New boss for Flying Cheetahs at AFB Makhado.
FAA's MOSAIC final rule embraces simplified vehicle operations, positioning Skyryse at the forefront of evolving aviation standards.
Piper Aircraft awarded its largest domestic trainer order in company history from the University of North Dakota.
Cessna Skyhawk soars with enhanced efficiency: solid-state dual electronic ignition system introduced to the industry-leading piston.
Double achievement for Airbus in South Africa.
SAAF BK117 to the rescue.
The clean-sheet single-aisle aircraft at the vanguard of innovation.
This Week in History - The United States Army Air Forces are separated from the United States Army and become an independent armed service
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus Video- The Lockwood Aircam
New boss for Flying Cheetahs at AFB Makhado www.defenceweb.co.za
Air Force Base (AFB) Makhado, the “fighter town” of the SA Air Force (SAAF), has new commanders for its signature unit - 2 Squadron - as well as 3 Air Servicing Unit (ASU). The double change of command parade on 18 June saw Colonel Josias Mashaba hand the responsibility of heading South Africa's lone jet fighter squadron to Lieutenant Colonel Phumelele Ndzuta.
Mashaba is reported as telling the change of command parade his tour of duty as the Gripen squadron boss was a highlight of his career in the SAAF blue uniform. He is on record as saying: “It took a great deal of resilience, knowledge and capability. Most importantly, it required a deep understanding of oneself”.
The new officer commanding earned his wings at Central Flying School (CFS) Langebaanweg in 2008 after which he moved to 85 Combat Flying School (CFS), also at Makhado, where he qualified as a flight leader. Next stop for Ndzuta was qualifying as a pilot attack instructor (PAI). Career highlights include taking part in Operation Kgwele (securing the FIFA World Cup in 2010), deploying on the SAS Mendi as part of Operation Copper in 2011, taking part in former President Nelson Mandela's Funeral in 2013, and involvement in Exercise Blue Okavango in Botswana in 2015.
Corporal Khanyisile Gina, a staffer on the SAAF publication Ad Astra, reports Colonel Daniel Ngobeni's command of 3 ASU was “reaffirmed” by AFB Makhado OC Brigadier General Orapetse Mokgwabone. Ngobeni's time in the SAAF has seen him as armament fitter on now no longer in service Cheetah fighters, and Oryx medium transport helicopters as well as being an establishment staffer for the Hawk Mk 120 lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) PSSM (product management support system).
Other notables on his CV include explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) operator, technical support officer, guided weapon officer, base armament and survival officer as well as internal audit group officer responsible for quality assurance and accident/incident investigations.
Ndzuta and Ngobeni are “entrusted with the high-stakes task of steering one of the SA Air Forces most vital Units. Their appointments come at a time where operational readiness and technical precision are crucial to the Air Force's combat readiness demands. Both leaders carry the weight of legacy and the responsibility to shape the future,” the SAAF said.
Meanwhile, on the west coast at Central Flying School Langebaanweg, the SAAF reports Pilot Wings Course (PWC) 130 this month reached the first flight milestone 15 months after reporting at the Western Cape air force base.
The achievement, according to the airborne service of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF), came in the face of “challenges” ranging from aircraft serviceability, resource constraints, bad weather and instructor shortages.
The 10 “pupes” on PWC 130 put up with what is reported as “extended delays and setbacks” while taking on four simulator flights to sharpen their piloting skills with a familiarisation flight ahead of their first solo in the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II.
Pilot Wings Course 130
“The course typically doesn't take this long, but the students adapted to the unique circumstances,” the SAAF reported.
Central Flying School Langebaanweg was named Best Training Unit at the SAAF Prestige Evening on 11 July at the Saint George Hotel in Centurion. The Prestige Evening and Awards event usually takes place in February to coincide with the SAAF's birthday, but was delayed due to the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo that saw 14 SANDF soldiers killed.
