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Aero Club Airweek 2026 is coming your way.
Aero Club Communique # 3 Jan 2026.
SAAF rotorcraft continue to assist with Mozambique rescue ops.
Ghana places first order for multi-mission Airbus helicopters.
Elfly gains US foothold with $200 million UrbanLink electric seaplane order.
Subaru Bell 412EPX embarks on its first demo tour in the Middle East.
Cirrus delivers 11,000 SR Series aircraft.
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announce order for nine 787 Dreamliners.
This week in history - British South American Airways (BSAA) was a state-run airline in the United Kingdom in the late 1940s responsible for services to the Caribbean and South America.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - SAAF C 130 # 409 Waterkloof to TFDC.
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AERO CLUB AIRWEEK 2026 is COMING YOUR WAY.
We are looking forward to hosting you at Aero Club of South Africa Airweek 2026. Some details follow together with a registration link.
VENUE: Middelburg Airfield with Middelburg Aero Club
FAMB: Latitude S25 41.2 Longitude E029 26.5 Elevation 4886ft
RUNWAY: RWY 14/32 1800x25m asphalt will be the main runway
WXCAM: www.aviationwebcams.co.za/station/famb/
ATNS: No ATNS will be in operation at this stage. Pilots discretion. Approach frequency 127.95MHz will be in use once from 5nm Ground frequency 120.90MHz will be in use once you have landed.
JOINING & LANDING: Land at pilots discretion. Standard joining and landing procedures apply. Details to be provided in advance of the event.
PARKING: Marshall's will guide you to the parking. If you are part of the static display aircraft for the weekend, please mention this to the marshals.
FUEL: Avgas, Mogas and Jet A1 are available at this airfield.
DINNERS: Friday evening 06 March 2026 Braai outside / in the main hangar. Bookings essential - please support our hosting flying club. Saturday 07 March 2026 : QUIZ EVENING. Dinner Buffet with award evening in the main hangar. Seated from 18h00. ookings essential - please support our hosting flying club. Please note that there will not be braai facilities at this event as dinner facilities are provided. As the dinners are a large undertaking for the Club, we would appreciate you support. More catering details will be advised closer to the event.
DRESS CODE: Your choice of dress code. No formal dress is required as we understand many of our members fly and camp. Come as you are comfortable, as long as you are dressed.
MEALS: Food vendors will be available on the airfield with coffee available from early morning, breakfast & lunches. Depending on participation / demand based on RSVP's, meals will be available from Thursday through to Sunday morning breakfast. More substantial dinners to be available.
PAYMENTS: The on-field vendors accept cards. Dinners have to be settled in advance and may be paid via card at the airfield.
BAR: 'Under New Management' - MAC will manage their own bar moving forward to help improve the service. The bar facility will be open from Thursday evening and as required.
ACTIVITIES: We are planning a full weekend for you including down time to relax and fly.
Friday evening
Late afternoon STOL Invitational - preliminary round
Saturday throughout the day
• Early morning Hot Air Balloon flight
• Aircraft Judging Competition
• Static Display of unusual aircraft in the centre of everything
• Fun Rally - this short rally will give you an opportunity to test your navigation skills!
• STOL Invitational Final - If you think you and your aircraft have what it takes, make contact!
• Lots of aviation displays and participation across the various sections.
• Talks and Workshops
Introducing a New pre-planned activity on Saturday
Get your hands on the Controls of a different Aircraft Type. This year, we have a number of South African manufactured aircraft that will be available for experiential flights with an Instructor. Pilots may take up this opportunity to try out these aircraft. A list of Aircraft Types is being finalised and will be available in due course.
CAMPING: The campsite has been well cared for and the positioning allows campers to enjoy a great view of the Airfield. Bring your own tent or enjoy the convenience of having your tent delivered, set up and removed for you. Limited stock. Book your tent ASAP.
ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation is available in town as per recommended spots on the registration form.
TRANSPORT: A shuttle service will be provided between the recommended BB's which are in a reasonable proximity to the airfield. If you indicated you require transport, you will be added to a group /sent an invite for a WA group where transport can be requested. A nominal fee will be charged and collected electronically. We have worked on improving this service for participants that are staying in town and trust that this will be efficient.
