Aviation industry showing support, solidarity against engine ruling.
SACAA gives clarity on the withdrawal of AIC 18.19 and the Impact on 12-year engine overhaul regulations.
VoltAero unveils the production configuration of its Cassio 330 electric-hybrid aircraft for regional transportation.
Archer raises $850M following white house executive order to accelerate U.S. eVTOL rollout, cementing its industry-leading liquidity position of approximately $2B.
De Havilland Canada celebrates 60th anniversary of iconic Twin Otter aircraft.
Pioneer Era of Aviation to Be Showcased at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.
Warbirds of America commemorates historic military aircraft at AirVenture 2025.
This week in history - Cpt John Alcock and Lt Arthur Whitten Brown set out on the first successful non-stop Atlantic crossing
Worldwide Accidents and Incidents.
Bonus video - Bearhawk Patrol Silver Creek to Krugersdorp and Eagles Creek
AVIATION INDUSTRY SHOWING SUPPORT, SOLIDARITY AGAINST ENGINE RULING
The AIC 18.19 Task Team under auspices of four aviation representative organisations and a group of concerned aircraft owners and specialists, reports that members of the industry have been showing strong support and solidarity following a media statement about the constructive grounding of scores of South-African fixed-wing aeroplanes and helicopters fitted with Textron-Lycoming and Teledyne Continental engines and possibly any engine not overhauled during the past 12 years.
Funds and pledges of support have been streaming in from near and far. An immense amount of the funding target to resort to legal action if all efforts fail to resolve the situation has been received. The special Task Team envisages vehement opposition on the part of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) who rescinded the previous 01 01 General Notice that has been working with utmost safety and efficiently for the past two decades. The new Civil Aviation Regulation and Technical Standard, unless amended, is rendering scores of aircraft virtually worthless overnight. The cascading effects are jeopardizing thousands of jobs while irreparably harming the industry and sectors of the economy relying on general and light commercial aviation.
A reactive public statement by the SACAA makes it clear that the time for talk is over. Although the Task Team will endeavour to enter into talks with the Hon. Minister of Transport, Mrs. Barbara Creecy, it would appear that the SACAA has dug its heels in. The Authority is ironically using the same but unsubstantiated argument of maintaining safety standards that the rescinded AIC 18.19 has been successfully achieving, mitigating the detrimental effects of inactivity and passive storage, as the original recommendation by the manufacturers clearly intended.
Major sales, maintenance and engine overhauling companies, including certain insurance companies and underwriters have also come out in support of the Task Team initiative. The 150 contributors to the 'war chest' also include industry representative organisations, flying clubs and fixed-wing aeroplane and helicopter owners and operators. All indications are that failing relief from the Minister, urgent legal applications may follow, while the current initiative is gaining traction, direction and momentum. Should the need arise to escalate the action, more funds will have to be recruited.
The Task Team is emboldened by the media coverage and public awareness the collective effort has generated so far. Hopes are that this initiative will garner political support and raise the issue threatening thousands of jobs at the highest levels. With over 450 fixed-wing aircraft that attended Nampo 2025 potentially affected and the ensuing threat to the agricultural sector and forestry due to firefighting organisations being affected, hopes are high that the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. John Steenhuisen, will sit up and take notice. Meanwhile, feedback and encouragement are being received from various sources, including South Africans residing in the USA and other aviation countries.
A progress statement will be issued by the AIC 18.19 Task Team on Friday, 13 June 2025. Please contact your club, association or organisation for details to become involved or contribute:
SACAA Gives Clarity on the Withdrawal of AIC 18.19 and the Impact on 12-Year Engine Overhaul Regulations
Ikhaya Lokundiza, Centurion - The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) would like to provide clarity on the withdrawal of Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 18.19 on the overhaul of aircraft engines in line with the manufacturer's manual.
In 2023, the SACAA rolled out a project to review all AICs that were issued by the Regulator in the past, to ensure that they are adequately aligned with the existing regulatory dispensation. As part of this process, the SACAA identified that AIC 18.19 is not aligned with the Civil Aviation Regulations 2011 (CARs). AIC 18.19 was last issued by the SACAA in 2006, exempting aircraft owners and operators from complying with the 1997 CARs on the overhauling of engines in line with the manufacturers' manual.