Other awards include: Best Directorate: Directorate Supply Systems; Best Air Force Base: Air Force Base Overberg; Best Flying Unit: 21 Squadron; Best Air Servicing Unit: 2 Air Servicing Unit; Best Protection Squadron: 526 Squadron (Air Force Base Langebaanweg); Best Operational Support Unit: Lowveld Air Space Sector; Best General Support Unit: Air Publications Services Centre and Best Fire and Rescue Services: Air Force Base Waterkloof.
FAA's MOSAIC Final Rule Embraces Simplified Vehicle Operations, Positioning Skyryse at the Forefront of Evolving Aviation Standards
Skyryse®, a leader in aviation automation and simplified flight controls, today announced its full appreciation for the FAA's finalized Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule - marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of aviation.
The new MOSAIC rule modernizes the certification framework for aircraft and licensing requirements for pilots. By shifting from rigid weight-based categories to performance-based standards, the rule unlocks new opportunities for safer, more capable, and more accessible aviation technologies. MOSAIC allows fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to be certificated as light sport aircraft, and specifically outlines how airplanes, helicopters and future vertical lift aircraft equipped with simplified vehicle operations (SVO) like SkyOS may only require 20 hours of pilot training. By decreasing the traditional training requirements by 50% when SVO is in use, the ruling acknowledges the impact simplified controls have in reducing the complexity and increasing the safety of piloting. MOSAIC also allows LSA certificate holders the ability to repair and instruct on helicopters with SVO, lowering the barrier to entry for maintenance professionals working with simplified, smaller helicopters and enabling training pathways for future pilots.
Skyryse would like to applaud the leadership of U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau for their leadership in reducing the regulatory burden for the general aviation community. Skyryse also recognizes House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves for his steadfast leadership in supporting the general aviation industry. MOSAIC promises to be another key milestone for this critical sector, creating new jobs in the United States.
As the creator of SkyOS, the world's first universal operating system for flight, Skyryse celebrates the finalization of the MOSAIC rulemaking as a seminal moment toward a safer general aviation industry that is more accessible to more people. Indeed, MOSAIC contemplates the widespread introduction of advanced technologies embedded into new platforms such as Skyryse's first production helicopter, Skyryse One™.
“From day one, we've been on a mission to make aviation safer and more accessible for everyone - and this ruling is the most significant and transformative regulatory step toward accessible flight in decades,” said Mark Groden, Founder and CEO of Skyryse. “MOSAIC recognizes the maturity of today's aviation technology. It's a recognition of the value of simplified flight controls within general aviation aircraft. The flexibility this rule provides reduces training requirements, costs, and opens the skies - which is a future that benefits pilots of today and tomorrow.”
As an integrated hardware, software solution, SkyOS provides SVO through an intuitive human-machine interface and fly-by-wire system that enhances safety in all flying conditions. Featuring a single control stick and two touchscreens, Skyryse replaces conventional, complex mechanical flight controls with an intelligent, integrated system that is aircraft agnostic. By reducing pilot workload and affording pilots more time to focus on decision making and flight management, SkyOS supports safe operations in all situations, including emergencies.
To date, Skyryse has achieved several first-ever maneuvers made possible with its SkyOS technology, including the world's first automated autorotation, the first automated set-down at the swipe of a finger, and a stable, fully automated hover.
Piper Aircraft Awarded its Largest Domestic Trainer Order in Company History from the University Of North Dakota
Piper Aircraft, Inc. is proud to announce today a historic new fleet agreement for up to 188 aircraft, valued at approximately $155M, with the University of North Dakota's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences (UND Aerospace). This contract solidifies a partnership of nearly four decades that will continue to shape the future of pilot training for the next eight-to-ten years, positioning both organizations at the forefront of aviation training and innovation.