VOLUNTEER: It is never too late to volunteer and we can use all the available hands (and legs) to assist with marshalling. Basic training will be provided. Please volunteer on the form.
AVIATION EVENT SAFETY OFFICER: Nigel Musgrave is our Safety Officer on site, working with the MAC (Middleburg Aero Club) team. Help them by adhering to safe Airfield practices.
PROGRAM: The detailed program is being finalised and will be available in before the event.
CONTACTS: For your ease, please click on the name you wish to contact and you will be redirected to their email address.
MAC Team Leader - Cobus Peens
Safety - Nigel Musgrave
Aircraft Judging Competition - Paul Lastrucci
Fun Rally - Tarryn Myburgh
Event Organiser - Marie Reddy
EXHIBITORS: Thanks to those taking space in the “marketplace” and to our Sponsors and those that have made donations. We appreciate you! If you still need to book space, please book through the RSVP button above.
VEHICLE PARKING: If you are driving in, please park in the fenced-off area before the final access to the Airfield.
REGISTER: We will actively be reviewing and responding to messages until the event is underway. Thereafter, we will be onsite and may not be able to respond to your requests immediately. Come along and find us at the Airfield in WhatsApp fails.
MEMBERSHIP: If you are not yet a member, please consider joining the Aero Club of South Africa through this link www.aeroclub.org.za/membership/
Aero Club Communique # 3 Jan 2026
Good day Aero Club members.
A basic principle that has sustained the Aero Club for 106 years is the openness among members to discuss differences. This manifested itself on Monday when one of our long-standing members, who is an engineer and a pilot, phoned me and said that he felt I had written something in last week's communique which was incorrect. I want to thank this concerned and caring Aero Club member for alerting me to this.
The specific sentence in Communique number 2 is:
•The condition monitoring programme will determine if an engine is fit to be “on condition” by way of detailed inspections and checks of all engine and other related components.
I agree that saying “all engine and other related components” could create the impression that it is implied that an engine removal may be needed and then taking the engine apart is necessary to do inspections and checks. This is not the intention. It is also not the intention that all engine components are to be inspected; only those that need inspection. The proposed inspection and checks are non-invasive thereby do not necessitate an extensive engine intrusion.
The SACAA will convene a final meeting, probably next week, to finally approve the publication for public comment of the Appendix 3. As mentioned last week, we strongly believe that the proposal has been thoroughly worked through by members of the Aero Club, knowledgeable owners of aircraft, AMEs, and other representatives of general aviation. The proposed Appendix 3 is a comprehensive document that covers what needs to be done to ensure that an engine that is over 12 years old can be operated safely within best practice guidelines. We will advise as soon as the proposal is sent for public comment and give the detail to submit public comment.
One of the benefits of Aero Club membership is to acquire third-party liability insurance cover. The Civil Aviation Act requires what is termed “adequate cover”. This is not a clear indication of what the cover should be. Therefore, it is beneficial to make use of the arrangement that the Aero Club has with DJA Aviation for two categories of cover for all aircraft under 600 kg and NTCA over 600 kg. The rates are competitive. If you own and fly an aircraft in these two categories, please contact DJA at 011 463 5550 for your third-party liability cover. All you need is a current Aero Club membership card.
Airweek 2026 has done the pre-flight, start-up checks and is at the holding point! The planning committee is actively busy with all the necessary preparations needed to see to it that Airweek 2026 will be a great success.
The 2026 Aero Club membership renewal commenced on the 1st of December. Please visit the Aero Club website renewal portal at www.aeroclub.org.za/membership/ to renew or to register as a new member.
Regards and have a good week,
Walter Doubell
Acting Chairman, Aero club of SA walter@aeroclub.org.za
SAAF Rotorcraft Continue to Assist with Mozambique Rescue Ops
SA Air Force (SAAF) helicopters continue to fly search and rescue (SAR) sorties in Mozambique as South Africa's eastern neighbour bears the brunt of continued heavy rain, and have rescued nearly 500 people so far.
