. He was evacuated by helicopter, but was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Japan, Arashima cho, Yasugi city, Shimane prefecture: A Beechcraft A36 Bonanza on a return flight from Izumo to Yao crashed on a grassland, bounced and fell down to the lake Nakaumi near Tayorigawa river during an attempted forced landing. The pilot received minor injuries while the passenger was seriously injured. They were transported to the hospital. Eyewitness reports that the aircraft flew at an altitude of 100 feet just before the crash. The pilot reported that the engine failed following low oil indication 15 minutes after take-off. The Beechcraft's forward section was broken off. JTSB initially launched an investigation as a serious incident, but it was changed to be an accident the next day.
Mexico, W of Tampico: Aeromexico flight AM2496, an Embraer ERJ-190AR, was en-route at FL370 when smoke was detected in the cabin. The flight crew elected to divert to Tampico Airport (TAM). An emergency descent was performed to FL100 and the flight landed at TAM, 21 minutes later. ADS-B data suggests that the flight was not able to maintain FL100 after the emergency descent. At some point the flight descended to 8650 feet before climbing back to around 9600 feet. During the final approach the flight made an orbit during which it descended to 800 feet before climbing to 1400 feet. The aircraft then continued on a variable between about 32° and 11° before it lined up with runway 32 about 300 m before the threshold.
Japan, Misawa Air Base (MSJ/RJSM): A Rockwell B-1B Lancer operated by the United States Air Force made an emergency landing at Misawa Air Base after declaring an in-flight emergency. The aircraft came to a halt on the base runway, where it was inspected before being cleared to taxi off the runway. USAF Spokesman Capt. Leeroy Stark stated: "The B-1B paused on the runway as a precautionary measure to allow first responders to inspect the aircraft before clearing it to taxi off the runway."Due to the runway closure, a commercial flight from Tokyo/Haneda should return and successive flight back to Haneda was cancelled.