The contract includes an initial order of 145 aircraft, comprised of both the Archer TX and Seminole, over an eight-year term beginning in 2027, with the potential for up to 188 total aircraft through an optional two-year extension into 2036. This agreement surpasses UND's 2016 order for 112 aircraft, concluding in 2026. “Piper remains a vital collaborator in the continued success of flight training at UND,” said Robert J. Kraus, PhD, PfMP, Dean of UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship as we prepare the next generation of pilots for careers in the airlines, business aviation, and the U.S. military. The entire Piper team has been outstanding-responsive to our needs and collaborative in enhancing the components and capabilities of the Archer TX and Seminole.”
In today's dynamic training market, flight schools worldwide rely on robust, cost-effective aircraft and collaborative customer support to maximize fleet utilization. Piper credits much of its success in meeting these customer support demands through 24/7 technical support, parts availability, and a seamless customer experience.
“The Piper Archer TX and Seminole are a perfect fit for UND Aerospace. The Piper team is great to work with and continues to provide top-notch customer service for our students and aviation program,” stated Jeremy Roesler, Director of Flight Operations at UND Aerospace. “The aircraft are dependable and play a big part in keeping our students safe in all of their phases of pilot training. Without a doubt, Piper is the leading manufacturer for the commercial pilot training community.”
For many years, Piper and UND Aerospace have maintained a strong working relationship, with UND consistently selecting Piper trainers for their dispatch reliability and ease of maintenance, innovative technology, and overall suitability for a high-use flight training environment. “Piper values the relationship we share with UND at the highest level,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper, and a UND Aerospace alum. “The world-class flight training at UND sets the standard for the entire industry. To see them once again choose our aircraft and associated support systems is the ultimate point of pride for the 1,500 hard working men and women at Piper Aircraft.”
“UND Aerospace is thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Piper Aircraft, a company that not only delivers reliable and advanced training platforms like the Archer TX and Seminole at a fair price, but also stays ahead of the curve with innovative safety and convenience features,” said Chad Martin, Aircraft and Fleet Sales Manager, UND Aerospace. “Piper's exceptional customer support and their downright fun-to-fly aircraft make them an ideal fit for our program-and the people behind the planes make the experience even better.”
UND Aerospace operates a training fleet that totals 176 aircraft and devices, including the 20 Archer TX and Seminole aircraft delivered in 2025. Between the 1,300 flight hours per airframe averaged annually per Archer TX, with approximately 900 hours per Seminole, UND's choice of fleet aircraft must be able to withstand the rigors of a high-use flight training environment, while taking into account the unique needs of a program of UND's size. “The teamwork between Piper and UND Aerospace is first rate,” said Dan Kasowski, UND Aerospace Director of Maintenance. “This partnership and willingness to work together has helped craft the Archer TX and Seminole into the preeminent training aircraft for UND and the rest of the flight training world.” UND Aerospace utilizes their Piper fleet to achieve 125,000 flight training hours each year at their flagship Grand Forks campus in North Dakota, and an additional 65,000 hours at its Phoenix, Arizona campus, demonstrating its scale and focus on producing skilled pilots.
Cessna Skyhawk Soars with Enhanced Efficiency: Solid-State Dual Electronic Ignition System Introduced to the Industry-leading Piston
The industry-leading training aircraft, the Cessna Skyhawk, now features a dual electronic ignition system (dual EIS), enhancing maintenance, efficiency and overall operation of the single-engine, high-wing piston. The dual Lycoming electronic ignition system is now standard on all new Cessna Skyhawk aircraft.
The dual EIS replaces the previous dual magneto ignition system on the Skyhawk, incorporating advanced electronic components and reducing the number of internal moving parts to optimize operation. This solid-state electronic technology improves maintenance intervals, fuel efficiency and engine performance, ultimately reducing aircraft operating costs.
“The incorporation of the dual electronic ignition system demonstrates Textron Aviation's continued commitment to our piston aircraft, including the legendary Cessna Skyhawk, by easing operations for customers” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston & Utility Sales. “With 70 years of proven performance, the aircraft continues to play a vital role in supporting pilots across the globe.”
