Aero Club Communique # 8 of 2026.
It's only 125 days to go to this year's AirVenture Oshkosh.
Ghana's Air Force receives first H175 helicopter from Airbus.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Introduces Vertical Lift Centre.
Joby completes piloted electric air taxi flight across San Francisco Bay
and around the Golden Gate.
De Havilland Canada provides production update on De Havilland Canadair 515 aircraft.
Dassault Aviation unveils the Falcon 10X - new top of the line Falcon.
Life Flight Network signs ten-year agreement and places firm order for 12 PC-12 PROs.
This week in history - Death of Ernst Mach, Austrian physicist and philosopher
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Denel Rooivalk Battle Proven
Aero Club Communique # 8 of 2026
Good day to all our Aero Club members and the GA Industry. We have had a busy two weeks and I report on some of the activities.
12-Year Engine Overhaul Rule
The period for public comment on the Appendix 3 of Part 43, the technical standards that will give relief to owners of aircraft with Lycoming and Continental engines that are older than 12 years, expires on the 19th of March 2026.
As mentioned in previous Communiques, after the public comment period expires, the proposal is then tabled at the next CARCom meeting on the 20th of April 2026. If no substantive comments have been received, CARCom will be asked to approve the proposal for promulgation. Promulgation normally takes at least many months.
There are possibilities of some interim relief, such as an exemption, while the promulgation process takes its course. In the meantime, such an exemption may be granted by the SACAA. But I need to stress that we are not at all sure if in fact an exemption may happen or, it does, when it will occur.
The entire process that was followed to get the relief via Appendix 3 was done as quickly as is permitted within the process of the normal regulatory framework.
Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre
The ARCC is a division of the Department of Transport. The ARCC was established as the aeronautical branch of South African Search and Rescue (SASAR), a division in the Department of Transport. We will give more information in future editions.
All aviation-related accidents or incidents should be reported to the ARCC.
Please see the ARCC notice below with the contact information to report any aviation incident or accident.
Airweek 2026
We have been reporting about the planning and preparation for Airweek for many weeks. Airweek 2026 was held this past weekend and here is what happened. Imagine over 50 WhatsApp messages and photos on the Airweek group sharing information about the weather on Friday morning. And it was not good.
The photo below shows conditions at about 10:00 on Friday morning on a flight approaching Middelburg from Gauteng.
The rain was intermittent and with forecasts not being good, messages started coming from pilots who decided not to come to Middelburg. But the true Airweek spirit prevailed and arrivals by plane increased. Many decided to come by car rather than fly, showing a sense of putting safety first, but still making the effort to come to Airweek. Arrivals continued and by Saturday an estimated 60 aircraft had arrived. The total number of flight movements over the weekend is estimated at over 150.
Airweek 2026 was very well supported by sponsors and exhibitors. These are the companies and organisations that supply products and services to recreational aviation to make flying easier for our pilots. Their products and services cover a wide spectrum from insurance, new aircraft, engines, avionics, aircraft sales, fuel, tyres, airwear, charter and other aviation services.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the event was safe with no incidents or accidents, a testimony to the safety consciousness of those who attended.
There are just too many people who contributed in so many ways to thank everyone who was part of Airweek 2026. Airweek 2026 is a prime outstanding example of teamwork and selfless dedication by a group of individuals that share a common cause. This cause is the preservation of free recreational flight for all in South Africa.
Thanks to everyone for a superb Airweek. Till next week.
Regards,
Walter Doubell, Acting Chairman, Aero club of SA, walter@aeroclub.org.za
It's Only 125 Days to go to this Year's Airventure Oshkosh
It's only 125 days to go to this year's AirVenture Oshkosh and EAA have announced many of the special attractions for this year's event! Amongst them is the recent announcement that they will be celebrating 50 year's of Ultralights - it's hard to believe that they have been around for half a century already!
John Moody's Icarus II, recently painstakingly restored by the Michigan Ultralight Association, will be on display at the Ultralight Field (now known as the "Fun-Fly Zone"). Moody will present a retrospective on his flying experiences over the last 50 plus years - to be held at the Ultralight Forum Tent on Wednesday 22 July at 11h30. At one time banned from EAA shows for reckless flying, John is now revered amongst the EAA community for what he started and what led to the adoption of Part 103 in the USA. John Moody is truly recognised as being the "Father of Ultralights"!