This was immediately identified as a safety risk as well as a legal and liability risk by the Regulator.
Not only was the AIC used incorrectly in this case, but it was also linked to regulations that had been repealed over the years. Given these inconsistencies and irregularities, it became necessary for the Regulator to withdraw the AIC. SA Civil Aviation Authority AICs are supplementary communication tools used by Regulators to communicate specific aviation related information to the industry. They are not meant to exempt industry from applicable regulatory provisions.
As a standard rule, the airworthiness and maintenance of aircraft is covered in sufficient detail in a manufacturer's manual. As the manufacturer of the equipment or product, the manufacturers are expected to ensure that their products are not just supported with adequate parts but that they advise users of any safety risks that may become apparent during the use of such products on an ongoing basis.
The Regulator's mandate is quite distinct from that of manufacturers, and it is to ensure that aircraft owners and operators maintain their aircraft in compliance with the manufacturer's maintenance manuals. In instances where non-compliance is identified, the Regulator takes appropriate actions including enforcement action to ensure that industry adheres to applicable legal provisions.
To address the gap resulting from the withdrawal of the AIC and in order to enable the industry to prepare for full compliance with the current regulations and associated Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS), the Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) issued a general exemption with conditions on 1 December 2023 that were valid for 180 days. Responding to the outcry from industry to be given additional time to comply, this exemption was extended on 29 May 2024 for another 180 days, expiring on 26 November 2024, which is the longest permissible time for an exemption from applicable regulations.
Industry members were informed that, following the expiration of the extension, aircraft owners and operators would be required to comply fully with Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 43.02.5 and its associated Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS) 43.02.5, as well as the manufacturers' engine or product requirements.
The engines affected in this dispute with some operators and aircraft owners are Textron Lycoming and Teledyne Continental. Owners or operators of aircraft fittedwith these engines must adhere to the manufacturer's maintenance requirements and associated Service Bulletins, Service Letters and Service Information.
AICs cannot override or supersede manufacturers' requirements as this will attract significant safety risks. This requirement largely impacts aircraft operated in the general aviation (private flying for different purposes including light commercial, aerial work and flight training) sector and does not affect scheduled commercial airlines. The SACAA is aware that the aircraft in question are sometimes used for over border operations, and this heightens the risk as they enter the sphere of international operations.
It is important to note what the SACAA is calling for is not unique to this particular aircraft or components but is universal throughout all other aircraft and those industry members comply fully with the manufacturers manual and the SACAA regulations.
The SACAA is in the process of finalising the alignment of CATS with the current regulations. The CATS were reviewed through an existing regulated consultative structure, namely, the Civil Aviation Regulations Committee (CARCom). The CARCom is a multi-stakeholder body established in terms of the Civil Aviation Act and follows a prescribed consultative process for the development, amendment and review of regulations and technical standards.
During the review, it was found that the current provisions in the technical standards somewhat usurped the responsibilities of engine manufacturers by making the 12-year engine overhaul requirement compulsory and, also by including in detail the maintenance methods and techniques, a determination which is the responsibility of manufacturers and not regulators.
The SACAA is a Regulator, not a manufacturer and as such cannot determine mandatory maintenance intervals for aircraft parts.
The allegations that 1 400 aircraft and 300 000 jobs have been impacted by the withdrawal of this AIC remain untested. The SACAA believes this assertion is without merit and is unsupported by credible evidence. The Regulator commends all operators and aircraft owners who have complied with applicable regulations and the manufacturers 12-year engine overhaul requirement.
“The SACAA will continue to engage the industry on this matter to find a middle ground without compromising each other's responsibilities. The Regulator has demonstrated on many accounts to be responsive to the industry's views, however what is also needed is for the industry to have an appreciation of the Regulator's perspective as it balances aviation safety and industry interests,” said the SACAA's Director of Civil Aviation, Ms Poppy Khoza.
“The door for engagement is not closed; hence we have taken steps to engage the Original Equipment Manufacturers to pronounce themselves on this matter without ambiguity as the manufacturers of these products. The SACAA will persistently work towards ensuring that aviation safety and security is not compromised. In some instances, and where necessary, decisions taken on account of safety can override commercial interests. While it is important to find a balance, it is not always possible.”