The Cessna Skyhawk is the best-selling aircraft in the world and the ultimate training aircraft. The addition of dual EIS comes during the 70th anniversary year of the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, which first took flight in June 1955. Through the decades, the Skyhawk has earned a reputation for reliability, ease of use, and versatility, making it a favorite among flight schools and private owners alike.
The Cessna Skyhawk is considered the aircraft of choice for pilot training, and it is the most popular aircraft in aviation history. Since the aircraft first took flight in 1955, more than 45,000 Cessna 172 aircraft have been delivered to customers in over 40 countries around the world - more than any other aircraft in the industry.
The Skyhawk features Garmin G1000 NXi avionics with wireless connectivity, a standard angle-of-attack display system and proven dependability. Its modern interior includes features such as power headset plugs at each seat, USB charging ports and upgraded seats for enhanced comfort. The aircraft also features a McCauley aluminum fixed pitch propeller and a Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine with 180 horsepower.
Double Achievement for Airbus in South Africa
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
Airbus has marked two milestones in its South African operations by celebrating over 30 years of Airbus Helicopters in the country, and launching a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg.
At its Grand Central Airport facilities on 23 July, Airbus officially launched the newly completed Customer Support Centre in a ceremony attended by key customers, Airbus officials, and stakeholders such as the South African Civil Aviation Authority. It also marked over 30 years of helicopter service, and the introduction of the first H125 simulator on the continent.
There are more than 60 Airbus helicopter operators with a fleet of more than 500 aircraft across Africa - 300 of these rotorcraft are in South Africa. Customers are split across the government and commercial sectors, using their helicopters for emergency medical services, law enforcement, anti-poaching efforts, and vital infrastructure inspections amongst others.
In addition to supplying aircraft, Airbus Southern Africa provides helicopter maintenance, spares, and pilot training, including of pilots and technicians. The company recently installed an H125 full-axis simulator incorporating virtual reality technology at Grand Central Airport, and is in the process of getting it certified by the Civil Aviation Authority.
“Africa is key to Airbus. Today we are expanding our footprint. We are here to support growth,” Airbus Southern Africa MD Nam-Binh Hoang said. “We want to grow into the light twin market and the heavy helicopter market as well as consolidate our light helicopter presence.”
Airbus has a long relationship with the South African Police Service (SAPS), which currently operates a fleet of 16 AS350 (H125) helicopters, having received its last two in 2023. More are being acquired. Hoang noted that Namibia and Botswana also operate Airbus helicopters for their police forces.
On the military side, Airbus Helicopters supports the South African Air Force's (SAAF's) seven-strong BK117 fleet. Although the SAAF does maintenance, Airbus provides spares, and is executing a R19 million order for parts. Similarly, Airbus supports the SAAF's Oryx fleet by providing spares to Denel, which is the original equipment manufacturer. “Denel is not just a customer but a partner. We are proud to be working with them,” Hoang said.
Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) is an important part of the company's business, and to improve service to local clients Airbus Helicopters has established a South African spares stockpile to reduce reliance on shipping from overseas. It is also developing a rotor blade repair capability to avoid shipping damaged blades overseas.
On the military fixed wing side, Airbus has delivered some 90 military and tactical aircraft to over 20 African nations, with the twin-engined C295 doing particularly well on the continent. Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa, pointed out that the biggest C295 operator is Egypt. Airbus is hoping for further C295 sales, especially as the aircraft can carry out a wide range of roles from paratrooping to maritime patrol. It is also offering its A400M Atlas airlifter and A330 Multi-role Tanker Transport. “South Africa would be a perfect customer for the A400M,” he said.
Economic attache at the German embassy to South Africa Glenn Daly; French ambassador to South Africa David Martinon; Airbus Africa and Middle East president Gabriel Semelas; Airbus commercial customer support head Stephane Gosselin; British high commissioner to South Africa Anthony Phillipson; and deputy head of mission at the Spanish embassy to South Africa Fernando De Castro Cardo during the Customer Care Centre ribbon cutting.