On the flip side, Oshkosh 2026 will be highlighting the US Pacific Air Force - personnel and aircraft. Along with other aircraft, the gigantic C-17 Globemaster will be centrepiece on Boeing Plaza and the Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning team will also be flying displays in the airshow.
New to AirVenture Oshkosh this year will be the unveiling of the EAA Vertical Lift Center on the airfield in partnership with Robinson Helicopters and Vertical Aviation International. The future of aviation is vertical and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the ideal stage to sponsor and showcase the innovation happening across this industry from traditional rotorcraft to the next generation of piloted, remotely piloted and unmanned systems. The Vertical Lift Center will be situated in EAA's Aviation Gateway Park, near the Forums Plaza, in the centre of the grounds.
2026 Camping Tour to Oshkosh - Dates and Pricing
Please note - at his stage places on Alpha and Charlie Tours (Johannesburg and Cape Town) are becoming very limited, if you have not yet secured your space, do it now!
Alpha Tour - ex Johannesburg
Departs OR Tambo Friday 17 July, returns Tuesday 28 July
Single R41 655*
Sharing R43 755*
Bravo Tour - ex Durban
Departs Durban King Shaka Friday 17 July, returns Tuesday 28 July
Single R41 655*
Sharing R43 755*
Charlie Tour - ex Cape Town
Departs Cape Town Int Friday 17 July, returns Tuesday 28 July
Single R45 955*
Sharing R43 855*
The above tours include airfares ex South Africa, estimated airport taxes, transfers between Chicago and Oshkosh, EAA camping fees, accommodation in tents supplied with stretcher and sleeping bag, breakfast, tea and coffee, tour golf shirt and cap or hat, use of AAT campsite facilities. Please note that prices are subject to alteration should tariffs or exchange rates vary.
Delta Tour - ex O'Hare Airport, Chicago
Departs Terminal 5 O'Hare Saturday 18 July at 17h00, returns to O'Hare Sunday 26 July at aproximately 15h00
The above tour include transfers between Chicago and Oshkosh, EAA camping fees, accommodation in tents supplied with stretcher and sleeping bag, breakfast, tea and coffee, tour golf shirt and cap or hat, use of AAT campsite facilities. Please note that prices are subject to alteration should tariffs or exchange rates vary.
Air Adventure Tours (Pty) Ltd
Cell
+27 84 674 5674
Joby Completes Piloted Electric Air Taxi Flight Across San Francisco Bay
and Around the Golden Gate
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced the completion of a series of demonstration flights across the San Francisco Bay Area. With one of the world's most recognizable skylines as a backdrop, the company showcased its operational readiness in a region defined by traffic congestion, demonstrating that the future of quiet, emissions-free flight, is not just a concept, but nearing commercial readiness.
With an operational foundation built on thousands of test flights and more than 50,000 miles logged across its fleet, the company is now ready to scale its presence across the U.S.
Joby was selected as a partner in multiple winning applications under the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), giving the company the opportunity to begin early operations across 10 states: Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. The selection marks a significant milestone not just for Joby, but for the broader U.S. air taxi industry, with the potential to meaningfully accelerate the path to commercial service.
The flight marks the kickoff of Joby's 2026 Electric Skies Tour, a national showcase timed to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary. After departing Oakland International Airport, Joby's (N545JX) aircraft, piloted by Andrea Pingitore, soared quietly across the Bay toward the Golden Gate Bridge and turned above the Marin Headlands, set against one of the world's most recognizable skylines.
The iconic backdrop is the first stop in a journey to introduce Americans to a future where a daily commute will take minutes, not hours. Joby expects to fly and present its aircraft in cities across the country as part of the tour, building on a heritage of American innovation and proving the real-world promise that air taxis are a faster, quieter way to connect our communities.
“The Bay Area is home to the world's most innovative companies, including Joby, but it's also an area with significant traffic and unique geographical barriers,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby. “Our technology provides an opportunity to build on the immense potential of this region while protecting it for the next generation. By providing clean, quiet service with minimal infrastructure investment we are making flight an everyday reality for the community.”
The company continues to make progress towards certification, marked by the successful flight of its first FAA-conforming aircraft for TIA, which paves the way for FAA pilots to carry out 'for credit' tests later this year. The aircraft is designed with safety, acoustics and performance in mind - all critical characteristics to unlocking the urban aerial ridesharing market.
Ghana's Air Force Receives First H175 Helicopter from Airbus
The Ghana Air Force (GAF) has taken delivery of the first of three H175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, less than two months after the contract was publicised.