For SACAA media-related activities and interviews:
Sisa Majola
Manager: Communications
0833130754
Email: majolas@caa.co.za
Ayanda Manunga
Senior Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Relations
079 496 7077
Email: manungaa@caa.co.za
Voltaero Unveils the Production Configuration of its Cassio 330 Electric-Hybrid Aircraft for Regional Transportation
VoltAero today presented the production version of its Cassio 330 electric-hybrid aircraft for sustainable regional transportation. The production configuration represents an evolution of the Cassio 330's design that reflects VoltAero's close working relationship with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness certification agency throughout the aircraft's development, applying the company's Design Organization Approval (DOA).
Multiple factors led to this evolution, resulting in decreased complexity for the Cassio 330's airworthiness certification and aligning its overall design in compliance with EASA's latest CS.23 certification specifications for normal category airplanes.
“As we take another step toward the Cassio 330's production, our strategy remains unchanged: using safe and efficient electric-hybrid propulsion and power technologies that are realistically available today, applying them to a conventional take off/landing aircraft for sustainable regional transportation using existing airport infrastructure,” explained Jean Botti, VoltAero's CEO & Chief Technology Officer, during today's unveiling event at Le Bourget Airport ahead of the Paris Air Show.
At the heart of VoltAero's evolution for the Cassio 330 production version is the use of a series-hybrid architecture. A “pusher” electric motor is installed on each side of the aft fuselage, and a thermal engine inside the aircraft serves as a range extender by recharging the onboard batteries. During taxi, take off and initial flight phases, the Cassio 330 operates on all-electric propulsion for eco-efficient and quiet operations. The thermal engine recharges the batteries during cruise flight as a range extender.
This series-hybrid architecture reflects a changeover from the Cassio 330's original parallel-hybrid configuration, which incorporated an in-line combination of an electrical motor and thermal engine to drive a single propeller.
Another visible difference for the Cassio 330's production configuration is VoltAero's adoption of a T-tail instead of the original design's twin booms that supported a high-set horizontal tail. This change eliminates the potential of damage to the twin booms in the event of a propeller blade failure.
The new configuration has a fully redundant architecture for operational safety. This begins with the two aft-fuselage-mounted Safran ENGINeUS™ smart electric motors, placing the Cassio 330 in the multi-engine aircraft category and opening its potential use in commercial air transport operations.
Contributing to the configuration's designed-in redundancy is VoltAero's use of two individual, independent battery strings that are coupled with the ENGINeUS™ motors. Additionally, Safran's ENGINeUS™ motor design has two separately-powered stator winding channels that can operate independently - which is referred to as “half-engine-inoperative” (HEI) functionality.
The Cassio 330's interior layout remains unchanged, accommodating the pilot and up to five travellers in a spacious cabin - retaining the modularity for passenger transportation, cargo operations, and medical evacuation/air ambulance missions. A large door forward of the wing facilitates access for passengers with reduced mobility, especially on PSO (Public Service Obligation) flights serving airports that are not on primary airline routes.
VoltAero will produce the Cassio 330 at a purpose-built 2,400-square-meter industrial facility at Saint Agnant in the Charente-Maritime department of France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region. Inaugurated last November, this location serves as the primary hub for production and delivery of Cassio-family aircraft - supported by VoltAero's on-site design, engineering, flight test and administrative departments. It is sized for the assembly of 150 Cassio airplanes annually at full rate, to be backed by additional production sites created in other key geographical markets.
De Havilland Canada Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Iconic Twin Otter Aircraft
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited proudly marks the 60th anniversary of the legendary DHC-6 Twin Otter, an aircraft that has transformed regional aviation and earned its place as one of the most versatile and dependable aircraft in aviation history.
First taking flight on May 20, 1965, the Twin Otter was designed to meet the demanding conditions of Canada's rugged north. Over six decades, it has proven its rugged reliability across the globe - from the Arctic to the Amazon, from commuter airlines to humanitarian missions, from military operations to skydiving adventures.
“Today, we are celebrating six decades of a manufacturing and operating a Canadian-made aircraft that serves the world,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada. “The Twin Otter is more than a machine; it's a lifeline, a workhorse, and a testament to Canadian ingenuity. We're proud that it continues to connect the most remote corners of the world with unmatched reliability.”