Airbus has multiple customer support hubs and customer centres across Africa, employing 2 000 people across its three divisions (Helicopters, Space and Defence, and Commercial Aircraft). The new Customer Support Centre at Grand Central Airport is dedicated to commercial aircraft and will bring Airbus closer to airline customers across the continent. It will provide technical assistance, engineering and maintenance solutions, fleet performance analysis, training services, and on-site customer support for all Airbus commercial aircraft families, including the A220, A320, A330, and A350.
“The new centre expands Airbus' presence in Africa and underscores our confidence in the region's potential, as we invest in local capabilities, empower our customers, drive connectivity and shared progress across the continent,” said Semelas.
“We recognize and deeply value the critical role Africa plays in the global aviation landscape. This recognition is reflected in our significant, long-term investments across the continent, investments that underscore our dedication to working hand-in-hand with African partners to foster local capabilities, enhance operational excellence, and unlock shared growth,” he added.
“We are deeply invested in Africa's future, not just through our products and services, but also by integrating over 180 African suppliers, investing more than $1 billion per year into our global supply chain and supporting local innovation through initiatives like #Africa4Future and Airbus BizLab,” Semelas continued.
Airbus has been present in Africa since 1976, when the first A300 was delivered to South African Airways. Today, 37 airlines operate 264 Airbus aircraft, with 72 on order. According to its Global Services Forecast, Airbus foresees in the next 20 years on the African continent, a need for 14 000 new pilots and 21 000 mechanics and engineers to face the surge in air travel demand, and expects 1 860 commercial aircraft in service in 2043. Passenger traffic is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6% in Africa between 2027 and 2043 - the highest rate in the world.
Airbus has a commercial aircraft backlog of 8 754 aircraft. By 2030, it is projected to have the most airliners in service, with some 18 000 commercial aircraft - up from 13 800 at present.
SAAF BK117 to the Rescue
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
The South African Air Force (SAAF) has played a central role in the rescue of two men from a mountainside in the Eastern Cape, using a BK117 helicopter to hoist them to safety.
On the afternoon of Friday 18 July, authorities in the OR Tambo District Municipality received reports that a 26-year-old man and a 61-year-old man from the Bayiza area had fallen off a cliff while searching for missing livestock.
Search teams including South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicles, K9 units, and EMS vehicles, were deployed but due to nightfall and extreme terrain, the rescue team was unable to begin the search upon arrival. Operations were paused and resumed the following day, with the missing men subsequently located.
The SAAF had a BK117 in the Mthatha area, carrying out standby duties for Project Owethu - an initiative by the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) to bring free healthcare to communities. Air Force Command Post requested the BK117 assist with the rescue operation, and on Saturday midday, the helicopter, Commanded by Major Corrie Oberholzer (with copilot Major Achmat Salim Mtshali and Flight Engineer Flight Sergeant Letladi Mahlakwana) took off from 14 South African Infantry Battalion and routed to the rescue site approximately 15 nautical miles west of Mthatha Airfield.
The helicopter landed and a thorough briefing between the crew and rescue team was conducted via telephone, the SAAF said. The helicopter took off and the rescue team with patients was found on the downdraft side of the mountain, at an elevation of 5 700 feet. Weather conditions were windy and turbulent, with the wind blowing at some 28 knots (50 km/h).
A police K9 rescue unit was able to secure the two men on a rock just off the cliff face and awaited extraction, but this was complicated by windy and turbulent conditions. After experiencing severe downdrafts and insufficient power to hover out of ground effect, a different approach was conducted and the helicopter was able to reach the rescue site.
“A limited power hover, with limited control effectiveness on both the tail rotor and cyclic stick was conducted, and the rescuer and one patient was hoisted off the rock. The helicopter continued to the top of the mountain where the Police and medical helicopter was waiting to transport the members to the hospital. The helicopter returned to the rescue site to hoist the second patient and transport the patient to the same spot. The BK117 safely returned to 14 SAI and landed at 13:31B [Bravo time] after the rescue. A total of 1.0 hours was flown,” the SAAF said.