The first rotorcraft was dispatched to Mozambique on Sunday 18 January with three more - seemingly from 15 Squadron, the lone inhabitant of Air Force Base (AFB) Durban - flying north on Tuesday.
The helicopters - an Oryx medium transport and a pair of Agusta A109 light utility rotorcraft - had by Wednesday 21 January brought 224 people to safety from flooded areas following a reconnaissance sortie over the Palmeira area of the country's Maputo province. The professionalism of the South African helicopter flight crews was put to the test during rescue sorties in ongoing rain and poor visibility.
The SANDF on 22 January said rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate stranded residents, and to date, the South African Air Force has successfully rescued 479 individuals from flood-stricken areas and transported them to places of safety.
The helicopter deployment is part of a disaster relief effort provided for by the standing SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Joint Operations Division tasking Operation Chariot. SAAF Corporate Communication Officer, Major Lebogang Phakathi, has it the mission is also part of a SAAF commitment to regional stability and co-operation under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework.
The flooding in South Africa's eastern neighbour was, according to Phakathi, triggered by heavy rains starting in mid-December and intensifying in January. Mozambique's central and southern provinces, including Maputo, Gaza and Zambezia, were worst hit.
There was, at the time of publication, no indication from the SANDF Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC) as to whether two 17 and 19 squadron rotorcraft were still flying SAR sorties in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Those aircraft along with aircrew and ground support personnel were activated during the 12 to 16 January week when parts of both provinces were subjected to torrential rain, with one report of 400 mm falling in a 24-hour period.
One of the A109 rescue missions last week involved it flying back and forth five times to and from the Khambaku Lodge near Phalaborwa, rescuing 18 people trapped by flood waters on 14 January. The rescue was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Stefan King, with Major Peter Rabie as co-pilot and Sergeant Sicelo Mponthsane as flight engineer. King and his crew continued rescue operations in Giyani on the next day, rescuing people from rooftops and trees.
The SANDF also sent a larger Oryx helicopter from 17 Squadron in Pretoria to Hoedspruit to aid in search-and-rescue operations on Thursday 15 January.
Captain Bubele Dumisani Vuma Zote reported for the SANDF that an Oryx was used on 16 January to airlift rations and others supplies from the Macadamia Operational Base to the Sandriver Operational Base after flooding in the area cut off all road access. Soldiers at these bases are deployed on border patrol duties under Operation Corona.
South African Police Service and SANParks helicopters have also been used to rescue people affected by the flooding, which in South Africa has killed two dozen people and caused damage estimated at around R4 billion. Over 100 people have died in Mozambique, and nearly 200 000 affected by flooding there.
Ghana Places First Order for Multi-Mission Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence of Ghana for two H175Ms, one ACH175 and one ACH160. The H175Ms will be used as multi-mission helicopters for transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services and disaster relief. The ACH175 and ACH160 will be operated for transport.
“The commitment from Ghana marks the return of Airbus Helicopters to the country with a defined focus on customer support and partnership,” said Arnaud Montalvo, Head of Africa and Middle East Region for Airbus Helicopters. “We are particularly excited that the H175M will be operated in Ghana, demonstrating the aircraft's versatility across defence and security missions. This key deal also makes Ghana a leading customer in West Africa for our premium corporate helicopters, the ACH160 and ACH175,” he added.
In service since 2014, Airbus' H175 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters, combining long-range and payload with smooth flight qualities, making it the optimal solution for a wide range of onshore and offshore mission profiles, including disaster relief, search and rescue, public services and a wide range of military missions, as well as crew change and private and business aviation.
The ACH160 is the latest member of the ACH family and is the world's most technologically advanced helicopter, with 68 new Airbus patented technologies. It provides 20% greater volume per passenger compared to previous generation medium twin helicopters and 35% larger windows than its competitors, resulting in the brightest cabin in its class.
Elfly Gains US Foothold with $200 Million Urbanlink Electric Seaplane Order
Norwegian electric seaplane developer Elfly announced on January 19, 2026, that it has closed a deal with Florida-based zero emissions mobility operator UrbanLink for 10 NOEMI amphibious aircraft plus another 10 options. The value of the contract could reach $200 million.