The Twin Otter aircraft continues to evolve with advancements in design and technology. The current production model, the DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G, features modern avionics, enhanced performance, and is proudly manufactured in Canada. Renowned for its rugged construction and exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, the Twin Otter can operate on wheels, skis, or floats-making it a preferred choice for operators in over 100 countries. With the 1000th Twin Otter currently in production, De Havilland Canada is set to celebrate this milestone delivery later this year.
As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, De Havilland Canada has produced a commemorative poster available for download here.
Pioneer Era of Aviation to be Showcased at EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2025
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 will pay homage to the earliest days of powered flight with a trio of replica aircraft from the pioneer era of aviation that will be displayed in the Vintage area of the AirVenture grounds.
The pioneer era of aviation is recognized as the period between the Wright brothers' first flight in December 1903 and the start of World War I in August 1914. The 72nd edition of EAA's fly-in convention is July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
“The pioneer era of aviation laid the framework for the entire industry through experimental designs and the willingness to push the boundaries of current technology,” said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The three airplanes on display at AirVenture will serve as our tribute to the people who paved the way for the aviation industry.”
A replica Santos-Dumont Demoiselle, built by Club Aéro des Garrigues in France, will be transported overseas to Oshkosh to be displayed in the Vintage aircraft area. The Demoiselle is a lightweight monoplane designed by Alberto Santos-Dumont and features a fuselage built from bamboo. The first Demoiselle was built in 1907 and weighed less than 300 pounds.
A replica Bleriot XI from EAA's collection will join the Demoiselle on display. The Bleriot XI was created by French businessman Louis Bleriot who famously flew over the English Channel in July 1909. The flight helped grow the popularity of the Bleriot XI with demand quickly exceeding the capacity of the original French factory. EAA's flyable replica is built around an original Anzani engine.
The third airplane to be displayed is a Morane-Saulnier Type L replica, also part of EAA's collection. The Type L was one of the first fighter aircraft from World War I. Fitted with a machine gun that fired through the propeller arc, the Type L became the first type to shoot down an enemy aircraft through the propeller. EAA's replica was built by a team of volunteers which included former Morane-Saulnier employees. The aircraft was donated to EAA by the Morane-Saulnier Heritage Association following an appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017.
Both the Bleriot XI and Morane-Saulnier Type L replicas are currently on display in the Pioneers of Flight exhibit of the EAA Aviation Museum.
Warbirds of America Commemorates Historic Military Aircraft at AirVenture 2025
The EAA Warbirds of America area will continue to be a focal point on the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh grounds in 2025 with an exciting lineup of aircraft and attractions for all ages to enjoy. More than 300 warbirds are expected to appear this year with many being from the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras.
The innovation and technology of the Korean War will be highlighted this year with several aircraft on display showcasing the transition from piston-powered aircraft to fighter jets. This year also marks the 85th anniversary of the Corsair, the 80th anniversary of the A-1 Skyraider, and the 75th anniversary of the MiG-17.
On Tuesday, July 22, at 2 p.m., EAA Warbirds of America will hold a press conference to announce the dedication of the C.E. “Bud” Anderson Memorial Garden and Warbirds Museum. The afternoon air show on Wednesday, July 23, will pay tribute to the 80th anniversary of World War II with a parade and run-up featuring several aircraft from the era.
Warbirds in Review will return with a packed schedule featuring presentations on iconic aircraft such as the P-51, Me 262 replica, and P-38. The annual presentation series has become one of the premier ways during AirVenture to learn about era-defining aircraft up close.
The Warbirds Youth Education Centre will offer kids an opportunity to experience flight in iconic warbirds through five Redbird full-motion flight simulators. The Warbirds Youth Education Centre is free to enter and open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during AirVenture.
Bell Celebrates Its 6,000th Commercial Aircraft Built at Bell Textron Canada Centre
Bell Textron Canada Limited, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces the completion of its 6,000th commercial aircraft at Commercial Delivery and Assembly Centre in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada with two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs for operations by the Sûreté du Québec. Bell will deliver the aircraft to the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable, which manages a fleet of aircraft through the Service Aérien Gouvernemental (SAG). This milestone marks a significant achievement in the nearly 40-year history of Bell Textron Canada in Quebec.
"Our 6,000th helicopter built in Canada demonstrates our commitment to manufacturing aircraft capable of performing the most critical missions, as well as our dedication to contributing to Quebec's economy. We're proud of the products Bell Textron Canada has delivered to support critical missions across the globe and thrilled to celebrate this milestone by delivering this aircraft, and supporting our own community," said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell Textron.