The SAAF's 15 Squadron based at Air Force Station Port Elizabeth operates BK117 helicopters from its Charlie Flight. They are regularly tasked with search and rescue and other duties - for example in September 2023 a BK117 rescued an unresponsive patient from a fishing boat off Gqeberha.
The SAAF has seven BK117s in its inventory. Many current SAAF pilots prefer flying the BK117 over the more modern A109 Light Utility Helicopter, even though it has fewer capabilities, because the BK117 is lightweight, easy to fly, and not hampered by the additional communications and mission systems gear that the A109 carries.
State defence materiel agency Armscor earlier this year said that only R19 million of a required R100 million maintenance contracts with Airbus Helicopters is funded for the BK117s, but the majority of BK117 spares that had been ordered have been delivered.
The Clean-Sheet Single-Aisle Aircraft at the Vanguard of Innovation
Today, many of the planes flying our skies are test-proven aircraft - built on +40-year-old designs - that have been enhanced with the latest engine and avionics technologies. However, every few decades, an aircraft comes along that boldly makes a fresh start. Most recently, that aircraft is the A220.
“With the A220, we really started from a blank slate,” explains Jean-François Parent, Airbus A220 Chief Engineer. “Our objective was to build the most efficient small single-aisle aircraft on the market, and we engineered - in a thoughtful way - the features that would deliver on this objective.”
Indeed, the A220 Family - comprising two variants: A220-100 and A220-300 - are “clean-sheet” aircraft built on an entirely new design that rethinks aerodynamic efficiency, allows for the use of the most advanced materials, and integrates the latest systems and avionics.
Because developing new aircraft is significantly more costly than simply improving an existing design, this approach is generally used when there is a need to serve new or different markets that existing designs can't address. For the A220, that segment is the 100- to 160-seat market.
Optimising aerodynamic efficiency is at the core of the A220's airframe design. To achieve this, the A220 boasts advanced features, such as the newly designed nose and tail cone, both of which reduce the drag on the aircraft. The fuselage wetted area - which is the entire surface area that is in direct contact with the air - is the smallest for aircraft of its class, keeping drag at a minimum.
Among the A220's most noteworthy innovations is its 40% use of advanced materials. The majority of aircraft are built from a combination of titanium, steel and aluminium. The A220 is no exception in this respect, but it also incorporates advanced composites - such as polymers and carbon fibre - in the wing, centre wing box, empennage, rear fuselage and horizontal stabiliser. These composite materials are less prone to corrosion and fatigue compared to metal, and offer an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Case in point: the A220's wing is 10% lighter than a conventional all-aluminium wing, which reduces fuel burn and emissions.
Inside the aircraft, the A220's cockpit - designed by pilots for pilots - is widely appreciated for its modern and state-of-the-art flight deck powered by Airbus' fly-by-wire technology. The simplified yet robust layout was designed to be as intuitive as possible with large screens, fewer manual controls and user-friendly on-board equipment - such as two-mode fly-by-wire flight controls and sidestick controllers. This cockpit layout enables pilots to fly the A220 Family's two variants with the same type rating.
The A220's engine and cabin have also been given the clean-sheet treatment with incredible results - improvements that will be explored more closely in future installments of the A220 web series.
The latest improvements for enhanced safety & performance
Despite the integration of the latest technologies from the get-go, a clean-sheet design still requires continuous improvement to keep it at the forefront of innovation. And the A220 has continued to integrate new features and functionalities since its launch.
For example, the A220-100 and A220-300 have consistently benefited from maximum take-off weight (MTOW) increases - approved by international regulatory authorities - throughout the years with the first increases starting in 2020. Since then, the A220's MTOW has increased by 3 tonnes, which has expanded the aircraft's maximum range. The latest payload increase is expected later this year.