The helicopter departed Airbus Helicopters' Marignane facility in France, routing through Spain and North-West Africa before continuing south along the West African Atlantic coast through several countries en route to Ghana. On arrival in the capital Accra on 5 March, the aircraft was received by the Acting Minster for Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Deputy Minister for Defence Ernest Brogya Gyenfi, the Deputy Head of Mission of the French Embassy Raphael Pont, and various senior officers of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“The arrival of the H175 forms part of a wider aircraft procurement initiative approved by Parliament, which includes the acquisition of one H160 and three H175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters as well as a Falcon 6X long-range aircraft from Dassault Aviation. The programme is intended to address the operational limitations associated with the Air Force's ageing fleet while significantly improving mission readiness and operational flexibility,” the Ghana Air Force said.
In December 2025, Ghana's Parliament approved a $60 million agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of a single Falcon 6X aircraft for the Ghana Air Force. In addition, lawmakers endorsed a €125 million agreement with Airbus Helicopters for the supply of the three helicopters.
In mid-January, Airbus Helicopters said Ghana had ordered two H175Ms, one ACH175, and one ACH160 for transport, search and rescue, disaster relief, and other duties. The H175M is a military configured airframe to be used for missions such as personnel and cargo transport and civil support, while the ACH160 and ACH175 are corporate configured helicopters likely acquired for VIP duties.
The Ghana Air Force said the first helicopter delivery marks a significant step in the on-going modernisation and retooling of its operational fleet. “The acquisition forms part of a broader defence procurement programme approved by Parliament to enhance the operational capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces.”
“The addition of the Airbus H175 is expected to significantly enhance the Ghana Air Force's operational capability across a wide range of missions, including search and rescue operations, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and troop and logistics transport. Equipped with advanced avionics, extended operational range, and increased payload capacity, the aircraft provides improved endurance, flexibility, and rapid response capability in addressing both conventional and emerging security challenges,” the GAF said.
The Ghana Air Force currently operates Mil Mi-17/171 and Harbin Z-9 helicopters. The Ghana Army and Ghana Navy do not operate aircraft of any kind while the Ghana Police Service operates AS350 and SA342 helicopters. The Air Force has five Mi-17V-5 and Mi-171Sh helicopters in service as well as three Z-9EH utility helicopters (one Z-9 was written off in August 2025, claiming the lives of eight people, including two prominent government ministers).
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Introduces Vertical Lift Centre
Rotorcraft and vertical lift technology will be the featured highlights at the new EAA Vertical Lift Center to be unveiled during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. The 73rd EAA fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport.
“While homebuilt rotorcraft have long been a judged category at Oshkosh and we've always welcomed other rotorcraft, drones, and similar technology as part of the world of flight, the EAA Vertical Lift Center is a unique area that focuses on this unique segment and its potential,” said Ren Scott, EAA's vice president of business development, sales, and events. “Working with Robinson Helicopter and VAI brings the expertise in this area that connects the rotorcraft and vertical lift communities with the international visibility available only at Oshkosh.”
As announced at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, this area will feature an emphasis on helicopters and VTOL aircraft as part of a partnership with the Robinson Helicopter Company and Vertical Aviation International (VAI), a membership organization dedicated to supporting the vertical lift industry. The dedicated space within AirVenture's Aviation Gateway Park will display aircraft as well as promote rotorcraft education, industry recruitment, and innovative technology in the vertical lift industry.
“Vertical aviation is entering a period of fast growth and real change, and the new Vertical Lift Center at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh gives us a high-visibility place to show the public where this sector is headed,” said François Lassale, president and CEO of Vertical Aviation International. “VAI is proud to partner with Robinson Helicopter Company and EAA to highlight the full spectrum of vertical lift, from today's rotorcraft operations to emerging VTOL technologies, while inspiring the next generation of pilots, maintainers, and engineers who will power this industry upward.”
Those involved in the rotorcraft and vertical lift community see the AirVenture connection as an innovative way to reach a broader audience with the technology and innovations that are advancing that aviation segment.
“The future of flight is vertical, and EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh is an ideal stage to sponsor and showcase the innovation happening across our industry, from traditional rotorcraft to the next generation of piloted, remotely piloted, and unmanned systems,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter and sponsor of the inaugural Vertical Lift Center at AirVenture 2026. “As the demand for skilled engineers, A&P mechanics, and test pilots reaches an all-time high, Robinson is committed to supporting education and careers across vertical lift. We encourage everyone to visit the Vertical Lift Center to discover how these advancements are shaping the next era of flight and how they can become a part of it.”