In conversation with AeroTime, the CEOs of both companies, Eric Lithun of Elfly and Edward Wegel of UrbanLink, said the all-electric technology being built by the Norwegian will be ideal for the operational conditions of Florida.
While Lithun mentioned the year-round favourable weather conditions, Wegel highlighted the very low environmental impact of electric aviation - and not just on the emissions front. Traditional aviation, Lithun said, represents a very real contamination risk for fragile tropical natural habitats, through fuel and oil leaks and noise pollution. In an all-electric aircraft like the NOEMI, these factors are reduced to practically zero.
When it comes to the business case, UrbanLink is eyeing primarily the intra-Florida market, with the possibility of linking Miami to nearby Caribbean markets, such as the Bahamas. The idea is to link some of the state's key transport and vacation hubs with each other, such as Miami International Airport (MIA), Palm Beach, and the large cruise ship terminals at Port Miami and Port Canaveral.
UrbanLink is also working with the main cruise operators to offer links between South Florida and the private islands many of them operate in the Bahama keys. These would not only carry leisure passengers, but also staff and supplies.
SUBARU Bell 412EPX Embarks on its First Demo Tour in the Middle East
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that the SUBARU Bell 412EPX platform has taken a historic step forward as it embarks on its first-ever demonstration tour in the Middle East, following its display at Dubai Airshow 2025. Stopping at rotorcraft facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, the demonstration tour is expected to attract hundreds of prospective customers across the public safety and defence industries to see the vertical lift capabilities of this multi-mission aircraft.
“We were thrilled for the opportunity to display the 412EPX at this year's Dubai Airshow, and are excited to bring the platform to customers across the Middle East to see first-hand what this aircraft can do,” said Tim Evans, managing director of Middle East and Africa, Bell. “We continue to have positive conversations with both current and prospective customers on how this platform can take their missions to the next level.”
With eleven aircraft variants spanning over four decades, the Bell 412 has a longstanding history of supporting critical missions around the world, including fire fighting, law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations. Combining its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs., and ability to carry 5,000 lbs. with a cargo hook, along with its robust main rotor gearbox with dry run capability, operators benefit from its increased horsepower during public safety operations.
“The SUBARU Bell 412EPX is a modern and efficient multi-mission solution, and we look forward to continuing the 412 platform's legacy as a reliable workhorse to operators throughout the region,” added Evans.
In June 2025, Bell celebrated the signing for the first SUBARU Bell 412EPX order in Africa to the Tunisia Air Force for multi-role military and security missions. This order builds on recent global entries of the Bell 412 to the Japan Coast Guard, San Diego Fire and Rescue, Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior, Croatia Ministry of Interior, and more.
Cirrus Delivers 11,000 SR Series Aircraft
Cirrus today delivered its 11,000th SR Series aircraft, a testament to the company's innovation, safety, quality and service. The latest model, SR Series G7+, features Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, the world's first FAA-certified autonomous emergency landing system in a single-engine piston.
The SR Series product line (SR20, SR22 and SR22T) was first delivered in 1999 and has been the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft for over two decades. The SR Series captivates experienced pilots, student pilots, and people new to aviation because the Cirrus design philosophy centers on innovation, safety and approachability. From its award-winning safety features to its concierge aircraft ownership pathway, Cirrus is the Personal Aviation™ aircraft manufacturer of choice.
“Delivering 11,000 SR Series aircraft is an incredible milestone for Cirrus,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “Cirrus is the third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, and our aircraft feature cutting-edge innovations including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS™), Perspective Touch+™ avionics and Safe Return Emergency Autoland, which continue to raise the industry benchmark and keep people flying with confidence.”
The one-of-one, 11,000th SR Series aircraft showcases an exclusive, bold design to commemorate the milestone. Crafted by the Cirrus Xi™ Design Studio, the inspiration for the 11,000th aircraft draws from forward-looking trends, the art of movement, and elevated luxurious colors and materials. The design combines elegance, sportiness, and thoughtful details, celebrating 11,000 aircraft deliveries with the number eleven on the fuselage, tail, and inside the cabin. The dark green 'Monteverde' paint is unmistakable on the ramp, making the number eleven stand out. Premium materials in 'Vision Green', 'Concrete' Alcantara® and matte carbon fiber create a sophisticated, comfortable cabin.