For nearly 40 years, Bell Textron Canada has been a pillar of our regional economy. The company showcases Quebec's expertise far beyond our borders, while creating quality jobs and sustainable benefits here in the Laurentians. This 6,000th helicopter is much more than a number. It is a symbol of Quebec's know-how, a shared ambition, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of Quebec.
The Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable, through the SAG adds two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs aircraft to its fleet and make them available to the Sûreté du Québec to support their critical missions. "For the Sûreté du Québec, the new helicopters are essential to fulfilling our mission. Our police helicopter services, including search and rescue, are offered throughout Quebec thanks to our valuable partnership with the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable, particularly with the General Directorate of the SAG. In 2024, our helicopters carried out 116 missions," said Madame Liette Abel Normandin, Senior Director of Strategy and Institutional Affairs and member of the Sûreté du Québec's senior management team.
"Bell has been investing in Quebec for a long time, which has allowed us to create a global Centre of Excellence in Mirabel. We are delighted that, thanks to this, Quebec's engineering expertise is being exported worldwide with exceptional aircraft like the SUBARU Bell 412EPX," said Michael Nault, General Manager of Bell Textron Canada.
Since the 1960s, the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité Durable, through the SAG, has relied on Bell helicopters. The fleet used for the Sûreté du Québec's mission plays a vital role in public safety across Quebec. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and features that will enhance performance and operational capabilities in the Sûreté du Québec's operations, including search and rescue missions across forest and mountainous terrain, crew and equipment transport, flood evacuation, aerial surveillance, and tactical operations.
The celebrations took place at Bell Textron Canada's Mirabel facility, where employees and dignitaries gathered to commemorate the historic event. Bell Textron Canada continues to set the standard for excellence in the aviation industry, and the delivery of the 6,000th helicopter is a testament to the talent and dedication of the talented team delivering Bell commercial aircraft.
14 June 1919
Cpt John Alcock and Lt Arthur Whitten Brown set out on the first successful non-stop Atlantic crossing, flying a Vickers Vimy from Newfoundland to Ireland in 16 hours.
Brown were British aviators who, in 1919, made the first non-stop transatlantic flight. They flew a modified First World War Vickers Vimy bomber from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Clifden, County Galway, Ireland.
The Secretary of State for Air, Winston Churchill, presented them with the Daily Mail prize of £10,000 (equivalent to £580,500 in 2023) for the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by aeroplane in "less than 72 consecutive hours".
The flight carried nearly 200 letters, the first transatlantic airmail. The two aviators were knighted by King George V at Windsor Castle a week later.
They win £10,000 from the Daily Mail and are both knighted.
Kenya, Ndavaya, Kinango: A Kenya Air Force Grob G 120 crashed in Ndavaya, Kinango, Kenya, both pilots were killed. The aircraft was engaged in a training flight.
USA, Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV/KMHV), Mojave, CA: A CSA PS-28 Cruiser, N724SC, sustained substantial damage in an accident at the Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV/KMHV), Mojave, California. The sole pilot was not injured. The FAA reported that the aircraft landed with a crosswind, lost directional control veering off runway into a field striking a sign. The recorded weather 5 minutes after the accident included winds 290 at 15 knots, gusting 21 knots. ADS-B data indicates the airplane landed on runway 12 and immediately losing control.
India, near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Apt. (AMD/VAAH), Ahmedabad: An Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, after takeoff from runway 23 at Ahmedabad International Airport (AMD), India. Of the 242 occupants, one passenger survived. Local media reported 33 persons on the ground have been killed in the accident. Videos of the accident show that the aircraft was airborne for about 30 seconds. After take-off from runway 23 it climbed for about 12 seconds. The aircraft then began to lose altitude with the undercarriage still extended. The main gear then impacted the top floor of a hostel building for doctors, where a restaurant was situated. The tail section then impacted the roof and became detached. The remainder of the aircraft continued and burst into flames as it came down. The front of the aircraft impacted the Atulyam-11 residential quarters, home to undergraduate and postgraduate doctors. The midsection scattered across a garden and adjoining road. The first point of impact is located 1,5 km southwest of the runway end.