De Havilland Canada Provides Production Update on De Havilland Canadair 515 Aircraft
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is pleased to provide an update on the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) currently in production in our Canadian manufacturing facilities.
De Havilland Canada is producing 22 aircraft for European customers, including Croatia, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and France and have recently signed contracts with the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Alberta. These orders underscore the strong domestic and international demand for the world's only purpose-built amphibious firefighting aircraft.
Production is progressing on the first DHC-515 aircraft, with structures being assembled in our Canadian manufacturing facilities. The cockpit and the hull have been recently joined in our Calgary aerostructure assembly line to form the forward fuselage. In addition, we recently completed the assembly of the first DHC-515 wing box, an impressive 28.6-meter-long structure.
De Havilland Canada is pleased to release a new video spotlighting manufacturing and assembly activity across its Canadian facilities. The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the progress, precision, and dedication driving production forward. From key assembly milestones to the skilled teams powering operations, the footage captures the continued momentum and commitment to excellence across DHC's Canadian footprint. Watch the full video to see our teams and facilities in action.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is a cornerstone of Canadian aerospace innovation, proudly designing, building, and supporting aircraft in Canada for the global market. Every aircraft we produce creates high-value jobs, strengthens our national aerospace industry, and contributes to a resilient and growing economy.
With a fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft delivered to operators worldwide, De Havilland Canada has earned a global reputation for rugged, reliable performance and exceptional customer support.
Our aircraft connect people and places-from the most remote communities to the busiest regional hubs-carrying millions of passengers and critical cargo every year.
Built to operate in the toughest environments, De Havilland Canada aircraft are trusted for a wide range of missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and more. Our near-century-long legacy is driven by a passionate Canadian workforce dedicated to shaping the future of regional and missionized aviation.
Dassault Aviation Unveils the Falcon 10X - New Top of the Line Falcon
In a dramatic unveiling before more than 400 customers, partners and aviation leaders gathered in a new production hall in Bordeaux-Mérignac, Dassault Aviation has rolled out the Falcon 10X-its most ambitious business jet ever. As the drape lifted at 8:00 p.m. CET, the aircraft emerged as a bold new benchmark for the future of long-range business aviation.
The Falcon 10X introduces the largest, most comfortable, and most versatile cabin ever designed in a purpose-built business jet-redefining what passengers can expect from time spent in the air.
“The objective,” says Dassault President & CEO Eric Trappier, “is to allow passengers to experience time on board the aircraft as just another part of their everyday life, not as a long interval between origin and destination. So they arrive feeling refreshed and at their very best.”
The aircraft's spacious interior is eight inches wider and two inches taller than its nearest competitor, enabling owners to design interiors that feel less like a traditional aircraft cabin and more like a modern living or working environment.
Delivering that level of comfort while maintaining the efficiency and operational flexibility that define Falcon aircraft required innovation across nearly every aspect of the airplane.
Engineers applied expertise drawn from the company's cutting-edge military aircraft programs to advance aerodynamics, materials, avionics and flight controls. Dassault remains the only manufacturer in the world designing and building both advanced fighter jets and business aircraft-a cross-disciplinary advantage now reflected in the Falcon 10X.
The Falcon 10X will cruise at speeds approaching the sound barrier with a top speed of .925 Mach and has a maximum range of 7,500 nm, allowing it to easily connect the world most popular city pairs such as New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Sydney, São Paulo to Dubai or Beijing to Paris.
Passenger comfort was engineered with equal ambition. At a cruising altitude of 41,000 feet, cabin pressure will be maintained at an exceptionally low 3,000 feet, complemented by 100 percent fresh air continuously renewed throughout the cabin and individually adjustable temperature zones. The 10X's entirely new fuselage comes with 38 extra-large windows-nearly 50 percent larger than those on the Falcon 8X-flood the cabin with natural light, making it the brightest cabin in business aviation.
Measuring 9 feet, 1 inch wide (2.77 m) and 6-feet, 8 inches tall (2.03 m), the cabin is larger than some regional jets. Customers can configure three- or four-zone interiors including expansive dining areas, Falcon Privacy Suites, full-size bedrooms, and even optional shower installations.
At the heart of the Falcon 10X is business aviation's first all-composite wing.
The advanced structure combines traditional Dassault high-lift devices-slats and flaps-with a next-generation composite architecture that improves aerodynamic efficiency while reducing weight. The result is a wing that supports the aircraft's large cabin while maintaining the agility and runway flexibility that Falcon aircraft are known for.