Avionics upgrades are also a top priority for the A220. In 2026, the A220 will fully integrate the latest Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS), an onboard system that alerts pilots if more deceleration force is needed to avert a runway overrun. Because runway overruns are considered one of the major contributors to aircraft accidents worldwide, this improvement will further optimise safety by providing the flight crew with timely alerts when the aircraft is at risk of not being able to stop before the end of the runway. This upgrade will align with EASA's mandate to have ROAAS integrated in all new commercial aircraft.
Further ahead, Airbus' HBCPlus connectivity solution, which will significantly improve onboard broadband access, is expected to arrive after 2028. And the long-awaited capability to operate on 100% sustainable aviation fuel is expected to be possible for all Airbus aircraft before 2030.
Thanks to these innovations and Airbus' continued investment in the programme, the A220 is solidifying its reputation as one of the most innovative aircraft with a clean-sheet design that delivers.
17 SEPTEMBER 1947
The United States Army Air Forces are separated from the United States Army and become an independent armed service, the United States Air Force. Photo United States Air Force / commons.wikimedia.org
The United States Air Force became a separate military service on 18 September 1947 with the implementation of the National Security Act of 1947. The Act created the National Military Establishment, later renamed the United States Department of Defence, which was composed of four of the five branches, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and a newly created Air Force.
Prior to 1947, the responsibility for military aviation was divided between the Army for land-based operations and the Navy and Marine Corps for sea-based operations from aircraft carrier and amphibious aircraft. The Army created the first antecedent of the Air Force on 1 August 1907, which through a succession of changes of organization, titles and missions advanced toward eventual separation 40 years later. The predecessor organizations leading up to today's U.S. Air Force are:
Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps (1 August 1907 - 18 July 1914)
Aviation Section, Signal Corps (18 July 1914 - 20 May 1918)
Division of Military Aeronautics (20 May 1918 - 24 May 1918)
Air Service, U.S. Army (24 May 1918 - 2 July 1926)
U.S. Army Air Corps (2 July 1926 - 20 June 1941)
U.S. Army Air Forces (20 June 1941 - 17 September 1947)
The Air Corps became a subordinate element of the Army Air Forces on 20 June 1941 and was abolished as an administrative organization on 9 March 1942. It continued to exist as a branch of the Army (similar to the infantry, quartermaster, or artillery) until reorganization provisions of the National Security Act of 1947
Congo (Democratic Republic), near Ishango: A Bat Hawk reconnaissance aircraft crashed near Ishango, killing both occupants. The aircraft was engaged in guarding the Virunga National Park to ensure the safety of Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) agents operating in the park.
Switzerland, Lake Lucerne, off Kehrsiten, Stansstad, NW: A Socata TBM700N (marketed as TBM940) crashed into Lake Lucerne, off Kehrsiten, Stansstad, Nidwalden, shortly after take-off from runway 24 at Buochs Airport (BXO/LSZC), Buochs, and sank. The pilot was not injured and the passenger was injured and taken to a hospital. ADS-B data indicate that the aircraft took off from runway 24 at 06:21 UTC. It circled back to BXO, aborted the approach to runway 24, made teardrop turn and landed on runway 06, eight minutes after take-off. The aircraft remained on the apron for over an hour and took off from runway 24 at 07:38 UTC. It made a climbing right hand turn after take-off and began losing altitude over Lake Lucerne until it impacted the water.
USA, near Nampa Municipal Airport (MAN/KMAN), Nampa, ID: A Mooney M20J 201, N5764H, impacted an unoccupied outbuilding, shortly after take-off from runway 29 at Nampa Municipal Airport (MAN/KMAN), Nampa, Idaho. The pilot and two passengers perished and the aircraft was destroyed. Preliminary ADS-B data shows that the airplane departed runway 29 and climbed to an altitude of 200 ft before it initiated a 180-degree turn. The airplane lost control and impacted an outbuilding. Total flight time was less than a minute.
USA, Kodiak Airport, AK (ADQ/PADQ): Alaska Airlines flight AS231, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, hit two or three deer during landing on runway 26 at ADQ. The landing gear of the airplane was damaged. There were no injuries to the occupants of the aircraft.