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines Announce Order for Nine 787 Dreamliners
Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines announced today Africa's largest carrier ordered nine 787 Dreamliner airplanes as demand for long-haul travel continues to rise. Ethiopian Airlines will leverage the 787-9 jets to grow its route network, which currently serves 145 international destinations.
The airline's latest 787 purchase follows its commitment for 11 737 MAX jets(opens in a new tab) announced at the Dubai Airshow. Both orders were finalized in December 2025 and boosts Ethiopian Airlines' order book by a total of 20 fuel-efficient Boeing airplanes.
"We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to further expand our existing fleet. This order underscores our continued commitment to enhancing our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby further strengthening our customer service," said Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO. "We will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies as part of our strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation."
Ethiopian Airlines operates Africa's largest 787 Dreamliner fleet, flying its 787-8 and 787-9 jets on intercontinental routes from Addis Ababa to high-demand destinations across Europe, Asia and North America as well as key intra-African routes spanning the world's second-largest continent.
"The 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be a game-changer for airlines around the world, and we are proud to support Ethiopian Airlines in their mission to connect Africa with the global community," said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa. "Together, we look forward to shaping the future of air travel with advanced, efficient and comfortable airplanes to serve their passengers."
Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing airplane fleet in Africa and has the continent's largest backlog of 737 MAXs, 777X and 787 Dreamliner airplanes.
British South American Airways (BSAA) was a state-run airline in the United Kingdom in the late 1940s responsible for services to the Caribbean and South America. Originally named British Latin American Air Lines it was renamed before services started in 1946.
BSAA operated mostly Avro aircraft: Yorks, Lancastrians and Tudors and flew to Bermuda, the West Indies, Mexico and the western coast of South America. After two high-profile aircraft disappearances it was merged into the British Overseas Airways Corporation at the end of 1949.
The initial aircraft - until the Avro Tudor II was available - would be Avro Lancasters converted by Avro into the same configuration as Lancastrians and the crews were being sought from former Pathfinder Force members: the general manager Don Bennett had been the force commander during the war. The single route to be flown was Hurn- Lisbon-Bathurst-Natal-Rio de Janeiro-Montevideo-Buenos Aires.
On 1 January 1946, the airline's first Avro Lancastrian Star Light flown by Don Bennett and R. Clifford Alabaster undertook the first flight from the newly opened Heathrow Airport, it was on a proving flight to South America. The first commercial flight followed ten weeks later.
Aruba, near Aruba-Reina Beatrix Airport (AUA/TNCA): JetBlue flight JBU1058 from Aruba to New York JFK, operated by an Airbus A321NEO, was climbing shortly after takeoff when a loud bang was heard. A engine had failed. The crew held near Aruba for a considerable amount of time before deciding to divert to Fort Lauderdale. The flight continued to Fort Lauderdale where it landed safely.
Brazil, near Cáceres Airport (CCX/SWKC), Cáceres, MT: A critical malfunction forced the pilots of a Beechcraft G58 Baron, registration PS-GMF, to make an emergency landing at Cáceres Airport (CCX/SWKC), Mato Grosso. While cruising over Mato Grosso, the aircraft lost its right engine propeller. An inspection revealed an oil leak and damage to the propeller mount. Both occupants were not injured and the aircraft received minor damage.
USA, Bangor International Airport (BGR/KBGR), Bangor, ME: A Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 650 crashed during a takeoff attempt from runway 33 in adverse weather conditions at Bangor International Airport (BGR/KBGR), Bangor, Maine. The airplane carried eight occupants flipped upside down and was destroyed by fire. ADS-B data indicates that the aircraft landed at BGR at 18:09 LT after a flight from Houston, TX (HOU). It parked at the General Aviation Terminal at 18:15. At 19:13 the aircraft taxied to the de-icing pad, where it remained from 19:17 to 19:36. It taxied to runway 33 and commenced the take-off at 19:44. At a distance of 1760 m pas the threshold, the aircraft veered right at a ground speed of 152 knots. There were no survivors.