“Dassault Falcons have always been at the vanguard of business aviation,” noted Trappier, “and the 10X is no exception, embodying the very best technology available today. From the user perspective, the equation is simple: an objectively better experience.”
Life Flight Network Signs Ten-Year Agreement and Places Firm Order for 12 PC-12 PROs
Life Flight Network has signed a ten-year agreement and placed a firm order for twelve PC-12 PROs, with additional options secured for future fleet expansion. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, marking a significant long-term investment in advanced air medical capabilities.
Life Flight Network, the largest not-for-profit air medical transport provider in the nation, announced its agreement for twelve turnkey medevac-configured PC-12 PROs. Life Flight Network is the launch customer in the United States for the PC-12 PRO with an aeromedical interior. The aircraft will be delivered by Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd through its Broomfield-based operation and will be fully outfitted for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) level care and transport.
Founded nearly a half-century ago, Life Flight Network has built a reputation for clinical excellence, operational reliability, and rapid response across diverse and often remote terrain. The addition of the PC-12 PRO will further modernize its current fleet and enhance its ability to provide safe, efficient, and life-saving transportation throughout its service region.
Ben Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of Life Flight Network, said: “This ten-year agreement represents a transformational step forward for our organization. The PC-12 PRO provides the performance, reliability, and advanced safety technology necessary to serve our communities across the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain West, and Hawaii. We are committed to investing in aircraft that enhance patient care, support our crews, and uphold the highest standards of safety.”
Thomas Bosshard, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd, added: “The PC-12 PRO is a proven platform ideally suited for air medical missions. With its advanced avionics suite, exceptional performance capabilities, integrated Safety Autoland technology, and US-designed and -built medical interior, it delivers unmatched safety and operational flexibility. We are proud to support Life Flight Network as they continue their vital mission of providing critical care transport.”
Death of Ernst Mach, Austrian physicist and philosopher, noted for his contributions to physics such as the Mach number and the study of shock waves
Ernst Waldfried Josef Wenzel Mach born on 18 February 1838 was a physicist and philosopher noted for his contributions to physics such as study of shock waves. The ratio of one's speed to that of sound is named the Mach number in his honour. Through his criticism of Newton's theories of space and time, he foreshadowed Einstein's theory of relativity.
Up to the age of 14, Mach received his education at home from his parents. In 1855 he became a student at the University of Vienna where he studied physics and for one semester medical physiology, receiving his doctorate in physics in 1860. His early work focused on the Doppler effect in optics and acoustics.
In 1864 he took a job as Professor of Mathematics at the University of Graz and in 1867, he took the chair of Experimental Physics at the Charles University, Prague, where he stayed for 28 years before returning to Vienna. Mach's main contribution to physics involved his description and photographs of spark shock-waves and then ballistic shock-waves. He described how when a bullet or shell moved faster than the speed of sound, it created a compression of air in front of it.
In 1887 Mach and physicist-photographer Peter Salcher presented a paper on this subject correctly describing the sound effects observed during the supersonic motion of a projectile.
In March 1901 Mach retired from the University of Vienna. He passed away on 19 February 1916 only one day after his 78th birthday.
South Africa, near Potgietersrus, Limopo South Africa: The gyroplane was destroyed after suffering an apparent inflight structural failure.
Switzerland, near Val Bavona: A Van's RV-14 has gone missing in a mountainous area. The aircraft took off from Locarno (ZJI) at 13:00 UTC. About 13:12 UTC the final datapoint received by ADS-B trackers, while the aircraft was flying through Val Bavona, a ten-kilometre-long trough valley. During a previous flight in January, the aircraft also flew this route through the valley, though at an altitude 1000 feet higher.
USA, Athens-Ben Epps Airport, GA (AHN/KAHN): A Piper PA-24 Comanche, N9024P, on a flight from Clemson to Athens, landed gear up at Athens airport after being distracted by the right seat passenger. The accident pilot said that he thought that he extended the landing gear, but must have extended the flaps in error instead. The control tower was open and the tower operator did not notice the aircraft approaching without gear extended. After touchdown, the accident pilot applied full power and tried to go around but it was too late. The gear switch was found in the "DOWN" position by EMS personnel after the aircraft was secured. The accident pilot left the scene before emergency services could reach the scene and could not be found. The aircraft was raised and landing gear extended normally and was towed off the runway.
